
City Cast Pittsburgh
🥂 Sunset yoga & Pittsburgh sangria
June 2, 2023
Happy Friday, neighbor! The city is alive and colorful this weekend, but we’re also dealing with a gray cloud (and a lot of heavy emotions) during the synagogue shooting trial. The team is covering that in today’s newsletter and on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast. Plus, find fresh food news down below 🍓

What's CITY Talking About?
Synagogue Shooting Trial Update
We just wrapped up the first week of the guilt phase of the synagogue shooting trial. The defendant is accused of killing 11 Jewish worshippers from three congregations in October, 2018. In opening statements on Tuesday, the lead prosecutor described each of the victims and the events of the attack. She also outlined the defendants’ history of antisemitic speech online.
The defense attorney said her team won’t dispute the facts of the case but will focus on motive, which she described as “irrational” and “nonsensical.” She says the alleged gunman didn’t target the synagogue because of his hatred of Jews, but because he wanted to stop one of the congregations from helping refugees. The trial is expected to last for months and could end in a death penalty conviction. [Washington Post / 90.5 WESA / TribLIVE]
How to Support Yourself & Your Neighbors
It’s a difficult time for the city, especially Pittsburgh’s Jewish community. The Chronicle put out a list of resources for dealing with trauma. If you want to get involved, Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence is organizing for gun control with CeaseFirePA and Moms Demand Action. [Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle / NEXTPittsburgh]
🎧 Tune in to today’s City Cast Pittsburgh podcast for more on the above.
Some City Schools Go Virtual
Pittsburgh Public Schools had to temporarily close 40 district schools this week because of high temperatures and insufficient air conditioning. District superintendent Wayne Walters announced a new Extreme Heat Protocol, which will move schools to remote learning if temperatures are higher than 85 degrees (or the heat index exceeds 90 degrees) for one or more days. [TribLIVE]

What To Do
🌙 Garfield Night Market | Friday | 5 - 10 p.m.
Shop from vendors, admire local art, get food truck grub, and more on Penn Avenue. [free, Garfield]
👟 Misfits’ Pride Run | Saturday | 9:30 a.m.
Lace up with Yinz Run Club at Trace Brewing for a run benefiting True T Pittsburgh. [$20, Bloomfield]
🔎 The African American Impact | Saturday | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Discover Black achievements in medicine, journalism, the arts, activism, and sports at a Heinz History Center guided tour. [$9-18, Strip District]
🌈 Pride in the Sky | Saturday | 11 a.m.
Get drinks and brunch after the parade at Il Tetto’s colorful rooftop. [free to enter, Downtown]
🛍️ Wish You Were Here Market | Saturday - Sunday | 12 - 6 p.m.
Find vintage and handmade goods at a pop-up market outside of Allegheny City Brewing. [free, East Allegheny]
🍻 Beers of the Burgh Festival | Saturday | 2:30 - 7 p.m.
Tap into beer from 50 different regional breweries at the historic Carrie Blast Furnaces. [$49, Rankin]
🎤 Irony City: Am I the Jagoff? | Saturday | 8 p.m.
Hear the improv troupe Irony City share moments when they MIGHT have been a jagoff at Arcade Comedy Theater. [$15, Downtown]
🏳️🌈 Pittsburgh Pride Revolution | Sunday | 1 - 9 p.m.
March with pride starting Downtown; find vendors, music, and more at Allegheny Commons Park on the North Side; and celebrate with festivities, like a live art battle in graffiti alley, in Bloomfield. [free, carious locations]
🎶 Summer Concert Series | Sunday | 7:30 p.m.
Grab dinner and drinks and relax at Hartwood Acres with the sounds of local acts like “The Voice” competitor Chris Jamison. [free, Allison Park]
📝 Cabaret Evening: Poetry, Comedy, Music | Sunday | 8 p.m.
You’ve seen her billboards around town — watch Pittsburgh Poetess Rachel Ann Bovier, along with live music and comedy, at Club Cafe. [$15, South Side]

Today on City Cast
Trial Updates, Celebrity Shoutouts and a Stolen Steelers Playbook
The first week of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial is done, and we’re feeling a lot of big feelings about the news coverage. Plus, city councilors weighed in on a reality TV star, and a newly minted Steeler had his car (and playbook 🫣) stolen.
One last thing before you head into the weekend? Help us make sure that City Cast Pittsburgh only gets better from here, and take our short survey for a chance to win a $250 gift card 💰
Have a great weekend!
Francesca Dabecco
Free · Daily
