Category: News Pie!

Where Are The Butterflies?

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Butterfly populations in the United States have declined significantly since 2000, with research indicating a drop of nearly a quarter (specifically around 22%) over the past two decades. This figure comes from a comprehensive study analyzing data from over 76,000 butterfly surveys across the contiguous U.S., covering 554 species, conducted between 2000 and 2020.

The decline is attributed to a combination of factors, including habitat loss due to development and agriculture, widespread pesticide use, effects of climate change and rising temperatures with drought. These pressures have impacted butterflies nationwide, with the southwestern U.S. experiencing some of the steepest declines.

While the overall trend is alarming, some species near human development have fared better, though they are the exception rather than the rule. This consistent rate of decline (about 1 to 2% per year) mirrors broader global insect population trends, raising concerns about ecosystem health since butterflies are key pollinators and indicators of environmental change.

STORY IS HERE

Music History Saturday!

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The Year: 1970

Diana Ross performs for the first time as a solo artist, starting an 11-night engagement at the Monticello in Framingham, Massachusetts, where she hones her act for her Las Vegas debut in May. She left The Supremes two months earlier.

Bonus Slice +++

The Year: 1963

The Four Tops get a $400 advance to sign with Motown. They spend the rest of the year singing backup for other acts, including The Supremes.

Dipped In Blue?

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Dairy Queen has introduced a new blue dipped cone!

This new offering, called the Crunchin’ Cookie Dipped Cone, features a striking blue cookies and cream flavored coating with tiny cookie pieces mixed in for added texture and taste.

It became available nationwide recently, just in time for spring, though it’s only a limited time seasonal item rather than a permanent menu addition.

The flavor has drawn comparisons to a certain cookie loving Sesame Street character, though it seems Dairy Queen opted for a more generic name. Reports suggest it’s been well received so far, with its vibrant color and crunchy dip making it stand out from their classic chocolate or cherry options.

If you’re curious, it’s worth checking your local DQ soon, as these seasonal treats tend to come and go quickly!

STORY IS HERE

A Pawn Star Proposal!

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Rick Harrison, the star of the History Channel’s Pawn Stars, proposed to his girlfriend Angie Polushkin on March 6th, 2025, with a prized 6.5 carat pear shaped ring from his World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas.

The proposal took place in Casablanca Valley, Chile, during a romantic trip and Harrison shared the moment on social media with the caption “She said yes!” This was actually his second attempt at proposing, per reports. His first try, apparently, was when he popped the question in his living room, but his daughters deemed it too unromantic and encouraged a redo.

The ring, described as “breathtaking” by Harrison, was a customized piece featuring a stone that had originally come into his shop in a different setting. The couple, who started dating in early 2024, have been together for about a year and this marks a significant moment for Harrison as he plans his fifth marriage.

STORY IS HERE

Another Hero Emerges!

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On March 6th, 2025, in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Officer Noah Allat became a hero when he pulled an unconscious driver, Peter Della-Ventura, from a burning car after it crashed into a tanker truck on Route 22 around 2 a.m.

The dramatic rescue was captured on bodycam footage, showing Allat sprinting toward the fiery wreckage, confirming with the truck driver that it was safe to approach and then dragging the 44 year old to safety as flames raged.

The crash was intense as vehicles were fused together and slid nearly 700 feet in a fireball. Della-Ventura and his passenger survived with non life threatening injuries, thanks to Allat’s quick thinking and bravery. The Bridgewater Police Department praised him for his “strength, resolve, and courage.”

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but Allat’s actions are a textbook example of guts under pressure.

STORY IS HERE

We Will Rock You!

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Sometimes, the smallest voices make the biggest impact. Case in point: a 4 year old who took Queen’s iconic “We Will Rock You” and turned it into a performance for the ages. In a heartwarming video shared by our friends at Sunny Skyz, this pint sized powerhouse stomps, claps and sings with a passion that could rival Freddie Mercury himself.

From the first beat, you can see the fire in his eyes! It’s pure, unfiltered joy mixed with the kind of determination that makes you believe he’s ready to headline a stadium. It’s not just cute; it’s inspiring. Kids have a way of reminding us how music can hit you right in the soul, no matter your age.

This little rocker’s rendition is a testament to the timelessness of Queen’s anthem. It’s simple enough for a preschooler to grasp, yet powerful enough to move anyone watching. So, next time you’re feeling down, take a cue from this 4 year old! We want you to stomp your feet, clap your hands and let it all out. Because if he can rock the world at four, what’s stopping the rest of us?

STORY AND VIDEO HERE

Music History Friday!

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The Year: 1987

Licensed To Ill by Beastie Boys becomes the first rap album to top the US chart. It stays at #1 for seven weeks.

Bonus Slice +++

The Year: 1983

Bananarama release their debut album, Deep Sea Skiving, featuring a hit cover of Steam’s “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” and the Top 10 UK entry “Shy Boy.”

New Drink Endeavor?

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Kraft Heinz has recently moved into the alcohol market with Crystal Light Vodka Refreshers, a line of low calorie, ready to drink cocktails.

This launch, announced in March 2025, marks the company’s first big step into booze, driven by a mix of consumer trends and challenges in their traditional food lineup.

Kraft Heinz, known for staples like ketchup, mac and cheese, as well as Oscar Mayer, has been grappling with sluggish growth in its core food brands. In 2024, their net sales dropped 3% to $25.8 billion, and net income dipped from $2.85 billion to $2.7 billion, partly due to a $77 million goodwill impairment loss in Q4. Inflation, shifting consumer habits and competition from healthier or trendier options have squeezed their legacy products.

Meanwhile, the ready to drink (RTD) alcohol market is booming with a reported value at $903.4 million in the U.S. last year and growing as people shift away from beer and wine toward convenient, lighter options.

STORY IS HERE

Big Blimp Crash!

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On March 3rd, 2025, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection surveillance blimp (a Tethered Aerostat Radar System) broke free from its mooring in South Padre Island due to a severe wind event. The thing went rogue, drifting nearly 600 miles across the state before crashing into power lines in Hunt County, about 30 miles east of Dallas, on March 4th.

This wasn’t just a quiet float away either This event caused some real chaos. The blimp, roughly 200 feet long and filled with helium, got tangled in power lines, knocked out electricity in spots and even damaged a family’s roof on its way down. Locals in Quinlan, where it finally landed, were baffled at first, mistaking it for a hot air balloon or some random tarp.

It took a 60 ton rotator crane and a couple of hours to untangle the mess from the power lines, with federal agents and local fire crews scratching their heads over the whole ordeal.

STORY IS HERE

Free Prom Tickets!

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Steve Carell has partnered with the charity Alice’s Kids to provide free prom tickets to high school seniors in Southern California who were impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year.

In a video announcement, Carell shared that the initiative covers students at six high schools in the Pasadena area, ensuring that over 800 seniors can attend their prom at no cost.

This effort, backed by a $175,000 donation from Alice’s Kids, aims to bring some joy to students whose lives were disrupted by the fires, which destroyed over 16,000 structures and claimed at least 29 lives in areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

Carell also mentioned that students who already purchased tickets would be reimbursed, calling it “a pretty good deal.”

STORY IS HERE