Megan Swift stories, Page 30
No shadow! Punxsutawney Phil predicts early springVideo
Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow Friday morning and delivered the news the crowd was hoping for: no shadow and an early spring. Upon the announcement, a loud cheer burst from the thousands gathered around Gobbler’s Knob for the annual Groundhog Day prediction. The groundhog club said this year might...
5 things to know about Groundhog Day
Early spring or dark, cold winter? Either way, it’s a party in Punxsutawney. The countdown is on for Groundhog Day at Gobbler’s Knob. The age-old question of whether Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow will be revealed early Friday in front of a crowd of thousands from near and far....
Popular TikTok music pulled in contract dispute
If you were scrolling on TikTok Wednesday night and noticed that certain songs from popular artists like Taylor Swift have disappeared from videos, you weren’t alone. Universal Music group said it would stop licensing its songs to TikTok if the two companies could not reach a new deal, as reported...
5 things to know ahead of Madonna’s Pittsburgh concert
The “Queen of Pop” is coming to Pittsburgh Monday night for the “Celebration Tour.” Madonna, the 65-year-old singer, songwriter and actress, was initially set to perform at PPG Paints Arena on Aug. 7, 2023, but then her concert was postponed. Here are five things you need to know ahead of...
Viral ‘sleepy girl mocktail’ promises improved night’s rest. Does it work?
If you’re having trouble falling asleep, some TikTok users argue there’s an elixir called the “sleepy girl mocktail” that could provide a solution. The drink is a combination of tart cherry juice, magnesium powder and a fizzy drink like sparkling water or prebiotic soda that allegedly promises a better night’s...
Despite rising salaries, there’s a shortage of qualified superintendents. Politicized school boards and covid fallout have contributed
Superintendents of two of the largest school districts in Westmoreland County — Hempfield Area’s Tammy Wolicki and Norwin’s Jeff Taylor — announced last week they would be leaving their posts. Their departures come on the heels of Leechburg Area Superintendent Tiffany Nix’s resignation. She announced in December that she would...
Mysterious notes reported in food items, state parks, trails across Pennsylvania
Cryptic notes have been popping up all around Pennsylvania in various cereal boxes and state parks — and it looks like they’re moving west. Originally dubbed the “Schuylkill Notes” by Reddit users investigating, as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, some of the messages are said to have a sinister quality...
Pittsburgh Public Schools to examine use of buildings amid ‘budget crisis,’ staffing issues
Pittsburgh Public Schools is facing a “budget crisis” and staffing issues, which prompted board President Gene Walker to advocate for developing and presenting recommendations on a facilities utilization plan — a resolution that passed despite criticism. A preliminary plan will give an in-depth understanding of how the district’s buildings are...
Who is Nikki Haley? 5 things to know about the Republican presidential candidate
She used to work for Donald Trump. Now, Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, is running against Trump for president. A day before the New Hampshire primary election, Haley remains in the race while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has dropped out. How long she remains a presidential rival...
Viral ‘orange peel theory’ can reveal whether relationship is sweet or sour
If you haven’t yet heard of the “orange peel theory,” it’s probably time to get up to speed — especially with Valentine’s Day on the horizon. It’s a viral trend that originally got its start on TikTok in the fall, as reported by the New York Times. Now, it’s taken...
What a new federal rule banning funny roadway signs means for Pennsylvania
Have you ever noticed the electronic sign “Don’t Drive Star Spangled Hammered” on the Parkway West and chuckled? Well, that and other similar quirky messages are going away in a couple years. They will be banned in 2026. The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has given states two years to implement...
Rare Spider-Man comic book on sale for $35K in Western Pa.
A local comic book owner made an amazing find: Amazing Fantasy 15, the first appearance of Spider-Man and a rare gem in the comic world. Now, he’s selling it for $35,000. That price might be a bargain given the fair condition of the comic book. A pristine copy once sold...
LOSS Team provides support for those affected by rising suicide rates in Westmoreland County
Suicide rates are multiplying in Westmoreland County, and to provide support, the county has become the second in the state to start a Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team. The county had 60 recorded suicides in 2023, just two less than the 62 that were recorded in 2022, according...
McDonald’s employee celebrates retirement after 45 years
Dorothy “Dot” Sharp took her last order Friday — an Egg McMuffin meal — after 45 years of working at McDonald’s. The final customer? Her granddaughter. “It’s very sad for me to do this, but I figured it was time,” said Sharp, 84, of Hampton. Sharp’s tenure at the chain...
Mason Rudolph jerseys elusive for Steelers fans
Looking for a Mason Rudolph jersey? Good luck, Steelers fans. With just a few days until the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card playoff game, Rudolph No. 2 jerseys are scarce in and around the city. As of Thursday, the only known Rudolph jerseys available for purchase...
Oakmont Bakery serves up Mason Rudolph cupcakes for Steelers playoffs
As soon as the Pittsburgh Steelers secured a playoff spot, Samantha Serrao knew Oakmont Bakery needed a new football-related treat. The Rudolph Cupcake was born — a shoutout to quarterback Mason Rudolph ahead of Sunday’s wild-card game against the Buffalo Bills. “It was kind of like a group effort,” said...
Girl Scout cookies cost more dough this year
Girl Scout cookies are back, but they’ll take a bigger bite out of your pocketbook this year. Boxes cost $6, up from $5 last year. The cookies will be available until March 24. Emily Ruffing, public relations and marketing coordinator for Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, said the price increase will...
Buffalo sauce boycott sweeps through Pittsburgh as Steelers gear up for Bills
Some Pittsburgh restaurants are taking the extreme measure of boycotting Buffalo sauce and other Buffalo-related products until the Steelers take on the Bills in Sunday’s wild-card playoff game. Buffalo dipping sauce will not be sold at select McDonald’s locations across the Pittsburgh region until after the game. Meghan Sweeney, owner/operator...
‘He’s proven himself’: Steelers fans say Mason Rudolph should start playoff game
His beloved Pittsburgh Steelers may be serious underdogs heading into Buffalo for a playoff game against the Bills, but Tim Piett remains hopeful. “They have a few injuries like we do,” Piett said, “and I think we have more offensive power than they do.” A Pittsburgh Steelers fan for his...
Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls are set to rise again
Pennsylvania Turnpike toll rates are set to rise starting Sunday for the 16th consecutive year. Here’s what motorists can expect: • A 5% increase. • For passenger vehicles, the most common toll will increase from $1.80 to $1.90 for E-ZPass customers and $4.40 to $4.70 for Toll by Plate. •...
Point Breeze dog eats thousands in cash, garners national attention
When Carrie Law heard her husband yelling from across their Point Breeze home, she quickly came running — only to find $4,000 in cash strewn about the room, with much of it torn into pieces. “Cecil ate the money!” her husband yelled. Their dog, Cecil, a goldendoodle, had discovered the...
Snowy weather could impact Pittsburgh region, Steelers game in Baltimore this weekend
If predictions hold, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens could kick off Saturday’s game in a snowstorm at M&T Bank Stadium. Western Pennsylvania may see some snow — or a nasty wintry mix with rain in some areas — as well. The 4:30 p.m. Steelers game Saturday coincides with a...
Dry January, Damp January or sober curious? What you need to know about reducing alcohol intake
As opinions about drinking alcohol, even in moderation, are shifting negatively, perhaps it’s no surprise that Dry January has gained in popularity. But is Dry January — quitting alcohol for the entire month — for you? And what exactly is Damp January? Or even sober curious? Here’s what you need...
‘New year, new me’: People from Western Pennsylvania make resolutions for 2024
As we say goodbye to 2023, the time has come to set New Year’s resolutions for 2024. But not everyone chooses to set them — and more importantly, not everyone sticks to them. Improved fitness came out as the top 2024 resolution at 48%, according to a Forbes Health/OnePoll survey...
Pittsburgh Jewish community holds vigil to advocate for release of hostages taken by Hamas
Pittsburgh’s Jewish community gathered in Squirrel Hill on Sunday for a “Bring them home” vigil to advocate for the release of the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas. Israel says 129 people remain unaccounted for after they were abducted and taken to Gaza during the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, according...
