🚎 PRT avoids service cuts

PRT Gets State Funds, Avoids Service Cuts

PennDOT approved PRT’s request to use up to $106.7 million in state funds to cover its operating expenses over the next two years, preventing drastic service cuts and fare increases. The funds come from a pot of money earmarked for infrastructure work across the state. [TribLive]

• PA still hasn't passed a state budget. It's more than two months overdue — and transit funding remains a big sticking point. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

‘The Pitt’ Wins Big at the Emmys

HBO Max’s hit medical drama won best drama series. Noah Wyle, who plays attending physician Dr. Robby, won for best actor in a drama, while Katherine LaNasa, who portrays beloved charge nurse Dana, got best supporting actress. The show is back filming its second season in the Burgh this week. [Associated Press / Pittsburgh Magazine]

• Exactly how Pittsburgh is “The Pitt”? We watched and took notes! [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Fet-Fisk Named Among 20 Best US Restaurants

The Bloomfield restaurant serving Scandi-modern dishes made Bon Appetit’s list of 20 best new restaurants of 2025. The writeup says “There’s an ease to Fet-Fisk, and the newcomer already feels like an institution.” [Bon Appetit]

• Learn how chef Nik Forsberg honed his craft at pop-ups before opening the much-lauded brick-and-mortar. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Gov. Josh Shapiro says “we are prepared” if President Donald Trump mobilizes the National Guard in Pennsylvania without local consent, as the president’s threatened to do in lots of U.S. cities, including Chicago, Memphis, Baltimore, and New Orleans.

Troops entered Los Angeles in June and Washington, D.C. in August.

Neither Philly nor Pittsburgh have been mentioned, but given how Trump has “acted outside the bounds of the law,” Shapiro said PA would be ready.

While we wait to see what comes next, here are the basics of how the National Guard works.

What is the National Guard?

The National Guard is a part-time military force that responds to domestic emergencies like natural disasters, and also serves as a reserve component of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force, including overseas combat.

Each state maintains its own forces, all under the command of the governor. However, during emergencies, troops can be “federalized,” meaning they report to the president.

What Can the National Guard Do?

In Washington, D.C., troops aided in clearing close to 50 homeless encampments over the last month. Now, they’re raking leaves, picking up garbage, and laying mulch. They’re also reportedly “standing around.”

The Department of Defense also says the National Guard could be used to protect federal property. We have a lot of that in Pittsburgh.