💰 Pirates pinch pennies

Nutting Won’t Increase Pirates Payroll

The Pirates’ payroll is unlikely to get a boost in 2026, despite some pressure from the MLB. In 2023, an MLB executive met with Pirates owner Bob Nutting to express “the league’s dissatisfaction with the Pirates’ lack of spending.” [Pittsburgh Baseball Now]

• What will it take to get us a winning team?! We’re talking to some passionate Buccos fans who think Nutting should abandon ship and “Sell the Team!” [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

ICE Raids 2 Pittsburgh-Area Restaurants

At least 16 employees were detained at Emiliano’s in Gibsonia and Cranberry late last week. Federal agents left the restaurants in disarray. “Doors torn open. Our kitchen trashed. The people who have stood beside us for years — scared, shaken, gone,” Emiliano’s posted on social media. [Public Source / Emiliano’s]

• Here’s what to know during an ICE encounter in Pittsburgh. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Emiliano’s is committed to reopening, and they’re asking for your support. [GoFundMe]

CMU Lays off Computer Science Employees

Eighteen employees in the School of Computer Science were laid off in an effort to “reduce costs and streamline resources.” An email from the dean noted that higher education is facing “significant financial and societal pressures.” [90.5 WESA / PublicSource]

• WQED recently laid off 19 additional employees following the loss of federal public media funding. [TribLive]

County Seeks Feedback on Climate Action Plan

Allegheny County wants to know what climate change strategies matter most to you, like preventing extreme weather events, managing utility bills, and more. Share your priorities through this survey, or give feedback at upcoming community events. [Allegheny County]

• The Trump administration wants to rule back climate rules, which could worsen public health in Western PA. Attend a virtual hearing or submit a comment to the EPA. [WESA / EPA]
• Take action on your own with these six ways to take care of Pittsburgh’s rivers and green spaces. [📝 Hey Pittsburgh]

The City Cast Pittsburgh team is so excited to be nominated for “Best Podcast” in City Paper’s Best of PGH.

🗳️ Vote for us every day through August 22! Find us under the “people and places” category.

Pittsburgh’s summer is wrapping up with some tasty celebrations. Here’s what’s cooking in August and September ⬇️

🥕 Pittsburgh VegFest

🗓️ August 16

📍 North Side

Expand your plant-based palette at this annual festival in Allegheny Commons, featuring some of the best vegan food in the region, animal rescue orgs, and creative craft vendors. Look forward to goodies like Korean bibimbap from manduhandu, Cuban-inspired treats from Mami’s Bakes, and comfort food recreations from Veggies N’at. Be sure to say hi to some four-legged friends, like the pigs from Pittsburgh Squealers.

🌮 TacoMania Super Fest

🗓️ August 23

📍 SouthSide Works

Enjoy a day of tacos and takedowns at this festival featuring pro wrestling performances and some of the city’s best food trucks. Snag a local beer or margarita to sip on with grub from trucks like Taqueria El Pastorcito, Vaya Mexican Street Food, and El Sabor Latin Kitchen.

🎉 SumFest

🗓️ August 29

📍 Highland Park

Head to Rhododendron Shelter in Highland Park for a multicultural celebration of food and music, featuring eats by A Taste of Jamaica Pitt. There will be craft vendors, a back-to-school backpack drive, and performances by dance groups and reggae bands.

🥘 Soul Food Festival

🗓️ August 29-31

📍 Downtown

Celebrate Pittsburgh’s Black entrepreneurs with a BBQ contest, craft vendors, live music, and some of the best soul food in the city — like Leon’s Caribbean, Ray Ray’s BBQ, and Aunt Rhonda's sweet potato pie. Check out festivities in Market Square and along the Boulevard of the Allies.

🥓 BaconBurgh

🗓️ September 27

📍 SouthSide Works

Bring home the bacon from this new festival starring the beloved breakfast meat. Expect eats like bacon pierogi and candied bacon cupcakes; live music to keep the party sizzling; and beer, bourbon, and cocktails to wash it down.