3 arrested in $14 million gift card fraud scheme that hit shoppers across Texas
DALLAS — What looked like ordinary gift cards on store racks across Texas were quietly turning into empty plastic. State investigators say a months-long scheme drained millions from unsuspecting shoppers — until it ended with three arrests this week. The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center has arrested three men accused...
A look at aging baby boomers in the United States
The oldest baby boomers — once the vanguard of an American youth that revolutionized U.S. culture and politics — turn 80 in 2026. The generation that twirled the first plastic hula hoops and dressed up the first Barbie dolls, embraced the TV age, blissed out at Woodstock and protested and...
Want to read more in 2026? Here’s how to revive your love of books
NEW YORK — People stop reading in adulthood for lots of reasons. But it’s never too late to turn the page on old habits and start again. Curling up with a good book can reduce stress, increase creativity and boost empathy. A recent analysis of U.S. government data found that...
5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Dec. 19-21
The holidays are officially underway — Christmas is just days away, Hanukkah is lighting up the nights and the winter solstice is Sunday. Incorporate these events into your holidays for a little extra fun this weekend. Trans-Siberian Orchestra For almost three decades, progressive rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra has been turning...
Baltimore cyclist finds joy in collecting lost hubcaps and stringing them into artVideo
BALTIMORE — Cyclist Barnaby Wickham has collected more than 700 lost hubcaps, mostly on bike rides around Baltimore. They have inspired a quest to turn litter into art, including Christmas wreaths, a giant fish and a large head of Snoopy. It is a hobby that developed nearly two years ago...
Expert tips to ease financial pressure and avoid holiday overspending
NEW YORK — Are you feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to spend money on gifts, parties and travel this holiday season? The job market is tough, student loan and credit card debt are rising, and prices for many items remain high due to inflation. If you’re feeling financially strained, know...
Here are 5 thing to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Dec. 12-14
Have you started your holiday shopping yet? If you have, reward yourself with a fun solo outing this weekend. If you still have presents to check off your list, take the chance to do something fun in between stops. Here are a few ideas for ways to treat yourself and...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Dec. 12-14
The temperature just keeps dropping, but the ‘Burgh shows no sign of stopping! There’s lots to do and see this weekend all around town, so don’t miss out just because of a chill. Here are a few must-dos this weekend. Holiday storytelling show The holidays can be a complicated time...
Office holiday parties can be dreadful for introverts and people with social anxiety
NEW YORK — The year the radio station company where he worked held its holiday party at a dive bar, Ryan Arnold walked in and saw coworkers passing around a tall glass boot filled with beer. He heard the office manager belting out ’80s power ballads between whiskey shots. Arnold’s...
The holiday shopping season comes with tons of extra emissions. Here’s how to do it sustainably
We’re in the thick of the holiday shopping season, and U.S. residents are expected to shatter the spending record again this year. The National Retail Federation forecasts that 2025 will be the first time we collectively spend more than $1 trillion on year-end gifts. A lot of materials, energy, packaging...
Christmas trees 101: Pros, cons and what experts recommend
Choosing a Christmas tree used to feel simple. Pack up the car, drive to the lot, find the tree that calls you and then haul it home to decorate. But with lifelike artificial trees everywhere (and holiday schedules busier than ever), more people are asking themselves the annual December question:...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Dec. 5-7
There’s no getting around it, this has been a cold week. You may be tempted to stay inside away from the wind all weekend. But you could warm up with some of these events instead. Irwin Cookie Tour Delicious cookies are a hallmark of the holiday season, and Irwin is...
Where to move that Elf on the Shelf? Parents offer some creative tips
A few years ago, Kurt Neesley of Redondo Beach, Calif., was brainstorming where to put his family’s Elf on the Shelf for his three kids to find the next morning. He decided to make it look like the doll, named Elfie, had painted on their kitchen wall. Neesley used Tootsie...
Gen Z and millennials embrace sustainable alternatives to imported fresh flowers
Instead of hiring a florist for her October wedding, Emily Day decided to grow her own flowers in her front yard in Calgary, Canada — a creative challenge that turned into a lesson on the hidden climate costs of the global flower industry. She said her homegrown arrangements were just...
Why doing good also makes us feel good, during the holidays and beyond
WASHINGTON — The holiday season is a time for giving thanks, giving gifts — and for many, a time for giving back. Food banks, services that deliver meals to seniors and other U.S. charities typically see a surge in volunteering between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. But there...
Swung vases see upswing in value among fans of mid-century modern collectiblesVideo
If someone admires your nubby butt, don’t take it personally — but do take it as a compliment. Chances are, they’re among enthusiasts who are paying as much as four figures for swung vases. Available in a variety of colors, this elongated style of handmade glassware first gained popularity in...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Nov. 28-30
The leftovers are packed in the fridge and the family is still hanging around for a couple more days. What to do? You can show them how fun and bright Pittsburgh is with these events. Enjoy! Beers of the Burgh’s Winter Warmer Get ready for some fancy holiday cheer and...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Nov. 28-30
Don’t let the post-Thanksgiving lull last all weekend! It’s time to get fully into the Christmas swing of things with a whole treasure trove of events this weekend. Here are a few. Light Up Ligonier Even if you aren’t putting up your Christmas tree and lights this weekend, the town...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Nov. 21-23
Before the Thanksgiving meal — and then the post-turkey nap — takes hold, you’ve got a free weekend to do something for you. Relax, grab yourself a treat and head to these events. Greensburg Holiday Parade Make a start to the holiday season with the Holiday Parade in Greensburg, a...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Nov. 21-23
If Light Up Night isn’t your jam, that doesn’t mean having to hide in the house all weekend! Here are some other events to attend, sans twinkly trees and super-cold temps. Record Convention Fall Show Music collectors of Pittsburgh, here’s your chance to shop and meet like-minded people. The Record...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Nov. 14-16
It’s chilly outside, but Westmoreland County is heating up this weekend with lots of performances, parties and experiences to light up these long nights. Don’t miss these events this weekend. Winter wonderland Kick off the season with this festive event at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg. They’re...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Nov. 7-9
Before things really gear up for the holiday season, take advantage of this less-busy weekend with tons of happenings around the city. Try these out! Pet Expo Do you have a pet? Do you want a pet? Do you have family or friends with pets? This would be a great...
5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Nov. 7-9
Before we fall into the holiday rush, get out this weekend and experience these great events: Pure Gold Wind the clock back to the good old days with Pure Gold at the Lamp Theatre. This group of talented musicians has kept things fresh with some new personnel and will bring...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Oct 31-Nov. 2
While Halloween plans may dominate your Friday night, the rest of the post-spooky weekend still has a lot of treats to offer around Pittsburgh. Some events will keep the darker vibes going while others will be a respite for those sick of movie monsters and jack o’lanterns. Here are a...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Oct.31-Nov. 2
Halloween is upon us, and plenty of spooky happenings will be popping up in the next few days. As we enter November, Westmoreland County is jumping with other weekend happenings, too. Here are just a few: ‘Rocky Horror’ events If you’re a fan of “Rocky Horror,” you’ve got multiple opportunities...