From rousing speeches to gun battles, the Pittsburgh region has seen some of the most notable moments in U.S. labor history.
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From rousing speeches to gun battles, the Pittsburgh region has seen some of the most notable moments in U.S. labor history.
Are you happily renting in Pittsburgh? Or are you looking for your first home? We’d like to hear your perspective for an upcoming series on declining homeownership in Pittsburgh.
Fundraising for Palestine is one of the biggest actions a Pitt student group undertakes. Over the last academic year, around $50,000 was raised. But Pitt suspended their activities. An injunction in their case against Pitt clears them for action.
In 1907, Allegheny County saw 526 worker deaths in mills, mines and other workplaces. In 2023, 169 Pennsylvanians died on the job. The numbers are smaller now—but the hazards haven’t gone away. buff.ly/31XCbLc
“I didn't want my kids to feel like they don't belong, because that's what I felt.” Fatuma Muhina, a refugee-turned-community leader, is fighting for Somali Bantu families in Pittsburgh schools. buff.ly/5cntwdX
Fatal accidents still plague Pennsylvania jobs. From coke ovens to construction, workers face evolving hazards across industries. buff.ly/31XCbLc
As a new academic year begins, a Pitt student group with a lawsuit against the university may resume activities, following a U.S. District Court injunction. www.publicsource.org/jpitt-palest...
Mail-in ballots have been hotly contested in recent elections. A federal court told Pennsylvania that it cannot discard ballots over inaccurate dates on the return envelope.
When Schenley High School closed, Fatuma Muhina lost her school community. Now, with 12 closures looming: “I feel like it's been a decision made already.” buff.ly/5cntwdX
Still renting a home in Pittsburgh? We’d like to know why, for an upcoming series on declining homeownership in Pittsburgh.
Worsening weather and limited government support has Monroeville residents relying on each other for “real life examples of people helping people and coming together.” buff.ly/kH0wsjT
In the latest of at least a half-dozen cases, a federal court has told Pennsylvania to stop throwing out mail-in ballots because the voter didn’t write an accurate date on the return envelope. (From partner AP) buff.ly/1DUAfbU
Imagine if Panther Hollow had a roof — and a nuclear reactor. That was the ambition of Edward Litchfield, 12th chancellor of Pitt in the 1960s.
Extreme weather may be here to stay, the Trump administration is cutting aid and it’s straining local communities. buff.ly/kH0wsjT
A report from Women For a Healthy Environment on schools across PA found high levels of dangerous materials in many schools. Around 14% of the state’s children have asthma, nearly double the national average. buff.ly/X74lyCh
In the 1960s, mills were still dominant in Pittsburgh. A project to turn Panther Hollow into the “Valley of Tomorrow” — with a nuclear reactor, a computing center and data bank — never came to fruition, but it laid the seeds for the meds and eds we see today. buff.ly/xIaoPlB
Wilkinsburg has more than 1,600 vacant lots or empty buildings. Residents are turning them into thriving community gardens with native plants and vegetables. buff.ly/2PqnPfE
“We know that every child deserves an environment free of environmental hazards, one that promotes clean air, clean water, and no exposure to any harmful chemicals." But that's not what a recent PA study found. buff.ly/X74lyCh
In Wilkinsburg, green scenes are sprouting from places once left to decay. “It’s this opportunity for everybody to meet together, sweat a little bit, and grow something beautiful.” buff.ly/2PqnPfE
An involuntary hospitalization for psychiatric care nearly doubles an Allegheny County resident’s risk of dying by overdose or suicide, or being charged with a violent crime. As the county tries to improve a fraught system, questions of inequity loom.
Wilkinsburg has more than 600 vacant lots, and residents are reclaiming them to create a thriving ecosystem of gardens for birds, bees and neighbors to enjoy. buff.ly/QKDcPwj
"A disturbing trend" of health hazards and inaction. A new report found that 95% of tested PA school districts found lead in drinking water — and only 11% tried to remediate it. Mold, radon and PFAS also reported.
As PA state and local governments aim to expand AI use, some experts urge caution: “I can see ways in which it can be useful in government. Right now, I’m not convinced that those ways outweigh the risks.” (From partner Next Generation Newsroom)
"A legacy of historical trauma." As Allegheny County considers assisted outpatient treatment for people who refuse psychiatric treatment, questions of racial equity in healthcare and incarceration resurface.
As an “overwhelmingly supportive” mother, Nicole stood by her son on his path to gender-affirming care. Now, she fears parents could one day face prosecution for helping their children. buff.ly/yW624HO
Students returning to Pennsylvania classrooms are likely to encounter unhealthy mold, radon and lead, and districts are moving slowly to remediate environmental hazards, according to a report issued by a Pittsburgh-based advocacy group today.
As Pennsylvania leaders aspire to set the state up as an AI and data center hub, the commonwealth is one of the first states to examine generative AI usage across the state government. Local governments are set to follow. (From partner Next Generation Newsroom) buff.ly/SbXS8ma
Science on the sidewalks and books on wheels — meet the curiosity drivers who deliver learning programs to youth facing housing insecurity in our region. buff.ly/fr9mDho
Due to a Trump executive order, 17-year-old Lee's gender-affirming care was cut off. Hot flashes and fear followed. "There’s a specific target on my head." buff.ly/5uqkzp0
An explosion last week at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works that killed two people has revived debate about its future just as the iconic American company was emerging from a long period of uncertainty. (From partner The Associated Press)
The number of youth in Allegheny County who experience homelessness grew 17% from the previous year. Winnie’s Wagon aims to support their learning needs by bringing the classroom to them. buff.ly/fr9mDho
Pitch your story today: buff.ly/LM1uw3H
Do you have a perspective to share with Pittsburgh? We want to hear about it. Take a look at these first-person essays and pitch us your story today. buff.ly/wHlkJrZ
“It's literally like a ticking time bomb. History is repeating itself." Qiyam Ansari, president of Valley Clean Air Now points to a long history of malfunctions at Clairton Coke Works that has eroded community trust.
Allegheny County may implement assisted outpatient treatment as a possible alternative to mental health commitments, or 302s. Here’s what to know about each process. buff.ly/ic4Dfxa
Pittsburgh Water raised prices in 2024. Now, they are seeking another increase — 33% over the next two years.
As violent crime rates fall, Allegheny County Jail is becoming more crowded. Pretrial detentions may be to blame. buff.ly/VSsFjO9
A charticle — complex reporting made easy. Explore key differences between two involuntary mental health processes in Pennsylvania: AOT vs 302 buff.ly/ic4Dfxa
After a decade of decline, Allegheny County's jail population is on the rise: up 40% from 2022. What’s behind the increase? buff.ly/VSsFjO9
Pittsburgh Water proposes rate hikes to fund infrastructure improvements. Here’s how it could affect your bill.
“I will hold their feet to the fire,” Gov. Shapiro said of his interest in accountability and transparency from U.S. Steel for Monday’s disaster. buff.ly/2CQcdDQ
Do you see new neighbors every week? Pittsburgh City Council is considering new legislation to regulate short-term rentals.
Allegheny County confirmed a second death at the Clairton Coke Works more than 10 hours after explosions rocked the Mon Valley plant. buff.ly/PFnixoI
Breaking: Explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Works leaves workers trapped under rubble. Emergency services are on the scene. buff.ly/iQ8zbsT
Community disruptors or economic drivers? Short-term rentals may see new regulations in Pittsburgh. Hosts and housing advocates are split on the matter.
“I don't know what to expect from it exactly, like I'm 17 and I don't understand lawsuits,” Garrett Hollabaugh says of a lawsuit he and three other minors filed against the gas giant EQT. buff.ly/J8bZIpB
The number of unsheltered people in Allegheny County has increased from 198 to 280 since Aug. 6 2023. Outreach workers are at odds with a rise in encampment clearings backed by city policy. buff.ly/1uZGrJT
“In a city where 23% of residents are Black, only around 12% of the police force reflects this demographic.” Leon Ford is looking to change that. buff.ly/sHIYM0B
20 volunteers with Casa San José Rapid Response team stood outside the strip mall location of Emiliano’s in Gibsonia as federal agents detained workers.
Amid clearings of unhoused encampments, outreach workers voice frustrations that “Folks are less willing to trust us . . . folks are being pushed to more dangerous locations.” buff.ly/1uZGrJT
“Do you want to make a point or a difference?” This question set Leon Ford on a path to advocate for law enforcement he once critiqued.
CMU lays off 18 employees in its School of Computer Science, affecting those in “several departments” with both administrative and academic support duties.
After an aborted sting in June, ICE agents returned to Emiliano’s Mexican Restaurant in Gibsonia to make multiple arrests. buff.ly/aEzvJV3
New name, fresh look, same commitment to journalism with empathy.
Public Source photojournalist @stephstrasburg.bsky.social has been nominated for Best Creative Photographer — Editorial in @pghcitypaper.com's "Best of PGH" awards. Here are a few reasons to vote for her. buff.ly/F1Bn14J
Four children who lived near the heart of EQT’s fracking operation in northern West Virginia are suing the natural gas giant in federal court.
“You have to have chutzpah” to weather the storm of economic uncertainty. Here’s how small business owners in Carnegie are responding to rising prices and declining foot traffic.
“I’m calling to express my gratitude … ” Messages like these bolster our work to share inspiring stories in a media landscape often dominated by disempowering coverage. buff.ly/H2eTR6a
Heat and humidity in Pittsburgh are tip-toeing the line of unprecedented, with monthly averages breaking decades-old records.
Shining a light on local ICE activity: buff.ly/iZZcoLK
When it comes to economic uncertainty: well-resourced neighborhoods may weather the storm while distressed communities qualify for assistance. Carnegie is “caught in the middle.” buff.ly/3mmB8kh
New modes of storytelling excite these Public Source interns as they consider careers in the ever-changing landscape of journalism. www.publicsource.org/public-sourc...
“If it has felt more humid this summer, it’s because it has been.” Meteorologist Tim Cermak confirms this Pittsburgh summer has been hotter and wetter. buff.ly/Q4DNJCZ
“When people cook together, they aren’t just making a meal; they’re building trust.” This is the philosophy behind Laurence Park’s efforts to break down cultural barriers in Pittsburgh. buff.ly/oTszOFK
Why did Pittsburgh City Council delay a vote on the proposed public safety training campus? From financial concerns to fears of police militarization, here’s where the project stands.
Pennsylvania’s budget impasse will delay billions of dollars in aid to schools and human services, says Gov. Shapiro.
The fractured media landscape is a worthwhile challenge for Public Source interns who pursue journalism with a passion for public service. buff.ly/7w42C6u
They may ultimately land at Moshannon Valley Processing Center. More info is here www.publicsource.org/resource-gui...
In this case John DeLuca said ICE was given permission to use the Ambridge PD station to process people who were arrested. The DHS location on Carson is commonly the first site for processing. After that they may go to Erie County Jail or Northern Regional Jail in Moundsville, WV.
A “saturation patrol” rocked the Beaver County river town of Ambridge with 12 ICE arrests late last night. buff.ly/xiPPQ7M
Reporter @quinnglabicki.bsky.social spent weeks on the ground with volunteers tracking ICE activity in the Pittsburgh region. His photographs portray scenes of local resistance to federal pressure. buff.ly/3mmkfRR
As a South Korean immigrant to the U.S. Laurence Park has “always lived between cultures.” Now he’s building a culinary community to bridge cultural divides. buff.ly/oTszOFK
Did your latest electricity bill spark an energetic reaction? If you're in Pittsburgh and seeing big changes in power costs, we'd like to know more. ⚡️ Email hannah@publicsource.org
So far this year ICE arrests in the Pittsburgh area have spiked 267% from the same period in 2024.
Lea este artículo en español aquí. buff.ly/MZUxMvL
“Ice melts in the sunlight, isn’t that what they say?” Meet Jaime Martinez, a community defense organizer working with hundreds of volunteers to monitor ICE arrests in Pittsburgh.https://buff.ly/3mmkfRR
There’s a new generation of human-centered designers — and they are still in high school. buff.ly/We69Tfm
Do you live in Allegheny County and have you or a loved one experienced involuntary mental health commitment? Public Source would like to learn from you for our ongoing series When Care is Compulsory. Please email venuri@publicsource.org if you are in a position to share.
If Pittsburgh doesn’t finalize a master plan for the site of a proposed public safety campus by June 2026, the federal government could reclaim the land. buff.ly/2uH9rnw
Local housing justice advocates gathered on July 28 to commemorate the mass displacement of Penn Plaza residents. Photojournalist @stephstrasburg.bsky.social was on the scene to document their calls for affordable housing in Pittsburgh. buff.ly/Tg1ZJJA
Cushioned headrests, textured condiment bottles and a selfie-stick for wheelchair users – these are some of the inventions area high school students created to assist people with disabilities.
When development and affordability collide: Penn Plaza changed Pittsburgh’s history of displacement, starting 10 years ago. Today, advocates and organizers continue the “call for affordable housing for all Pittsburghers.” buff.ly/pFEX1zQ
As Allegheny County weighs approaches to involuntary mental health treatments, what are they doing to help those at risk?
The “SNAP gap” is the difference in people who qualify for benefits and those who receive them. The national gap is around 18% — but for college students it’s 67%.
For Shannon Parris, running her own business meant taking control of her life and embracing her multiple disabilities, some of which she was only diagnosed with in her 30s. buff.ly/lt3hz6Q
In 2021, Ed Gainey campaigned on police accountability and transparency. The Citizen Police Review Board says his administration has been anything but transparent.
A 10-minute storm in late April knocked out power across the city and overwhelmed 911. The event prompted a climate-resilience response plan for the city. Here’s where things stand.
Flood risks rise as stronger storms bring heavier rainfall. Oakdale residents were told the damage from Hurricane Ivan was a once-in-a-lifetime setback. Since then, floods have grown increasingly common. buff.ly/xR8Izck
“The truth is, I feel like I don’t know how to be a person.” — Shannon Parris’ diagnosis changed that. And then she started her own business. buff.ly/lt3hz6Q
Did you lose power in that April 29 storm? So did some Pittsburgh public safety stations. Officials are now looking at keeping police, fire and EMS stations powered using generators during heavy storms, and working on a full plan for climate change's new hazards www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-g...
How can the Citizen Police Review Board investigate officer conduct without access to body-cam footage? The local watchdog says Gainey’s administration has not been transparent. buff.ly/5JzmOTW
When landlords ignore health codes, tenants, neighbors and whole communities suffer. Allegheny County is looking to fix that.
Empathy, anti-bullying and harassment education is crucial to curbing sexual assault. But program providers are concerned that funding shortfalls will erode efforts to prevent violence.
Hurricane Ivan rocked Pittsburgh-area boroughs in 2004. For some communities like Oakdale, flooding hasn’t eased. buff.ly/xR8Izck
The Hurricane Ivan flood was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime event in Oakdale and many other communities. Climate change, though, has made high water a constant concern - and gov't is struggling to respond, Hannah Johansson of @publicsource.org reports www.publicsource.org/oakdale-freq...
Following CMU's restrictions on an iconic free speech monument, students built a new one under the cover of darkness. buff.ly/fCAnvPc
State funding for rape crisis centers has flatlined since 2021. Agencies are concerned “a thinner and thinner shoestring budget” may compromise services for victims of sexual violence.
Many local parishioners urge Catholic leadership to listen to the flock. The new Pittsburgh bishop, Mark A. Eckman agrees. buff.ly/iB5O8cu
As of 2021, Allegheny County Health Department received an average of 1,900 complaints of unhealthy housing annually. Now a new enforcement tool may help mitigate hazardous properties.
City Council recently passed a contentious resolution to revamp its Stop the Violence fund. Youth Enrichment Services benefits from that fund and works with area youth to advocate for a safer city.