Megan Swift stories, Page 23
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...
Elon Musk’s PAC halts $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...
Bar and restaurant to replace Hambone’s in Lawrenceville
Butler Street Derby will open its doors Friday at the former location of Hambone’s in Lawrenceville. The new bar at 4207 Butler St. will be a nightlife experience, with DJ sets, signature cocktails and food. Dishes includes burgers, wings, sandwiches, tater kegs, fresh salads and burrata toast. The popular bar...
Predicting this year’s trendy Halloween costumes
With Halloween around the corner, time is running out to come up with costume ideas for the festive occasion. There’s still time to scramble, though. From pop stars to superheroes, there are plenty of options for any age. Here’s a list of predicted popular costumes that will take to the...
Zillow to show climate risk data on home listings
If you’re looking to purchase a home, it might be important to consider potential environmental threats. Zillow is adding a climate risk threat score to every home listing on its platform, the Washington Post reported. According to a Zillow survey in 2023, 80% of buyers now consider climate risks when...
Girl Scout membership dues to increase over next 2 years
The price to be an annual member of the Girl Scouts of the USA is going to increase over the next two years, according to news reports. For the next year, membership dues will stay at $25, but it will increase to $45 in 2026 and to $65 in 2027,...
McKees Rocks woman gets $1M from Elon Musk PAC
A McKees Rocks woman received $1 million from billionaire Elon Musk’s political action committee — all for signing a petition. Musk, the founder of Tesla and Space X who’s gone all-in on Republican Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy, has already committed at least $70 million to help the former president. Now,...
Halloween not here yet, but the PPG Plaza Christmas tree is up
Christmas in October? The giant Christmas tree is up and towering over Pittsburgh’s PPG Plaza. For those who were wondering, the 60-foot, 11,939-pound tree is indeed fake. It has 540 pre-lit branches and was installed on Oct. 4 this year, according to Anthony Battistella, marketing manager at JLL property management....

