Bloomfield Starbucks unanimously becomes first unionized location in Pennsylvania
The Bloomfield Starbucks store on Liberty Avenue has become the first Starbucks location in Pennsylvania to win a union election. The National Labor Relations Board counted the mail-in ballots on April 13, finding the store’s 20 partners voted unanimously in favor of unionizing. “We are so proud to become the first union Starbucks café in…
Coven Brewing casts a spell on Pittsburgh beer scene
One of the great aspects of Pittsburgh’s beer scene is its variety. Walk into any local brewery, and you’ll notice its differences: in the menu, atmosphere, and what it’s trying to represent. And sometimes, like during my recent visit to Coven Brewing, you just walk in and say, “Holy shit, this is some good beer.”…
Pittsburgh makers join mass boycott of Etsy after fee increase
For independent artists and craftspeople, Etsy has provided a platform where they can sell their products to customers beyond their local market. As of Monday, Etsy sellers all over the country have waged a boycott against the online marketplace after it announced a 30% hike in its transaction fee. Those opposed to the increase, which…
B52, a popular Pittsburgh vegan restaurant, announces permanent closure
B52 has offered incredible vegan cuisine to Pittsburgh diners for the past six years. Now, a number of changes that have taken place in the years since the pandemic started have led to the restaurant owner announcing the Lawrenceville cafe’s permanent closure. In a post shared on B52’s Instagram page, owner Omar Abuhejleh wrote: “Few people open…
Pittsburgh City Council passes resolution supporting trans student athletes
On April 12, Pittsburgh City Council unanimously passed a Will of Council denouncing Bill 972, a state bill that would ban trans children from competing on sports teams appropriate to their gender. “House Bill 972 is a cruel bully tactic specifically on trans girls,” city councilor Bruce Kraus (D-South Side), who sponsored the Will of…
A tax season spirit, dog-friendly brunch fest, and more Pittsburgh food news
Trace Brewing 4312 Main St., Bloomfield. tracebloomfield.com Tickets are now live for the April edition of Plates with Trace, a four-course prix-fixe dinner, and dessert with beer pairings. Jackie Page of Love Rocks Cafe will be the chef for the evening. This event will take place on Tue., April 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the…
Safely get rid of household chemicals at drive-thru collection
The Pennsylvania Resources Council is launching its 2022 household chemical collection campaign by hosting a drive-thru event at PPG Paints Arena to provide Pennsylvania residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of household cleaners, automotive fluids, paints, pesticides, and other products containing potentially hazardous components. This first PRC household chemical collection of 2022 will take…
Mattress Factory names new executive director
The Mattress Factory has chosen a new executive director, and the name might be familiar to those in the Pittsburgh arts community. The North Side contemporary art museum named David Oresick as the new executive director. Oresick currently serves as the executive director and chief curator of the Silver Eye Center for Photography in Garfield. Oresick will…
Pittsburgh celebrates Charlie Chaplin’s birthday with special screening
If your films are still being discussed over a century after their release, chances are you’ve made your mark on the film industry. Such is the case with Charlie Chaplin, whose legacy will carry on in Pittsburgh during a special 133rd birthday showing of his 1921 film The Kid at the Harris Theater. Taking place…
Drusky Entertainment responds to social media allegations; says they don’t “pay to play”
A social media post about Drusky Entertainment is drawing criticism from area musicians and event organizers, but the local concert promoter says the allegations are unfounded. On April 8, Dr. Amber M. Epps, founder of Local 412, described on Facebook as a “united guild of Pittsburgh hop hop artists,” shared a link to an artists’…
Pennsylvania bill introduced to allow edible weed products in medical program
State representative Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) has introduced a bill that would add food products containing THC to the roster of medical weed products sold in Pennsylvania. “Pennsylvania’s patients should be able to buy edible medical cannabis that is safe, uniform, and securely packaged and labeled, just as they do in 25 other states that have…
Song Spotlights: Miiss Indy, James the Seventh, and more music out of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh musicians have recently released a lot of good music. Pittsburgh City Paper has compiled a list of new and new-ish tracks to add to your daily rotation or locally-focused playlists. Miiss Indy – Here We Go This song is certified smooth and reminds me of a bygone R&B era. Miiss Indy’s vocals are warm and self-assured,…
A farewell to Estelle Harris, former Tarentum resident and Ashkenazi sex symbol
Estelle Harris, a former Tarentum resident and an actress and comedian most famous for her role as George Costanza’s mother on Seinfeld, died last week at 93. Obituaries have focused on her skill at “play[ing] the shrill and unhinged,” and the way she, as Estelle Costanza, found “universal” resonance through the particularity of her portrayal…
The Northman is a jaw-dropping work of madness
When describing the process of filming Robert Eggers’ The Northman, Ethan Hawke told The New Yorker, “I’ve spent my life wondering, ‘Will I ever get to be on a set that feels like Apocalypse Now? You know, like, somebody’s trying. They have the balls, and the hubris and the arrogance to say, ‘I want to…
Lynn Cullen Live – 04/11/22
“Think about all these right-wingers always talking about ‘FREEDOM, FREDDOM,’ and these are the guys that see nothing wrong with the government taking control of women’s bodies. I guess when they squawk about freedom, they’re not thinking of women. Do they get freedom? All these guys who think their freedom is being violated when they’re…
Art All Night returns in person with free gallery shows, performances, and more
For over 20 years, Art All Night has been one of the most anticipated events in Pittsburgh, drawing huge crowds for an extravaganza of free activities, gallery shows, music, and more. After two years of being stuck online due to the pandemic, it returns in person, and the search is now underway for art submissions,…
Now Hiring: Library Services Supervisor, Photography Manager, and more Pittsburgh job openings
We searched the web to find some of Pittsburgh’s best job openings this week. If your company is hiring, send info including a job title, description, and salary range to jobs@pghcitypaper.com. Nonprofit Library Services Supervisor. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is hiring a full-time Library Service Coordinator for its Rare Books & Special Collections department. The…
Buggin’ Out: CMU students race self-made buggies in Oakland
Flagstaff Hill became a high-speed racetrack this weekend thanks to Carnegie Mellon University’s student engineers, mechanics, designers, and athletes. On April 8, students, parents, alumni, and locals cheered on runners during CMU’s 100th Sweepstakes, a student-led buggy relay race around Flagstaff Hill in Oakland. The buggies — student-made, aerodynamic vehicles — raced around an almost-mile…
An artist’s plea for Pittsburgh to redesign its city flag
Tell me what the Pittsburgh flag looks like. Can’t do it? If you’re lucky, you might remember that it’s black and gold. I’m doubtful anyone reading this could redraw it from memory because it’s so forgettable. I want a flag that speaks to us, one that Pittsburghers would proudly fly outside their homes. It’s time…
PNC Carousel reopens in Schenley Plaza
A popular Oakland landmark makes its return, bringing back a bit of colorful fun to the neighborhood. Starting on Mon., April 11, the PNC Carousel in Schenley Plaza will re-open to the public. This will mark the 16th season for the carousel, a wheelchair-accessible amusement ride available for anyone to enjoy. “We are excited for another…
Waiting in the Wings photography book addresses mental health in Pittsburgh dance scene
Pointing out that artists and performers took an especially bad hit during the pandemic feels redundant at this point, but reiterating it does little to actually aid those recovering from the effects of the last two years. A new photography book will set out to help Pittsburgh dancers bounce back, and raise awareness about the…
Sad Karaoke encourages downer songs for good causes
Sometimes it feels good to be sad, to put on the mopiest song you can think of and get in your feelings. With this sentiment in mind, Andrea Laurion and Matthew Buchholz created Sad Karaoke, a night where you can gather with all of the city’s moodiest and sing your favorite heart-wrenchers. After a successful first…
Red Cross urges Pittsburghers to donate blood in honor of National Minority Health Month
Earlier this year, the American Red Cross announced that the U.S. is amid the worst blood shortage in over a decade, and Pennsylvania continues to feel the effects. The Red Cross urges Pittsburghers over the age of 16 to donate blood this April in honor of National Minority Health Month, which was established by Congress…
Point Park University to hold first Lavender Graduation for LGBTQ students
A Lavender Graduation, or Lav Grad, is a ceremony that honors members of the LGBTQIA+ community who have earned degrees at various colleges and universities. This year, Point Park University will host its inaugural Lavender Graduation to recognize the achievements and successes of LQBTQIA+ students and allies of the community who are a part of the graduating class…
Artists debut “The Legacy of Butterflies” mural as part of Duolingo program
Public art, specifically murals, has become increasingly important in the Pittsburgh arts community. Back in 2003, “Lend Me Your Ears,” a mural by Jordan Monahan, executed with assistance from Alison Zapata, was one of the many art projects that welcomed visitors to and honored the residents of East Liberty. But in 2015, “Lend Me Your Ears”…
After Hours: Natalie Bencivenga interviews Steve Irwin
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pittsburgh City Paper (@pghcitypaper) After Hours host Natalie Bencivenga interviews Steve Irwin, an attorney from Squirrel Hill who is running for Congress in the newly configured District 12. Listen as they discuss issues involving Build Back Better, health care, and climate change, as well as addressing…
On the Tahn: Dance parties and live music at COBRA, Cinderlands, and more (April 7-10)
Thu., April 7 Ky Vöss Album Release Show The Government Center 7-11:59 p.m. Dream pop artist and producer Ky Vöss may now be NYC-based but will return to Pittsburgh for a release show in support of her latest album The After. The Childlike Empress and Good Sport will also perform. 715 East St., North Side. $10…
Lynn Cullen Live – 04/07/22
Lynn is talking about the FBI arresting two men in Washington, DC for allegedly impersonating Department of Homeland Security agents for more than two years. Plus she’s talking about 9 ft. tall people that lived in the area, and Trump admitting that he lost the election. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5…
Prevention Point questions Pennsylvania’s recent increase in higher-dose naloxone access
Last month, Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson expanded the state’s standing order prescription for naloxone nasal spray to include a nasal spray with a higher dose of the opioid antagonist. While a March 23 press release from the Wolf Administration frames the move as an “expansion” of the state’s naloxone provision to prevent fatal…
OP-ED: Pa. legislators advanced SB913 in spite of opposition from “virtually all of the major decarceral grassroots orgs in the state”
At one time, probation was a progressive reform, but today, it is one of the primary drivers of mass incarceration. Nor is probation any longer the “privilege” that many judges condescendingly claim it to be. It is increasingly a default sentence, despite falling crime rates, as reported in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Rarely does it displace…
Biden extends pause on federal student loan repayments; Dems keep up push for debt cancellation
The Biden administration has announced its plans to extend the pause on federal student loan repayments until the end of August. “I recognized in recently extending the COVID-19 national emergency, we are still recovering from the pandemic and the unprecedented economic disruption it caused,” President Joe Biden said in a statement on April 6. “If loan…
Lynn Cullen Live – 04/06/22
Lynn has a guest today, Mark Scheeren co-author of The Freedom Model. Mark is an expert on the falsity of the disease concept and the failings of the 12 step paradigm as a whole. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
Black-led community spotlight: Tika Hemingway of Pittsburgh Girls Box
Editor’s note: This story mentions sexual assault. Chatiqua “Tika” Hemingway, a North Side native and champion boxer, traveled a long and difficult road to get where she is today. Key pieces of her boxing career — which includes two medals and a championship belt — are on display at the Heinz History Museum, part of…
Allegheny County Health Department moves away from daily COVID case numbers
The Allegheny County Health Department is no longer releasing daily COVID case numbers, a change signaling a shift in how the agency is monitoring the pandemic in the region. Acknowledging factors that complicate the accuracy of official case counts, Dr. Debra L. Bogen, director of ACHD, announced at a March 16 press conference that the…
Papa depicts “memories, fantasies, and heartaches” of one Asian-American family
Playwright Bailey Lee puts the age of her beloved grandfather, Hall Lee, at 87 years, but it comes with a caveat. “It’s a little bit funny because we don’t know his exact birth year,” Bailey says of Hall — or, as she calls him, Papa — who, as a teen, emigrated from rural China to…
Behind Uncle Jammy’s Sauce company’s road to success
There’s no right way to fight your way out of a downward spiral. Sometimes, however, there is a moment where you understand that things can go one of two ways. For Jamal Etienne-Harrigan, that moment came in the middle of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in March 2020, surrounded by a huge event that…
The top events in Pittsburgh for April 7-13
Thu., April 7 LIT • HYBRID Two authors will come together at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall to discuss a fascinating local artist during the latest Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures event. Maxwell King and Louise Lippincott will give some perspective on American Workman, a book about self-taught painter John Kane, who broke into the art…
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY: April 7-13
ARIES (March 21-April 19): To provide the right horoscope, I must introduce you to three new words. The first is “orphic,” defined as “having an importance or meaning not apparent to the senses nor comprehensible to the intellect; beyond ordinary understanding.” Here’s the second word: “ludic,” which means “playful; full of fun and high spirits.”…
