🟪 What’s up with the new purple curbs?

Democrats Nominate Innamorato’s Replacement

Lindsay Powell will be on the Sept. 19 ballot to fill the vacant 21st district state House seat left by Sara Innamorato, who is running for Allegheny County Executive. It’s not clear who she will face; Republicans haven’t selected a candidate or responded to whether they intend to. Innamorato’s seat cost Democrats their slight majority, just as the House is in a budget impasse. [90.5 WESA / SpotlightPA]

Rockey Shares Public Safety Plan

Republican Joe Rockey, who is running against Innamorato for county executive, says he wants to improve conditions at the county jail, grow the county’s police force, and open a juvenile detention facility to replace Shuman. He also promised to attend Jail Oversight Board meetings, which outgoing executive Rich Fitzgerald is often criticized for skipping. Innamorato’s campaign has addressed similar themes, but with different approaches; her team says she wants to develop “trauma informed, youth-focused centers that prioritize reconnection to community and reunification with family.” The local police and corrections officers unions endorsed Rockey’s campaign. [90.5 WESA]

Why Are Some Curbs Purple Now?

These designated curbs are a part of a smart loading zone pilot program that claims to make it easier for delivery drivers to get in and out of parking spots. The spots have a graduated payment system; a car parked for eight hours would accrue $130. But some business owners, like Mineo’s Pizza House in Squirrel Hill, believe the zones are hurting customers and business operations. [TribLIVE]

Animal Rescue Workers Want More Humane Conditions

Nearly 100 workers at Humane Animal Rescue — including veterinary technicians and assistants, medical receptionists, animal caretakers and behaviorists, grant writers, educators, and wildlife rehabilitators — want to unionize with the United Steelworkers. The group is organizing for fair pay, job security, transparent communication, and increased emotional and mental health support. [TribLIVE]

Let’s play a game! Tell me where you can find this photo, then come back tomorrow to spot the location in the weekly neighborhood guide.

🌟 Shout out to readers Andy C. and Garrett S. who correctly guessed last week’s challenge:

Did you know that there are two Mt. Olivers? I explained this in last week’s neighborhood guide, plus where you should go for some tasty baked goods.

The City Cast Pittsburgh team took a field trip to the borough of Mt. Oliver to learn charcuterie tips from The Cheese Queen herself.

👋 Nerd Nite Women’s Mixer | Thursday | 6 p.m.

Head to Spirit for music, beer, food, social games, and good vibes with proceeds benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. [$10, Lawrenceville]

🧀 Cheese Pairings 101 | Thursday | 6-8 p.m.

Sample of five cheeses paired with specialty accompaniments while learning the history and the elements of pairing at Chantal’s Cheese Shop. BYOB! [$60, Bloomfield]

🥂 Wine N’at | Thursday | 7-9 p.m.

Join Black Dog Wine Company for four samples of gelato paired with a flight of local wines. [$30, Oakdale]

🦠 Meet Mr. Yuk | Friday | 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Mr. Yuk isn’t just a sticker anymore! Check out his mascot debut at the Heinz History Center. [free, Strip District]

The Best Dog-Friendly Spots in Pgh

There’s a difference between spaces that allow our best pals and the ones who are truly dog friendly. Pet expert Tori Mistick of WearWagRepeat is with us to share her favorite local spots for a paw-fect Pittsburgh day — plus how to pack ahead, what to consider about temperament and environment, and the quick rules for her newly christened four-paw rating system.