Megan Swift stories, Page 16
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,...
‘A nightmare’: Ligonier native takes to skies to battle Los Angeles fires
Capt. RK Smithley has been one of about a dozen aerial firefighters battling the Los Angeles wildfires, which have killed at least 24 people. “This is kind of a historical event that we’re operating right now,” he said. “My gut reaction was it’s a nightmare.” A Ligonier native, Smithley, 65,...
Free at-home radon test kits available in Allegheny County
Free radon test kits are now available through the Allegheny County Health Department. While supplies last, over 900 kits can be picked up between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Housing and Community Environment office — 3190 Sassafras Way. Approximately 40% of homes across Pennsylvania are...
Meta becomes latest company to eliminate DEI programs
DEI programs are ending at major companies — with the latest changes happening at Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. Meta announced the rollback of its major diversity-oriented programs in a memo Friday, citing the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision outlawing affirmative action in college admissions, Axios reported....
‘Unbelievable’: Pittsburghers with Los Angeles ties shocked by wildfire devastation
Natalie Kurlander can’t turn away from TV updates of the wildfires raging in the Los Angeles area. “It’s just so devastating,” said Kurlander, 57, who lived in the city for more than 25 years. She now lives in Pittsburgh’s Murdoch Farms with her husband, Carl, who is director of the...
Astrobotic will shoot for the moon again this year
After Peregrine Mission One burned up in the atmosphere and broke apart over a remote part of the Pacific Ocean a year ago, Astrobotic has been prepping for a second attempted launch to the moon in 2025 — Griffin Mission One lunar lander. Peregrine was supposed to solidify the Pittsburgh-based...
‘I Voted’ sticker contest voting opens in Allegheny County
Are you tired of receiving the generic American flag “I Voted” sticker that’s given out during elections? Well, you now have a chance to provide input for the design of the Allegheny County “I Voted” sticker that will be used in the upcoming primary and general elections. Voting is open...
‘I Voted’ sticker contest voting opens in Allegheny County
Are you tired of receiving the generic American flag “I Voted” sticker that’s given out during elections? Well, you now have a chance to provide input for the design of the Allegheny County “I Voted” sticker that will be used in the upcoming primary and general elections. Voting is open...
Pittsburgh Walk of Fame nominations open for Strip District installment
Over 250 different legends with Southwestern Pennsylvania roots have been nominated to receive a bronze star in the future Pittsburgh Walk of Fame. “It’s been amazing and heartwarming to see the number of people that have been nominated and the variety of their talents and skills and areas of expertise,”...
Red dye could be banned in food, drinks
Are you a fan of red-colored bubble gym, candy or fruit cocktails? Valentine’s Day is almost here, bringing with it bright red- and pink-themes. But the bright cherry-red dye, red dye No. 3, used in drinks and snacks could be banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the...
New year, new focus on performing arts at Point Park, president says
Point Park University is revamping its performing arts department, it announced Monday. The School of Dance and the School of Theatre, Film and Animation will be the two parts of Point Park’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. “With having these two new focused schools, we’re really positioning Point Park and Downtown...
Bird flu kills 200 snow geese in Pennsylvania
About 200 snow geese were found dead last week in the Allentown area — likely because of the bird flu. The dead birds were found in both Nazareth Township in Northampton County and Upper Macungie Township in Lehigh County, the Pennsylvania Game Commission reported. Preliminary in-state testing revealed the presence...
Police investigate 2 overnight shootings in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh police are investigating two shootings that happened overnight Saturday — one in East Liberty and the other downtown. At 10:30 p.m. Saturday, police were called to a residence in the 6200 block of East Liberty, where a male believed to be in his early teens was found with a...
Steelers vs. Bengals: What they’re saying in Cincinnati after win
The Cincinnati Bengals delivered the final blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers Saturday night — the team’s fourth consecutive defeat and end to its regular season. With losses to the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and now the Bengals, the Steelers blew a chance to clinch the AFC North...
Acrisure Stadium employee arrested for threatening co-workers with kitchen knife
An Acrisure Stadium employee was arrested Saturday before the Pittsburgh Steelers game — after threatening fellow employees with a kitchen knife. Just before 4 p.m., Pittsburgh police responded to reports of a “disorderly employee” working in an Acrisure kitchen area. The employee was a male, who has not been identified,...
Western Pa. snowstorm will impact Monday morning commute
A snowstorm coming into Western Pennsylvania starting Sunday evening will likely impact the Monday morning commute. Allegheny County will see between 3-6 inches of snow, and Westmoreland County will see between 3-10 inches, according to Andrew Kienzle, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Moon. Pittsburgh is expected to...
