Shapiro vs. Garrity, a Mafia-Style Toilet Fundraiser & TBD on New Local Taxes

Pittsburgh and Allegheny County officially announced their 2027 budgets and … wow our finances are not looking good. Host Megan Harris and contributor Colin Williams explain where that money’s coming from (including a potential sales tax increase and proposed property reassessments), where it’s going, and why it’s so hard to pay for everything right now. Plus, a look at what’s coming on your November midterm election ballot. Gov. Josh Shapiro and state treasurer Stacy Garrity’s recent debate about data centers, skill games, school choice, and more. And our musings on a local youth basketball team that’s running a Mafia-style Pittsburgh potty protection racket to raise funds.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• City leaders target breakdowns in oversight that some say helped lead to Pittsburgh’s looming financial crisis [Post-Gazette]

• County Executive Innamorato proposes millions in budget cuts as federal policies hit home [Post-Gazette]

• 5 things to know about Allegheny County’s preliminary budget [TribLive]

• Josh Shapiro, Stacy Garrity face off in Pennsylvania governor's debate [WPXI]

• The top takeaways from the only debate between Gov. Josh Shapiro and Stacy Garrity [Spotlight PA]

• Shapiro, Garrity spar in Pa.’s 1st gubernatorial debate in 8 years [TribLive]

• Judge deems Pennsylvania’s school funding system unconstitutional [WHYY]

• Union celebrates legal win as U.S. Supreme Court rejects Pittsburgh Post-Gazette appeal [WESA]

• This Western Pa. youth basketball team is trying to get flush with cash using a toilet [Post-Gazette]

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