Author: Cristina Rouvalis
2023 Pittsburgher of the Year: Andrew McCutchen
Reviving fan enthusiasm upon his return to the Pittsburgh Pirates last year, this star outfielder and former MVP has found that his heart belongs in Pittsburgh.
Restoring Their Voices: Pittsburgh’s Vital Sanctuary for Exiled Writers
A year after the horrific attack on Salman Rushdie, the work of Pittsburgh’s City of Asylum is needed more than ever.
Our Pittsburgher of the Year: Rich Fitzgerald
Coming into the home stretch of his three terms as Allegheny County Executive, this quintessential native son is aiming to reshape the region for the next generation.
Sports Medicine Treatments that Help Pittsburgh’s Young Athletes Return to Play
UPMC and AHN sports medicine programs have expanded partnerships with local schools to improve training and prevent injuries.
A Representative Rep with a Determined “Boots-on-the-Ground Strategy”
Rep. Jessica Benham, the first openly autistic and openly out LGBTQ woman in the state Legislature, is making her mark in Harrisburg.
Pittsburgher of the Year: Dr. Freddie Fu
With his boundless energy and spirited optimism, Dr. Freddie Fu built a world-class sports medicine program that turned Pittsburgh into a go-to international destination not only for surgeons, athletic trainers and physical therapists, but for many of the world’s best banged-up athletes.
Gisele Fetterman: On the Move with the Second Lady of Pennsylvania
Fetterman has carved out her own identity as half of a political power couple. But you’re more likely to find her on the ground — and on the move — than at a formal event.
A Place in the World
University of Pittsburgh best-selling author Sharon G. Flake has a sequel that explores the bully of “The Skin I'm In.”
Pittsburgher of the Year: Lisa Scales
As the leader of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Scales has mobilized the organization to feed the vulnerable members of our community amid a pandemic that threatens their survival.
How Prevention Point Works to Reduce the Harm for Drug Addicts
As the pandemic grips the region, Prevention Point Pittsburgh faces a huge increase in demand for its needle access program.
Farming is Not a Golfer’s Typical Day Job
Nothing about pro golfer Rachel Rohanna’s career has been simple — and that’s even before a global pandemic hit.
Lawrenceville Weightlifter Trains Champions and Novices
Weightlifter Tom Duer competes at an international level. In his Lawrenceville gym, however, he trains all comers with a focus on self improvement.
No Surrender: Vic Walczak’s Crusade for the Underdog
Walczak’s crusade began long before his tenure as legal director of the ACLU-PA.
Pittsburgher of the Year: Max King
Max King has authored a biography on Fred Rogers and run The Pittsburgh Foundation and the Heinz Endowments. But his stamp on Pittsburgh goes even deeper — and he’s not done yet.
Women in Power: The Pros Changing Allegheny County
Allegheny County breaks the old boys’ club by placing women in key positions.
Love Thy Neighbor: Donating a Second Chance
Rachelle Jeffers and Allen ‘Bud’ Mitchell went to church together but they weren’t close. That changed when she found out he would die unless he found a liver donor. That’s how Jeffers became one of a growing number of living liver donors.
She Became Pittsburgh Radio Royalty by Making Music Matter
Rosemary Welsch, longtime DJ and senior producer at WYEP-FM, has shepherded the station from startup to institution.
He has a Knack for Capturing Steelers Fans' Euphoria
Known as Jimmy Yinzer, he provides Steelers gear to fans near and far.
Meet Pitt's Soft-Spoken Professor Who Writes Crime Novels
Writer Kathleen George’s sinister mysteries have created a dark, alternate Pittsburgh. In her latest, however, the heyday of the Hill District is brought to life.
Finding Her Voice: An Acid Attack Victim Fights Back
Hanifa Nakiryowa's life changed forever after becoming a victim of a disfiguring acid attack.
He is Pittsburgh's 24-Hour Bridge Builder
Wasiullah “Wasi” Mohamed works two full-time jobs to connect Pittsburgh's muslim communities with their neighbors.
Sadie's Tree: A Plea for Kindness in Memory of a Bullied Teen
In an obituary read round the world, the family of Bedford, Pa., teen Sadie Riggs called out those who had bullied her and pleaded for people to be kind to one another. A year after Sadie’s death, lessons remain to be learned from her suicide.
Peters Township Native Wins Silver Medal in Speed Skating
After swine flu kept him from competing in Sochi in 2014, short track speed skater John-Henry Krueger finally won a spot on the podium at the Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.
Meet Pittsburgh's 40 Under 40 Honorees for 2017
We present this year's class of 40 people under the age of 40 who are making Pittsburgh a better place.
True Grit: Homestead Mayor Betty Esper Just Won't Back Down
Homestead’s first and only woman mayor has worked tirelessly for her hometown during her 35-plus years in public office. As she faces reelection unopposed next month, the 84-year-old contemplates her role as the symbol of a gritty town fighting its way back.
He Loves the Nickname: They Call Him Dr. Yuk
In the 45 years since coming up with Mr. Yuk, Dr. Richard Moriarty, now 77, has met many grateful parents who told him he saved their kids’ lives.
Health Care in Pittsburgh that Goes Beyond the Doctor's Office
Pittsburgh’s reputation as a health care city — a center of medical innovation, groundbreaking research and world-class treatment — will not be a temporarily worn crown. As doctors, health care systems and researchers focus more on health and wellness in a holistic sense, our city remains at the cutting edge, discovering not only new treatments but also new ways of thinking.
Learning How to Save Lives With Advanced First-Aid Training
Stop the Bleed training, spearheaded by UPMC, aims to prepare first-responders (and the general public) to jump into action when seconds count.
For New Moms: Innovations in Treating Postpartum Depression
At Allegheny Health Network, new mothers receive specialized treatment for a condition many have suffered through in secret.
A College Mind Happily Living in a Fourth Grader's Body
This Monroeville youngster, not yet 5-feet tall, has a 4.0 GPA in three college-level classes this semester.
Inside the Ultimate Man vs. Machine Poker Match in Pittsburgh
Four of the world’s best poker players are playing 120,000 hands of Heads-Up No-Limit Texas Hold’em against Libratus, the poker-playing bot created by Carnegie Mellon University computer scientists.
In Concert: What's Next for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra?
Melia Tourangeau, CEO and president of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, looks to lead the ensemble forward after a discordant strike.
Bringing Spirits — and a Grand Hotel — Back from the Dead?
The historic Hotel Conneaut is under new management and a group of Pittsburgh-area ghost hunters are among their most loyal customers.
Idol Find: Pittsburgh Rapper Teams Up with Dad Jimmy McNichol for New Show
Research led Kellee Maize to discover she is the daughter of the former teen singing sensation. Now she and McNichol are teaming up to develop a television series to help other parents and children find each other.
2015 Pittsburghers of the Year
This year, we honor three people who represent vital aspects of our city's heart while helping to propel it forward in three very different arenas: Karen Wolk Feinstein, Billy Porter, and Morgan O'Brien.
Loud & Proud: In the Booth with Voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Greg Brown knows anything is possible for his beloved Buccos. His career has had its share of surprise turns as well.
A Superior Strategy? Kevin Sousa's Big Bet on Braddock
The Pittsburgh chef will draw on a fierce work ethic, community goodwill and faith in his own vision for Superior Motors, the progressive American spot he plans to open this year.
Dome away from Home
Pittsburgh visitors or locals looking for a getaway can rent the Yaca-Dome, the original dome house built by the late designer Joseph Yacoboni.
Pedal Power
As he crafts custom bikes in his North Side shop, Michael Brown is building a national following as the ‘Maestro’ who creates adaptive cycles that can fulfill the needs of just about everyone with two-wheeled dreams.
Tulle, Chiffon & Magic
For four decades, Janet Campbell Groom has kept the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's dancers garbed and ready for beautiful movement.
‘A Rollercoaster Ride Multiplied By 10’
How three-time Olympic sprinter Lauryn Williams wound up on Team USA’s Sochi-bound bobsled team.
