Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil Makes Prediction: Six More Weeks of Winter MDBAL, February 2, 2025February 3, 2025 PUNXSUTAWNEY, Penn. – The Groundhog Day tradition continued Sunday and Punxsatawney Phil made his 2025 prediction: There will be six more weeks of winter because the so-called “Seer of Seers” and renowned rodent saw his shadow. It’s been a cold start to 2025 and some 50,000 fans gathered in 25-degree weather at the crack of dawn in Punxsutawney, Penn., to find out the weather word from the Phil the Groundhog, whose prognostications have more than 100 years of accuracy. The traditional scene at Punxsutawney, Penn., was the biggest yet, organizers said. The party atmosphere was palpable, with visitors dressed in Groundhog garb ranging from fur hats and gloves to googly eyes and buck teeth. The organizers sported their traditional top hats and dresswear and addressed Phil the Groundhog with reverence. And the crowds came from “around the world” to celebrate what Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said could one day even be a state holiday. “Last year I declared Phil our off state meteorologist,” Shapiro said. “Let me tell you Phil’s never wrong about the weather. Never wrong … Do you think we should make Groundhog Day an official state holiday?” The crowd responded with hoots and hollers. Shapiro also addressed activist concerns that the groundhog be replaced with a vegan cake. “There are folks who are comin for Phil,” Shapiro said. “There are folks out there who say we should take this great tradition that stretches back to the 1880s and replace Phil with a cake. If anybody comes for Phil they’re gonna have to go through me and all of you, am I right?” But the final word was left to Phil and to the disappointment of many, “The Seer of Seers” said there would be six more weeks of winter. Watch the Groundhog Day festivities here: Culture National News
Culture Harry Belafonte, Singer, Actor, Activist, Passes Away at 95 April 25, 2023June 14, 2024 Harry Belafonte, the legendary singer, actor, and civil rights activist, passed away April 25, at the age of 95. His death was confirmed by his family, who issued a statement describing him as a “giant of American culture and an unwavering champion of justice and equality.” Belafonte was born in… Read More
Culture Alan Snel Rides Across the U.S. and Delivers his Message Through Book, ‘Bicycle Man’ July 10, 2022May 2, 2024 Alan Snel is an author and editor who fights for the rights of bicycle enthusiasts. His latest adventure is the book Bicycle Man, in which he documents his adventures across the U.S. on his two wheels. Q: What was your favorite aspect of your book? AS: Bicycle Man is a… Read More
Culture Study: Nevada, South Dakota, Montana Among Most ‘Gambling Addicted’ States April 30, 2023May 2, 2024 As the Kentucky Derby approaches on May 6, personal finance website WalletHub has released a study of the most “gambling addicted” states. The gambling industry brought in a record $60 billion in revenue last year, but some states are leading the way in rolling the dice. WalletHub compared the 50… Read More