City Cast Pittsburgh
👎 PA’s problem with Elon Musk
October 22, 2024 · — Francesca Dabecco
Good morning, neighbor! Here’s a tip: you can get free admission to Phipps Conservatory today to see the beautiful fall flower displays! The special promo is also happening Oct. 29 🍂
Scroll for some wild news, your weekly “Where Is It?” challenge, and Halloween festivities 🎃
What's CITY Talking About?
🦒 Zoo Announces 20-Year Total Revamp
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium will see three phases of upgrades to its 77 acres in Highland Park, including a larger giraffe barn and yard, a renovated orangutan habit, and an updated education complex — with a preschool! [Pittsburgh Magazine]
- 🐻 The renovation announcement follows the zoo's long-awaited reaccreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
- 🐘 We go behind the scenes with CEO and president Dr. Jeremy Goodman to learn why the accreditation matters, what happens during animal escape drills (!!), and insider tips for having a great day with spunky animals. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
💸 Is Elon Musk Breaking Election Law?
At an event in Harrisburg, the billionaire tech founder announced he’ll be giving away $1 million a day to random voters in swing states who’ve signed his America PAC petition. Election law experts and Gov. Josh Shapiro say the offer is illegal and deserving of state and federal scrutiny. [NPR]
- 💰 Musk has given $75 million to re-elect Donald Trump so far. [NPR]
- 📡 He shared debunked conspiracy theories about election fraud in McKees Rocks over the weekend. [90.5 WESA]
This is essentially a lottery that's open only to people who register to vote. So it’s either an incentive for someone to vote or it’s a reward. And either way, it violates federal law.
🚫 Panther Hollow Bridge Closed
City officials abruptly closed the bridge spanning Panther Hollow in Schenley Park after inspectors found problems with the steel trusses. It’s unclear when the bridge will reopen. [Union Progress]
- 🚂 Should we be afraid of our region's rail bridges, too? [City Paper]
Where Is It?
Let’s play a game! Where in Pittsburgh can you find the stained glass “vote” sign in the photo above? 👀
I stumped yinz with last week’s challenge! It was a tough one. ⬇️
I stumbled upon this cute little graveyard garden near the WorkshopPGH warehouse in Wilkinsburg. They often have pop up markets and events, or you can book an upcoming class like intro to handbuilt ceramics, sewing 101, knitting 101, and more.
➡️ Want more Halloween fun?
- 🍫 Take this PA candy trivia quiz
- 👻 Go to the best haunted houses around Pittsburgh
- 📽️ Watch these Pittsburgh scary movies with local snack pairings
- 💀 Get to know why Allentown is so goth
- 🎃 Check the full events calendar on our website
What To Do
Tuesday, Oct. 22
- 🥬 Microgreens Workshop with Grow Pittsburgh | 5:30-7 p.m. | $15 | Wilkinsburg
- 🐕 Pup Meet Up with Pittsburgh Social House | 6-8 p.m. | free | Larmier
- 🎤 Story Club PGH Story Slam: Surprise! | 7-8:30 p.m. | free | North Side, virtual
- 📚 Open Mic Night: Read the Room at White Whale Bookstore | 7-8:30 | free | Bloomfield
- 🪐 80s Outer Space Cocktail Contest with St. George Spirits | 7-9 p.m. | $20 | Downtown
- 🧛 Pittsburgh Reads Twilight at Bottlerocket | 8 p.m. | $7 | Allentown
Wednesday, Oct. 23
- 🗑️ Butler Street Clean Up with New Alliance FCU | 3:30-5 p.m., plus after party | free | Lawrenceville
- 📽️ Scary Movie Nights at Cobra | 5 p.m. — Wednesdays through October | free | Bloomfield
- 🎃 Halloween Party at Reginald’s Coffee | 5-9 p.m. | free | Bethel Park
- 🍪 Halloween Cooking Decorating Class with Cookie Wishes | 6-8 p.m. | $65 | McMurray
- 🍷 Bold Reds Wine Class at the PA Market | 6:30-9 p.m. | $40 | Strip District
Thursday, Oct. 24
- 🚰 Life Without Lead Summit | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | $15 | Hill District
- 🐶 Hound-Oween Pup Party at Spritzery | 4-10 p.m. | free | Downtown
- 🔮 Tincture & Potion Making Workshop | 6-7:30 p.m. | $30 | Homewood
- 🎃 Halloween Candy & Wine Pairing at Black Dog Wine Company | 6-8 p.m. | $20 | Oakdale
- 🧙♀️ Hocus Pocus Drag Bingo at Strange Roots | 7 p.m. | $10 | Milvalle
- 👻 Fright Nights at Anderson Manor | 7-11 p.m. | $20 | Manchester
- 🍬 54th Annual Halloween Parade | 7:30 p.m. | free | Bloomfield
Before you go! Pittsburgh is holding its fourth annual Eradicate Hate Summit this week with conversation topics like reducing the risk of political violence.
The event was organized in response to the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting on October 27, 2018. Find ways to volunteer, gather in community, and honor the lives lost at upcoming events with the 10.27 Healing Partnership.
Free · Daily