🎥 What’s filming in Pittsburgh?

Rich Fitzgerald Gets A New Gig

Outgoing Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald will continue to promote the region as he starts his next job in the new year: executive director for the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. Fitzgerald, who served as county executive since 2012, will focus on economic priorities, broadband development, water and sewer issues, and the use of state and federal transportation funding in Allegheny and the nine surrounding counties. [Pittsburgh Union Progress]

Some Gas, Electricity Price Changes

Our bills always go up in the winter because we use more energy, but some additional changes are coming to Southwestern Pennsylvania’s electricity and natural gas costs:

• Duquesne Light will decrease 8%
• Penn Power will increase 6%
• West Penn Power will increase 1%
• Peoples natural gas will increase 149%
• Columbia Gas will decrease 39%

Tip: Shop around for lower rates at PAPowerSwitch.com and at PAGasSwitch.com. [90.5 WESA]

Pittsburgh Police To Launch ‘Street Crimes Unit’

The new patrol unit, staffed with 18 officers and two supervisors, will focus on areas with the highest rates of gun violence and monitor “known offenders.” Similar teams in other cities have been called out for abusive practices, but Police Chief Larry Scirotto says, “It can be done with the appropriate training, the appropriate selection of personnel and the appropriate oversight.”

• The bureau will also hire 12 civilian community aides next year to handle calls that don’t require an armed officer and participate in community engagement. [90.5 WESA / TribLIVE]

Yinz know how passionate I am about supporting local makers and businesses. That’s why we rolled out monthly gift guides all year long in the Hey Pittsburgh newsletter and on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast. (Browse the “Pittsburgh’s Best” section on our website to find past editions!)

➡️ And in case you missed it, here’s an extremely comprehensive list of holiday markets.

But fear not, I have even more suggestions!

🎁 For the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing Steel City-made items and experiences for every Pittsburgher on your list. Make sure you open each newsletter so you don’t miss this gift in your inbox!

Let’s kick it off with something cheery, nostalgic, and perfect for the cheesy sweater lover in your life:

Any IC fan will love to get cozy with a six-pack and this “Iron City Beer” sign holiday sweater. This fit immortalizes the iconic red-and-white advertisement atop Mt. Washington that was taken down earlier this year and replaced by a black-and-gold display that reads: “IC Light. Cheer Pittsburgh. Drink Pittsburgh.” Buy it on Pittsburgh Brewing Co.’s online shop for $69.99.

🍻 Read more on the glowing history of Pittsburgh's Iron City Beer Sign.

The Pittsburgh Film Curse You’ve Never Heard Of

Lights, camera, action! Now that the Hollywood actors’ and writers’ strikes are over, what does it take to get Pittsburgh’s movie biz rolling again? We're with Pittsburgh Film Office executive director Dawn Keezer to talk about upcoming productions, how they've been supporting their artists, what she hopes to do with money from the state, when it eventually comes, and why it’s taken Pittsburgh so long to break a “season three” curse.