🛍️ Pittsburgh pop-up markets

Judge Nixes County Workers Minimum Wage

Allegheny County Council passed a measure over the summer to create a pay floor for county employees — at least $18 per hour in 2024 — but Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald vetoed the ordinance, saying that council doesn’t have the authority to set wages. Council responded by overriding Fitzgerald’s veto with a two-thirds majority vote. The verdict? A judge sided with Fitzgerald. [PublicSource]

Pittsburgh Public Schools 5-Year Plan

Earlier this week, we reported on disparities within Pittsburgh Public Schools. Now, PPS District leaders are strategizing for a five-year strategic plan. Here are some of the goals:

• Improve the quality and relevance of academic experiences
• Create safe, engaging, and inclusive school environments
• Transform the district’s facility footprint
• Prioritize community outreach and access

Read more on the district’s presentation. [90.5 WESA]

Bloomfield Developer Appeals Zoning Rejection

We’ve been following how Pittsburgh’s zoning rules make it difficult to build new housing in the city on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast. (Go back and listen!) Now, there’s an update in the Bloomfield housing / grocery saga: Pittsburgh company Echo Realty filed an appeal in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas to reverse the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment rejection. [90.5 WESA / City Cast Pittsburgh]

I’m so excited for the Lawrenceville Cookie Tour this weekend, and you’ll definitely find me at Chantel’s Cheese Shop. Even though they’re not on Butler Street, it’s worth taking the detour because they incorporate cheese into their cookies. We talked about where you can buy cookies for the holidays on the podcast, but if you want to bake your own treats, here are some of my go-to cookie recipes.

Miso Peanut Butter Cookies

Yes, the link goes to a miso almond butter cookie recipe by Bon Appétit, but I swap the almond butter for crunchy peanut butter to get more contrast in the texture of each bite. If you’re running short on time, you can melt the butter in the microwave. I also recommend throwing chocolate chips in the batter instead of dipping in chocolate – I promise it’s just as delicious!

Toasted Sesame Cookies

I’ve shared the cookies from this Food52 recipe with the City Cast Pittsburgh crew, and it has the whole team’s stamp of approval. I prefer my cookies a little less sweet, so for this batch, I cut the brown sugar and white sugar by 25 grams each. Banging the cookie pan midway through baking is crucial to getting the right texture, so if the hectic holiday season is starting to frustrate you, it’s a great way to get some of that stress out and get tasty goodies.

Pgh’s Snow Plow Readiness, Gov Goals & Fun Weekend Eats

Winter is coming, but is the city prepared? I’m on the podcast today with host Megan Harris and producer Elizabeth Kauma to talk about snowplows (or the city’s lack thereof), plus how Governor Josh Shapiro is living up to his campaign promises after a year in office and a lineup of great local food to fill your weekend.