Megan Swift stories, Page 25
Airbnb cracks down on Fourth of July holiday weekend parties; 2022 shootings in Pittsburgh still unsolved
Airbnb has once again implemented its anti-party system for the Fourth of July and Memorial Day weekends this year — and Pennsylvania is included. Its machine-learning technology identifies certain attempts to book one- or two-night stays in entire homes that could be at high risk for disruptive parties and prevents...
Preparations underway for Pittsburgh’s furry convention
This year’s Anthrocon in Pittsburgh will be Eric Zawratny’s 24th furry convention. Every summer, anthropomorphics, otherwise known as furries — people dressed as human-like animal characters — travel to Pittsburgh. The group is a collection of artists, animators, writers, costumers, puppeteers and anyone who enjoys cartoon animals. The festivities will...
Hot Dog Water Soda? Yes indeed
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop has launched a new soda flavor: Hot Dog Water. Christopher Beers, founder and owner of Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, said Hot Dog Water Soda is number 19 in a line of weird flavored sodas from the shop. Other flavors include toothpaste, coffee and banana. “We’re known...
Pittsburgh furry convention names Gray Paws Sanctuary as its 2024 charity
Anthrocon has named Gray Paws Sanctuary its charity for the 2024 Pittsburgh furry convention. The White Oak nonprofit, which helps older dogs in the greater Pittsburgh area, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. “This is amazing to be selected as the charity for 2024,” co-founder Darla Poole Brescia said Wednesday. Gray...
5 things to know ahead of Anthrocon 2024
The countdown is on: the annual furry convention in Pittsburgh, Anthrocon, is just days away. Every summer, anthropomorphics, otherwise known as furries — people dressed as human-like animal characters — travel from all over the world to the city for the four-day event. The group is a collection of artists,...
Ticketmaster data breach confirmed, over 500 million customers possibly affected
Ticketmaster has notified customers about a suspected data breach, USA Today reported. In May, Ticketmaster said it was investigating a data breach after a hacking group known as ShinyHunters claimed responsibility for stealing the information of more than 500 million Ticketmaster customers, the New York Times reported. In the filing...
Inner Groove Brewing announces MikelParis collab, limited edition beers
Inner Groove Brewing has announced a collaboration with musician MikelParis of the rock band O.A.R. Two limited edition beers will be available at Inner Groove Brewing — inspired by MikelParis’ new album titled “Snidbits,” which was released in February. Inner Groove Brewing said the beers will be available on tap...
Experts predict high spotted lanternfly numbers in Western Pennsylvania this year
Spotted lanternflies are back this summer — and experts are predicting Southwestern Pennsylvania will once again see significant numbers of the invasive insect. Brian Walsh, spotted lanternfly researcher and horticulture educator for Penn State Extension, said though it’s difficult to measure the population since they are constantly in motion, experts...
Alleged nationwide concert scam affects Pittsburgh venue
A special events venue in Pittsburgh, 25 Carrick Ave, has been affected by an alleged nationwide concert scam. Brendan Elder, chief operating officer at Hearcorp, the audio/visual company that owns the space, had been in direct contact with a company called ARB Marketing looking to book a show. The space...
Pittsburgh Public Schools board grants students two nonvoting seats
For the first time, Pittsburgh Public Schools will have a student on its board of directors. The board voted unanimously this week to establish the role of a non-voting student representative following a monthslong process. Board President Gene Walker said the goal is to have student voices weighing in during...
Social media reacts to 1st Biden-Trump presidential debate
The first of two planned presidential debates between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump Thursday night left Americans across the country with many questions. The CNN-hosted live event was the first general election debate without an in-person audience since 1960, according to the New York Times, and it...
Associated Press to create sister nonprofit to fundraise for state, local journalism
The Associated Press announced that it intends to raise money for and support state and local journalism through a new charitable sister organization. The new organization will be a nonprofit governed by an independent board of directors, the AP said Tuesday. The launching of the nonprofit is the latest effort...
Heinz, Kate Spade announce limited edition ‘condiment couture’ line
Heinz and Kate Spade New York have announced a limited-edition collection of collaborative “condiment couture” will debut in time for summer. The merchandise will marry the Heinz Ketchup red with Kate Spade’s designs, according to the release. Items available will include totes, pouches, small leather goods, tees, footwear, keychains, phone...
Cochlear implants transformed audiologist’s life, now she’s expanded her business to Wilkins
For Suzanne Yoder, who grew up hearing impaired and now owns her own audiology practice, getting cochlear implants changed her life. “I don’t like to use the word ‘miracle’ too lightly, but for me, it was a miracle — because it gave me back my independence,” she said. Cochlear implants...
Barnes & Noble coming to The Meridian in East Liberty
A new Barnes & Noble location is set to open in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood as part of The Meridian development. Stacy Short, vice president of leasing at ECHO Realty, which is developing The Meridian, said construction is underway with a predicted opening in late summer of 2025 for most,...
AJR brings indie-pop charm to PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh
AJR, the indie-pop band made up of brothers Adam, Jack and Ryan Met, delivered a memorable performance Tuesday night at PPG Paints Arena. As the brothers told the audience, they write, record and produce all of their music in their living room. During the evening, Jack mainly sang lead vocals,...
Hulu moves up launch time of ‘The Bear’ Season 3
The season three premiere of the Emmy Award-winning TV show “The Bear” has been moved up on Hulu. It will now be released at 9 p.m. Wednesday, three hours ahead of the original midnight Thursday air date, according to The Hollywood Reporter. At that time, all ten episodes of the...
Coach USA, parent company of Megabus, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
Coach USA, the parent company of Megabus, has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The reason for the filing was to preserve jobs, ensure continued service and maximize the value of its businesses, Coach USA said in a news release. “U.S. Megabus operations will continue while the company pursues...
Buca di Beppo to close Station Square restaurant
Sunday will be Buca di Beppo’s last day of operation in Station Square. The Italian restaurant will close its doors permanently after operating for 25 years. Hours will be normal until the closure, according to Buca di Beppo management: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to...
Salt Lake City nonstop flight returns to Pittsburgh International Airport
Delta Air Lines announced Friday that its nonstop route to Salt Lake City will return to the Pittsburgh International Airport this fall. The route will open daily on a year-round basis starting Nov. 23, according to the airport’s publication Blue Sky News. Flights go on sale starting Saturday. The outbound...
Amazon to remove plastic air pillows from packaging
Amazon announced its intention to remove all plastic air pillows in its packages by the end of the year. Pat Lindner, vice president of mechatronics and sustainable packaging, said most — if not all — packages ordered and delivered on Prime Day in July will be packed with paper filler...
West Mifflin halts plan to limit pets, chickens after public outcry
The West Mifflin Borough Council has decided it will not restrict the number of pets per household after a large group of residents spoke out against the proposal. Two proposed ordinances on the agenda for Tuesday night’s meeting were removed following a public hearing, said Walter Anthony, community development director...
Online Zyn nicotine pouch sales suspended
The online sales of Zyn nicotine patches have been suspended nationwide this week, Reuters reported. Zyn is an oral pouch that contains nicotine powder and flavorings like mint, coffee and citrus, according to the Associated Press, and they have been the fastest-growing product in the tobacco industry. Users stick them...
Indoor pickleball courts to open in Pittsburgh Warehouse
Bryan Wigginton and his wife, Alexa Gervasi, started playing pickleball two years ago as an alternative to sitting on the couch in their Polish Hill home and watching TV together. What started as a way to be active has now evolved into a new business. Their indoor pickleball facility, The...
Meet some real-life storm chasers this summer at Evergreen Drive-In
Ever wondered what storm chasers do and how they do it? Find out in July, by attending the Evergreen Drive-In Theater in East Huntingdon. Hosted by PA Storm Trackerz, the drive-in will present “Meet The Storm Chasers Night” on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 — at the opening...
