Megan Swift stories, Page 16
‘Dancing with the Stars: Live!’ brings high energy theatrics to Pittsburgh
As audience members found their seats at the Benedum Center for Tuesday night’s “Dancing with the Stars: Live!,” they were treated to upbeat pop tunes like “Move Ya Body” and “Let’s Get It Started.” The two-hour show — broken into two 50-minute acts with a 20-minute intermission — opened up...
‘No-buy 2025’ trend challenges shoppers to cut or eliminate spending
How long could you go without purchasing anything? A day? A week? A month? What about a whole year? The trend “no-buy 2025” has taken the internet by storm since the start of the new year — the latest no-spending challenge. In the spirit of decreasing consumerism, clutter and credit...
NFL reportedly eliminates ‘End Racism’ slogan in back of Super Bowl end zone
This year’s Super Bowl will mark the first time since 2021 that “End Racism” won’t be stenciled in the back of an end zone at the NFL’s biggest game of the season, The Athletic reported Tuesday. The slogan will reportedly be changed to “Choose Love” at the Caesars Superdome in...
Super Bowl ticket prices drop for Eagles-Chiefs matchup
With less than a week until the Super Bowl, fans might be looking to score last-minute tickets. You might be in luck — ticket prices are dropping, according to reports. To watch the Philadelphia Eagles face off against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl 59, the cheapest ticket has...
Kanye West’s wife Bianca Censori draws criticism for nude dress at Grammys
Though Grammys fans were surprised by Kanye West’s appearance on the red carpet Sunday night, arguably more were shocked by his wife Bianca Censori’s choice of clothing — or lack thereof. Censori, an architect who works for West’s Yeezy company, removed her fur coat while walking the carpet, revealing a...
Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter after seeing shadow
The largest Groundhog Day crowd to date greeted the news from Punxsutawney Phil with a chorus of boos Sunday. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club declared the famous rodent saw a shadow at sunrise and predicted six more weeks of winter. The prediction at 7:25 a.m. came as thousands who gathered at...
Move over, Punxsutawney Phil: Woodstock Willie brings Groundhog Day spirit to Illinois
Western Pennsylvania has its beloved Punxsutawney Phil, but in Illinois, there’s a lesser-known contender for the groundhog throne: Woodstock Willie. Home of the popular “Groundhog Day” movie starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell, Woodstock, Ill., attracts a bustling crowd hoping to catch a glimpse of Willie’s weather prediction every Feb....
Stanley Valentine’s Day tumblers are a hot item
Stanley lovers should hurry up and head to Target — because the new Valentine’s Day tumblers are selling out. The Valentine’s Day colors are red and pink with small heart designs in the opposite color on each. According to Target’s website, all tumblers except the red “Ruby Hearts” 40-ounce design...
Phone Free February challenges people to unplug
Have you been spending too much time on your phone? Most likely. Experts recommend cutting back phone use by just an hour each day to see significant health benefits — by participating in Phone Free February. The Phone Free February challenge is a nonprofit campaign encouraging people to be phone-free,...
Seton Hill University shutters student newspaper indefinitely
Seth Stevens was disturbed after learning the student newspaper at Seton Hill University, The Setonian, would be put on an indefinite hiatus. “It was very sad,” said Stevens, 21, of Greensburg. “I was very much looking forward to writing.” This spring was to be his first official semester as a...
‘The Bachelor’ season to premiere with leading man Grant Ellis
Fans of “The Bachelor’” are gearing up for yet another season — one that gives leading man Grant Ellis the chance to find love. Premiere night, equating to Super Bowl night for Bachelor franchise fans, has arrived. The 29th season of “The Bachelor” will premiere at 8 p.m. ET Monday...
Dr. Phil joins ICE deportation raid in Chicago
During a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation on Sunday in Chicago, TV host Dr. Phil embedded with the officers — supporting President Donald Trump’s deportation efforts. Phil McGraw, known as Dr. Phil on his TV show focused on mental health, followed ICE officers and other federal agents during the...
U.S. Postal Service to launch ‘Goodnight Moon,’ ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ stamps
Two new stamp designs — in “Goodnight Moon” and “SpongeBob SquarePants” themes — are set to be released this year. The U.S. Postal Service revealed the new Forever stamps in mid-January, saying the designs are preliminary and could change. The “Goodnight Moon” stamps are themed after the 1947 bedtime story,...
iPhones with TikTok app listed for thousands on eBay
Did you delete the TikTok app after it was briefly banned? Your only option may be to purchase a phone with the app already installed on eBay — but the priciest option is reportedly over $5 million. After the viral video-sharing platform went dark last weekend, service was restored just...
National reproductive health care resource website goes dark
When Elizabeth Ringstad found out that the national reproductive health care resource website www.reproductiverights.gov had been taken down, she felt fear. “I feel like taking down such a major research tool for women is kind of removing our ability to educate ourselves on our bodies and our rights,” said Ringstad,...
Abortion pill-related social media posts blocked, hidden by Meta
Social media posts related to obtaining abortion pills were blocked and hidden on the platforms Instagram and Facebook, the New York Times reported. Specifically, two abortion pill providers’ posts were recently blurred, blocked or removed on the platforms, the Times said, and several abortion pill providers’ accounts were suspended on...
Wendy’s, Girl Scouts thin mint frosty rumored to drop in February
Rumors have been swirling of a possible collaboration between Wendy’s and Girl Scouts of the USA — to create a new “Thin Mint” frosty. Tyler Bowers, a food influencer known as @teamsupernovafb online, posted twice about the frosty, once in a joint post with Snackolator, a snack and food reviewer....
Netflix raises prices for subscription services
It’s going to cost more to watch your favorite movies and TV shows on Netflix, the subscription service announced Tuesday. Rates for most plans in the United States, Canada, Portugal and Argentina are increasing, The Washington Post reported. Netflix’s ad-supported plan increased from $6.99 to $7.99 monthly, and a standard...
Post Malone teams up with Oreo for 1st swirled creme cookie
Oreo cookie fans who listen to Post Malone, it’s your lucky day. The singer, whose versatile musical style includes hip-hop, country and R&B, announced he’s collaborating with Oreo to launch a limited edition cookie. Malone, 29, announced the collab in an Instagram post, saying the new cookie will hit shelves...
Steelers-themed KFC locations launch in Mexico
Two Kentucky Fried Chicken locations have transformed into a Steelers fan’s paradise, but they’re not in Pittsburgh — they’re in Mexico. KFC Mexico approached the team about creating Steelers-themed KFC locations in Mexico City and Guadalupe, according to Cecelia Cagni, the Steelers’ director of corporate communications. Temporary Steelers branding of...
PETA calls for ‘weather reveal’ cake to replace Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day
In lieu of Punxsutawney Phil forecasting the weather on Groundhog Day, the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is offering to send a “weather reveal” vegan cake this year. PETA sends a letter annually to Punxsutawney Groundhog Club President Tom Dunkel suggesting an alternative predicting method...
Bird flu outbreak causes egg shortages, price increases in Western Pa.
There’s been a shortage and price increase of eggs available at grocery stores nationwide, and Western Pennsylvania is not immune. Highly pathogenic avian influenza, also known as the bird flu, is the culprit. It’s a virus that Dr. Lee Harrison, an infectious disease physician and professor of medicine and epidemiology...
‘Onyx Storm’ book release sends ‘Fourth Wing’ fans into frenzy online
For “Fourth Wing” lovers, Tuesday was a big day. Basgiath War College is back in session, but not for Violet Sorrengail and Xaden Riorson. Rebecca Yarros’ third installment, “Onyx Storm,” of the viral Empyrean romantasy series was released, and fans can’t contain their excitement. Readers took to the social media...
Pete Hegseth asked to define ‘jagoff’ at Senate confirmation hearing
The term “jagoff” is more than just an insult in Pittsburgh. Here, it holds great cultural significance. But that’s not what Pete Hegseth was trying to convey during his U.S. Senate confirmation hearing. Hegseth, a combat veteran and former Fox News host, is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary....
Pittsburghers mourn Iron City Beer sign on social media
Pittsburgh’s iconic Iron City Beer sign atop Mount Washington is no more. Instead, an ad for the law firm Pond Lehocky is going up in its place. Iron City used the prominent billboard from 1938 until the mid-1950s. The Lamar-managed advertising space was later occupied by advertisements for Alcoa, Bayer,...
