🥔 Why PA is the potato chip capital

Competing Juneteenth Celebrations

The city of Pittsburgh will host its own Juneteenth celebration for the first time this year, and Mayor Ed Gainey’s choice for an event planner has drawn criticism, with some members of City Council questioning why his office would want to compete with a longstanding, privately-run festival. Organizer William “B” Marshall has received city funding for his Juneteenth celebration at various points in the past, including more than $100,000 last year. The mayor’s office opened a bidding process for funds this year. Marshall didn’t win, but plans to hold his event anyway. [90.5 WESA]

Funding Questions Remain in PRT Budget

The Pittsburgh Regional Transit board votes today on a $539 million budget effective July 1. But the agency doesn’t know yet how much state funding it will receive. Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a $1.4 billion increase for transit over five years, including an extra $39 million annually for PRT. However, the legislature has yet to approve Shapiro’s budget. [Pittsburgh Union Progress]

• We talked to PRT’s CEO, Katharine Kelleman, about her goals for local transit. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Pittsburgher Crowned Jeopardy Masters Champ

The answer is “who is Victoria Groce?” The Point Breeze resident beat out five other Jeopardy Masters including Yogesh Raut and James Holzhauer in the finals. With her wide ranging knowledge and quick thumb on the button, Groce won $500,000, the Alex Trebek Trophy and the admiration of Pittsburghers and Jeopardy wannabees (including me). [TribLive]

We’re eating well this week, with a feast of new restaurants to try. Plus, some food news from around the Steel City and state.

Fet-Fisk (Bloomfield)

The beloved pop-up from James Beard-nominated chef Nik Forsberg and Sarah LaPonte landed a permanent home in Bloomfield back in March, and it’s just hitting its stride. Fill yourself with oysters and Nordic-inspired creations, or invite a friend to come sip through the impressive wine list under the scarlet light.

• Hear Forsberg explain what it takes to turn a popular pop-up into a thriving brick-and-mortar business. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Bridge City Brinery (Food Truck)

“Truck around and find aht,” say the folks slinging sandwiches from a black and yellow wagon. These aren’t just your run-of-the-mill sammies, as you might gather from glancing at the menu. You can find their schedule online.

Pisco & Lime (Bakery Square Pop-Up)

Pittsburgh’s new Peruvian fusion restaurant is now operating inside City Kitchen. They have classics like ceviche, empanadas, and the legendary “pan con chicharrón,” a breakfast sandwich with pork belly, sweet potato, and salsa criolla.

This Week’s Food News ⬇️

The Potato Chip Capital

Those potato chips you’ll be munching on this holiday weekend – or any time for that matter – likely were made in Pennsylvania. The town of Hanover, in Southcentral PA, and a few adjacent counties top the nation in potato chip production. While three PA brands have gone national – Utz, Herr’s and Wise – we’re also home to many “micro (potato) chippers.” Another tasty tidbit: our state leads the way in making pretzels, ice cream, chocolate and candy. [Atlas Obscura]

Did Charged Lemonade Trigger a Cardiac Arrest?

A Monroeville teen filed suit in federal court claiming he went into cardiac arrest at a movie theater in March, a few hours after drinking a charged lemonade from Panera. 18 year old Luke Adams was initially treated at the theater and was then admitted into the Intensive Care Unit at AHN Forbes. In his lawsuit against Panera, Adams claims he was unaware that the lemonade was a high energy drink with a high amount of caffeine. [TribLive]

Birth Control Restrictions, Bickering Media Bros & Free Ginger Beer

It’s the Friday news roundup! Former president Donald Trump is making waves again after telling KDKA’s Jon Delano that he would restrict birth control, two very powerful twin brothers are bickering over media drama, and multiple people are suing the city and engineering firms after the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse. Plus, if you like ginger beer, we’re sharing a special event where you could snag a free drink.