⛱️ How to kick off summer in Pittsburgh

A Tale of Two Celebrations

Pittsburgh is set to fund two Juneteenth celebrations this year after lots of back and forth. City leadership had been criticized for giving $125,000 to Bounce Marketing and Events for a Juneteenth event instead of longtime organizer William “B” Marshall, who was promised the money last year. But the City Council paved the way this week to award Marshall the same amount. A final vote on the legislation is expected next week, but Marshall says his downtown event will go on as planned, regardless of the outcome. [TribLIVE]

Islamic School Proposal Rejected

The Robinson Township Planning Commission denied a proposal by the Al-Andalus Institute of Pittsburgh to open a nonprofit K-8 Islamic school. The institute planned to convert an old office building that would serve up to 70 students but did not provide an adequate traffic plan, according to members of the commission. The institute can appeal the decision but has not indicated if it plans to do so. [PublicSource]

From Waste to Liquid Gold

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh uncovered a significant source of lithium in Pennsylvania’s wastewater from Marcellus Shale gas wells — enough to potentially meet up to 40% of demand for the entire country. Lithium is key to production of smartphones and laptops, but the majority of it is currently imported from China and Chile. [KDKA-TV]

Bus Controversy, New State Slogan & Tips for Tick Season

On this week’s roundup City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit joins executive producer Mallory Falk and producer Sophia Lo to break down Pennsylvania’s new tourism slogan and share some favorite statewide travel spots. We also talk about transit updates and how to prepare for what is expected to be a bad tick season.