🚨 ICE offices in Pittsburgh?

Upgrades Coming To Acrisure Stadium

The Steelers home field is getting 22,000 new seats within the next two years. The Sports and Exhibition Authority approved the first phase of the project, which will cost over $6 million; the total cost will be close to $18 million. [KDKA]

• Pittsburgh’s short-term rentals are already booking up for the NFL Draft next year. [Pittsburgh Magazine]
• Check out more glow ups coming to local museums and attractions ahead of the draft. [🎧📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]

PA Joins Lawsuit Over National Guard Deployment

Several states are taking legal action against the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard to U.S. cities without approval from governors. Gov. Josh Shapiro says the move “is incredibly dangerous and an unprecedented infringement on states’ rights.” [Pennsylvania Capital-Star]

• Federal officials are looking to rent office space in Pittsburgh to support “unspecified law enforcement actions.” NPR and the Washington Post reported that the space is being requested on behalf of ICE. [Axios Pittsburgh]
• Here’s what to know if the National Guard comes to Pittsburgh and what to do during an ICE encounter. [🎧📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Why O’Connor Wants To Be Mayor

Ahead of the Nov. 4 election, we’re revisiting our interviews with Pittsburgh's mayoral candidates: Democrat Corey O’Connor and Republican Tony Moreno. Tune into today’s City Cast Pittsburgh podcast to hear O’Connor, the current Allegheny County Controller, explain why he’s the right person to lead Pittsburgh. [🎧📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]

• Come back tomorrow for our interview with Moreno.

Hill District Gets $1 Million+ Investment

Tax money from new development projects in the Lower Hill will be redistributed into youth education programs, workforce training, and real estate development through the Greater Hill District Reinvestment Fund. Hill District nonprofits can apply for grants up to $25,000. [WESA]

• The fund aims to support a community that was deeply affected by “urban renewal.” Learn how residents were forced out of the Hill in the 1950s. [📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Let’s play a game! Where can you find these cafe cherries? 👀

🌟 Congrats to Diane T., Carye B., and Joarand, who correctly guessed the last “Where Is It?” challenge! ⬇️

Find this colorful art piece by Kyle Holbrook, titled “Liberation Wall,” outside of the Community Empowerment Association building in Homewood. The mural, which wraps around nearly the whole structure, shows various influential Black activists, musicians, athletes, and military figures.

Amid the eye-catching portraits and swirls of color, you can find quotes, like “You already possess everything necessary to become great” and “Get in some good trouble.”

This is just one of many murals decorating Homewood with pictures of history and community pride. The next time you’re in the area, take a self-guided tour.

Looking for things to see and do?

• 🍂 Make the most of the month with our guide to October.
• 🎃 Try out some tasty local pumpkin treats or creepy cocktails.
• 💸 Score some deals at MAC.BID and local thrift shops.
• 👟 Find a secret urban oasis or explore Pittsburgh’s city steps.
• 👻 Have some freight fun at nearby haunted houses.
• 🥭 Learn about the native pawpaw fruit in Pittsburgh.
• ☕ Warm up with a cup from Pittsburgh’s best tea shops.
• 📸 Turn your photos into Warhol-inspired art.

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

• 🛍️ Susan S. loves the Steel Goat Marketplace in Penn Hills for its local makers, plants, and Friday food truck days in October. Plus, it’s queer-owned!
• 🎶 Jeffery C. wants to shout out Vocal Confluence, a non-profit barbershop chorus “that's been incredibly welcoming to me as a new singer and Pittsburgher!”

Want to share your own shoutout? 🌟