In December 2019, then-Wilkinsburg Police Officer Robert Gowans shot and killed Romir Talley, a 24-year-old Black man. After initially failing to release Gowans' name, Wilkinsburg police released it more than a year and half after the killing, and noted that he had been placed on administrative leave shortly after the shooting in 2019, but returned to his position later. At some point, Gowans was no longer with the Wilkinsburg police, and then this week, KDKA reported that he was hired by the Penn Hills Police Department in April 2021...
"At the end of the day, what we're looking at is the potential of a quarter of a billion dollars going directly to make the city of Pittsburgh more equitable, and I think that's a good investment." "Five Minutes With ..." host Natalie Bencivenga interviews incumbent Mayor Bill Peduto about his run for re-election, discussing issues surrounding nonprofits like UPMC paying their fair share of taxes, as well as the police budget, fracking, his response to the pandemic, and more...
UPDATE — 3:25 p.m., Mon., May 17:
Number of today's new positive cases in Allegheny County: 162 (two day total) Number of today's new coronavirus deaths in Allegheny County: 5...
Starting last year, Pittsburgh began using a social media monitoring software called ZenCity. The software, used by dozens of municipalities throughout the U.S., analyzes public social media posts to gauge community sentiment about issues related to city government — like coronavirus responses, natural disasters, local emergencies, transit policies, and misinformation...
After over a year of limiting the number of passengers to help slow the spread of COVID-19, the Port Authority of Allegheny County plans to increase capacity limits on its public transit vehicles. Today, Port Authority announced that on Mon., May 31, more passengers will be able to board buses and light rail...
I am Dr. Alison Huguley, a Black immigrant woman, lifelong educator, and until last month, Assistant Superintendent for Pittsburgh Public Schools. After several years of intractable struggles for strong and equitable schools, and a loss of all confidence in the office of the superintendent, I have joined many other talented leaders and administrators in moving our fight outside of PPS...
About 250 people gathered at the corner of Forbes Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard in Oakland Fri., May 14, for a Stand in Solidarity with Palestine protest in response to the escalated Israeli militarized violence against Palestinians. This includes the Israeli police recently raiding Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan and the forced displacement of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah, a predominantly Palestinian neighborhood in East Jerusalem...
Over the course of the last year, if there’s been one thing we’ve learned to do, it’s cheer for the little things. So if you happened to be at PNC Park on Monday night to see the Pirates lose 14-1 to the Reds, your correct response should’ve been, “Hey, it’s still baseball."
Late spring is known for many things — increased pollen, a few rare sunny Pittsburgh days, and farmer’s markets opening for the season. From fresh produce to prepared foods to other home goods and gifts, here’s a guide to the local farmer’s markets, what they offer, and when and how you can purchase from them...
Out of more than 3,100 complaints about Pittsburgh Police officers to the city’s Citizen Police Review Board over the last decade, more than 6% of them came from just 1.2% of officers. Just 11 officers — of the 919 that received complaints between 2010-2019 — had more than 13 complaints each...
On May 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance that fully vaccinated individuals can resume indoor and outdoor activities without wearing a mask or social distancing. However, those traveling planes, trains, buses, and other forms of public transportation still have to wear masks, according to the CDC...
A new arts advocacy program is popping up in Pittsburgh. Members of three local arts organizations and Carnegie Mellon University have united to create Pittsburgh Arts Administrators of Color...
The Tull Family Theater in Sewickley has worked to create programming combining film with low-cost or free screenings, educational opportunities, and chances to connect with the community. Now the theater has announced a new artists-in-residency program to advance the work of two local Black filmmakers...
Republicans voted Wednesday to remove U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney from her leadership position after her continued pushback against former President Donald Trump’s baseless claims of voter fraud in the presidential election. Saying they want to unite the party in an attempt to win back the House in the 2022 midterm elections, GOP lawmakers in a closed door meeting removed Cheney (R-Wyo.) in a voice vote...
Sometimes hooking up with a hot date is a better option than staying at home and binge watching Netflix. One-night stands aren't for everyone, but casual sex is a fun pastime for many open-minded people...
Many narratives flow through Pittsburgh, from those of a blue-collar, steel-producing town to those of a recent renaissance for tech companies to those of Black communities disproportionately affected by gentrification, displacement, and inequitable drug sentencing laws. No single story is complete without the others, but the essays and poems that make up The Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guidebook are a good place to start...
Pittsburgh City Council passed a bill on May 11 that recognizes certified LGBTQ-owned businesses as eligible for professional aid and support and has the goal of tracking and boosting LGBTQ-owned businesses in Pittsburgh city affairs. Mayor Bill Peduto signed the bill on May 12, making Pittsburgh the first city in Pennsylvania to expand opportunities and support for LGBTQ-owned businesses in municipal contracting and procurement...
Gov. Tom Wolf recently announced that Pennsylvania will be loosening gathering restrictions for indoor and outdoor ventures, with those restrictions being lifted completely two weeks later. Effective Mon., May 17, the maximum capacity limits for indoor events and gatherings will be increased to 50% and outdoor events and gatherings will be upped to 75%.
UPDATE — 4:09 p.m., Wed., May 12:
Two weeks after announcing a hybrid model for the 2021 Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has made even more adjustments to its programming, making it more open and accessible. Today, the Trust announced via a press release that its Featured Music Concerts at the Dollar Bank Main Stage will move from the Byham Theater to Point State Park...
