Your Daily Guide

URA Can’t Explain $600K

City Controller Rachael Heisler’s office found the city’s Urban Redevelopment Authority didn’t properly document how COVID relief money was distributed. The URA blamed staff turnover; the controller cites poor documentation policies. Heisler says she doesn’t believe the city needs to refund money, but called the errors “really sloppy paperwork.” [WESA]

• What about that other proposal? Last month, City Council narrowly approved a plan to divert 75% of new tax revenue from 40 years worth of future developments in Downtown and parts of the North Shore and the Strip District to fund revitalization projects in Downtown only. And who would control that money? The URA. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

E. Coli in the Waterways

A report from PennEnvironment found that from 2024 to 2025, more than half of Pittsburgh-area streams and rivers routinely showed “potentially unsafe levels” of E. coli and fecal matter, which when ingested causes vomiting and diarrhea. Sewage overflow can affect waterways during rainy spells. ALCOSAN started building a tunnel system to mitigate overflow this year, but the project won’t be complete ‘til 2036. [🔒 Post-Gazette]

• We warned our resident river swimmer Meg St-Esprit to steer clear. Might I suggest a dip in our public pools instead? [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Don’t Run Red Lights

Drivers, make better choices! Automated cameras went live this week at two intersections in Point Breeze and Beechview to identify cars running red lights. The city says 19 more are coming in the next few years. Once cameras are operational, there’s a 60-day grace period, after which drivers will owe $100 per violation. Mayor Corey O’Conner says 759 crashes from 2019 to 2023 were due to red light violations. [🔒 Post-Gazette / City Cast Pittsburgh]

Run 26.2 Miles for Fun

Registration for the 2027 Pittsburgh Marathon and its many events are now open. Challenge yourself to the full marathon, half marathon, a 5K, or recruit a toddler in your life to the adorably short Toddler Trot. Last year’s events drew 52,000 runners from 50 states and 34 countries. [P3R]

• Running-curious? Here’s what you need to know about running in Pittsburgh from a local run club founder and a trainer, plus tips about where to run — think bathroom access and minimal hills 🥴 [City Cast Pittsburgh]