The big deal about the midterm elections is not just about political power. It’s a whole lot about political money.

Over the past two weeks, Pitt has seen what had been a major strength turn into a significant liability.

From time to time, a reader asks me how hard it is to come up with material for “U mad, bro?” every week.

Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Thursday, Oct. 29:

Thursday’s “First Call” tries to diagnose DK Metcalf’s lack of consistency. We look at a Pittsburgh Steelers trade rumor. A big name has surfaced on the Cleveland Browns’ injury report in advance of their trip to Pittsburgh.

Sequala Thomas, enrollment director and transition counselor at Passport Academy Charter School, believes people can’t be who they’re meant to be if they’re not in the correct environment.

NEW YORK — Fox News, the most-watched cable news network, saw a 28% prime-time viewer decline over the past four weeks leading up to the midterm elections, a sign the network’s traditionally conservative audience may be less enthused about the contest on Nov. 3.

The “stretch run” of the WPIAL football season concludes in glorious fashion in Week 10 with showdowns here, there and everywhere.

Alex Highsmith is back on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ injury report for Week 8. After the outside linebacker was limited for two practices last week because of a groin injury, Highsmith opened up this week again as a limited participant in advance of Sunday’s AFC North showdown against the Cleveland Browns.

WASHINGTON — U.S. officials have told several Middle East countries and regional allies to be prepared for potential renewed military action against Iran after next week’s midterm elections in the United States — as well as the possibility that Iran will attempt to retaliate against them, according to two diplomats briefed on the matter.

In regards to his health after emerging from playing in a meaningful NFL game for the first time in 364 days, there was nothing but good news to report in regards to DeShon Elliott.

Zach Frazier is rather quiet.

Utah on Wednesday filed criminal charges against prediction market operator Kalshi and two of its executives, months after a federal judge rejected Kalshi’s effort to prevent Utah from enforcing its strict anti-gambling laws against the activity.

“Deny” was a common word from residents Wednesday evening at Allegheny County’s second preliminary hearing in Springdale regarding the proposed data center.

On a sun-drenched late October afternoon, a group of Greater Latrobe High School students and FirstEnergy Corp. employee volunteers got their hands dirty planting about 200 saplings, which are expected to convert part of a former farm field in Unity into a forest in a decade, providing more habitat for wildlife.

BUFFALO TOWNSHIP — The Freeport girls soccer team remains alive in its quest to defend its WPIAL Class 2A title.

Franklin Regional junior midfielder Liam Greenbaum said he felt different in warmups, like he was going to have an impact on the Panthers’ latest playoff game.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The small-ball Milwaukee Brewers playing in the smallest market in the majors are World Series champions for the first time in franchise history.

Mia Barsotti, Taryn DeWitt and Kieran Shannon converted their penalties and Jordan Beemer made a pair of saves as defending champion North Allegheny defeated No. 6 Norwin, 2-1, in the WPIAL Class 4A girls soccer quarterfinals Wednesday.

Pilgrimage seeking volunteers

It was 48 hours of Bulldog spirit and reunion festivities during the 2026 Shady Side Academy Homecoming & Alumni Celebration Weekend held Oct. 16-17 in Fox Chapel.

Patty Mastandrea has kept a secret for the past four years.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Lamar Jackson was a full participant in practice for the Baltimore Ravens, which suggests his latest injury saga could be over sooner rather than later.

The final week of the high school football season kicks off with three Thursday games.