Megan Swift stories, Page 19
Free wedding services offered to LGBTQ couples in Pittsburgh until Trump inauguration
When photographer Kitty Paul learned that President-elect Donald Trump was headed back to Washington, she wanted to do anything she could to help LGBTQ couples getting married. “What does this mean for a lot of us?” asked Paul, 41, of Avalon, who is part of the Pittsburgh queer community. Queer...
Wigle Whiskey releases spirits for holiday season
Wigle Whiskey is releasing its oldest whiskey to date this holiday season — starting Friday. A nine-year, 195-bottle batch of Wigle Reserve Single Barrel Rye will be available, as well as an eight-year, 157-bottle batch of Wigle Reserve Single Barrel American Wheat Whiskey. The rye, which is the oldest whiskey...
Social media reacts to Sexiest Man Alive pick
John Krasinski has emerged victorious as People magazine’s 2024 Sexiest Man Alive — and social media users have many thoughts. Krasinski, 45, is best known for his role of Jim Halpert on the NBC’s The Office. He’s also a producer, director and writer who’s been married to actress Emily Blunt...
‘Wheel of Fortune’ blunder leads to free sausage for all. Here’s why
Sausage lovers are in luck this World Kindness Day. Johnsonville sausage is offering a free round of sausage Wednesday to people who post online about a kind act using the hashtag #KeepTheInternetJuicy. Why? The initiative was inspired by the viral “Wheel of Fortune” clip where contestant Will Jordan guessed the...
People to announce 2024 Sexiest Man Alive
Who will unseat Patrick Dempsey as People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive? The world is just hours away from finding out. People said it will reveal its 2024 Sexiest Man Alive at 11:35 p.m. Tuesday on the Late Show with Steven Colbert — cementing the new “Hollywood hottie.” Dempsey, known for...
23andMe users could be eligible for data breach settlement
After a data breach affected around half of its customers, family ancestry company 23andMe has agreed to a $30 million settlement — and users could be eligible to receive a payout in the future. 23andMe is a DNA testing company that provides users with ancestry, genetics and health information. Users...
UPMC announces more layoffs, cuts
UPMC is laying off 100 employees and cutting an additional 200 vacant positions as part of ongoing cost-saving measures at the Pittsburgh-based health giant. This comes after UPMC cut 1,000 jobs in April. “Targeted adjustments are frequently made to improve organizational efficiencies and eliminate redundancies,” UPMC said in a statement....
Trump victory elicits range of emotions among young voters
When Democrat Darcy Bowman awoke at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday and saw the presidential election results — that former President Donald Trump had recaptured the White House — she couldn’t fall back asleep. Republican Mike Chiarlone also was experiencing a range of emotions Tuesday night — until he learned about the...
Starbucks removes extra charge for nondairy milk after years of complaints, protests
After years of complaints from vegan and lactose-intolerant customers, Starbucks is no longer charging extra for nondairy milk in drinks. This means any drink with soy milk, oat milk, almond milk and coconut milk will no longer have a surcharge starting Thursday, the company said. The switch is part of...
Divided reactions erupt on social media as Trump reclaims presidency
America woke Wednesday morning to news that Donald Trump is heading back to the White House — leaving some ecstatic and others distraught. The AP finally called it. Ring the bell. It’s over. #ElectionDay #RedWave2024 #PresidentTrump2024 pic.twitter.com/zgVyMuCiUl— The Chad (@ChadPrim3) November 6, 2024 Trump’s presidential victory elicited a slew of...
Summer Lee apparent winner in 12th Congressional District race
Summer Lee appears to be on her way to a second term in Congress, representing Pennsylvania’s 12th District. The Associated Press declared the incumbent Democrat the winner shortly after polls closed. In the unofficial results as of 11 p.m., Lee topped Republican challenger James Hayes with 51% of the vote...
Are pit bulls dangerous or misunderstood?
Pit bulls, often stigmatized as dangerous, are recognized by advocates of the breed as misunderstood, loyal pets whose aggressive reputations are unfounded. People don’t need to be fearful of pit bulls, said Angel Tunstall, owner of Ligonier Paws on Main Street. “These dogs have no voice. We have to be...
Japan’s Mount Fuji snowless for longest time ever
For the longest time on record, Japan’s Mount Fuji has been without snow. As of Halloween, the country’s tallest mountain was still without snow. This marks the longest period on record, The Weather Channel reported. The volcano’s snowcap begins forming on Oct. 2 on average, The Guardian said. Last year,...
Who is Kamala Harris’ special guest for Pittsburgh rally? Could it be Taylor Swift?
Could Taylor Swift be a surprise guest during Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign rally and concert in Pittsburgh on Monday? Hopeful fans have been speculating online since Harris confirmed a Point State Park appearance via an email sent to supporters and obtained by TribLive. The email mentions that Harris will...
Casey, Fetterman visit Murrysville Democrats ahead of election
Michelle McFall says being a Democrat in Westmoreland County is not easy right now. There are 91,247 registered Democrats in the county compared to 131,917 Republicans, according to the commonwealth’s latest tally. McFall, chair of the Westmoreland County Democratic Party, said it can feel like an emotional vacuum. A visit...
A Halloween twist: Rain could break drought spell
Western Pennsylvania’s spookiest surprise this Halloween might not be ghosts or goblins — it’s rain. While the region has been parched with drought, there’s a chance Mother Nature will break the dry spell with showers Thursday night. Meteorologist Rich Redmond of the National Weather Service in Moon said rivers and...
Allegheny County says voting process is secureVideo
What happens to your ballot once you turn it in? With the presidential election just days away, Allegheny County has been prepping and distributing voting machines to precincts across the county. Elections Division Manager Dave Voye, who explained the step-by-step tabulation process Wednesday in the county’s election warehouse on Pittsburgh’s...
Here are 5 book recommendations for Halloween season
It’s Halloween week — you might be looking for some new creepy recommendations. Here are five spooky books you should read this week: ‘Long Bright River’ by Liz Moore This is a heart-wrenching tale of family in the throes of addition, corruption in law enforcement and perseverance in the face...
Seafood restaurant, bar in the works to replace Park Bruges in Highland Park
A new seafood restaurant and bar will replace Park Bruges on Bryant Street in Highland Park in the new year. “We’re hoping to close in January on the deal, maybe use the month of February to change things up,” said Angela Earley, who will take over the space. Earley, co-owner...
Highland Park restaurant to close
Park Bruges on Bryant Street in Highland Park will close its doors for good in the coming months. The announcement was posted on the French-inspired bistro restaurant’s Facebook page Monday, saying a new restaurant concept will take its place. “While a hard decision for us, it was made easier by...
Costco salmon, chicken street tacos recalled due to listeria concerns
Issues with listeria contaminating consumer foods continue. Costco is the latest retailer affected. It issued a recall on its Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon, and the Food and Drug Administration recalled selected Sprouts Farmers Market Chicken Street Taco kits, which are sold at Costco. Costco customers were informed of the salmon...
As walking pneumonia cases rise nationally, how does Western Pa. fare?
With cold and flu season heating up, cases of walking pneumonia are increasing across the United States. But is the illness on the rise in Western Pennsylvania as well? Local health care experts shared mixed thoughts. What is it? Walking pneumonia is a mild lung infection that can be caused...
Wiz Khalifa’s property for sale in Washington County
Wiz Khalifa’s property in Washington County is officially on the market. Dustin Hook, realtor with RE/MAX, who sold the property to the rapper 12 years ago, is now selling it once again. The property at 30 Virginia Lane in Cecil Township went on the market Thursday for $1.295 million. A...
Giant poop emoji statue arrives in Washington
A giant poop emoji statue has arrived on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. And, yes, you read that sentence correctly. The satirical statue is meant to “honor” Jan. 6 insurrectionists, and it will be on the Mall until Wednesday, the Washington Post reported. “This memorial honors the brave men...
Elon Musk’s PAC does not announce $1M daily giveaway after DOJ warning
After receiving a warning letter from the U.S. Department of Justice, Elon Musk’s super PAC didn’t announce a $1 million daily winner Wednesday for signing its petition. The letter to America PAC warned that its giveaway in battleground states to swing voters could be illegal, CNN reported, by violating federal...
