Pittsburgh City Paper’s late managing editor Alex Gordon wins Golden Quill award
As an editor, it’s often difficult to know which stories to submit for yearly awards. No publication really knows what judges are looking for, and sometimes, you don’t even know what kind of competition you’ll be facing. But this year, there was one story I immediately knew I was submitting to the Press Club of…
Sean Parnell previously downplayed accusations against Roy Moore, latest in string of controversial statements
Pennsylvania Republican Senate candidate Sean Parnell was part of a panel during a CNN political show in late 2017 discussing then-Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore and the sexual assault allegations made against Moore. Parnell repeatedly downplayed those accusations and defended the Republican National Committee and then-President Donald Trump for supporting Moore, even after the allegations,…
Song Spotlight: “Spill” by SLUGSS
Pittsburgh bands have been conquering the shoe-gaze, haze rock sound recently, and ensemble SLUGSS is another act to add to the list. The SLUGSS track “Spill,” off of their forthcoming album Live at Monster Mansion, is breezy and shiny, with a sound that conjures images of the sun and warmer days. SLUGSS consists of Lukas…
Pittsburgh lawmakers introduce statewide adult-use cannabis bill
Two western Pennsylvania state lawmakers have introduced a bill to legalize recreational cannabis in the commonwealth. State Reps. Jake Wheatley (D-Hill District) and Dan Frankel (D-Squirrel Hill), both Pittsburgh Democrats, introduced HB 2050, a bill that would make the purchase and consumption of recreational cannabis legal for anyone 21 years of age or older. “I’m…
5 Questions with Julien Baker
Julien Baker is on tour for her album, Little Oblivions, and she’s stopping in Pittsburgh on Wed., Sept. 29 for a sold-out show at Mr. Smalls Theatre. The new record delivers what people have loved about Baker’s music, with deeply emotionally resonant and vulnerable lyrics accompanied by her powerful voice. But, this new record also…
Queens Gambit welcomes young players back to the board for Pittsburgh Chess Week tournament
Chess has seen a recent surge in popularity thanks to the Netflix show The Queen’s Gambit, about an orphan who demonstrates a talent for the strategic game. Now a local organization is getting ready to invite young players back to in-person tournaments again, just in time to capitalize on the streaming service’s unlikely hit. Queens…
Google partners with 15 local organizations to tell Pittsburgh’s history
Google Inc. announced on Sept. 28 that it will be adding 15 local organizations to its project to help tell the arts and culture history of Pittsburgh, which they plan to reveal on Wed., Sept. 29 Google Arts & Culture, a nonprofit branch of Google, announced they partnered with local organizations to create “Pittsburgh: Proud…
Shell cracker plant confirms a sweet-smelling odor came from its Beaver County facility
Residents throughout Beaver County have reported a maple-syrup-like odor over the weekend. Shell Pennsylvania Chemicals responded on Facebook on Sun., Sept. 26, confirming the odor and informing people that the odor might be related to passivation activities in the cooling water tower, which are treatments that prevent corrosion, completed Thursday. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection…
Free tacos, Vegan Vinyl, and more Pittsburgh food news
Vegan Vinyl x Preserving Record Shop 1101 Fifth Ave., New Kensington. instagram.com/sweetalchemybakeshop The Vegan Vinyl event is coming back and ready for spooky season. On Oct. 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., join Sweet Alchemy Bake Shop and Preserving Record Shop for a day of crate-digging and good vegan eats. Food will be provided by Sweet Alchemy,…
The Sailor brings an immigrant perspective to Pittsburgh’s film landscape
The ethnic makeup of Pittsburgh has always been a complex topic, its array of cultures clashing with deep hometown pride that can lead to exclusion. More specifically, Middle Eastern and Arab-Americans are an underrepresented group in the city and often left out of the conversations on diversity in the area. Two Pittsburgh filmmakers are drawing…
Rep. Mike Doyle proposes bill to boost solar-energy manufacturing in America
To promote the Country’s progress towards renewable energy, Pittsburgh’s U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Forest Hills) announced on Sept. 27 the introduction of the Solar Supply Chain Act, which invests in making the nation a large manufacturer of solar components. Doyle said in a statement on Sept. 27 that the proposed legislation could help create over…
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy celebrates 25 years with Making Your Parks Shine
Of all the things to love about Pittsburgh, the parks, some might argue, are the crown jewel of the city. Part of the reason the parks thrive is because of the work done by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, an organization that seeks to maintain and care for the many green spaces in the Pittsburgh region.…
Who will get a booster shot? A Q&A about what federal officials are saying
WASHINGTON — Booster shots soon will begin rolling out to some Americans who received the two-shot vaccine made by Pfizer — after a contentious and confusing federal approval process that isn’t over yet. Determining who exactly should be rolling up their sleeves for an additional dose was tricky. The Biden administration had leapfrogged federal regulatory…
Kodiak, the sea eagle still missing in Pittsburgh, has had quite the weekend
On Sept. 25, a Steller’s Sea Eagle who lives within Pittsburgh’s National Aviary, apparently escaped its enclosure. The large bird, named Kodiak, has been on the loose ever since, with some intermittent sightings, but no capture and return to the North Side facility. The National Aviary has asked people who encounter Kodiak to keep their…
Lynn Cullen Live – 9/27/21
Video Archive Lynn is talking about the Arizona Election recount audit results and how a conservative lawyer, John Eastman, working with then-President Donald Trump’s legal team created a six-step plan for Pence to overturn the election for Trump. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
Who is Marcher Arrant and why did he walk all over Pittsburgh?
It’s nearly impossible to walk through Pittsburgh without spotting one of Marcher Arrant’s stickers. There’s one on The Andy Warhol Bridge above the Allegheny River, on a rusty pole near The East End Food Co-op grocery store, one down low and half hidden by weeds on the North Side. I first started noticing them earlier…
QBurgh receives extension to challenge Delta’s proposal to trademark “Pittsburgh Pride”
Pittsburgh Pride, an annual celebration meant to uplift the local LGBTQ community, has seen more than its fair share of tumult related to its former organizer, the Delta Foundation. Between the outcry over lack of representation in its ranks, the controversial choice of musical acts, and the resignation of its former leader, as well as…
Now Hiring: Art Director, Cookie Factory Mixer, and more job openings this week in Pittsburgh
We searched the web, and asked our readers to help us find some of Pittsburgh’s best job openings this week. If your company or business is hiring, or you spot a cool job you think is worth highlighting next week, send it our way at jobs@pghcitypaper.com. Nonprofit Community Outreach Coordinator and Development Manager. Nonprofit Mon Valley…
About 200 march for Sunrise Movement Pittsburgh’s Strike for Climate Justice
Hundreds gathered in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood on Sept. 24 at noon for Sunrise Movement Pittsburgh’s Strike for Climate Justice to protest for more action to combat climate change. The crowd marched from Oakland to Downtown’s City Council Building, swelling to about 200 people. The strike encouraged students and workers to leave their classes or jobs…
Nebby post alert: Mice take over a whole street in Lawrenceville
In Pittsburgh, locals call being gossipy “nebby” and Pittsburghers looooove to be nebby. And while nebbiness used to be confined to water coolers, neighborhood meetings, or chats on the porch, modern-day nebbiness can now be found online. The nebbiest posts are usually found on Nextdoor.com — a social media site for sharing neighborhood happenings that is sometimes…
Song Spotlight: “Intertwined” by Nice Rec
If you are into music with few words, and heavy on the vibes, you’ll love the new album Drink The Blue Sky by Nice Rec. This entire album is dripping gold, with grooves that call to mind Khruangbin or NxWorries but with a more electronic flavor. The tracks that see Nice Rec collaborating with others…
Pittsburgh officials unveil ambitious, long-term transportation vision plan
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and Karina Ricks, director of the city’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, announced a 50-year Mobility Vision Plan on Thu., Sept. 23, sharing the city of Pittsburgh’s ambitious transit goals. The long-term transportation plan includes ideas for a central terminal location, a hyperloop system, an aerial tram system connecting neighborhoods, and…
Musical numbers shine in messy film adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen
Dear Evan Hansen, Today is going to be a good day. Why you may ask? Because this movie was not as much of a dumpster fire as we had expected it to be. Dear Evan Hansen, the movie adaptation of the 2016 hit Broadway musical, has been highly anticipated, but not necessarily in a good…
Pa. Attorney General sues to block subpoenas from Senate GOP election investigation
In a lawsuit filed on the afternoon of Sept. 23, Pennsylvania’s top prosecutor challenged 17 subpoenas issued by Senate Republicans, for voter’s identifying information, as part of the GOP-backed investigation into the 2020 general and 2021 primary elections. In a 76-page suit, filed in Commonwealth Court, Attorney General Josh Shapiro argues that the subpoenas issued…
CMU creative writing professor Jim Daniels retires after 40 years; releases new poetry collection
Jim Daniels has published or collaborated on approximately 41 books since his debut poetry collection Places/Everyone won the Brittingham Prize in 1985. The recently retired Carnegie Mellon University creative writing professor’s bibliography includes poetry chapbooks and collections, books of short fiction, and edited anthologies. Daniels’ new poetry collection, Gun/Shy (Wayne State University Press) will be…
Seven unexpected restaurants serving surprisingly good crispy chicken sandwiches
Fried chicken sandwiches are everywhere right now. After a well-publicized battle starting in 2019 between Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Chick-Fil-A over who had the best fast-food chicken sandwich, just about every other franchise and food joint has introduced their own Southern-style fried chicken sandwich. Even in Pittsburgh, far from the Southern states, it’s not hard to…
Port Authority of Allegheny County awarded $216 million in federal COVID grant
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced on Sept. 20 that Port Authority of Allegheny County would be awarded $216.9 million in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The grant funds are intended to aid transit agencies with maintaining their services, pay transit employees, and also help in recovering agencies…
Reel Q highlights local and international films for latest Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Reel Q is bringing back its popular Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Film Festival for its 36th year, highlighting 14 features, over 60 short films, and four in-person screening events. This year’s programming will be a hybrid of in-person and online screenings, so you can watch in a crowd or from the comfort of your own home. This…
Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. runs fundraiser for Pittsburgh-based organization No Dog Left Behind
National Coffee Day is on Sept. 29, and coffee-lovers and dog-lovers alike can celebrate, while also helping out some pups, with Grounds & Hounds coffee. Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. is a California-based company with a mission to donate a portion of their profits made from coffee, drinkware, home and living, and apparel to support…
On the Tahn: Dance parties and live music at Trace Brewing, Roxian Theatre, and more (Sept. 23-25)
Thu., Sept. 23 hyperBOP Spirit 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. hyperBOP is a dance night completely dedicated to hyperpop, synth, experimental pop and hip hop, electronic, trance, and rave. If you like SOPHIE, Crystal Castles, and Caroline Polachek, you’ll want to be there to join dj handsome boy, dj gummy, and dj pink diamond. 242…
Lynn Cullen Live – 9/23/21
Video Archive Good Fall Morning. Lynn is talking about the PBS documentary by Ken Burns of Muhammad Ali and his amazing boxing career, political activism, religious journey, and personal life. This and more today on Lynn Cullen Live. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
Lynn Cullen Live – 9/22/21
Video Archive Lynn is talking with Pennsylvania Capital Star reporter Steven Caruso about Senate Republicans voting to request identifying information from Pennsylvania’s roughly 9 million registered voters including their social security numbers. This plus more today on Lynn Cullen Live. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
U.S. Steel is challenging an Allegheny County proposed air quality regulation
On Dec. 24, 2018, part of Clairton Coke Works caught fire and knocked out the pollution controls at the U.S. Steel facility, causing the surrounding Mon Valley’s air quality to plummet to dangerous levels. Studies have shown the pollution from the fire led to exacerbated asthma rates among residents, including increasing the number of hospital…
The true meanings of racism and white supremacy
Words matter. Language has the power to heal, hurt, celebrate, or condemn. We can speak the same language, use the same words, and still not mean the same thing. I do not mean toe-May-toe vs. toe-Ma-toe. Nor do I mean elevator vs. lift or apartment vs. flat. So, what do I mean? I mean, to…
Seven Days in Pittsburgh: Sept. 23-29
Thu., Sept. 23 STAGE • IRL Take your little duckling to Little Lake Theatre Company’s production of Honk!, a family-friendly tale about accepting yourself. Based on a popular children’s book, the stage musical focuses on a baby fowl who feels different from his mom and feathered siblings. Follow him as he goes on a journey…
PICT Classic Theatre includes new, marginalized voices with Expand the Canon reading series
Sharon McCune has had a lot of roles in the Pittsburgh theater community, both on stage and off. Most recently, she starred in Quantum Theatre’s production of An Odyssey, and previously worked with Pittsburgh Public Theater, Bricolage, and other local theater companies. She also instructs future performers as a part-time faculty member at Point Park…
Black-led Community Spotlight: Tonic and Sage
As fall approaches, and with it cooler temperatures, it becomes more important to take care of your skin and hair. You probably already have favorite products, but you might want to try something new this year. If you’re looking for something local and Black-owned, look no further than Tonic and Sage. Tonic and Sage is…
芋见BAO’s wide variety of dim sum offers delicious options that are perfect for sharing
Compared to other cross streets between Forbes and Fifth avenues in Oakland, Atwood Street is a little quieter. Among the eateries on Atwood is 芋见BAO, which offers classic dim sum that can be difficult to find on Pittsburgh menus. 芋见BAO has a spacious dine-in area that, once you descend several steps, invites you in with…
PHOTO ESSAY: Why new ultramarathon participant Greg Brunner won’t stop running
“I knew I could run a half marathon. I knew I could run a marathon. I didn’t know if I could run 100 miles,” Greg Brunner said to me when we sat down to reflect on his first ultramarathon, a 50.3-mile race on the Baker Trail. In fact, the Baker Trail Ultra Challenge — a…
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY: Sept. 23-29
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Happy Birthday sometime soon, Libra! As gifts, I have collected six useful mini-oracles for you to meditate on during the rest of 2021. They’re all authored by Libran aphorist Yahia Lababidi. 1. Hope is more patient than despair and so outlasts it. 2. Miracles are proud creatures; they will not reveal…
