🥧 Pittsburgh holiday hosting tips

✅ Pitt Grad Students Unionize

After a failed attempt in 2019, grad students at the University of Pittsburgh voted 1033-28 to unionize with the United Steelworkers — joining faculty and staff who previously unionized with the USW. Student workers say they’re seeking everything from pay equity and better health insurance to more transparency from the administration. [PublicSource]

🚧 Heated Debate at City Meeting on Zoning Bills

City Council is considering two rival bills that would change zoning rules. Mayor Ed Gainey’s proposal would make it easier to build community homes (a type of housing for people with disabilities) in residential neighborhoods, and expand the definition to include small homeless shelters and halfway houses. A dueling bill from Theresa Kail-Smith would require public hearings and a council vote before building these residences. [TribLive]

• 🏠 Housing was a big campaign promise from Gainey. Here’s what’s in store for his bid for a second term. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

⚖️ Can Pittsburgh Regulate Firearms?

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court denied Philadelphia the ability to create its own gun laws, which means Pittsburgh likely won’t be able to authorize its own regulations either. Pittsburgh passed gun safety measures after the 2018 attack at a Squirrel Hill synagogue, but gun rights advocates challenged the laws and the Commonwealth Court struck them down. [90.5 WESA]

• 📣 Did you know it’s actually easier to buy an assault rifle than a handgun in Pennsylvania? Learn more about PA’s gun laws and loopholes. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Let’s play a game! Where can you find the colorful cafe art in the photo above? 👀

🌟 Congrats to Timothy I., Kyle K., Josh S., Loren S., Bob S., Cynthia P. Nancy M., Tiffany B., M. Dillie, Jessica O., Jason M., Jeff H., Vincent M., Natalee C., James S., Meg M., Jordan B., and Abby W. who correctly guessed the last “Where Is It?” challenge!

Attending an event in a venue that used to be a church is a uniquely Pittsburgh experience! Catch a concert, laugh at a comedy show, or grab a bite from the cafe / restaurant inside of Mr. Smalls in Millvale (formerly St. Ann’s Catholic Church, built in 1924).

👀 Looking for more to see and do?

• 🎁 Support local artists and businesses at these seasonal markets
• 🥂 Sip on something festive at Pittsburgh’s best holiday pop-up bars
• 📖 Learn our city’s Indigenous history during Native American Heritage Month
• ☕ Try some of the city’s best new restaurants, bars, cafes, and bakeries
• 📍 Or get more ideas in our archive of Pittsburgh neighborhood guides