Vanessa Orr Ink.

03/28/2026

My latest on World Footprints made it on MSN!

In 1917, a group of women was forcibly shoved into freezing prison “punishment” cells, brutally injured by male guards, and left to survive the night without medical treatment—simply because they wanted to vote. While many people take this privilege for granted today, the battle for women to r...

12/01/2025

You still have two chances to get that perfect holiday picture and support Pressley Ridge! This holiday season, Pressley Ridge and Primanti Bros. are teaming up to give children and families across the region the opportunity to meet cool people and win cool prizes through the Press Your Luck promotion. Meet legendary Pittsburgh athletes, enjoy iconic Primanti’s sandwiches, and for only $1 per ticket, you could win autographed memorabilia, free Primanti’s food and gift cards or the chance to attend a Pittsburgh football game with Brett Keisel or a hockey game with a special guest!
All proceeds from the promotion benefit the kids and families served by Pressley Ridge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health services, foster care, specialized education and other supportive services to those in need.
“It’s especially important in this stressful time of year to offer hope, support and bring joy back,” says Pressley Ridge president and CEO Susanne Cole of this promotion, which supports the organization’s Holiday Gift program. “We really appreciate the community coming out to support Pressley Ridge; it means a lot, and we can’t do it on our own.”
Upcoming events:
Dec. 2: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Primanti Bros. McCandless (45 McIntyre Square, Pgh, PA 15237)
Trophy Celebration featuring Maxime Talbot
Dec. 9: 6:30-8:30 p.m., Primanti Bros. Mt. Lebanon (1539 Washington Rd., Mt. Lebanon, 15228)
Polka Karaoke featuring Rocky Bleier, JT Thomas and John Banaszak
To attend either event, register at www.pressleyridge.org/primantis. Your $5 fee includes a complimentary slice of pizza, a non-alcoholic beverage and a Press Your Luck ticket. You can also purchase $1 Press Your Luck tickets at participating Primanti’s locations.
Primanti Bros. Pressley Ridge Pittsburgh Steelers Markowitz Communications

12/01/2025

Bourbon pancakes for breakfast? Sign me up! Check out my latest foodie favorite on Woodshed: An Appalachian Joint.

Add a little bourbon to breakfast! We don't mean in a rocks glass. Maple syrup producers are now giving their classic product a kick by aging it in bourbon barrels.

09/18/2025

Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out this festival dedicated to a creepy cryptid! https://woodshed.life/blogs/history-amp-culture/mothman-is-real-important-in-one-wv-town Woodshed: An Appalachian Joint West Virginia Tourism Mothman Festival The Mothman Museum

Mothman, a now legendary humanoid insect, has transformed Point Pleasant, West Virginia, attracting swarms of fans from around the world.

07/14/2025

Have you ever wondered how hospitals and medical providers prepare for hurricane season? Wayne Brackin, CEO of KIDZ Medical Services in South Florida, talks about what he expects to see...both before and in the aftermath of a major storm.

By Vanessa Orr According to models from AccuWeather and Colorado State University, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be above average, with more storms and hurricanes than the […]

07/11/2025

What would you do with $47 million? The state of Alaska is planning some major infrastructure work...if it doesn't get delayed by the federal government. Check out what's in the works for the 49th state, at least for now. Alaska Business

From the depths of the Great Recession in 2009, a conduit of federal funding has plugged municipalities and tribes into a pot of money for transportation infrastructure.

07/10/2025

Alaska loves its local bands, and this year three groups were named to Alaska Business Monthly's "Best of" list. Check out what they have to say about making music on the Last Frontier! Alaska Business
https://digital.akbizmag.com/issue/july-2025/that-alaska-sound/

07/09/2025

I've often bypassed Chicago on my way to other places, but I got the chance to enjoy a weekend in town this past April, and I can't believe what I was missing! This cool midwestern city has so much cool art and architecture...and I barely scratched the surface. Can't wait to visit again! Visit Chicago The Bean Millennium Park

There is so much to see in this welcoming Midwestern metropolis that it’s impossible to spend just a weekend wandering the sights. While I tried to fit in as much as I could, I was left wanting more.

07/08/2025

Once a haven for movie stars and celebrities—including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Debbie Reynolds, Elvis Presley, Sonny Bono, and more—Palm Springs, CA, remains a welcoming retreat for those seeking an elegant yet down-to-earth getaway. Check out my recent visit to this mid-century modern mecca! Visit Palm Springs Visit California North Hills Monthly Magazine North American Travel Journalists Association

Greater Palm Springs (GPS) encompasses nine cities within the Coachella Valley: Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella.

06/15/2025

Did you know that birding tourism is a big thing? Especially in Alaska, where certain "bucket-list" birds can only be found. Check our my latest in Alaska Business to find out just how economically powerful these birders can be! Birdwatching Alaska Travel Industry Association

Alaska is a prime location for birdwatchers. Local guides help avian observers check bristle-thighed curlews off their bucket list.

06/15/2025

You know I love to write about the human/animal bond, and what better way than to do that than with a story on taking your animals to work? A number of Alaska businesses let employees bring their pets to the office, but you've got to know the rules...or you both could be in the doghouse. Alaska Business

As a perk for humans, some workplaces invite emotional support animals and pets. Learn the best way to integrate four-legged visitors.