Justin

A Coal Mine Opens by Justin Merriman

A coal miner holds a lump of metallurgical coal from the Middle Kittanning coal seam on May 18, 2017 in Friedens, Somerset, Pa. Justin Merriman for The Wall Street Journal

Coal Miner Russ Lambert, 61, of Berlin, Pa., who has been mining for over 37 years, poses for a portrait on May 18, 2017 in Friedens, Somerset, Pa. Lambert, a shift foreman, who previously has been mining in Corsa's Quecreek Mine will be working in Corsa's new mine, the Acosta Deep Mine. Justin Merriman for The Wall Street Journal

Robert Bottegal, head engineer of the Acosta Deep Mine for Corsa Coal, stands near the future drift entrance off the high wall of the new mine on May 18, 2017 in Friedens, Somerset, Pa. The new mine, which is expected to open early June, will create 70 new jobs and should produce 400,000 tons of metallurgical coal a year. Justin Merriman for The Wall Street Journal

Robert Bottegal points to a map showing the Acosta Deep Mine in Friedens, Somerset County, Pa., on March 22, 2017. Justin Merriman | for the Financial Times

A coal miner works at Corsa Coal's Acosta Deep Mine on June 8, 2017 in Friedens, Pennsylvania.  Justin Merriman/Getty Images

Workers stand in the pit as construction continues on Corsa Coal's Acosta Deep Mine on May 18, 2017 in Friedens, Somerset, Pa. Justin Merriman for The Wall Street Journal

Coal Miner Russ Lambert, 61, of Berlin, Pa., who has been mining for over 37 years, yells to another miner as they work on the construction of Corsa Coal's new Acosta Deep Mine on May 18, 2017 in Friedens,Somerset, Pa. Justin Merriman for The Wall Street Journal

Coal Miner Joe Kostyk, 28, of Sidman, Pa., works on the construction of the drift entrance of Corsa Coal's new Acosta Deep Mine on May 18, 2017 in Friedens, Somerset, Pa.  Justin Merriman for The Wall Street Journal

A rig drills holes for explosive charges at the Corsa Coal's new Acosta Deep Mine in Friedens, Somerset County, Pa., on March 22, 2017.  Justin Merriman for the Financial Times

Coal miners works on the future drift entrance of Corsa Coal's Acosta Deep Mine on May 18, 2017 in Friedens, Somerset, Pa.  Justin Merriman for The Wall Street Journal

Robert Bottegal stands on a platform above the pit of the new Acosta Deep Mine on Monday, June 5, 2017 in Friedens, Somerset County, Pa. The platform was constructed for the mine's grand opening ceremony that will be held on Thursday.  Justin Merriman for The Washington Post

A coal truck drives past a Trump sign on May 19, 2017 on Million Dollar Highway in Jenner Township, Pa.  Justin Merriman for The Wall Street Journal

George Critchfield, 59, owner of Critchfield Lumber, stands at his mill on May 19, 2017 in Jenner Township, Pa. The new Corsa Coal Corporation mine has purchased lumber from Critchfield's lumber mill, which borders the new mine site. He is excited about the mine's opening and feels the mine has saved his business. "It's a trickle down effect," he says. "That's what you need, good paying jobs instead of McDonalds and Walmart." Justin Merriman for The Wall Street Journal

A sign for the Coal Miner's Cafe sits along U.S. Route 30 on May 18, 2017 in Jennerstown, Pa. Justin Merriman for The Wall Street Journal

Betty Rhoads, who owns the Coal Miner's Cafe with her husband, John, sits at one of the restaurant's tables on May 18, 2017 in Jennerstown, Pa. "I've seen the good day's of coal," says Rhoads; her father owned several pick and shovel coal mines. "I can remember when there was mines all over these hills," she says. While she's not optimistic about the coal mining industry, Rhoads is happy about the opening of the Acosta Deep Mine. "I want every mine that can reopen to reopen," she says. Justin Merriman for The Wall Street Journal

George Barron, 78, stands along Main Street on May 18, 2017 in Acosta, Pa. Barron, having lived in Acosta since 1962, has seen the coal industry come and go. The Somerset Coal Company opened the Acosta mines in 1905 and established the town two years later. Corsa Coal has opened the Acosta Deep Mine just up the road from Acosta. Justin Merriman for The Wall Street Journal

Edward Popernack, 84, who worked in coal mines for over 40 years, poses for a portrait at the Coal Miner's Cafe on Monday, June 5, 2017 in Jennerstown, Pa. Popernack's son, Mark, was one of the coal miners rescued from Quecreek Mine after being trapped for 77 hours in July 2002. Justin Merriman for The Washington Post

George Barron, 78, right, watches as Barry Custer, 64, cleans his lawn tractor with his wife, Robbie, 62, and granddaughter Emma Grigg, 7, at his home on May 18, 2017 in Acosta, Pa. "If they put coal miners back to work that be great," Custer, a coal miner with AK Coal Resources, says speaking of the opening of Corsa Coal's new Acosta Deep Mine. "This town was built on coal," he continues, having worked as a coal miner since he was 18. Custer's wife, Robbie's cousin Mark Popernack was one of the 9 miners rescued from the Quecreek Mine in 2002. Justin Merriman for The Wall Street Journal

A person wears a coal pin at the grand opening of Corsa Coal's Acosta Deep Mine on June 8, 2017 in Friedens, Pennsylvania.  Justin Merriman/Getty Images

President Donald Trump delivers a recorded message at the grand opening of Corsa Coal's Acosta Deep Mine on June 8, 2017 in Friedens, Pennsylvania. Justin Merriman/Getty Images

The entrance to the Corsa Coal's Acosta Deep Mine on June 8, 2017 in Friedens, Pennsylvania. Justin Merriman/Getty Images

For the last several months, I've been covering Corsa Coal's new coal mine, the Acosta Deep Mine, in Friedens, Somerset County, Pennsylvania as well as the surrounding communities. The mine, which began production in June, created 70 news jobs and is expected to produce over 400,000 tons of metallurgical coal a year.  You can read about the mine in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, the Financial Times, and view more images at Getty Images

Lead Pipe Replacement by Justin Merriman

A piece of a broken lead service line, stamped with the date 1899, is removed by Pittsburgh Water and Sewage Authority at a home on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 in Pittsburgh's Homewood neighborhood.  Justin Merriman / for the Wall Street Journal

Pittsburgh Water and Sewage Authority's Brian Schacht wipes his face as he works to repair a broken lead public service line at a home on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 in Pittsburgh's Homewood neighborhood. Justin Merriman / for the Wall Street Journal

 A broken lead public service line sits on the ground after being removed by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority at a home in Pittsburgh. Justin Merriman / for the Wall Street Journal

Pittsburgh Water and Sewage Authority work to repair a broken lead public service line at a home on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 in Pittsburgh's Homewood neighborhood. Read more about Pittsburgh's lead issues in the Wall Street Journal.

EPA's Scott Pruitt Visits Coal Mine by Justin Merriman

SYCAMORE, PA - APRIL 13: Donnie Claycomb, 27, of Limestone, West Virginia., who has been mining for 6 years, stands in front of an American flag prior to an event with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt at the Harvey Mine on April 13, 2017 in Sycamore, Pennsylvania. The Harvey Mine, owned by CNX Coal Resources, is part of the largest underground mining complex in the United States. (Photo by Justin Merriman/Getty Images)

SYCAMORE, PA - APRIL 13: Miner's tags hang on a board at the Harvey Mine on April 13, 2017 in Sycamore, Pennsylvania. The Harvey Mine, owned by CNX Coal Resources, is part of the largest underground mining complex in the United States. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt visited the mine on Thursday and spoke with miners. (Photo by Justin Merriman/Getty Images)

SYCAMORE, PA - APRIL 13: Coal miner Terry Ramer, 32, of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania., stands near the portal to the Harvey Mine on April 13, 2017 in Sycamore, Pennsylvania. The Harvey Mine, owned by CNX Coal Resources, is part of the largest underground mining complex in the United States. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt visited the mine and spoke with miners on Thursday. (Photo by Justin Merriman/Getty Images)

SYCAMORE, PA - APRIL 13: Coal miner Matt Wolfe, 32, of Blacksville, West Virginia, who has been mining for 10 years, waits for the arrival of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt who visited the Harvey Mine on April 13, 2017 in Sycamore, Pennsylvania. The Harvey Mine, owned by CNX Coal Resources, is part of the largest underground mining complex in the United States. (Photo by Justin Merriman/Getty Images)

SYCAMORE, PA - APRIL 13: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt holds up a miner's helmet that he was given after speaking with coal miners at the Harvey Mine on April 13, 2017 in Sycamore, Pennsylvania. The Harvey Mine, owned by CNX Coal Resources, is part of the largest underground mining complex in the United States. (Photo by Justin Merriman/Getty Images)

SYCAMORE, PA - APRIL 13: Coal miners wait for the start of an event with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt who visited the mine and spoke with miners at the Harvey Mine on April 13, 2017 in Sycamore, Pennsylvania. The Harvey Mine, owned by CNX Coal Resources, is part of the largest underground mining complex in the United States. (Photo by Justin Merriman/Getty Images)

SYCAMORE, PA - APRIL 13: Coal miner Jaden Fredrickson, 26, of Cheat Lake, West Virginia, waits for the arrival of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt who visited the Harvey Mine on April 13, 2017 in Sycamore, Pennsylvania. The Harvey Mine, owned by CNX Coal Resources, is part of the largest underground mining complexes in the United States. (Photo by Justin Merriman/Getty Images)

EPA Administer Scott Pruitt visited CNX Coal Resources' Harvey Mine, part of the largest underground mining complex in the United States, and spoke with miners on April 13, 2017 in Sycamore, Pa. You can view the images at Getty Images

World Series by Justin Merriman

Jim Weinfurtner cheers on the Cleveland Indians outside of Progressive Field prior to game 6 of the World Series on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Joe Wiegand of Colorado Springs, Colo., a Theodore Roosevelt impersonator and self-proclaimed Cubs fan, greets fans outside of Progressive Field prior to game 6 of the World Series on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

(left to right) Casey Weinfurtner, Eddie Weinfurtner and Jim Weinfurtner cheer on the Indians outside of Progressive Field prior to game 6 of the World Series on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Terminal Tower is lit for game 6 of the World Series on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Jim Schulz of Elyria shows off his Cleveland Indian painted head outside of Progressive Field prior to game 6 of the World Series on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Paul Hollo of Cleveland wears his Indian headgear as he cheers on the Indians outside of Progressive Field during game 6 of the World Series on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Jim Stamper of Cleveland hangs a sign outside of Progressive Field during game 6 of the World Series on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Joe Cooney of Willowick, Ohio stands outside of Progressive Field during game 6 of the World Series on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Demilles Jones, 35, of Cleveland holds a homemade World Series trophy outside of Progressive Field during game 6 of the World Series on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Stephen Caton, 29, of St. Louis, a Chicago Cub fan watches game 6 of the World Series through a fence at Progressive Field on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Gary Eckart, 26, of Cleveland watches the game on a big screen outside of Progressive Field during game 6 of the World Series on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Cleveland Indian fans watch game 6 of the World Series on a big screen outside of Progressive Field on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

A large crowd watch a big screen outside of Progressive Field during game 7 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Fan react as the Cleveland Indians give up 3 runs in the the first inning as they watch on a big screen outside of Progressive Field during game 6 of the World Series on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Fan react as the Cleveland Indians give up 3 runs in the the first inning as they watch on a big screen outside of Progressive Field during game 6 of the World Series on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Cleveland Indian fans watch game 6 of the World Series on a big screen outside of Progressive Field on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Cleveland Mounted Police keep watch near Progressive Field before the start of game 7 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Cam Lathem, 21, of Ashville, Ohio cheers on the Indians outside of Progressive Field during game 7 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Cam Lathem, 21, of Ashville, Ohio cheers on the Indians outside of Progressive Field during game 7 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Indian fans react as they watch the big screen outside of Progressive Field during game 7 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Indian fans react as they watch the big screen outside of Progressive Field during game 7 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

(L-R) Dayana Guzman, 38, Alex Marquez, 33, and Doraliz Guzman-Marquez, 35, all of Chicago cheer for the Cubs in outside of Progressive Field during game 7 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Indian fans react as they watch the big screen outside of Progressive Field during game 7 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Fans react as they watch the big screen outside of Progressive Field during game 7 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

William Burgos of Cleveland prays in the street outside of Progressive Field during the 9th inning of game 7 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Fans react as they watch a big screen outside of Progressive Field during game 7 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-7. 

Fans react as they watch a big screen outside of Progressive Field during game 7 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-7. 

An Indian fan sits in the street after the Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in game 7 of the World Series on November 3, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Chicago Cubs fans hug outside of Progressive Field after game 7 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs on November 3, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-7. 

Cubs fans celebrate after the Chicago Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in game 7 of the World Series on November 3, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Indian fans sit outside of Progressive Field after the Chicago Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians 8-7 in game 7 of the World Series on November 3, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. 

I covered Game 6 & 7 of the 2016 World Series in Cleveland for Getty Images.  I spent my time outside the park, immersed in the large crowd that gathered near Progressive Field to watch the game on a big screen. You can see my images on The New York Times, NBC, ESPN and many other publications

Ginny Thrasher by Justin Merriman

Morgantown, W.Va., August 17, 2016: Olympic gold medalist Ginny Thrasher, 19, a sophomore at West Virginia University, poses as she gets photographed by the university photographer during a photo shoot on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. Thrasher won the United State's first gold medal of the Rio Olympics, competing in the women's 10-meter air rifle event. 

Ginny Thrasher, 19, a sophomore at West Virginia University, stands outside of her apartment as she is filmed by the university on her first day of classes on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. Thrasher won the United State's first gold medal of the Rio Olympics, competing in the women's 10-meter air rifle event.

Ginny rides on a bus as she goes to classes on her first day of instruction for the fall semester at WVU on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016.

Ginny listens to her calculus professor, Dr. Galyna Voitiuk, on her first day of instruction for the fall semester at WVU on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016.

Ginny receives a round of applause from classmates in her General Physics class on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. 

Ginny meets with her academic advisor, Toni Key Oliverio, on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. They decorated her box with messages of congratulations.

A page from 2015-2016 WVU Rifle Media Guide features a page with now, Olympic gold medalist, Ginny Thrasher at West Virginia University. 

Ginny listens to her physics professor speak on her first day of classes in the fall semester on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. 

Ginny walks with Maddy Gardner, 20, a junior, left, on her first day of instruction for the fall semester at WVU on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. 

Ginny sits in an Intro to Electrical Engineering class on her first day of instruction for the fall semester at WVU on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016.

Ginny at West Virginia University, picks up her books from Sandy Cole-DeMent on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016.

Ginny talks to Aishwarya Vijay, 18, left, and Skyler Roth, 19, right, in an Intro to Electrical Engineering class on her first day of instruction for the fall semester at WVU on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. 

Ginny Thrasher's gold medal sits on an U.S. flag during a photoshoot on the campus on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. 

Ginny poses as she gets photographed by the university photographer during a photoshoot on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. 

Range records hang inside of the rifle range at West Virginia University on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. 

Ginny gets photographed by the media during a press conference at the campus on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. 

Ginny talks on her phone for a radio interview on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. 

Ginny gets interviewed by MetroNews Radio Network's Tony Caridi, left, and Greg Hunter, right, in Morgantown on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. 

A sign congratulating West Virginia University sophomore Ginny Thrasher, 19, who won the United State's first gold medal of the Rio Olympics, competing in the women's 10-meter air rifle event. Thrasher is the first female from the university to win a gold medal in the Olympics. 

Ginny poses for photographs with the university's photographer on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. 

I followed Olympic gold medalist Ginny Thrasher, 19, a sophomore at West Virginia University, for ESPN on her first day back to school after winning the United State's first gold medal of the Rio Olympics, competing in the women's 10-meter air rifle event. You can read about her day at ESPN.com.

WWE Superstars by Justin Merriman

WWE Superstar Titus O'Neil visits with Zachary Hoover, 17, of Altoona at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC on Monday, July 25, 2016. WWE Superstars and Divas, Titus O'Neil, Neville, and Summer Rae visited with patients as part of "Conner's Cure," a fund established at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, which was named in honor of Connor Michalek.  Michalek passed away at age 8 from Medulloblastoma, a rare tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord.  WWE and Connor's Cure raises funds to support pediatric cancer research. 

WWE Superstar Titus O'Neil and Diva Summer Rae visits with Gini Galloway, 13, of Bethany, W.Va., at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC on Monday, July 25, 2016.  Titus O'Neil joked with Gina that she wears bald better than he does.