The wildest Pittsburgh insults from the past 200 years

PRT Cuts 4 Bus Routes to Downtown

As part of Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s goal to reduce bus congestion in the Golden Triangle, bus routes 61D, 71A, 71C, and 71D no longer go straight into Downtown — instead they reverse in Oakland, and riders have to transfer to a different bus. The routes that these buses traveled on will become the Bus Rapid Transit (or University Line), through Downtown, Uptown, Oakland, and beyond; construction began this month. PRT says that most riders will still have a one-seat ride at their same bus stop, but transportation advocates say that these cuts harm residents with disabilities and those who most need connections to jobs and services. [TribLIVE]

• Related: Do you take the Martin Luther King Jr. East Busway? PRT is asking for rider feedback on improvements to Herron Station. Find online and in person meetings during the next two weeks. [Pittsburgh Union Progress]

Digital Inclusion Week Calls for Internet for All

Technology rules our lives, and some local businesses and organizations want to make sure more people have access. United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Comcast are launching a new Digital Navigator Network to help people learn about and sign up for affordable internet, use devices, and gain digital skills. Find these services at Literacy Pittsburgh, Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and YWCA of Westmoreland County.

• You can also help the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority develop equity and action plans by participating in this survey, which closes this week. [Pittsburgh Union Progress]

Where Does Fracking Wastewater Go?

Pennsylvania used to dispose of most of its toxic fracking wastewater in Ohio, but the EPA recently approved a new injection well in Plum Borough. Residents are worried about leaks that could pollute other wells and groundwater. This will be Plum’s second well and the fifteenth injection well in Pennsylvania. [Inside Climate News]

Steelworkers Remember Former President

Former President of United Steelworkers International Tom Conway passed away from cancer at the age of 71 last week. He was named president in 2019, and his right-hand man, Dave McCall, moved to Pittsburgh to serve as VP; McCall is now interim president. 90.5 WESA talked to McCall about Conway’s legacy leading 850,000 union members. [90.5 WESA]

🌳 Forest Bathing | Thursday | 10 a.m.

Participate in a 1-mile hike to nurture your connection to the natural world. [free, Frick Park]

🍻 Autumn on Tap | Thursday-Saturday | Various Times

Embrace the changing seasons at Biergarten Hotel Monaco with live music, delicious bites, and a handpicked selection of Cinderlands autumn-inspired craft beers. [free to enter, Downtown]

📰 1-Year Strike Rally | Friday | 1 p.m.

Join the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh outside of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette office as they mark one year of fighting for a fair contract. [free, North Shore]

👻 Yinzer Ghost | Friday-Saturday | Various Times

See the new exhibit from a “Pittsburgh shutterbug with a moderate Halloween addiction” at Ketchup City Creative. [free, Sharpsburg]

The Wildest Pgh Insults From the Past 200 Years

Pittsburgh has always had its problems, and complaining about them is one of our favorite sports. But there’s also a long tradition of outsiders coming here — or even just reading about our town — and thinking it’s OK to add their two cents. In fact, dumping on the Steel City actually goes back over 230 years.

Local writer Virginia Montanez rounded up some of the funniest and most creative insults lobbed at Pittsburgh over two centuries. She joins us to share her favorites and explain why our city drew so much ire from outside writers, newsmakers, and prominent figures.