👀 Be nebby with Yinzer Backstage Pass

Changes To Your Water Bill

Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority reached an agreement with Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and starting February 15, your PWSA bill will bump up from around $86 per month to $100. This estimate is based on the average single-household consumption of 3,000 gallons of water per month. [90.5 WESA]

• 🚰 Why are rates going up? [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Expanded Tax Credit for PA Parents

Some parents will get more money back on their taxes this year after Pennsylvania expanded the state’s Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. A low-income family with two kids in childcare got $630 last year; they will get $2,100 this year. This is in addition to the federal tax credit, which is capped at $2,000 per child. [WVIA / NerdWallet]

A More Accessible Frick Park

A project by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy called the “Outdoor Sensory Classroom” will make three acres of woods in Frick Park more disability friendly with ADA-compliant paths, pavilions, work tables, and an observation deck. The project, which got approval from the Historic Review Commission, will cost $1.5 million. [NEXTpittsburgh]

• 🌳 Learn about the group making Pittsburgh’s parks and trails more accessible [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Adda Union Demands Severance Pay

Former Adda Coffee & Tea employees held a press conference last week demanding a month of severance pay after the cafe owner abruptly closed all four locations, immediately following the workers’ unionization announcement through UFCW Local 1776. In a statement on Instagram, Adda said that the closure was “solely and entirely based on the financial viability of the business.”

• ☕ Wondering what happened? Us too. That’s why we made this podcast for you. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Have you stopped in the new Brown Bear Bread Cafe on Brownsville Road yet? (No, it’s not named after the road, but it’s a fun coincidence! “Brown Bear” is in honor of the owners’ mixed-breed rescue dog, Luke.) Find fresh, from-scratch sourdough, focaccia, and other pastries — plus brunch goodies like breakfast sandwiches and stuffed french toast served daily.

Sit down and stay awhile with some fresh-brewed Commonplace Coffee, and be sure to snag some of their special butters. I thought the lemon thyme was divine!

As if the cafe wasn’t charming enough, check out the couple who owns the cafe, Kate Clemons and Dan Galusha, in this sweet video by David Shane.

Get Nebby with 'Yinzer Backstage Pass'

We’re taking a peek behind the curtain with the man whose job is going backstage. For a few years now, Boaz Frankel has made it his mission to be nebby — an aspiration we align with deeply. Today, we’re finding out what it takes to create Yinzer Backstage Pass, plus what to expect from the big anniversary party at Bottlerocket Social Hall coming up on Thursday.