The Allegheny Front

Sign up for our newsletter! This week, we look at what Democrats can do to act on climate change with their newfound power in the Pennsylvania statehouse, where they hold a 'trifecta' for the first time in over 30 years. We track the secret life of an endangered mussel in the Allegheny River, and find out why some people are looking to invest in generators in a time of a changing climate.  We have news about microplastics found in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, tips on avoiding deer collisions during fall, and how Pennsylvania homeowners may have to disclose climate risks when selling their home.  We're independent and non-profit, and we don't get money from WESA, WPSU or any other radio station. So we must turn to you, our listeners, for support. Take action today so we can continue to keep you informed.  Donate today.  Or send us a check to: The Allegheny Front, 67 Bedford Square, Pittsburgh, 15203.  And thanks! 

We're independent and non-profit, and we don't receive funds from WESA, WPSU or any other radio station. So we must turn to you, our listeners, for support. Take action today so we can continue to keep you informed.  Donate today.  Or send us a check to: The Allegheny Front, 67 Bedford Square, Pittsburgh, 15203.  On this week's show: What energy and environmental advocates want from a newly Democratic-controlled Pennsylvania General Assembly. A swimming hole in the Laurel Highlands has been polluted by lead from a neighboring shooting range. A new report looks at the changing climate's impacts on our brain health. Our current stormwater infrastructure isn't built for the extreme weather climate change will bring. How Philadelphia is planning for flooding.   Never miss a story: Sign up for our newsletter!

We're independent and non-profit, and we don't receive funds from WESA, WPSU or any other radio station. So we must turn to you, our listeners, for support. Take action today so we can continue to keep you informed.  Donate today.  Or send us a check to: The Allegheny Front, 67 Bedford Square, Pittsburgh, 15203.  On this week's show: Data centers are a hot-button voting issue in Pennsylvania, no matter the political party. At a women's prison on Ohio, incarcerated residents are learning to rehabilitate wildlife, like bunnies, with an eye towards future jobs. A new Pennsylvania law will restrict PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam. The Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General plans to investigate the EPA's response to the 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The newly-released Chesapeake Bay report card is out, with its highest overall grade ever issued, a C plus.   Never miss a story: Sign up for our newsletter!

We're independent and non-profit, and we don't receive funds from WESA, WPSU or any other radio station. So we must turn to you, our listeners, for support. Take action today so we can continue to keep you informed.  Donate today.  Or send us a check to: The Allegheny Front, 67 Bedford Square, Pittsburgh, 15203.  On this week's show: The head of the Environmental Protection Agency plans to loosen rules for methane leaks at oil and gas wells. How Pennsylvania and other states are drafting their own methane regulations. U.S. Steel is seeking an air permit for a new hot strip mill at its Edgar Thomson Plant in near Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania officials are studying the sites of nearly two dozen retired power plants across the state to see if they can be reactivated. Archbald Borough, facing the most data center proposals in the state, denied zoning for a hyperscale data center. Some public transit riders in Pittsburgh will be treated to art installations inspired by birds. A canoe enthusiast is serious about his paddle collection, and a code of ethics around it. Never miss a story: Sign up for our newsletter!

We're independent and non-profit, and we don't receive funds from WESA, WPSU or any other radio station. So we must turn to you, our listeners, for support. Take action today so we can continue to keep you informed.  Donate today.  Or send us a check to: The Allegheny Front, 67 Bedford Square, Pittsburgh, 15203.  On this week's show: Pittsburgh high school students raise money to get an abandoned gas well plugged. A retiree has also made it her mission to help fix the problem by finding the wells that others haven't documented yet. Noise pollution from data centers is impacting the health of neighbors. A Philly company is developing equipment it hopes will support the future of the hydroelectric power industry. Never miss a story: Sign up for our newsletter!

We're independent and non-profit, and we don't receive funds from WESA, WPSU or any other radio station. So we must turn to you, our listeners, for support. Take action today so we can continue to keep you informed.  Donate today.  Or send us a check to: The Allegheny Front, 67 Bedford Square, Pittsburgh, 15203.  On this week's show: There is a steep rise in black lung disease cases among coal miners in Appalachia. Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Treasurer Stacy Garrity discussed data centers and other hot-button issues facing Pennsylvanians at the first and only 2026 gubernatorial debate. Shapiro joined 21 states suing the Environmental Protection Agency for its recent repeal of limits on climate-warming pollution from power plants. Light pollution is ruining our ancient connection to the night sky. Owls are not just for Halloween. Never miss a story: Sign up for our newsletter!

We're independent and non-profit, and we don't receive funds from WESA, WPSU or any other radio station. So we must turn to you, our listeners, for support. Take action today so we can continue to keep you informed.  Donate today.  Or send us a check to: The Allegheny Front, 67 Bedford Square, Pittsburgh, 15203.  On this week's show: The Trump administration announced new rules weakening fuel efficiency standards. Appalachian farmers are producing wool that could replace less environmentally friendly insulation in homes. Heavy rain is causing stress on native paw paw trees, attracting invasive ambrosia beetles. Environmental advocates are calling for Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass new efficiency standards for certain appliances. People in Southwestern Pennsylvania can get a discount on solar energy systems through a group buying program. Rufous hummingbirds show up in late autumn and early winter in our region.  Never miss a story: Sign up for our newsletter!

We're independent and non-profit, and we don't receive funds from WESA, WPSU or any other radio station. So we must turn to you, our listeners, for support. Take action today so we can continue to keep you informed.  Donate today.  Or send us a check to: The Allegheny Front, 67 Bedford Square, Pittsburgh, 15203.  On this week's show: At a conference promoting AI in Pittsburgh, Governor Shapiro said that while he still sees promise in AI technology we cannot ignore the warning signs nor downplay the risks of the industry. Meanwhile, there is a movement in communities across Pennsylvania to slow down the data center development that powers AI, including a town in Westmoreland County where the community os already dealing with fracking. Pennsylvania utility regulators say unchecked data center growth could threaten the reliability of the regional grid within the next five years. The threshold has been raised for the amount of lead in a school 's water that Pennsylvania districts have to report. Never miss a story: Sign up for our newsletter!

We're independent and non-profit, and we don't receive funds from WESA, WPSU or any other radio station. So we must turn to you, our listeners, for support. Take action today so we can continue to keep you informed.  Donate today.  Or send us a check to: The Allegheny Front, 67 Bedford Square, Pittsburgh, 15203.  On this week's show: Documentaries that are part of a film festival about Appalachia and the Rust Belt look at East Palestine after the derailment and the fight against the Mountain Valley Pipeline. In her new book, an author writes a love letter to her western Pennsylvania farm. Spetember is when birders flock to see chimney swifts roost. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board found inadequate safety and training protocols led to a 2025 explosion and fire at Shell's Beaver County plastics plant. The Environmental Protection Agency has eliminated rules to curb greenhouse gas emissions from power plants that burn fossil fuels. Governor Shapiro says President Donald Trump must act to more closely regulate artificial intelligence. Never miss a story: Sign up for our newsletter!

We're independent and non-profit, and we don't receive funds from WESA, WPSU or any other radio station. So we must turn to you, our listeners, for support. Take action today so we can continue to keep you informed.  Donate today.  Or send us a check to: The Allegheny Front, 67 Bedford Square, Pittsburgh, 15203.  On this week's show: The U.S. Forest Service wants to repeal a rule that prohibits new roads and logging in some sections of National Forest land. A grove of trees at the Flight 93 National Memorial serves as a living monument to the passengers and crew who died there on 9-11. A group of friends hiked and looked for reassurance in nature and one another on September 12th, 2001. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has fined Shell $15 million for air quality violations at its Beaver County plastics plant. Pittsburgh International Airport's new terminal now has an official designation as a green building. Our Environmental Travel Guide through Pennsylvania continues with one of western Pennsylvania's most scenic forests.   Never miss a story: Sign up for our newsletter!