City Cast Pittsburgh
🏗️ Apartments could replace decaying warehouse
June 18, 2024 · - Francesca Dabecco
Good Tuesday morning. Did you pony up for a nice gift for dad for Father’s Day? If so, you were part of the estimated $22 billion spent on greeting cards, sporting goods, special outings, and ties 😖.
A reminder: we won't be sending a newsletter or publishing an episode of City Cast Pittsburgh on Wednesday. The team is off to celebrate Juneteenth in Pittsburgh (and we hope you are, too!)
What's CITY Talking About?
New Emergency Shelter in the North Side
Residents forced out of the Second Avenue Commons facility after a fire two weeks ago have a new temporary shelter. Approximately 100 people, who were being temporarily housed at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, were moved to a facility in the North Side operated by Pittsburgh Mercy. A County Human Services spokesperson says this location has beds, showers, and is air conditioned. A medical clinic will also be set up. [WTAE-TV]
Jay-Z a Vocal Advocate for PA School Vouchers?
Billionaire rapper Jay-Z has stepped into the fight over using taxpayer dollars to provide students with vouchers giving them options to attend private schools. Critics say taking away these funds would further harm public schools.
- 🏫 Why Jay-Z? Listen to the crux of the debate over education funds. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
Apartments Could Replace Lawrenceville Warehouse
The City Planning Commission is considering a proposal by a Washington D.C-based developer to replace a decaying warehouse in Lawrenceville with a five-story apartment building. The developer said 10% of the 334 units would be reserved as affordable housing. The commission is scheduled to vote on the proposal June 25. [PublicSource]
ACLU Sues PA Over Public Defender Funds
The American Civil Liberties Union claims the state is not providing an effective defense to people who can’t afford attorneys, which is unconstitutional. According to the lawsuit, inadequate funding has resulted in too few public defenders who are handling too many cases. Currently, the state provides $7.5 million for indigent defense, but the lawsuit says $100 million is needed. [Spotlight PA]
Sponsored Content
Experience the Carrie Blast Furnaces this summer!
Join Rivers of Steel to connect with Pittsburgh’s steel heritage on a guided Industrial Tour of the iconic Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark—and Sundays this June, don’t miss The Black Experience at the Carrie Furnaces, an exploration of the Great Migration and our region's workforce and legacy.
Where Is It?
Let’s play a game! Where in Pittsburgh can you find this cozy booth and inventive decor? Hint: they have a ton of biodynamic wine, and one of the best jukeboxes in the city!
👏 Big shoutout to Corey E. and Mark H. who correctly identified last week’s somewhat cryptic image.
Looking for more fun art and activities to take in? Check out our guide to June in Pittsburgh!
What To Do
Tuesday, June 18
- 🎨 Juneteenth at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center | various times | free & ticketed | Downtown
- ⚾ 1HOOD’s Art as Liberation Pirates game | 6:40 p.m. | game ticket | North Shore
- 🎵 Swing Lessons and Social Dancing at Joy in Movement | 7-9 p.m. | free | Strip District
- 🎤 Rose Bowl Sober Open Mic at Grandview Park | 5:30 p.m. | free | Allentown
Wednesday, June 19
- 📖 Black Power Story Time with BOOM Concepts | 10-11:30 a.m. | free | Squirrel Hill
- 🎭 WDVE Comedy Showcase at Bottlerocket Social Hall | 8 p.m. | $18 | Allentown
- 🔊 Liber8 PGH at Spirit | 8 p.m. | $10-15 | Lawrenceville
Today on City Cast
Jay-Z, School Funding, & How Vouchers Work in PA
Jay-Z is jumping into the debate about how to improve our state’s “lowest performing” schools, and he’s decided to pump his very influential money into school vouchers. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are breaking down how schools are funded in Pennsylvania, what Jay-Z’s trying to bring to the table, and why people are mad about it.
Enjoy the holiday!
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