🚰 Why Pittsburgh water rates could jump 70%

Real ID Deadline Pushed Back Again

Pennsylvania residents are now required to get a Real ID, identification necessary to fly or access some federal facilities, by May 7, 2025. You can get one when you get your driver's license renewed with a little extra documentation. To apply, make sure you have proof of your identity, your Social Security number, and your residency. [TribLIVE]

Security Boost for the South Side

After businesses and homeowners asked for help for months, Pittsburgh police are increasing patrols in the South Side, Thursdays through Sundays, to try to deal with reports of violence in the entertainment district along East Carson Street. Data show arrests in the neighborhood have been dropping since 2017. There were 161 arrests that year compared to 76 last year. In 2023, officers made 25 arrests from January to June. [90.5 WESA / TribLIVE]

Study Says Pittsburgh Bureau Is Well-Staffed

With retirements and officers going to the suburbs for better paying jobs, the city's police union says staffing is at a “crisis level.” But a new study commissioned by Mayor Ed Gainey says that’s not true. “Pittsburgh has an adequate number of officers, but too many are assigned to patrol units instead of more specialized jobs.” The city budgets 900 officers, and it currently employs 787. New police chief Larry Scirotto says he’s committed to employing all 900 and disagrees with the study’s suggestion to downsize patrol. Union president Bob Swartzwelder told WESA "either the study is invalid, or police command is mismanaging its force.” [90.5 WESA / PublicSource]

🌭 Hot Dog Program With Rick Sebak | Tuesday | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Head to Bottlerocket Social Hall to watch Rick Sebak’s cross-country road trip to try every type of hot dog. [$5, Allentown]

🐕 Yappy Hour | Wednesday | 5-7 p.m.

Bring your dog to the SouthSide Works park and enjoy beers from Levity Brewing benefitting Humane Action Pittsburgh. [free, South Side]

🍻 Flight Night with Veggies N'At | Thursday | 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy Bierport beer pairings with vegan goodies like buffalo chickpea ricotta toast, stuffed mushrooms, and artichoke “crab” cakes. [$32, Lawrenceville]

🎥 Hello Neighbor Movie Night | Thursday | 6-8 p.m.

Watch a film sharing the impactful stories of the refugee and immigrant community at Row House Cinema. [free, Lawrenceville]

Water Hikes Are Coming — Here’s What You Can Do

Water rates could rise as much as 70% over the next three years, and as homeowners, you stand to pay a lot more than a big commercial business. City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris chats with Ann Belser, the editor and publisher of Print, about why PWSA says it needs so much more money, how the state’s getting involved, and what you can do to have your voice heard before the price per gallon goes up.