😋 Onion Maiden is back! (Sort of)

Synagogue Shooter Eligible For Death Penalty

A jury determined the man convicted of killing 11 Jewish worshipers at a Squirrel Hill synagogue in 2018 can face the death penalty. Jurors deliberated for less than two hours before deciding the government proved beyond a reasonable doubt the gunman formed the intent to kill – making him eligible for capital punishment. The trial moves into a third and final phase, where jurors decide whether he should be sentenced to death or life in prison. [TribLIVE]

Pittsburgh’s Land Bank Budget Faces Cuts

Mayor Ed Gainey wants to cut federal funding for Pittsburgh’s land bank from $7 million to just half that. The budget comes entirely from federal stimulus money, which was meant to help the agency reclaim abandoned and vacant properties. Officials say the move isn’t about a “lack of faith in the agency,” but concern that the land bank can’t process and spend all $7 million by the end of 2024 – that’s the deadline for using federal COVID-19 aid. Gainey submitted his proposal to City Council this week; the plan is to split the money between the land bank and the Urban Redevelopment Authority. [WESA]

Hey, Jagoff! Stop Parking On Sidewalks!

Bike Pittsburgh launched a campaign called “Protect Pedestrians” to stop sidewalk parking throughout the city. It’s illegal, and it creates barriers for our neighbors. While some locals say that many city streets are too narrow for street parking, Bike Pittsburgh Executive Director Scott Bricker wants people to think of their vehicles as secondary to pedestrian safety; he also said that long term solutions could require changes to roads. [WPXI]

• Why is this so important? Hear what it’s like navigating Pittsburgh as a wheelchair user. [City Cast Pittsburgh 🎧]

🎚️ Pittsburgh Record Convention | Saturday | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Now in its 27th year, this convention brings together vinyl lovers and vendors. [Free - $10, West View]

🥾 Hike + Meditation | Saturday | 10-11:30 a.m.
Strap on your hiking shoes for this one-hour trek, followed by a mini meditation & qigong flow session. [$15, Regent Square]

💐 Midsummer Party | Saturday | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers is inviting you to a day of magic, tattoos, coffee, and more. [Free, East Allegheny]

✂️ Postal Collage Project | Saturday | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

See local artists shine in this special opening reception for a traveling show from California at the Shaler North Hills Library. [Free, Glenshaw]

🔭 AWCommunity STEAM Family Day | Saturday | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Go enjoy a day of science, tech, engineering, arts, and math with performances and demonstrations. All ages are welcome. [Free, Business District]

🎹 Summer Jam Fest | Saturday | 12-10 p.m.
Lincoln Avenue Brewery’s 4th annual festival features live music, dancing in the streets, and plenty of beer. [Free, McCandless]

🍻 Pittsburgh Summer Beerfest | Saturday | 6-10:30 p.m.

Want even more craft brews? Sample over 200 beers, seltzers, and cocktails. Proceeds will benefit Animal Rescue Partners. [$30+, North Shore]

💐 Wildflower Festival | Saturday-Sunday | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Freedom Farms is opening up their facility, where you can roam through an abundance of wildflowers, enjoy live music, and an open-air market. [Free, Valencia]

🏎️ Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix | Friday - Next Sunday | Various Times

Calling all gearheads! You have to check out this 10-day festival of races, car shows, and all things cars. [$10 suggested donation, Schenley Park]

🛍️ Sharpsburg Flea Market | Sunday | 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The weekly market at Kennedy Park features local vendors, makers, and shakers. [Free, Sharpsburgh]

🎉 Klavon’s 100-Year Anniversary | Sunday | 12-4 p.m.

Klavon’s is throwing a party for their centennial, featuring food, music, face painting, and of course, lots of ice cream. [Free, Strip District]

🚶 Aspinwall History Walking Tour | Sunday | 2-3 p.m.

Get to know Aspinwall, Pennsylvania with resident and tour guide Terry Taylor. Proceeds will benefit nonprofit Aspinwall Neighbors. [$10 for kids, $25-$30 for adults, Aspinwall]

Guns at the Airport, Mayor Gainey’s Twitter & Steeler Cereal

It’s the Friday news round up! NEXTpittsburgh columnist Tony Norman joins lead producer Mallory Falk and producer Maria Carter to discuss concerns around how Mayor Ed Gainey’s office communicates with the public. They also talk about the growing number of guns getting seized at the Pittsburgh airport (we’re on track to break a record!) and the latest local athlete to grace the cover of a Wheaties box.