Last week crews launched a search and rescue mission for 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard, who fell into a sinkhole after going out to look for her pet.

Pollard was searching for her cat Dec. 2 behind Monday’s Union Restaurant in Unity when he ground gave way beneath her, and she fell straight down about 30 feet into a sinkhole that opened into the abandoned Marguerite Mine.

Her body was recovered Friday about 12 feet southwest of the sinkhole where she fell, authorities said.

Reporter Patrick Varine was at the scene for several days. He joins host Zac Gibson to talk about this recent tragedy.

Jonathan Tourney and Taylor Orlowski were killed on Christmas weekend last year when the speeding SUV they were in with four other teens crashed on a dark road in Allegheny County’s North Park.

Those closest to the teens searched for ways to cherish their loved ones’ memories as they struggle to move forward.

Reporter Justin Vellucci joins Zac Gibson to talk about the tragic event, the subsequent court hearings and how the parents and loved ones of these teens honor their “Forever Young” family members.

This is From the Newsroom.

Light Up Night on Saturday night in Downtown ignited the holiday season in the Pittsburgh area and signaled the start of holiday gatherings, festivities and time with loved ones.

But for some families this year, there’s a glaring obstacle. On the heels of a particularly energetic and polarizing election, politics are sure to be a hallmark of this year’s holiday place settings.

With so many differing opinions coming together at mealtime, it may prove difficult to get through a holiday dinner unscathed. Here, with some expert advice to make this holiday season easier to navigate, is Alexis Papalia.

This is From the Newsroom.

Several people belonging to anti-hate groups and organizations came together on Monday for the Eradicate Hate Global Summit at Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Family members and survivors of the Tree of Life Synagogue attack in 2018 recounted experiences of the event and discussed the importance of telling these stories.

TribLive reporter Megan Swift joined Zac Gibson to discuss the summit, the organizations that facilitated the conversation and the intent of these stories to tackle antisemitism in America

This is From the Newsroom.

Last week, Pittsburgh’s Hill District hosted the Freedom Is at Stake GOTV Bus Tour, making a stop at Freedom Corner.

The event aimed to mobilize voters and emphasize the critical importance of participating in elections. With the support of organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh and the Black Political Empowerment Project, the atmosphere was charged with energy and purpose.

TribLive reporter Shaylah Brown joins host Zac Gibson to talk about the significance of early voting, the role of community engagement, and the changing dynamics within the Black electorate in Allegheny County.

This is From the Newsroom.

TribLive reporter Justin Vellucci delves into the emotional journey of Rona Kaufman, a Duquesne University law professor, who has leaned into her Jewish faith as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues.

With her daughter serving in the Israeli military, Rona faced the heart-wrenching challenge of being physically distant during this crisis. So she trekked to Tel Aviv to support her.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has escalated dramatically since the Oct. 7 attacks, when Hamas militants stormed southern Israel in a violent assault that led to the 1,200 deaths. During the ensuing conflict more than 40,000 Palestinians had been killed and nearly 100,000 injured.

Vellucci and host Zac Gibson discuss her experiences, insights on parental bonds under stress, and her evolving Jewish identity in the year since the Oct. 7 attacks.

Urban farms are emerging across the country.

“There’s been a food revolution going on for quite a while,” says Mchezaji “Che” Axum, director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education at the University of the District of Columbia.

Interest in growing local food has surged over the past decade, particularly during the covid-19 pandemic, when food insecurity became a pressing issue in many communities.

Urban gardens are not just a source of food — they also foster education and community engagement.

In this episode, TribLive staff writer Julia Burdelski and I explore the growing need for urban farming among new green thumbs. We’ll highlight the journeys of budding local urban farmers, including Ebony, who transformed her backyard gardening into two urban farms and a small store. Join us as we delve into how urban farming can enhance food accessibility and strengthen community bonds.

As we approach the pivotal 2024 presidential election, Pennsylvania appears to be key to victory. With Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly visiting the state almost weekly, voters are grappling with critical issues that will shape the future of our country.

Today, we’re diving deep into the perspectives of young voters in Pittsburgh, exploring their hopes, concerns, and the challenges they face as a strong bloc in the electorate.

TribLive reporter Megan Swift interviewed young voters, including Cory Roma, a passionate advocate for progressive issues, and Mike Chiarlone, a dedicated member of the Allegheny County Young Republicans.

Today, we’re unpacking their views on the economy, political representation, and the importance of youth engagement in the electoral process.

This is From the Newsroom.

In the summer of 2023, Jonathan Faidley, a U.S. Army veteran from Somerset County, found himself in an unimaginable situation. After learning from the news that his father, Robbie Saunders, 59, had been fatally shot by police in Ligonier Valley, Faidley sought answers. Saunders, who was disabled and had a history of substance abuse, had been holding a machete on his porch when the incident occurred.

Faidley’s quest for clarity led him to the local police station, where he encountered silence and evasiveness. Despite repeated attempts to obtain crucial information—including the police report, body camera footage, and statements from those involved—he faced resistance.

While Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli’s office eventually released some information in response to an open-records request, Faidley felt stonewalled and neglected.

Justin Vellucci joins Zac Gibson to explore the challenges Faidley faced in his search for answers and the broader implications of transparency in law enforcement.

This is From the Newsroom.

In recent months, Pittsburgh has been the center of a national conversation on an international sale.

The proposed purchase of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel in a $14.9 billion deal still faces opposition from politicians on both sides as well as the U.S. Department of Justice.

As the 2024 election ramps up, the conversation of the sale’s impact on Pittsburgh and the American Steel industry is being debated by local and national leaders alike.

Here to give us the ins and outs on U.S. Steel’s hard sell is TribLive reporter Jack Troy. He joins TribLive host Zac Gibson.

This is From the Newsroom.