What it was like to attend the synagogue shooting trial

Smithfield Shelter Leaders Break Silence

The county closed the Smithfield United Church of Christ homeless shelter in June because of a lack of air conditioning, displacing folks who depended on the low-barrier shelter. Despite this, taxpayer dollars are still being used to cool the space — the church was authorized to bring air conditioners into the shelter on the same day that the county announced its closure. The AC units were paid for through July, and staff was confused why the county would send people into the heat. It’s also not clear whether the shelter will reopen for winter. [PINJ]

• 🎧 Learn why the Smithfield shelter became a lightning rod. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Kayakers Catch Kiski River Alligator

Locals have been on the lookout by boat and air for a loose reptile this past week, and on Sunday, the alligator spotted in the Kiski River was caught by two kayakers and police officers. “Chompers,” as Kiski police have named him, is now with humane officers who plan to rehome him. [TribLIVE]

Exciting Trade for the Pens

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman Erik Karlsson from the San Jose Sharks in the biggest trade of the summer. Karlsson is making an annual $11.5 million through the 2026-27 season, but San Jose will retain $1.5 million per year. Newly hired General Manager Kyle Dubas is pulling out all the stops to support Crosby, Malkin, and Letang’s in their 18th season together. In 2022-2023, Karlsson won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman for the third time in his career. Pens leadership hopes its the difference between missing the playoffs like this past season, and making a real run next year. [NHL]

Coke Works Closure Improves Residents’ Health

The Shenango Coke Works closed on Neville Island in 2016, and a new study by researchers at New York University shows it drastically improved the health of people living nearby. Almost immediately, there was a 42% drop in emergency room visits for cardiovascular disease, and over three years, those ER visits dropped 61%. [90.5 WESA]

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 Jessica B. who correctly guessed last week’s challenge:

Leo. a public house is Manchester’s only brick-and-mortar restaurant. Stop by for a cocktail and a sandwich. It’s a great spot to visit if you’re attending any North Side or Downtown events, since it’s right up the street from the Allegheny T station.

🌅 Sunset Kayak Paddle | Tuesday | 6-8 p.m.

Join Venture Outdoors at the North Park boathouse for a paddle as the sun sets. No experience required. [$38, McCandless]

🍽️ Pittsburgh Restaurant Week | Through Sunday | Various Times

Dine out across the region with specials from more than 40 restaurants. [meal prices vary, browse restaurant locations]

🌟 Aspinwall’s Big Night Out | Thursday | 6-9 p.m.

Celebrate the community with an evening of entertainment, education, and samples of the best neighborhood goodies at the borough’s baseball fields. [free, Aspinwall]

🏓 Dinks & Deals | Friday | 7-9:30 a.m.

Network and play pickleball at Blue Slide Playground in Frick Park. [$5-10, Squirrel Hill]

What It Felt Like To Attend the Synagogue Shooting Trial

The synagogue shooting trial ended last week — when the man who killed 11 worshipers at a Squirrel Hill synagogue was sentenced to death. It was a long trial, with lots of challenging testimony. And someone close to us attended almost every day, Mallory’s mom. 

City Cast Pittsburgh’s Mallory Falk sits down with her mother, attorney Ellen Surloff, who was president of Dor Hadash at the time of the shooting. Hear what she learned from attending nearly every day of the two-month capitol trial, and why it was so important to her and others to bear witness.