🎓 Lawmakers debate cost of college

Turnpike Toll Booths Hit the Road

You’ll still have to pay tolls, but instead of slowing down through pinched lanes, you’ll cross under overhead gantries like those already in use in Cranberry and near the Ohio border. Cameras take a photo of your license plate and bill you, or they read your EZ-Pass transponder. The system goes live in the eastern part of the state in January, about the time construction is scheduled to begin near Pittsburgh. [Pittsburgh Union Progress]

What’s Next for the Century III Mall Site?

Demolition is underway, and state and local leaders are trying to figure out what should fill that site in the future. While they didn’t land on a concrete plan, officials say redeveloping the site could help revitalize the area. The mall was completely closed in 2020 and subsequently condemned. [Pittsburgh Patch]

• 🛍️ What went wrong? Author and mall expert Matthew Newton says the end was bittersweet. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Debate on Making College More Affordable

Democrats and Republicans agree they need to reduce the cost of a college education, but disagree on how to do that. Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to combine community colleges and the state-run universities, increase funding for those schools, and cap tuition for many students. Senate Republican leaders want to offer scholarships if students remain in the state after graduation. [SpotlightPA]

• 🏫 Reducing teacher shortages: Last year, the state offered stipends for student teachers to encourage them to stay in the profession. Supporters say there’s not enough money to meet demand. [TribLive]

Sometimes you don’t even realize how “Pittsburgh” something is until an out-of-towner points it out. I came across this Reddit post about how many working-class folks in Pittsburgh have property outside the city where they go to breathe some fresh air, hunt, fish, or sit around a fire and look at the stars.

In my home, we called it going "up camp." What do you think, Pittsburgh? Are you an "up camp" family?

And learn more about how Reddit — and our own Francesca Dabecco — feels about it here.

Let’s play a game! We won’t make it quite so easy on yinz this week. Where in Pittsburgh can you find the affirmation in the photo above? 👀

🌟 So many winners! Shoutout to Sonja B., Olga F., Peggy F., Casey H., Suzy F., Chelsea E., Susan L., Hal F., Barbara D., Diane T.-B., Carol P., Sharon G., Marissa B.-H., Alexandre E., Meg M., Casey G., Katherine A., Dana P., Dylan K., Mingsi M., Kira M., Amy Z., Carla C., Anupama J., Adela A., Dell P., Hannah H., Kellie M., Colby S., Michelle M., Harrison K., Amber B., Jane, Natasha M., Maureen J., Amanda P., Stamatis M., Johanna S., Boaz F., Janis M., Kylee H., Natalee C., Olivia J., Carol G., Sam L., Gloria G., Tanusha G., Cathay G., Christin J., Kim H., Krystal P., Samantha R., Eric S., Gayla V., Nancy H., Mihiri M., Carrie T., and Sandra B., who ALL correctly guessed the last “Where Is It?” challenge!

🚤 Looking for more fun art and activities to take in? Check out our guide to June in Pittsburgh!

How To Enjoy Pittsburgh’s Rivers This Summer

Our rivers might not be the cleanest — we’re looking at you, Monongahela! — but that doesn’t mean there aren’t lots of great ways to get out on the water. City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are sharing some of their favorite ways to enjoy our waterways, from glow-in-the-dark night paddles to historical boat tours.