🎙️The Pittsburgh story Rick Sebak is still dying to tell

Could Some Pittsburgh Public Schools Close?

Pittsburgh Public Schools’ enrollment during 2022-2023 was only about half of its capacity, and without any changes, its growing deficit will put the district at a loss by 2025 — so school board members are talking about closing some district buildings to cut costs. This isn’t the first time the district has considered closing schools, but Superintendent Wayne Walters plans to wait until the new year — and after the board votes on the 2024 budget in December — to present ideas to the board. [90.5 WESA]

• Earlier this year, a Pennsylvania court ruled that the state’s K-12 education funding system is unconstitutional. Lawmakers will be at Westinghouse Academy in Pittsburgh today to hear testimony on how to best fund Pennsylvania’s schools. [90.5 WESA]

Wood Street T Station Is Closed

The station at Sixth and Liberty avenues in Downtown is closed for two weeks while Pittsburgh Regional Transit replaces its escalators. PRT is also closing the light rail tracks Oct. 20-23 for another improvement project. Riders headed to Gateway, North Side, or Allegheny stations will have to exit at Penn Station and take a free shuttle bus to Gateway Station to continue on the rail. [Pittsburgh Union Progress]

PA House Advances Overdue Budget

Partisan disagreements have delayed approval of the state’s budget — now three months into the fiscal year — so Democrats are trying a work-around in order to send money to Pennsylvania universities. The House passed legislation that puts hundreds of millions of dollars into a grant program that would subsidize the tuition of in-state students. Now it’s up to the Senate, which returns to session Oct. 16. [Associated Press]

• Hear local journalist Natalie Bencivenga talk about Pennsylvania politics, budget woes, and why the Senate is establishing a dress code, [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Cut! Downtown Cineplex Proposal Is Out

Remember when Downtown was going to get a movie theater? Not anymore. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is nixing its plans to turn the former Bally Total Fitness Club on Sixth Street into a cineplex. The money will instead go to improvements at the Byham, Benedum Center, and O'Reilly Theater. [KDKA]

• 🎃 Psst — here’s where to watch Halloween movies in Pittsburgh.

🩸 Light The Night Walk | Thursday | 5:30-9 p.m.

Gather at Acrisure Stadium to raise money for blood cancer patients and their families, then stick around for fireworks. [donation, North Shore]

🌑 New Moon Headlamp Hike | Thursday | 7-9 p.m.

Hike with 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. in Frick Park using red light headlamps for night vision. [$8-12, Swisshelm Park]

🍸 Potions & Pours | Friday | 6-8 p.m.

Join Una Biologicals at Wigle Whiskey to create your own perfume, get a tarot reading, and sip on boozy potions. [$45, Strip District]

🎉 Untitled (Art Party) 21+ | Friday | 7 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Surround yourself with artists and artwork at this highly anticipated inaugural fundraising benefit in the historic Carnegie Music Hall Foyer. [$125, Oakland]

The One Pgh Story Rick Sebak is Still Dying to Tell

If you polled a bunch of Pittsburghers and asked who’s the most beloved person in our city, it’s safe to say today’s guest would show up on that list. Rick Sebak is known for his TV documentaries on WQED. And now, he’s dipping his toes into audio. I’m here with Rick to talk about his new podcast Gumbands, the one Pittsburgh story he’s still dying to tell, and the local rites of passage that make someone a true Pittsburgher.