The Allegheny Front

We head to Cumberland County, where hikers who make it to the halfway point on the Appalachian Trail are taking part in a tradition and friendly competition of eating a half gallon of ice cream. Also, we talk to experts about how global heatwaves this summer are directly tied to climate change. We'll also learn why Western Pennsylvania is critical to stopping the spread of raccoon rabies. Plus, we talk with a Pennsylvania photographer who won a national prize for capturing the image of a female Baltimore oriole collecting horsehair for her nest.

We talk with scientists who discovered that a songbird rare in Pennsylvania is now breeding in the state. Plus, we explain why experts and community groups are calling for EPA to ban vinyl chloride, the chemical that was released and burned from train cars in the East Palestine derailment. And who is a relatively new air pollution rule in Allegheny County meant to protect? 

Smoke from this year's Canadian wildfire season is likely just the beginning. We talk with a fire ecology expert about the role of climate change and what can be done about it. Only a few states have constitutional amendments guaranteeing clean air and water. There's a movement to change that.  We'll also hear about a new study that looks at radioactive materials in waterways, which could have come from wastewater treatment plants that accept landfill runoff contaminated with fracking waste.

We head out to a summer camp that helps build confidence and an appreciation for nature. Plus, we visit a farm in Pittsburgh that teaches neighbors how to grow and cook seasonal vegetables. We then talk with another urban farmer in Pittsburgh whose new book teaches children how to grow a tomato and community. The oldest African American-owned farm in the U.S., located in Pennsylvania, received a special dedication leading up to the 250th birthday of America.

Activists gathered to protest a rush of proposed drilling leases on Ohio public lands, including a beloved state park. In Pennsylvania, a program helps forest owners sustainably manage their lands and help mitigate climate change. And a project is seeking Pa. owners of former mineland for an effort to plant native trees and restore the forest. Plus, an urban farmer inspires healthy eating in Pittsburgh.

Walleye fishermen Chase Cominsky and Jacob Runyan were on quite a streak. They won fishing tournament after tournament--rewarded with expensive boats and tens of thousands of dollars in cash. But last fall, it all came crashing down when they were caught cheating at a championship event on Lake Erie. What the judge found and what happened next. Plus, we head out into the wilds of Pennsylvania with the people who keep an eye on the state’s bears.

National transportation officials held hearings in East Palestine, Ohio, to find answers about the Norfolk Southern train derailment. Testimony casts doubt on the decision to vent and burn vinyl chloride. Plus, wildfire smoke is pouring into the U.S. from Canada. How does that impact youth sports? The spongy moth damages Pennsylvania forests every summer. We talk with DCNR about what it's doing to prevent the worst damage. Plus, the garden of a refugee community helps sustain its own members and the neighborhood where it grows.

We talk with the EPA regional administrator about environmental test results on farms near East Palestine, after the train derailment and fires there. And, we visit a Black urban farmer in Pittsburgh's Hill District in our series, "Sowing Soil with Soul." Plus, every part of this invasive poison hemlock, now common along Pennsylvania roadsides, is poisonous.

Beaver County residents protested Shell's ethane cracker because of recent air pollution violations. Meanwhile, officials met with residents in East Palestine, Ohio, to discuss the results of health surveys taken after the train derailment and fires there. But many people affected are still wondering where to get help for their symptoms. And we talk with a Penn State researcher about a UN treaty that could end global plastic pollution, maybe. Plus, climate activists are looking to change the way investment firms do business.