⛄ Best winter activities in Pittsburgh

❌ Biden Blocks Sale of US Steel

• President Biden blocked a nearly $15 billion sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, citing possible national security concerns. [White House]
• The Japanese-owned company agreed to pay more than $14 billion in cash to acquire U.S. Steel over a year ago and made promises to maintain production capacity and invest in the Mon Valley. [USS / Washington Post / 90.5 WESA]
• Nippon suggested that it might sue the U.S. government. It previously accused the White House of “impermissible influence” in the CFIUS process — where a committee reviewed the deal’s impact on national security. [New York Times]
• ➡️ Read more on local reactions and what this could mean for Pittsburgh.

💰 PA Lawmakers Get Pay Raise

About 1,300 state officials are starting 2025 with a 3.4% salary increase, thanks to a state law that gives automatic raises to match inflation. That’s nearly one-third higher than the average wage increase for private sector employees in Pennsylvania. [Associated Press]

• Meanwhile, 21 states bumped up their minimum wage for 2025, and Pennsylvania wasn’t one of them. [NPR]

😢 Bae Bae’s Kitchen Closes Downtown

After seven years on Liberty Avenue, the popular Korean spot announced last Thursday that it was closing indefinitely, as soon as it sold out for the week. The restaurant will still operate its cafe a few doors down and take catering orders. [Bae Bae’s Kitchen]

• I’m devastated, but it’s not all sad — we’ve got a bunch of tasty new spots in town.

As we get closer to Inauguration Day — and prepare for possible policy changes under the new administration — we’re adding to our list of Pittsburgh organizations that are working to support and protect our neighbors.

🌈 QMNTY Center

The North Side center led by Proud Haven and TransYOUniting offers a variety of resources for the queer community: a QMNTY Closet with shelf stable goods, hygiene products, and clothing; short term housing at the YOUr Haven Shelter; youth and adult drop-in hours for support and workshops; and an event space for rent. Contact the team for ways to help.

• Here’s how Proud Haven serves local LGBTQ+ youth. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

😊 Steel Smiling

Steel Smiling works to bridge the gap between Black community members and mental health support. It offers programs like Beams to Bridges — a 6-month mental health training focused on self- and community-care — and a mental health fund. Here’s how to support their mission.

• Hear about Steel Smiling's efforts to curb gun violence. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

🚐 The Auto(nomous) Body Shop

While the future of abortion access is uncertain across the country, there’s a team here in Pittsburgh providing the information and supplies people need for reproductive care — and they’re doing it out of an old van.

• Listen to the Auto Body Shop crew explain what steers their mobile mission and how you can support them. [🎧City Cast Pittsburgh]

📧 Tell us! What other Pittsburgh orgs should we add to the list?