🪦 RIP Necromancer Brewing

VP Announces Federal Water Funds

Vice President Kamala Harris visited the Kingsley Association in Larimer on Tuesday to tout the $5.8 billion investment in water infrastructure projects across the nation — including $32 million for the Pittsburgh region. The funds, which come from the administration’s $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal, will go toward lead pipe replacements and upgrades to water treatment plants, water distribution, and piping systems. [Associated Press / TribLIVE]

Picklesburgh To Return Downtown

“The briniest bash in the 'Burgh" will celebrate its ninth year on Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 21 along the Boulevard of the Allies. Picklesburgh expanded its footprint last year, and nearly 200,000 people relished in its themed food and activities. [Picklesburgh]

RIP Necromancer Brewing

After nearly three years of serving beers and hosting events, Necromancer Brewing in Ross Township is closing its doors and abandoning plans to expand to Greenfield. You can say goodbye on Thursday and Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. All beer will be free, but the brewery kindly asks that you contribute to its virtual tip jar for staff. Also, all the merch and glassware will be for sale. [Necromancer Brewing]

• 🍺 Bummer for beer fans! Looking for a new spot with good grub too? We have your guide to taproom food. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Pittsburgh Appeals ‘Jock Tax’ Case

Last month, the Commonwealth Court ruled that Pittsburgh’s 3% tax on out-of-town athletes and performers who use city-owned venues — also known as the “jock tax” — is unconstitutional. But facing lost revenue and an uncertain 2025 budget ahead, the City of Pittsburgh is appealing to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The city’s five-year financial plan relies on an average of $4.6 million in annual income from the tax. [90.5 WESA]

• 💸 How did this tax get started in the first place? [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

On Juniata Street in Pittsburgh’s Manchester neighborhood, you’ll find a colorful rooster mural perched above a 10,000 square-foot urban farm with a greenhouse and chicken coop. It’s a labor of love for longtime resident Lisa Freeman, who broke ground on a small grocery for the neighborhood last year. Freeman has been growing food for the majority Black community since she bought the property in 2014.

Now, Lisa Freeman is looking to the future of urban farming. She has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Farm Service Agency State Committee to support farmers across the commonwealth. And this Friday, she’s launching her new book, "We Don't Want A F!cking Farm on our Street," from 5 to 7 p.m. at Emerald City in Downtown.

🌱 Thinking about Spring? Get ready with this primer on starting your backyard garden. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Cities are Ditching ShotSpotter. Why is Pittsburgh Investing More?

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he's keeping a campaign promise — the nation’s third largest city announced last week it’s ditching ShotSpotter, the controversial policing technology trained to identify and locate the sound of gunshots. But as other cities disinvest, Pittsburgh is doubling down. University of Pittsburgh policing scholar David Harris shares how the Steel City’s multimillion dollar, multi-year deal came together, what cops and lawmakers like about it, and why Harris thinks they may want to reconsider.