6/25: Juneteenth, the cost of mental health and more in The Bridge.

Audrey McAlister, The Bridge's summer intern, visited the Aliquippa and Beaver Falls Juneteenth celebrations on June 20. Give her article a read below:

Juneteenth in Beaver County: Walking tacos, local performances and community togetherness

Two Beaver County celebrations on June 20 highlighted Juneteenth and delighted community members with food, activities, and entertainment. Juneteenth is a special day in Beaver County. Beaver Falls Mayor Kenya Johns described it as a time to celebrate history, culture, and overcoming. The holiday provides the communities of Beaver County with opportunities to gather and enjoy fellowship with each other. The Juneteenth events in Aliquippa and Beaver Falls last weekend highlighted the holiday and

The BridgeAudrey McAlister

Dani Brown, editor of The Bridge, spoke with three therapists to learn more about accessibility issues plaguing the mental health field. Check out the article below to learn more about what mental health professionals are seeing (original artwork by Christopher Padgett!):

The cost of mental health

Nearly 600,000 adults in Pennsylvania did not receive needed mental health care in 2025, and more than 32% say it was because of cost, recent data show. Local therapists weigh in.

The BridgeDani Brown

Sr. Sally Witt wrote a compelling piece about the steel industry in Ambridge. Give her poem a read below:

Demolition of a steel products mill in Ambridge

By Sr. Sally Witt How long has it been since sun has touched this ground where a steel mill stood for decades? Months ago a fire halted all production. Now an excavator arm claws the brick and metal structure. Beams weaken, fall – sun squeezes in where machines and chemicals once reigned, where workers walked in heavy gear. How many decades ago did this land last see a spot of sun? Does the ground remember when a rush of wind last brushed its surface? I pray that soon the neighbors will see

The BridgeCommunity Author

Submitted by The Genesis Collective, this artist feature video shares how artist Island Bradley of Beaver Falls is taking steps in her life to move forward personally and artistically. Check it out below:

Artist Feature: Island Bradley

Island Bradley used to hide herself. Now she’s ready to shine. Submitted by The Genesis Collective.

The BridgeThe Genesis Collective

Good news for solar; the state of dementia in Pennsylvania — and Japan; and gardening opportunities across southwestern PA.

In a U.S. First, Solar Supplied More Power Than Coal Last Month

Yale E360Fred Pearce

Designing Dignity: Pennsylvania’s dementia future may already be visible in Japan

Designing Dignity is a six-part series from WESA exploring one of the most pressing questions facing Pennsylvania: Are we prepared for an aging population? No country’s population has aged more dramatically than Japan. Almost 30% of Japan’s population is 65 or older, making it one of the oldest in the world. What can Pennsylvania learn from Japan? And what could the future of aging look like in Pennsylvania?

WESAKiley Koscinski

Hungry to garden in Pittsburgh? Here’s where to start.

From bountiful greenhouses to educational workshops, Southwestern Pennsylvania offers resources for the urban gardener looking to get dirty, calm nerves and eat affordably.

Pittsburgh's Public SourceJordan Stovka

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