❤️‍🩹 Explosion at Clairton Coke Works

U.S. Steel Plant Explosion Rocks Clairton

At least one person died and 10 others were injured after a blast at Clairton Coke Works on Monday morning. Emergency crews worked throughout the day to rescue people trapped under the rubble. At press time, one worker was still unaccounted for.

• It’s not immediately clear what caused the explosion. U.S. Steel's CEO said the company is working with authorities to investigate the cause.
• Public health and environmental advocates have routinely raised concerns about pollution from the plant. Nippon Steel, which purchased U.S. Steel this summer, promised billions of dollars to upgrade its aging facilities. [90.5 WESA]

Trump Admin Asks for PA Voter Rolls

The U.S. Department of Justice wants Pennsylvania to turn over its voter registration list, which includes personal information like Social Security numbers. Federal officials say it's part of an effort to enforce election law, but experts warn it could violate voter privacy. [Votebeat PA]

City Expands Spay & Neuter Program

Low-income Pittsburghers and animal rescue groups will soon be able to spay and neuter animals for free again. The city used to offer free services to all residents, but paused the program after realizing suburbanites were taking advantage of it. [Next Generation Newsroom]

• The program reopened for feral cats last spring. Learn more about local efforts to control Pittsburgh's cat population. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Let’s play a game! Where can you find the zinnia patch in the photo above? 👀

🌟 Congrats to Jezreel K., Stephanie G., Emily S., Sam V., Abby P., David Z., Mary P., Abby W., Zena K., and Jayke, who correctly guessed the last “Where Is It?” challenge! ⬇️

Forage Vintage + Goods on Potomac Avenue has beautifully restored furniture and mid-century style home decor like lamps, dishware, candle holders, and textile art — plus a huge table of locally made items like prints from Gingerly Press, candles from Chez Lapin, and jewelry by Collarbone.

👀 Explore more of Dormont. Grab breakfast at a spot featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives"; learn about a historic movie theater coming back to life; order treats from a classic neighborhood bakery; and find a new read at a charming indie bookstore.

Looking for more to see and do?

• 🍑 Make plans for the month with our guide to August.
• 🥃 Learn about Pittsburgh’s liquor legacy on distillery tours.
• 🌳 Stretch and flow at outdoor yoga classes.
• 👟 Take a tour of Pittsburgh’s historic city steps.
• 🌊 Enjoy our rivers by boat, kayak, or alfresco eats.
• 🍦 Get the region’s best ice cream and dairy-free scoops.

We’re back with a recommendation from a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor 📣 This is a weekly spot in the newsletter where members get to shine a light on their fave local businesses, organizations, and events.

• 🧵 Katy W. loves Firecracker Fabrics in Morningside. “They have a wonderful selection of apparel and quilting fabrics, plus patterns, embroidery kits, and other sewing supplies. The owner, Erin, is a delight, and the shop’s Instagram account is a great way to see new fun things they have in stock.”

Want to share your own shoutout? 🌟

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.