🌧️ Preventing landslides in Mt. Washington

Preventing Landslides in Mt. Washington

Next month, Pittsburgh will begin work on two landslide remediation projects along Greenleaf Street, parallel to Route 51, and Reese Street south of West Carson Street. The goal is to reduce the risk of slope failures, which are more likely because of climate change and increased rainfall. A third project along William Street will start later in 2024. The three projects will total $13 million of which $10 million is covered by federal grants. [90.5 WESA]

• Hear a breakdown of our local landslide risks with PublicSource climate reporter Quinn Glabicki. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Pittsburgh Chosen for Outdoor Equity Program

Pittsburgh was selected as one of seven cities for Trust for Public Land’s 10-Minute Walk Park Equity Accelerator — a program that aims to connect all residents with a quality park or green space within a 10-minute walk from home. The program lasts 18 months, and Pittsburgh said in its application it wants to improve urban greenways. [Pittsburgh Union Progress]

• Pittsburgh has its own Outdoor Inclusion Coalition. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Duquesne University Delays ‘Queer’ Group Name

Back in May, student leaders of Lambda — a LGBTQ+ group at Duquesne University — requested changing the name to “Queer Student Union'' so that the group is “more recognizable” and “covers more people,” according to Lambda President Nialah Miller. Administrators suggested changing the name to Lambda Gender Sexuality Alliance in the interim, but members say that words matter, especially on Duquesne’s campus. [PublicSource]

Is Pennsylvania In Its Taylor Swift Era?

Today is the pop star’s birthday, and Pennsylvania wants to honor her upbringing on a Christmas tree farm in Berks County by declaring 2023 as Pennsylvania’s "Taylor Swift Era.” The proposed legislation states that Swift, the first Pennsylvanian to be named Time’s Person of the Year, has had a "positive impact on Pennsylvania's economy, voter registration numbers, consumer protections, and pro-labor practices.”

• In Pittsburgh, her back-to-back concerts generated $46 million in direct spending. Plus, she donated an undisclosed amount to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. [KDKA-TV]

The only better combination than cheese + crackers might just be the holidays + shopping local in the ‘Burgh. If you still have some gifts to find, follow my growing list of Pittsburgh-made present recommendations. Here’s today’s delicious pick:

Stocking Stuffers for Pittsburgh Cheese Lovers

Charcuterie spreads are a staple for the holidays, and if you need tips for creating a work of art with cheese, meats, fruits, and other colorful fixings, we have you covered with a lesson from the Pittsburgh Cheese Queen on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast.

The host in your life might appreciate a how-to at the Charcuterie Academy or a stocking full of local jams, honey, and other goodies from The Cheese Queen’s shop in Mt. Oliver. Check out the Sip & Shop tonight from 6 to 8:20 p.m.

How’s Pgh Spending Opioid Settlement Money?

Pennsylvania is getting $1.6 billion in opioid settlement money over the next several years. It’s supposed to help communities address addiction, but a long-standing state ban on some harm reduction practices could make it difficult to get anything done. WESA’s Sarah Boden and SpotlightPA’s Ed Mahon share how Allegheny County gets around the rule, how other regional providers are coping, and exactly what’s in store for our piece of a very expensive pie.