Megan Swift stories, Page 20

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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 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. •...

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...

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...

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...

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’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...

A man and woman died Sunday morning after being trapped in a structure fire on the 1000 block of McKean Avenue in Donora, according to the Washington County Coroner’s Office. The fire was reported to Washington County 911 just before 5 a.m. Sunday. Clifford Honabarger, 38, and Tracy Honabarger, 41,...

A single vehicle caught fire in the back parking lot of Word of Life Church in Hempfield Township on Sunday morning. Fort Allen Volunteer Fire Department and Carbon Volunteer Fire Department responded to the church on Route 136, according to Westmoreland County 911 dispatchers. The fire was put out and...

Police responded Sunday morning to a two- vehicle crash in Belle Vernon — where two individuals fled on foot, leaving their vehicle at the scene. The crash occurred in the 400 block of Graham Street, according to Westmoreland 911 dispatch. One minor injury was reported, and the person was treated...

New Year’s Day falls on a Monday this year, meaning those who stay up late will be ringing in 2024 on a Sunday night. Although that may not be the day of the week that one might associate with revelry, there are more than a few places where you can...

“Free Palestine!” and “Cease fire now!” chants could be heard in Pittsburgh’s Friendship Park on Saturday as about 100 people gathered for a solidarity vigil in support of Palestine. Hosted by two groups — Jewish Voice for Peace Pittsburgh and Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Pittsburgh...

Two men were shot outside of a Lowe’s Home Improvement store at The Waterfront shopping complex Friday afternoon, police said. Allegheny police responded at 1:45 p.m. to the Lowe’s for a report of one person chasing another with a gun in the parking lot. Officers said they found a firearm...

Unity supervisors passed the township’s 2024 budget with no tax increase. Chairman Mike O’Barto said township hasn’t had a property tax increase in about 40 years. The spending plan totals about $8 million. Unity’s general fund tax will continue to stand at 2.2 mills, and its fire tax will continue...

The owner of the Latrobe apartment building cited with more than 100 code violations is working to correct the “most serious issues,” a city official said, but two tenants have left, claiming the nightmare of living there still haunts them. The three-story building at 333 Main St. has been inspected...

Latrobe police officers responded to an incident in the 100 block of Washington Street on Thursday morning involving a man who was making threats to inflict injury upon himself and his domestic partner. Chief Richard Bosco said officers contacted the man’s partner — who said they feared for their life...