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tinyurl.com/wesasocialGov. Josh Shapiro is calling on Pennsylvania lawmakers to come together and finalize a bill to prohibit students from using their cellphones during the school day.
As Shapiro calls for school cellphone ban, Pa. House pushes social media literacy
State senators passed a version of the cellphone bill late Tuesday. The legislation now sits with the House Education Committee, where Democrats are focusing instead on social media literacy.
Citing rising housing costs, limited supply, corporate pressures on prices, and declining aid from the federal govt, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato signed a sweeping executive order, relating to everything from gathering more housing data to expanding housing supply locally.
Innamorato executive order aims to study Allegheny County housing needs, increase supply
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato signed an executive order relating to everything from gathering more housing data to expanding supply.
The recent arrest of an immigrant from Nicaragua living in Oakmont is generating confusion from neighbors and blowback from local elected officials. They’re seeking clarity about the situation from ICE, but say the agency lacks transparency and has been largely unresponsive to their questions.
‘People feel for this family': Officials respond to Oakmont ICE arrest
ICE has remained tight-lipped about the reasons they took Jose Flores into custody last Thursday. His family has said he has a valid asylum claim and work permit.
Mayor Corey O’Connor nominated the two men for their roles: They were among the first choices he made to help lead the city last year. Both have been serving in an acting capacity since O’Connor took office.
Pittsburgh City Council approves Lando as new police chief, Williams as public safety director
Pittsburgh City Council approved two new leaders to head the city’s public safety division on Wednesday: Police Chief Jason Lando and Director of Public Safety Sheldon Williams.
At the heart of the event is the main stage on the North Shore, where picks are announced and players receive their respective team's jersey after being selected. That stage is set to be placed outside Acrisure Stadium along Art Rooney Avenue and General Robinson Street.
NFL, VisitPITTSBURGH unveil images for North Shore site of 2026 Draft
The NFL and the official Pittsburgh tourism bureau have released sample images of what the North Shore will look like during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026-2027 budget proposal has a record-setting $53.2 billion price tag, contains no tax increase, and includes a contingency fund in case of sudden changes in federal support under President Donald Trump.
Shapiro budget proposal includes record spending and pot legalization, but no new taxes
The budget also addresses the disruptions emanating from a Trump administration that has tussled with states over food stamp policy and other social services. A new "Federal Response Fund" would prop ...
A state House panel approved legislation Wednesday that would ensure workers in the meatpacking industry receive safety instructions in the language they speak. House Bill 1923 passed with a 14-12 vote along party lines.
House panel passes bill to make non-English speaking workers safer in the meatpacking industry
Employers would be required to provide training in any language spoken by at least 5% of work force.
A new Pennsylvania law aimed at removing unregulated vapes from the market and protecting kids may not be very effective due to loopholes, insufficient funding for enforcement, and limited public health backing.
A new Pa. law aimed at keeping unregulated vapes out of the hands of kids may not actually work
The law suffers from loopholes, insufficient funding for enforcement, and limited public health backing, experts say.
The Foundation said that it would give the city a $2M grant towards purchasing 15 new snowplows. News of the gift came one day after UPMC pledged $10M for new ambulances — a donation that Mayor= O’Connor said would free up enough of the city’s cash to purchase some 35 trucks.
Pittsburgh receives $2M PNC Foundation grant for 15 new snow plow trucks
Another chunk of cash is on its way to the city of Pittsburgh, which in the past day has received enough financial support to buy some 50 vehicles.
The organization, called Pittsburgh Alliance for People Empowered Reporting, or PAPER for short, seeks to look into possible models to continue reporting after the Block family, which owns the Post-Gazette, ceases publication.
Union workers launch initiative to research options for soon-to-be-shuttered Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Union journalists from the soon-to-be-closed down Pittsburgh Post Gazette joined with labor leaders and community representatives Thursday morning to launch an entity that organizers say will be dedic...
At a Wednesday public hearing City Councilors questioned prospective Police Chief Jason Lando and Director of Public Safety Sheldon Williams on how they’d respond to a number of public-safety challenges — including those posed by the federal government itself.
Pittsburgh acting police chief Lando discusses ICE, recruiting more officers and driving down crime
At a Wednesday public hearing City Councilors questioned prospective Police Chief Jason Lando and Director of Public Safety Sheldon Williams on how they’d respond to a number of public-safety challeng...
According to Pittsburgh’s Snow Response webpage, 50 vehicles from the Department of Public Works and an additional 25 contractors worked to plow streets overnight.
The city has a Snow Route Coverage map on its website, showing the status of routes that have been plowed in the last 12 hours.
As Pittsburgh keeps digging out from snow, garbage collection suspended and PPS remains remote
Pittsburgh continued to struggle to clear roads several days after Sunday’s storm dumped 11 inches of snow on the city.
"Oftentimes, coaches & players put on new team colors and it takes a minute to feel comfortable in those new colors. But to be blessed beyond any measure one day to put on the colors you wore since [were] brought home from Mercy Hospital... Pittsburgh's my world, & it's just awesome to be back here"
Who says you can't go home? Pittsburgh Steelers introduce Greenfield's Mike McCarthy as head coach
Mike McCarthy is officially the Steelers' successor to Mike Tomlin.
Several dozen demonstrators lined the sidewalk outside of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s Pittsburgh office during freezing temperatures Tuesday, calling for a “no” vote on funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Pittsburghers call on Sen. John Fetterman to vote against ICE funding
Several dozen demonstrators lined the sidewalk outside of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s Pittsburgh office during freezing temperatures Tuesday, calling for a “no” vote on funding for Immigration and Cust...
The Nature Conservancy has purchased the acreage in Adams Township, Cambria County, and transferred the land to the state's Bureau of Forestry for management as rare grassland bird habitat and public recreation space.
The Nature Conservancy acquires 200+ acres in Western Pa. to help protect rare birds
The Nature Conservancy has purchased the acreage in Adams Township, Cambria County, and transferred the land to the state's Bureau of Forestry for management as rare grassland bird habitat and public ...
Following the second death of a citizen at the hands of ICE agents in Minn., U.S. Sen. John Fetterman has joined other Democrats in criticizing the Trump administration’s tactics there. But he appears poised to approve more funding for immigration enforcement.
Fetterman criticizes immigration agents after Minneapolis shooting, but won't oppose funding
Fetterman’s new statement is not likely to mollify critics, who say that, while he bills himself as a supporter of immigrants, he has been absent from their fight. Lunchtime protests are set to take p...
At a press gathering, Mayor Corey O’Connor said he’s “expecting the worst” from the storm, which is projected to drop between 9-14 inches of snow on the area. He said he’s prepared to declare a state of emergency and, if needed, call in additional contractors and haulers to deal with the snow.
Pittsburgh officials say they’ve prepped additional plows, salt ahead of weekend snow storm
At a press gathering Friday morning, Mayor Corey O’Connor said he’s prepared to declare a state of emergency and, if needed, call in additional contractors and haulers to deal with the storm, which is...
After ownership of the Post-Gazette announced it would shut down the paper on May 3, newsroom members sprang into action, aiming to explore ideas to continue the paper. But tangled disputes have broken out between the union and non-striking staff over the paper’s fate — and union representation.
As Post-Gazette newsroom tries to save the paper (or start a new one), infighting ensues
Tangled disputes have now broken out between the union and the non-striking staff over the paper’s fate — and union representation.
Food was the focus of U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Wednesday visit to Harrisburg, but many Pennsylvania Democrats used the trip to push back on his other health policy positions, including a recent rescheduling of childhood immunizations.
RFK Jr. promotes food pyramid overhaul in Harrisburg while Pa. Democrats challenge vaccine guidance
Food was the focus of U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Wednesday visit to Harrisburg, but many Pennsylvania Democrats used the trip to push back on his other health pol...
Hundreds of people from throughout the region packed into the Shadyside Presbyterian Church to learn how to safely and lawfully observe and respond to ICE activity in their neighborhoods at a Tuesday-night event held by the newly formed organization Frontline Dignity.
Hundreds in Western Pa. gather to learn how to safely observe ICE activity
As Immigration and Customs Enforcement ramps up detentions and deportations in major cities, people in Western Pennsylvania are curious to learn about what they can do as bystanders.
What is the story with the snow coming for Pittsburgh this weekend? Depending where you look, it could be anywhere from a couple inches all the way up to a stunning 16-19 inches. (Stores, ready thy stocks of bread and milk!)
Will Pittsburgh see a huge snowfall this weekend or a light dusting? You’ll have to wait to find out
It all depends on the storm track — that is, the path that the low-pressure center of the storm traces across the country.
Local school leaders say they want to meet with students and their families as early as possible to smooth the transition to kindergarten — both for the sake of the students and their teachers.
Pittsburgh-area school leaders say early kindergarten registration is key to a smooth transition
The 2026-2027 school year is still eight months away, but districts across the Pittsburgh region have already started to enroll new kindergarteners.
Hundreds of federal employees at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received an email Tuesday notifying them they’re no longer subject to layoffs announced last spring.
After a year of uncertainty, federal mine safety research employees in Pa. get good news
“This has been a tough battle here. I think we’re finally coming to a true win.”
The report outlines the shape of blight in the city — the first assessment since a 2017 report by the Center for American Progress. Today, there are about 270 condemned buildings and about 5,000 vacant lots in the city’s inventory of tax-delinquent abandoned property that could be developed.
Task force outlines 5-year plan to eliminate blight in Pittsburgh and fund the land bank
A price tag of $32 million a year for five years could eliminate blight in the city of Pittsburgh, according to the findings of a city task force charged to find funds for the city’s land bank.
Civil immigration arrests would be prohibited within 1,000 feet of state-owned or leased facilities absent a judicial order or warrant under a proposal being developed in the Pennsylvania Senate.
Pa. lawmaker moves to ban warrantless civil immigration arrests near state buildings
The measure would apply to ICE and a growing number of local law enforcement agencies under contract with the federal agency.
Art Rooney II sensed Mike Tomlin might be ready for a change. Nineteen years doing any job is a long time, let alone in the white-hot spotlight that comes with coaching the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Surprised but not shocked, the Steelers prepare for life after Mike Tomlin
Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II says he wasn't shocked by coach Mike Tomlin's decision to step down after 19 seasons.
Local elected officials and North Side residents alike say they want to see more regulations on short-term rentals in Pittsburgh, following an incident at a New Year’s Eve party in which a North Side resident was shot in the leg.
Neighbors, officials seek regulation of short-term rentals in Pittsburgh after North Side shooting
Local elected officials and North Side residents alike say they want to see more regulations on short-term rentals in Pittsburgh, following an incident at a New Year’s Eve party in which a North Side ...
The Mike Tomlin era in Pittsburgh is over.
The longest-tenured head coach in major American professional sports stepped down from his job leading the Steelers on Tuesday after yet another quick playoff exit.
Mike Tomlin steps down after 19 seasons as coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Mike Tomlin era with the Pittsburgh Steelers is over. The longest tenured head coach in major American professional sports stepped down Tuesday after yet another quick playoff exit.
City controller Rachael Heisler, who also serves as district controller, issued a report in October that suggested PPS is losing out on millions in savings by approving millions of dollars in contracts without subjecting them to a competitive bidding process.
Better purchasing practices could cushion Pittsburgh Public Schools’ finances, city controller says
Pittsburgh Public Schools is eyeing revisions to its purchasing policies in response to concerns from city leadership.
The agreement with Vistra, the plant’s owner, will provide 2,600 megawatts of electricity from the 3 nuclear plants for Meta, the parent company of Facebook, over 20 years. The deal also includes 433 megawatts – enough to power over 300,000 homes – of increased generation from the three plants.
Meta reaches agreement to buy electricity from Beaver Valley nuclear plant to fuel AI data centers
Meta says it has reached a deal to purchase power from the Beaver Valley nuclear plant in western Pennsylvania and two others in Ohio, as part of its efforts to power its artificial intelligence ambit...
City officials lamented the fleet’s condition often in 2025, though a lack of investment has been a problem for years. Under then-mayor Gainey, the city originally earmarked $10 million for vehicle investments in last year’s budget, but several officials estimated that is only half of what’s needed.
Pittsburgh City Council to consider fund for replacing snow plows, garbage trucks and other vehicles
If approved, the measure would allocate $20 million in each year’s budget to replace Pittsburgh snow plows, street sweepers, garbage trucks, ambulances and other vehicles.
One in three kindergarteners in Allegheny County were in a classroom with vaccination rates below the herd immunity threshold during the 2023-2024 school year.
Kindergarten vaccination rates at many Pittsburgh-area schools are below herd immunity
One in three kindergarteners in Allegheny County were in a classroom with vaccination rates below the herd immunity threshold during the 2023-2024 school year.
Consumers could feel an even greater squeeze in the years ahead, as utility companies predict that efforts to build data centers across the state to meet the AI demand will make the energy crunch worse.
As Pa. energy prices rise, advocates skeptical that lawmakers will put aside partisan differences
Consumers could feel an even greater squeeze in the years ahead, as utility companies predict that efforts to build data centers across the state to meet the AI demand will make the energy crunch wors...
During the 1800s, Pennsylvania was at the epicenter of the rye whiskey industry. Prohibition caused most of the distilleries to close, and the state’s legacy was forgotten.
Reawakening Pennsylvania’s forgotten whiskey history
During the 1800s, Pennsylvania was at the epicenter of the rye whiskey industry. Prohibition caused most of the distilleries to close, and the state’s legacy was forgotten.
During the 1800s, Pennsylvania was at the epicenter of the rye whiskey industry. Prohibition caused most of the distilleries to close, and the state’s legacy was forgotten.
Reawakening Pennsylvania’s forgotten whiskey history
During the 1800s, Pennsylvania was at the epicenter of the rye whiskey industry. Prohibition caused most of the distilleries to close, and the state’s legacy was forgotten.
Pennsylvania is likely to play a crucial role in determining the balance of power in Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, with four U.S. House seats expected to be competitive — more than any other state.
Pennsylvania expected to be a key battleground for Congress in 2026
Four Pa. House seats are likely to be at the center of midterm elections.
Advocates are raising concerns about protections for transgender people incarcerated at the Allegheny County Jail following a series of anti-trans directives from the Trump administration.
Stronger protections for trans people needed at Allegheny County Jail, advocates say
A Trump administration directive instructs correction facilities to disregard federal policies meant to prevent transgender and intersex people from being sexually assaulted.
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“Nobody’s Psychic: Finding & Losing Yourself” is Dani Lamorte’s look back at his life, from growing up in the 1990s in an evangelical Christian community in Armstrong County to his days at Pitt, his time in Arizona and his more recent life as a queer writer and artist living in Swissvale.
Transcending 'roots': Pittsburgh memoirist explores queer identity
Artist and writer Dani Lamorte, who grew up in an evangelical community in Armstrong County, explores his queer identity in his new memoir.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro launched his long-awaited re-election bid at a Pittsburgh carpenters union hall Thursday afternoon, promising a second term which could both cut red tape and affirm the bonds that join Pennsylvanians — and the country — together.
Gov. Shapiro kicks off long-expected reelection bid in Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro promised a second term which could both cut red tape and affirm the bonds that join Pennsylvanians — and the country — together.
Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation is largely falling along partisan lines when it comes to the Trump Administration’s move to take Venezuela’s president into custody – with notable exceptions.
Where does your Pa. member of Congress stand on Venezuela strikes?
Pennsylvania’s federal lawmakers weigh in on President Trump’s orders to strike Venezuela and capture its president.
Though he hinted at a run for months, one-time gubernatorial candidate and Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano announced Wednesday he will not challenge Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro this year. That leaves state Treasurer Stacy Garrity as the only GOP contender to declare an interest in the race.
State Sen. Doug Mastriano won't run against Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2026
Though he hinted at a run for months, one-time gubernatorial candidate and Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano announced Wednesday he will not challenge Gov. Josh Shapiro this year. That leaves state...
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The Blocks announce the demise of the Pittsburgh
@post-gazette.com one week after they folded
@pghcitypaper.com
Local news is more important now than ever before. Pittsburgh’s journalists need your support.
The owners of Pittsburgh’s largest newspaper say they will shut down in May.
Block Communications, Inc. said Wednesday it plans to publish the final edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and cease operations on May 3.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announces it is shutting down May 3
The company said it has lost more than $350 million over the past two decades while operating the Post-Gazette.
Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania is temporarily closing three of its four family planning clinics, leaving a significant portion of the organization’s 13,000 patients without medical care in the interim. Planned Parenthood said the closure is the result of a shortage of nurses.
Pittsburgh-area Planned Parenthood clinics are closing this month due to staffing shortage
Planned Parenthood has confirmed that its Downtown Pittsburgh location will close Jan. 23 and its Greensburg location will close Saturday. The Bridgeville clinic closed its doors in December. It’s unc...
The owners of Pittsburgh’s largest newspaper say they will shut down in May.
Block Communications, Inc. said Wednesday it plans to publish the final edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and cease operations on May 3.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announces it is shutting down May 3
The company said it has lost more than $350 million over the past two decades while operating the Post-Gazette.
Democratic state senators gathered in Harrisburg to mark — and denounce — the fifth anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol. But while their focus remained on law enforcement and protesters that died as a result of the event, lawmakers also put the spotlight on a more recent development.
Harrisburg Democrats mark 5th anniversary of Jan. 6 attack with outrage over pardons
Democratic state senators gathered in Harrisburg Tuesday to mark — and denounce — the fifth anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol. But while their focus remained on law enforcement and protest...
Rock climbing is the latest skill Neko has picked up, thanks to Pittsburgh Public Schools’ COVID Compensatory Services program. It’s how the district is working to recover the therapies and learning support students like Neko lost during the COVID-19 school shutdowns.
PPS is sending special education students rock climbing to remedy learning loss
This school year alone, Pittsburgh Public Schools is offering programs at nearly two dozen district schools and partners. It's a $2.2 million undertaking.
In his inauguration speech, O’Connor acknowledged the city faces major challenges, including a city budget that faces lean years, even after City Council passed a tax hike in the waning hours of 2025.
Corey O'Connor sworn in as mayor: 'Pittsburgh, it's time to redd up'
In his inauguration speech, O’Connor acknowledged the city faces major challenges, including a city budget that faces lean years, even after City Council passed a tax hike in the waning hours of 2025.
Former government officials say the state isn’t doing enough to regulate fracking waste, even as new research shows it’s far more radioactive than previously known.
25 years into fracking, Pennsylvania has yet to reckon with its radioactive waste
Former government officials say the state isn’t doing enough to regulate fracking waste, even as new research shows it’s far more radioactive than previously known.
More than a decade after regulators promised to improve reporting standards for this waste, an Inside Climate News investigation found huge discrepancies in state records.
Tracking oil and gas waste in Pennsylvania still a ‘logistical mess’
More than a decade after regulators promised to improve reporting standards for this waste, an Inside Climate News investigation found huge discrepancies in state records.
Every even-numbered election year, when voters choose presidents, governors and legislators, national groups hire temporary staff to find people not yet registered to vote, or who need to update their registration.
Pa. election directors call for reforms to 3rd-party registration drives
Not fraud, but incompetence, hinder an essential voting service, officials say.
A $42 billion federal grant program was supposed to expand broadband to all Pennsylvanians. But a year of cuts and rule changes leaves the program in a difficult position.
Expanding broadband in rural Pa. was complicated by rule changes and uncertainty in 2025
A $42 billion federal grant program was supposed to expand broadband to all Pennsylvanians. But a year of cuts and rule changes leaves the program in a difficult position.
