💸 What’s in Gov. Shapiro’s 2025 budget?

💥 2 Years Since East Palestine Derailment

Officials initially said air and water were safe following the Norfolk Southern train derailment, but residents reported mysterious symptoms and continue to worry about long-term health effects. Julie Grant from the Allegheny Front joins us on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast to explain what we know about the health impacts, where lawsuits and rail safety legislation currently stand, and how the community is coping. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

💸 Gov. Shapiro Proposes 2025 Budget

In his $51.4 billion pitch, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro asked the Pennsylvania legislature to legalize recreational cannabis, tax and regulate skill games, send money to the state's poorest schools, invest in energy production while capping carbon emissions, and raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, among other proposals. [SpotlightPA / Gov. Shapiro]

🗳️ 3 Referendums on Pgh’s Primary Ballot

In the May 20 primary, Pittsburghers will vote on at least three referendums. Two questions aim to guarantee the city isn’t forced to divest from companies that do business with Israel; the third asks voters to block the city from privatizing its water and sewer systems. [TribLive]

🌈 Pgh Could Get Its First Official Queer Landmark

Passersby may overlook the red brick building on Herron Ave. near Ruthven St., but activists and Polish Hill residents want to change that. Donny’s Place bar — a former hub for LGBTQ culture and public health outreach center during the HIV/AIDS crisis — goes in front of the Historic Review Commission today, a step toward receiving historic designation. [PublicSource]