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Aliquippa’s ‘Iron Mike’ Ditka Dies at 86

Mike Ditka, the Aliquippa-raised Hall of Famer who led the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl title, died at 86, his family announced Friday.

Ditka was a three-sport athlete at Pitt. With the Bears, he became the first tight end to top 1,000 receiving yards and, in 1988, the first tight end enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

He finished his playing career with the Eagles and Cowboys, then coached the 1985 Bears to a 15-1 record and the franchise’s only Super Bowl championship.

Pitt retired his No. 89 in 1997, and the city of Aliquippa remembered him as “an Aliquippa legend whose journey began right here at home.”

Isaias Remnants to Soak Sunday

The remnants of Hurricane Isaias, which was on track to hit the Gulf Coast as a major hurricane, could dump 1 to 2 inches of rain on the Philadelphia area Sunday.

Pittsburgh should see just over an inch, with the steadiest rain from about 4 to 11 a.m. and gusts up to 30 mph. The Steelers game could stay mostly dry.

Erie faces gusts of 30 to 40 mph, possibly higher, and forecasters say a wind advisory could be needed.

Back east, the National Weather Service says some storms could turn severe, with damaging winds and an isolated tornado possible. No tropical watches or warnings are in effect for the region.

Donnie Iris Retires from the Stage

Pittsburgh rock legend Donnie Iris, the voice behind Ah! Leah! and Love Is Like a Rock, announced his retirement from live performances Friday, citing recent health issues.

His final show was Sept. 28 at the grand opening of Citizens Live at the Wylie in Pittsburgh. “It was a meaningful and fitting moment to share with all of you in my hometown,” he wrote.

A former Ellwood City resident, Iris first hit it big with the Jaggerz’ 1970 smash The Rapper, then did a stint in Wild Cherry. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2023.

Iris, 83, was born Dominic Ierace. “It has been my great honor to make music for you,” he said.

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The 37 Best Gadgets of 2026 You Won’t Find in Stores

The best gadgets aren’t just cool… they solve real everyday problems. From clutter-busting tools to clever tech upgrades, these picks are making waves for their usefulness and ingenuity. We’ve rounded up the most talked-about items that people can’t stop adding to their carts.

Each one combines practical function with a touch of genius, making them perfect for your home, office, or even as gifts. But be warned… demand is skyrocketing, and these top gadgets are already selling out faster than expected.

Learn More

Around Pennsylvania

➤ Statewide: The attorney general’s office urged the state Supreme Court to reject lawmakers’ last-minute bid to delay Tuesday’s skill games ban, calling the request “too late.” (See Filing)

➤ Also Statewide: Former President Obama endorsed Gov. Josh Shapiro’s reelection bid in a video Friday, calling him a friend and “one of my earliest supporters.” (Watch Video)

➤ Montgomery County: A kitchen fire spread to the roof of the William Penn Inn in Lower Gwynedd Friday. Built in 1714, it bills itself as the state’s oldest continuously operating country inn. (See Damage)

➤ Lancaster County: Three students face hazing charges tied to Manheim Central’s football locker room, and a former teacher and assistant coach is charged with failing to report it. (Read More)

➤ Schuylkill County: Authorities identified a woman found dead in the woods off I-81 in Kline Township in 1986 as Gladys Johnson, solving a 40-year-old mystery. (See Details)

➤ Central Pennsylvania: Wawa bid more than $500,000 for two restaurant liquor licenses in the state Liquor Control Board’s latest auction. (See Bids)

Pennsylvania Sports

➤ Penn State hosts No. 19 USC in tonight’s White Out game, looking to snap a two-game skid and avoid a second straight 0-3 Big Ten start. (See Preview)

➤ Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who was signed to a three-year, $59 million extension earlier this year, aggravated a foot injury in practice and will likely miss multiple weeks. (More)

➤ Pitt will honor its 1976 national championship team at today’s sold-out game against North Carolina, offering early arrivals a Tony Dorsett bobblehead. (See Details)

➤ Collectors are bidding on a 115-year-old “Holy Grail” baseball card of Pittsburgh Pirates great Honus Wagner. One of only 53 verified copies, the card is expected to fetch $3 million or more. (See Card)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NCAAF | WNBA | NHL | Soccer | NBA | Golf

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Genius Gadgets: The 37 That Actually Earn Their Keep

Smart shoppers know the secret: the best gadgets earn their keep. These 37 picks prove it. They aren’t gimmicks or dust collectors, they’re practical innovations that deliver real value every single day.

Whether you’re organizing your space, upgrading your routine, or getting a head start on gifts, this list highlights what’s genuinely worth buying right now. The catch? These popular items are selling faster than anticipated, so availability won’t last.

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Et Cetera

➤ Doug the emu escaped Thursday along Route 867 in Bedford County before being found and returned home. His owner thinks he was just out admiring the autumn colors. (Meet Doug)

➤ Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm hosts its 52nd annual Harvest Festival this weekend in Monroe County, with traditional demonstrations, wagon rides, and children’s activities. (Step Back in Time)

➤ Rice’s Market, the indoor and outdoor flea market in Solebury Township, will close Dec. 29, ending a run that dates back more than a century to its days as a farm and auction house. (See Story)

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The Flyover Podcast

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. 

➤ The IRS is mailing notices about $1,000 in free retirement money, but strict cutoffs apply. (Listen Now)

➤ This year’s Nobel Peace Prize went to a South African jurist, drawing swift condemnation from Israel. (Hear Details)

➤ Severe turbulence forced a Colombia-to-New York flight to divert to Miami, sending at least eight people to the hospital. (Podcast Available)

  

Pennsylvania Meme Of The Week

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The Poll

Who’s your favorite Pennsylvania music act?

  1. Hall & Oates
  2. Donnie Iris
  3. Poison
  4. Jim Croce
  5. Patti LaBelle
  6. Other (reply to tell us!)

Yesterday’s Results:

Will you attend the PA Farm Show this year?

  1. Probably not: 83%
  2. I’ll think about it: 14%
  3. Definitely: 3%
Pennsylvania Trivia

On a 1999 magazine cover, Mike Ditka posed in a wedding tuxedo. Who stood beside him in the wedding gown?

Show me the answer

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