City Cast Pittsburgh
🏴☠️ Should the Pirates get paid more?
July 16, 2024 · — Lane Fisher
G’morning Pittsburgh! If you’re like me, transportation quality is going to dictate your mood for the day. Maybe that’s why I’m a little grumpy that the new state budget dolled out a mere $12 million for Pittsburgh Regional Transit. We looked it up: that’s about 2% of the system’s total expenses in 2024. State funding paid for about 55% of all PRT operating costs the same year.
🎧 Hear more in today’s episode of the City Cast Pittsburgh’s podcast, plus the latest on a new EV tax, education funding, cannabis legalization, and more!
What's CITY Talking About?
Do Player Salaries Affect Wins?
If the Pirates had higher salaries, would more people show up for their games? Two state lawmakers think so. They requested a report on the economic impact from PNC Park, which found the Buccos won more games and had better attendance during the years when payroll was higher. Now, they’re calling for the Pirates organization to boost player salaries — all in the name of helping the local economy. [TribLive]
- ⚾ Root for the rookie! Paul Skenes will be the first Pirates pitcher in nearly 50 years to start in tonight’s All-Star Game. He’ll be on the mound at 8 p.m. [MLB]
- 🌭 Thanks one more time to everyone who shared their Buccos hacks with us. My main takeaway? Yinz really love a deal 😂 [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
New Telemedicine Coverage
Good news if you prefer to visit the doctor from the comfort of home. Under a new law, if your insurance would cover a service in person, they now have to match that coverage for teledoc appointments, including for folks who use Medicaid and CHIP, the Children’s Health Insurance Program. A Butler County Republican was among its lead champions. [PA Governor]
Birds In The ‘Burgh
Swissvale will be Allegheny County’s first ‘Bird Town,’ a collaborative program to address some of the biggest threats to birds: pesticides, habitat loss, and pollution. Local officials have turned an empty lot into a lush pollinator garden and want restored habitats in public spaces. [The Allegheny Front]
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Where Is It?
Welp, yinz. No one guessed where this cute little bumble bee is.
So I’ll help you by zooming out. How about now? Who knows where this colorful mural is in Pittsburgh? 👀
🐝 Looking for more fun art and activities to take in? Check out our guide to July in Pittsburgh!
What To Do
Tuesday, July 16
- 🛼 Roller Derby 101 with Steel City Roller Derby | 6-7 p.m. | free | Beechview
- 🏳️🌈 Pride Run (And Walk) Club at Lolev Beer | 6:30-9 p.m. | free | Lawrenceville
- 🧠 Y2K Teen Dramas Trivia at Two Frays | 7 p.m. | free | Garfield
- 🧩 Puzzle Swap at Harold’s Haunt | 7-9 p.m. | free | Millvale
- 🎤 Open Mic Night with Dreamers Comedy | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | free | South Side
Wednesday, July 17
- 📣 Action Conversation on Race: Reparations with the YWCA | 12-1 p.m. | free | virtual
- 🤝 City in the Streets Government Meet and Greet | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | free | Hazelwood
- 🥪 Summer Potluck with PGH SK8 | 6 p.m. | free | North Shore
- 🌼 Resin Jewelry Workshop at Hometique Boutique | 6-8 p.m. | $65+ | White Oak
- 🧵 Mending Workshop at Carnegie Library | 6:30-8 p.m. | free | Squirrel Hill
- 🌎 World Music: Pascuala Ilabaca & Fauna at City of Asylum | 7-9 p.m. | free | North Shore, virtual
- 🕺🏼 Swing Dancing with Pgh Swing | 7-10:30 p.m. | $10 | Regent Square
Today on City Cast
Free Period Products, EV Fees & More Surprises in PA’s New Budget
The state just passed a $47.6 billion dollar budget — our biggest one yet — that sets a bunch of new priorities. Spotlight PA’s capitol reporter Stephen Caruso joins City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris and City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri to talk about where the state is putting its money and what got left behind.
Until tomorrow,
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