🚲 How can Pgh prevent pedestrian deaths?

New Report on PA School Funding

Nearly a year after the PA Supreme Court ruled Pennsylvania’s K-12 education funding is unconstitutional, a panel of policymakers issued a report — written by Democrats — recommending the state give $5.4 billion to school districts over seven years to reduce inequities between schools. The Basic Education Funding Commission and governor Shapiro support the proposal and will deliver next steps during his annual budget in less than a month. Republicans authored their own report, but it failed to pass the commission. [Spotlight PA]

• The $100 million that was supposed to go to the state’s 100 poorest schools was redirected to fund school construction projects. [SpotlightPA]

Lunar Lander Will Likely Burn Up in Atmosphere

Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander — which cannot land softly on the moon because of a fuel leak — is headed back toward Earth and will burn up on reentry, according to current assessments. The company consulted with NASA and other government officials to determine the best way to end the mission. The lander has operated in space for eight days. [Astrobotic]

• Get a history lesson on the mission and Pittsburgh’s place in space. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Mon Incline Closed for 2 More Weeks

Because of multiple electric and mechanical issues, the Monongahela Incline will be closed for repairs for at least another two weeks. This incline is the oldest continuously operated funicular in the country. [Pittsburgh Union Progress]

Salem’s Market Coming to the Hill District

The neighborhood has been without a grocer for nearly five years, and Salem’s Market will fill the former SHOP ‘n SAVE in the Centre Heldman Plaza. The Urban Redevelopment Authority is funding most of the project. [TribLIVE]

• Salem’s is interviewing for positions at all three of its locations — Hill District, Strip District, and Scotty’s Market by Salem’s at Carnegie Mellon University — every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday until the end of January.

Most locals know modern Brookline for its wide boulevard, shopping, hair care, public services, and food, but the South Hills neighborhood also has a long and fascinating history.

According to the Brookline Connection, early settlers — it’s not clear exactly who should get the credit — thought the rolling farmland and nearby streams looked a lot like the more famous Brookline, Massachusetts.

Here are a few suggestions to entertain yourself in the 21st century:

Eat & Drink

First, coffee! Get your neighborhood tour started with a cup of something cozy from 802 Bean Company.

If you’ve been following this newsletter for awhile, you know that we're breakfast sandwich connoisseurs. One of the best we've had is from Oak Hill Post. It’s served on a buttermilk biscuit with all the classic fixings. They’re also known for their french toast, fried chicken, burgers, and soup.

Just a couple buildings down is Pitaland, a Mediterranean classic offering an in-house cafe and bakery, catering, and wholesale to customers for more than 50 years. Check out their dry goods and spices, grab some baklava, and watch fresh pita travel on the conveyor belt at the large window in the front of the store.

And a skip down the sidewalk will take you to the famous Party Cake Shop, which has been serving sweets for nearly 100 years — and it’s a go-to for paczki season! It’s changed hands many times, but new(ish) owners Michelle and Zachary Zebrowski have stayed true to the neighborhood’s love of cakes, breads, cookies, donuts, and pastries.

Go, See, Do!

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh branch in Brookline has been serving the community since 1930, and it has great natural light, comfy seating, and room for meetings.

Antonio’s Pizzeria is a hot spot for more than just pie – it’s a great place for community events. Head there for the “Monday Night Chill Lounge” with the Pittsburgh Vegan Expo every Monday in February through March.

Will Traffic Calming Make Pittsburgh Safer?

Pittsburgh’s going into 2024 with more money for traffic calming, which today’s guest hopes means fewer crashes, injuries, and deaths for pedestrians and bicyclists in the coming years. We’re with Scott Bricker, executive director of BikePGH, to talk about his hopes for the new county administration, the problem with official crash report data, expensive new infrastructure, and what it’ll take to slow Pittsburgh drivers down.