In its first full year of operation, the West Hills Gazette has built a sizable following among readers in the dozen or so communities that we serve. As 2025 winds to a close, the Gazette revisits the year's top stories and looks to continue serving the community in 2026.
Emilia Doda created a public map to show existing and planned data centers in Pennsylvania after learning about one near her childhood home. Her goal is to empower communities with information, encouraging informed local decision-making, while raising concerns about technology benefits for residents.
Allegheny County police departments diverging on 287(g) agreements for ICE cooperation, with Stowe renewing, Springdale retaining, controversies over oversight, and a related Mount Washington arrest.
Stowe Township commissioners approved a zoning ordinance change permitting data centers in the industrial district, following a $6 million state grant for a logistics park. The change aims to encourage growth on a 72-acre brownfield site.
Three police departments in Allegheny County briefly partnered with ICE to enforce immigration laws, but quickly rescinded agreements amid backlash. Senior officials were unaware of these deals, raising concerns about legality and public approval processes.
The author reflects on a lifelong connection to newspapers, tracing their journey from a young reader of comics to a sports journalist, eventually leading to a role in reviving the West Hills Gazette as an online news source.
"76 Days Adrift" recounts Steven Callahan's extraordinary survival after his boat sank due to a whale strike. Documenting his 76 days at sea, the film highlights his resourcefulness and resilience, exploring profound themes of survival and human connection, earning significant critical acclaim.