🎧 Spotify says Pittsburgh leans punk

New Public Works Facility Isn’t Ready for Winter

A project to bring snow plows, road salt, and other winter supplies to South Hills neighborhoods has been in the works for over six years, and it still isn’t ready for this season. Snow removal is a major problem in the hilly neighborhoods, and residents have complained of long waits before a snow plow arrives. The facility, planned near McKinley Park, is now expected to open by next winter. [TribLIVE]

Wood Street T Station Is Closed

The Wood Street light-rail station is closed for two weeks for escalator replacements and an ongoing light-rail construction project. It’s expected to remain closed until 4 p.m. on Dec. 22. [KDKA-TV]

City Wants More Child Care In Residential Areas

Right now, it’s more difficult for child care facilities to open within neighborhoods zoned for single-family residences, but a zoning amendment proposal could change that — and no longer require parking lots for those facilities. City Council will give final approval. [TribLIVE]

• Last week, we reported on the problems with Pennsylvania's syringe services. But did you know child care facilities used to affect where these services were available in Pittsburgh? [🎧City Cast Pittsburgh]

A Pause for Pickett & More Sports News

• Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett is out for Thursday’s game. He had surgery on Monday for a high sprain to his right ankle, according to coach Mike Tomlin. [ESPN]
• Former Pirates manager Jim Leyland, who led the Buccos from 1986 to 99, has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. [Associated Press]
• The University of Pittsburgh defeated USC in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament last week and is headed to its fourth straight Sweet 16 this Thursday. Pitt will face the winner of Washington State vs. Dayton. [Pitt News]

Let’s play a game! Which storefront window is the photo above? 👀

🌟 Shout out to Maura W. who correctly guessed last week’s challenge:

I chuckled when I came across this sign in Deutschtown / East Allegheny because it somehow gives off the message of both “Yinz can’t park here” and “Come on in!”

Shopping locally this holiday season? I have you covered with this list of holiday markets — because it’s a lot more fun to find unique gifts AND support your neighbors at the same time!

🎁 That’s why I’m also giving you local present ideas in every newsletter leading up to Christmas. (👀 I see you last minute shoppers!)

🥂 For Those in the Holiday Spirit (Without the Booze)

Your loved one will think of you each time they concoct a new mocktail with a custom gift basket curated by The Open Road, the nonalcoholic shop in Allentown. Head into the store to give them your budget and preferences; The Open Road will handle the rest.

✋ Hold up! Did you know that this shop is the oldest (still open) non-alcoholic specialty retailer in the nation?

Tuesday, Dec. 5

• 🎥 Films on Prison Abolition with Beyond Walls at City of Asylum | 7-8:30 p.m. | free | North Side / virtual
• 🎶 Goldsinger II: For Your Ears Only with Aria412 Opera at Hop Farm Brewing Company | 7-9 p.m. | free | Lawrenceville

Thursday, Dec. 7

• 🧵 Weaving Drafts with Contemporary Craft | 6 p.m. | donation | Lawrenceville
• 🍾 Bubbles & Junk Food with Nine O’Clock Wines at Field Day | 6-8:30 p.m. | $75 | Lawrenceville
• 🧀 Holiday Cheese Tasting with Chantal’s Cheese Shop | 7-9 p.m. | $100 | Bloomfield
• 🎄 “A Christmas Story: The Play” by Pittsburgh Public Theater at the O’Reilly Theater | Various Times | $35-88 | Downtown — through December 23

Friday, Dec. 8

• 🥧 Pies & Pints with the Pittsburgh Pie Guy and Three Rivers Outdoors Co. | 5-8 p.m. | free | Regent Square

Fitz's New Gig, HBO & Pgh on Spotify Wrapped

I’m on the pod today! Host Megan Harris and I are talking about outgoing County Executive Rich Fitzgerald’s new job with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission. She shares what she’s loving about HBO’s latest period drama “The Gilded Age” and its take on the Steel City, and hear me explain what it takes to get Pittsburgh as your Spotify Wrapped “sound town.” Spoiler: It wasn’t mine!