🚽 Downtown’s Pittsburgh potty is closing

PA's New Budget Proposal Unveiled Today

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro is expected to address funding for K-12 schools, public transit, and raising the minimum wage — ours is among the lowest in the nation. The proposal will then need to be approved by both the state House and Senate. Last year, these negotiations led to an impasse that went on for months. [SpotlightPA]

• 📺 Watch Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget address at 12:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh Launches Paid EMT Training

In honor of the Freedom House Ambulance Service, the country’s first emergency medical service in the Hill District, Pittsburgh is launching a no-cost academy: Freedom House EMT Training. Led by Chief Amera Gilchrist, the program pays its recruits and culminates in a bureau job. [TribLIVE]

• 🚑 Hear how Black Pittsburgh revolutionized emergency health care. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Public Potties, We Barely Knew Yinz

Downtown got two, portable public restrooms just five months ago, and one of them is already, well, in the pot. The Smithfield Street ‘Pittsburgh Potty’ has closed, and in its place, the city is promoting a public restroom on the first floor of the Smithfield-Liberty parking garage. The other mobile restroom by the Gateway T-station will also be removed once a permanent replacement is found. [TribLIVE]

• 🚽 No more Pittsburgh potties?! We have more info on today’s Tuesday news roundup. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Black HIV/AIDs Awareness Events

February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDs Awareness Day, and Pittsburgh is addressing how the virus has disproportionately affected communities of color with two events: a panel discussion with 1Hood Media today from 5 to 9:30 p.m. in Oakland and a networking opportunity on February 7 from 3 to 9:30 at the QMNTY Center in East Allegheny. [Pittsburgh City Paper]

When the red-and-white “Iron City Beer” billboard changed to a black-and-gold “IC Light” ad over the summer, I channeled my inner Pittsburgh hate for change and shared its interesting (and glowing) history. Now, the iconic 1950s color scheme has returned, and the original “Pittsburgh Hollywood Sign” is back atop Mt. Washington.

The site was originally secured in 1921. The makers of Iron City, Pittsburgh Brewing Company, took over from 1938 to the mid-1950s.

At the time, it was reportedly the “World’s Largest Neon Sign.” The huge, gleaming banner was 650-feet long, and each letter was more than 30-feet tall. The glow cascaded over the smoky city, and it even featured a clock and beer glasses that filled from the bottom.

Over the next several years, brands like Alcoa, Bayer, and Sprint all showed their spirit, too. The space is now operated by Lamar Advertising.

Just my two cents: I wonder if maybe Pittsburgh Brewing Company chose “Iron City” over “Iron City Beer” to complement their new foray into booze-making!

Let’s play a game! Where can you find the photo above? 👀Hint: You can find some cool, vintage Pittsburgh Penguins gear here before tonight's match against the Winnipeg Jets.

🌟 Shout out to Maggie B., Lisa W., Sam H., Kellie M., Andy C., Maggie B., and Olivia A. who correctly guessed the last “Where Is It?” challenge:

Need a gift, balloons, or other party decor? Check out Von Walter + funkBALLOON in Lawrenceville.

Goodbye Pittsburgh Potty, Hello Iron City

We’re catching up on where things stand one year after a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The big Iron City billboard is back, and we’re diving into the history of this Pittsburgh hillside. Some local kids were featured in the Pro Bowl, plus we’re wondering why the new Downtown Pittsburgh potties are already going away.