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| What Pittsburgh's Talking About |
| PA House Passes Cell Phone Ban | The bill would ban students from using cell phones during the school day and require districts to set their own enforcement policies. There are some exemptions for students who use devices for medical, translation, or educational needs. The bill now goes to the state Senate, which passed a similar ban earlier this year. [TribLive] | - Starting this month, drivers in PA will be fined $50 if they're caught holding or using a phone while driving. [WPXI]
| | More Taxes?? | A new report from the acting Allegheny County Controller says the county will face "considerable fiscal concerns" if it can’t generate more revenue. Last year’s property tax increase gave the county some breathing room, but with rising costs and dwindling federal pandemic aid, the county will need to spend judiciously to maintain a balanced budget. The controller suggested property reassessments and payments from tax-exempt nonprofits could help. [🔒 Post-Gazette] | - More than half of the county’s 42 suburban school districts have also proposed raising taxes for the 2026-27 school year. [Public Source]
| | County Sheriff Sues Over Term Limits | Sheriff Kevin Kraus is suing Allegheny County, its council, and County Executive Sara Innamorato over a ballot referendum that he says would illegally impose term limits on his position. The November ballot question will ask voters whether the county should impose 12-year term limits for council members and row offices, such as controller, district attorney, sheriff, and treasurer. [KDKA] | | Pittsburgh Fire Chief Put On Paid Leave | Chief Darryl Jones is on paid leave while the city conducts an internal investigation. Jones has led the bureau since 2007. Few details have been shared, but a source told WESA that the investigation is not a criminal matter but related to bureau management. [WESA] |
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| | | This summer, escape to Athens County, Ohio — where over 100 miles of mountain bike trails, scenic paddling, hiking, and winding backroads meet the laid-back energy of Athens, a classic college town. With the university on summer break, Athens has a different vibe. Come enjoy the local foods, live music, and college-town charm without the crowds. Trade traffic for trails and discover your summer getaway in Athens County, Ohio. | |
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| A Guide To Touring Pittsburgh’s City Steps |
|  | Flowers in bloom along the Basin Street steps in Troy Hill. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh) |
| How do you get through the ups and downs of living in Pittsburgh? No, really — we have one of the hilliest cities in the U.S. | | The answer: a network of hundreds of public stairways locally referred to as “city steps.” This unique infrastructure was the first public transportation system in Pittsburgh. | | Today, locals can walk these paths of the past to connect with our city’s history, explore neighborhoods, and get free outdoor exercise. | | The writers behind “City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide” joined us on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast to share a field kit to these steep and storied staircases. | | If you’re just getting acquainted with city steps, check out author Laura Zurowski’s recommendations for the best flights for urban hikes. | | | |
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| | | Step out from the shadows and onto the dance floor on Friday, June 12, for Mattress Factory’s biggest party of the year, Garden Party: Gothic. A ticket is your skeleton key to a museum transformed. Live performances haunt the halls and libations and vittles abound! Your support keeps Mattress Factory in the black. 100% of proceeds benefit the artistic, educational, and community outreach programs that make Mattress Factory a pillar of the arts. | |
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| | | Step into an intimate evening at Liberty Magic with world-renowned sleight-of-hand artist Javi Benitez, praised by Penn & Teller as the best they’ve seen. Expect astonishment, laughter, and moments that stay with you long after the final card has fallen. June 4 – July 5. |
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🧛 Tomorrow is Day One of StokerCon, a convention organized by the Horror Writers Association to honor the ‘Dracula’ author and his legacy of dark fantasy and horror literature A thousand attendees are expected at The Westin Pittsburgh Downtown for a series of panels, readings, and the Bram Stoker Awards Ceremony and Banquet. | | Whether you’re a writer, reader, or simply a Bram Stoker stan, you’re sure to find bone-chilling inspiration at the convention. Tickets to attend in-person or virtually are still available! |
| — Laura Tsutsui | City Cast’s Sophia Lo contributed to today's news and Francesca Dabecco wrote the city steps article. |
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