❓Can you guess PA’s state symbols?

Lawmakers Return to Work After Threats

State legislators were back in the Capitol building in Harrisburg yesterday working on an overdue budget deal. [Inquirer 🔒]

• Over the weekend, an anonymous email to lawmakers with bomb threats prompted an evacuation of the building. Capitol Police didn’t find any explosives in their sweep of the building. [Pennsylvania Capital-Star]

SCOTUS Ruling on Unhoused Encampments

The Supreme Court ruled that the 8th Amendment — which protects against cruel and unusual punishment — doesn’t apply to penalties (like jail time and civil fines) for sleeping in public spaces. Officials in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County say the ruling won’t change their approach to those experiencing homelessness and they don't plan to bar people from sleeping outdoors. [90.5 WESA]

Shuman Center Reopens

The juvenile detention facility reopened last week under new management and a new name: Highland Detention at Shuman Center. It was formerly run by the county but closed in 2021 after repeated violations. The nonprofit Adelphoi plans to increase the center’s capacity from 12 to 60 beds. Major upgrades to the facility — to the tune of $10.6 million — will take another 18 months to complete, and critics continue to voice concerns over the validity of Adelphoi’s contract. [TribLive]

Where Are They Now?: Pittsburgh Grad Edition

I’ve always found it satisfying to watch new college graduates find their way in the world. Read for yourself how 12 Pittsburgh alumni are navigating pandemic-aftershocks, inflation, AI, and more — and prepare to feel inspired. [PublicSource]

Let’s play a game! Where in Pittsburgh can you find the mural in the photo above? 👀

🌟 Congrats to Lemesha B., Diane B., Abby B., Harrison K., Corey E., and Sarah C. who correctly guessed the last “Where Is It?” challenge — Bass & Bennett Trading Co. in the Strip District! One reader says “B&B is very easy to work with... Highly recommend visiting the store even if just to look around.”

🗝️ Looking for more fun events and activities to take in? Check out our guide to July in Pittsburgh!

What comes to your mind when you think of Pennsylvania? Over the years, we have adopted all sorts of plants, animals, and even a drink to represent our Commonwealth, but not all of these symbols and the stories behind them are common knowledge. Producer Sophia Lo is putting the City Cast Pittsburgh team to the test. Come play along with us!