Sometime between the first cup of coffee and the moment my wife heads off to work each morning, we discuss dinner—what we feel like eating, what we have on hand, what we need to get from the store, that sort of thing.

When you’ve got two people working full-time jobs, with other pursuits and responsibilities (and two dogs!) factored in, finding the time to plan a meal—let alone preparing it—each day can present a bit of a dilemma.

That’s why some people rely on meal kit services to help get dinner on the table each night. 

While you’ve probably heard of national names like Blue Apron or Factor, some cities have locally-based options for cook-your-own meal kits and fully prepared meals.

Our Pittsburgh-based food and travel writer, Kalena Thomhave, highlights some tasty, healthy, and convenient meal kit options in the Steel City, ranging from services specializing in tantalizing plant-based dishes to those crafting family-style comfort foods.

Contrary to popular belief, not everyone watches the Super Bowl. Some people have to work during “the big game.” Some people may be traveling (like I’ll be doing on Sunday evening, flying back from a quick trip to the Pacific Northwest). And some people simply have zero interest in football. With that in mind, here’s our QOTW:

If you’re not going to watch the Super Bowl, what are you planning to do instead on Sunday?

“Watching the Puppy Bowl and Kitten Bowl for a large dose of positivity and cuteness.”

— Christina DeSalvo, Nicktown

“Working. Hospitals don’t stop taking care of people on Super Bowl Sunday!!”

— Eileen, Lancaster

“I didn’t even know it was Super Bowl Sunday! I don’t follow any sport. My Sunday will be my usual day of leisure, reading, roasting a chicken, and catching up with friends.”

— Kate, Oxford

“I will be watching Masterpiece on PBS. ‘Miss Scarlet’ is on first, then ‘All Things Great and Small’ is on at 9:00. I might be able to catch the end of the game, but that’s it.”

— Rose Anderson, Mechanicsburg

“Watching most anything else. Maybe some programs I’ve already recorded, but not watched yet.”

— Andrew R., Western Maryland

“I will be watching the Puppy Bowl as well as Erika Kirk’s halftime show.”

— Jim, Monroeville

If you’re not going to be watching the Super Bowl, we want to hear about your plans. (And please let us know where you live!)

York County native Summer Britcher (left) will compete in the Luge for Team USA, while Bucks County’s Andrew Heo will compete in Speedskating. (Team USA)

Team USA will send its largest delegation ever to the Winter Olympics this year, with more than 230 US athletes headed to northeastern Italy’s Milan and Cortina for the games, commonly known as Milano Cortina 2026.

Among them are competitors with ties to Pennsylvania—athletes that you can watch spin on skates, fire off hockey pucks, and sled down icy tracks at incredible speeds.

From Olympians who grew up training in Pennsylvania winters to those who discovered their sport later in life, learn about these athletes who are representing not only their country, but the commonwealth.

Sponsored Message

Pennsylvania families are struggling with rising costs—but too many of our representatives aren’t taking action. Share how higher prices affect you and help hold our leaders in Congress accountable to fight for lower costs.

• With Gov. Josh Shapiro preparing to deliver his fourth budget address on Tuesday, advocates and lawmakers are calling for a billionaires’ tax in this year’s budget negotiations. Sean Kitchen details the push in this story.

• A group of state lawmakers crossing party lines and geographical boundaries has banded together over one issue ahead of the next budget cycle: Pennsylvania’s housing crisis. Find out more here.

• Three candidates, including a nurse and a transgender Marine veteran, have filed to challenge incumbent Republican US Rep. Lloyd Smucker, who has represented Lancaster and York counties since 2019. Get the story here.

Described as a “snow shoveling brigade,” Honesdale Mayor Derek Williams led a band of hardy volunteers to help shovel snow on Main Street sidewalks during the Jan. 25 snowstorm and the next day. From left to right are Deacon Hedgelon, Lisa Glover, Luke Green, Connor Simon, Amanda DeMasi, Liam Mayo, and Williams. (USA Today Network via Reuters Connect)

It takes a village, especially when it comes to shoveling out from snowstorms.

That was evident in Honesdale last week when Mayor Derek Williams led a shoveling brigade of volunteers to help residents clear their walkways after 14 inches of snow fell on the NEPA town.

“It was really, really heartening to see all the neighborly collaboration come together,” Williams said on Facebook. Thanking each player, he added, “It was kind of an all-hands-on-deck situation that made a huge difference.”

Do you want to support The Keystone’s mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 230,000+ subscribers?

Email advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Kalena Thomhave, Sean Kitchen, USA Today via Reuters Connect, and the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. It was edited by Paula Solis.

The Keystone is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.