Chonkers the sea lion draws crowds to San Francisco’s Pier 39
SAN FRANCISCO — An intrepid sea lion nicknamed Chonkers is waddling his way into the hearts of tourists and locals who have flocked to San Francisco’s Pier 39 for a glimpse of the massive pinniped. On Thursday morning, visitors snapped photos as the Steller sea lion flopped on the pier,...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: May 1-3
They say April showers bring May flowers, but you’ll be getting more than beautiful blossoms for this first May weekend in Westmoreland County. Here are some fun things to do around the region. Free Movie Day Next week will bring in Star Wars Day (“May the fourth be with you!”),...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: May 1-3
Now that we’re all taking a post-Draft breath, it’s marathon time! But don’t worry, all of you non-runners out there. Pittsburgh still has plenty going on that won’t require you to lace up your sneakers this weekend. PSO plays ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ Monday will bring Star Wars Day (“May...
Farmers in Vermont expected a sheep to have twins. She ended up having rare sextuplets
UNDERHILL, Vt. — Anne O’Connor just kept counting sheep, and it made her anything but sleepy. A sheep owned by O’Connor, who runs Clover & Bee Farm in Underhill, Vermont, with her husband, Gunnar, gave birth to a rare batch of six lambs earlier this month. The sextuplets and their...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: April 24-26
The time has come for football madness in Southwestern Pennsylvania. But if you aren’t looking to make the trek to the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, you can still take advantage of a beautiful April weekend. Here are some things to do. Scott Blasey at Live Casino Fans of local favorites...
Exploring barefoot trails on 2 continents as a way to connect with nature this Earth Day
GUTACH, Germany — At the edge of a trail in Germany’s picturesque Black Forest region, waterlogged steps sink into ankle-deep water and mud, requiring careful footing. An ocean away, a sandy trail in the ponderosa forests of northern Arizona demands treading just as deliberately when walkers reach a line of...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: April 17-19
It’s the final moment of calm before the storm. As we anticipate the NFL Draft descending upon our city next week, Pittsburghers tend to fall into two camps: those excited to head to the North Shore to party, or those ready to stock up on groceries and stay in the...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: April 17-19
The NFL Draft will rock the region next weekend, so this is the weekend to get out and about to enjoy the calm before the storm. Here are a few things you can do around Westmoreland County. ArtsWalk 2026 Experience the artistic offerings of Greensburg with ArtsWalk this Saturday. The...
How the rich shrink their tax burden
With the IRS expecting 164 million individual income tax returns this year, there’s a common conception that rich people pay less tax in the U.S. than what many would consider fair. It’s a sentiment that shows up in polling on Americans’ attitudes about the federal tax system and animates a...
Asian surnames have been the fastest-growing in the U.S., according to Census Bureau report
ORLANDO, Fla. — The most popular last names in the U.S might be unchanged from the previous decade, but Asian surnames were the fastest-growing at the start of this decade, the U.S. Census Bureau said Tuesday. “Smith,” “Johnson,” “Williams,” “Brown,” and Jones,” remained the top five last names in the...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: April 10-12
Is the temperature roller coaster finally over? We know better in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Whether you’re too warm or too cold, head to one of these events this weekend. Spring pop-up market Do you want a fresh look — for yourself or your home — now that winter is nearly over?...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend, April 10-12
Construction season may be in full effect, but Pittsburgh is jumping with fun events all weekend long. Set your GPS, try to avoid the traffic and head out of the house. Bailey Zimmerman Country artist Bailey Zimmerman released his second album, “Different Night, Same Rodeo,” last year and is taking...
Easter eggs can be dyed and still eaten. Just follow these tips to make sure it’s safe
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Easter is around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about how to decorate your eggs. Whether you’re dying eggs for your table spread or planning to hide them for an egg hunt, it’s important to follow food safety guidelines to minimize germs and maximize...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: April 3-5
Easter weekend is here. Before you don your pastels, take the ham out of the oven and hunt for your hidden basket, consider heading out to one of these events around Westmoreland County with your family. ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ The Palace Theatre will host a production of the classic Andrew...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: April 3-5
Not only is it Easter weekend, but it’s also Pirates Home Opener weekend! If you manage to find time between celebrating those two important holidays, here are some things to do around town that will be just as fun. Jurassic Quest Bring the whole family to real-as-life animatronic dinosaurs this...
Why ‘unretired’ seniors are picking up gig work to pay the bills
PLAINVIEW, New York — Before Stu Goldberg begins his night shift driving for Uber, he pulls out a notebook to read a handwritten list of reminders. “No tickets. Full stops,” he’d scrawled in the book. “Careful backing up. Watch for pedestrians and bikes.” With a Ph.D in neuropsychology and decades...
World’s oldest known tortoise still very much alive despite rumor to the contrary
LONDON — Reports on April Fools’ Day of the death of the world’s oldest living land animal — a 193-year-old tortoise called Jonathan — were greatly exaggerated. Jonathan is still kicking — albeit slowly — on the island of St. Helena. “It was a hoax,” Anne Dillon, head of communications...
If you’re looking to sell your home this spring, here’s how you will want to prepare
HARTFORD, Conn. — With spring on its way, it’s a popular time for homeowners to consider selling their homes. It can be daunting to think about listing your home so where do you start? Being able to get the best first impression is crucial, according to Julie Sirois, a realtor...
More women are having babies later in life. How to improve your chance of a healthy pregnancy
Dr. Jacquelyn Means knew that being pregnant in her late 30s would be challenging. “It is definitely harder on your body. You just feel a lot more fatigued. There are certain complications to watch out for,” said Means, a Texas OB-GYN who had her first child at 37 and her...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: March 27-29
Whether you love great music, seasonal activities with the kids, stretching your legs or just enjoying a nice cocktail over the weekend, Westmoreland’s got something for you. Here’s some events to check out: Art in Bloom Free Day Spring is gearing up, and The Westmoreland Museum of American Art is...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: March 27-29
From brews to “Beetlejuice,” from coconuts to crafts, Pittsburgh’s got a lot going on this weekend. If you’ve got some free time after a busy week, here are a few things to try out around town. Modern Craft Market Spring cleaning is in full swing, which means it’s also time...
Here’s how to recycle those old laptops, iPhones and earbuds lying around
Many consumers are guilty of filling drawers or closets with old laptops, cellphones, fitness trackers and other electronic devices once they are no longer needed. It’s hard to know where to recycle those items, or it seems costly and inconvenient. The world generates millions of tons of electronic waste —...
A professional organizer’s guide to spring cleaning your life
The New Year has come and gone and with it your resolutions for doing a deep, cleansing purge. What has stayed, however, is the clutter. Piles of clothing, boxes of books, bags of crafts and cords. The start of spring offers a new opportunity to clean, well, everything, including your...
People ‘bathe’ in nature to get respite from chaotic news cycle
RALEIGH, N.C. — For two hours, Claire Jefferies wanted to get away from the war in Iran and the rising gas prices and just commune with nature. And, so, she treated herself to a little forest bathing. “When I’m here, it’s almost like a protective bubble around me,” the human...
Welcome to allergy season. Here’s how to protect yourself
ATLANTA — Allergy season can be miserable for tens of millions of Americans when trees, grass, and other pollens cause runny noses, itchy eyes, coughing and sneezing. Where you live, what you’re allergic to and your lifestyle can make a big difference when it comes to the severity of your...