🗳️ O’Connor is Pgh’s next mayor

O’Connor Is Pittsburgh’s Next Mayor

Democrat Corey O'Connor won handily against Republican Tony Moreno to become Pittsburgh’s next chief executive. O’Connor is currently Allegheny County Controller and previously served more than a decade on city council.

• When O’Connor takes office on Jan. 5, he’ll be dealing with issues like the city’s precarious financial situation, a rapidly aging vehicle fleet, and efforts to get the city’s major nonprofits to "pay their fair share." [📝🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

PA Keeps Its Supreme Court Judges

Three of seven justices were up for retention votes, and all will maintain their positions on the bench. This means Democrats will keep their majority on the state's highest court. The race got more attention and advertising dollars than usual because so much was on the line. [SpotlightPA]

• State Supreme Court judges can decide the future of issues like voting rights and abortion access in PA. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Fresh Face Added To City Council

Democrat Kim Salinetro won the race to replace retiring councilmember Theresa Kail-Smith and represent District 2 in the West End. Salinetro is Kail-Smith's longtime chief of staff. Incumbent Democrats Anthony Coghill, Daniel Lavelle, and Erika Strassburger (unopposed) held onto their seats. [WESA / Public Source]

• City councilors propose, debate, and vote on legislation (like housing policy); approve the mayor’s budget; and allocate millions of dollars for city resources. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Allegheny County Council Race Delivers A Twist

Democrat-turned-Independent Alex Rose won the special election for councilor at-large, leaving just one Republican on the 15-member council. The seat was formerly held by Sam DeMarco, who stepped down to work with U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick. Rose defeated Republican Mike Embrescia, who'd been appointed to replace DeMarco.

• Council has two at-large seats representing the entire county, traditionally held by a Democrat and Republican — until now.
• Democrats won the remaining seven council seats that were up for grabs. [WESA / Public Source]

🗳️ Dig in to more election results for races like Allegheny County sheriff and the Court of Common Pleas with reporting from our friends at WESA, SpotlightPA, TribLive, and Public Source.

Water Lead Levels Hit Record Low

Lead levels in Pittsburgh’s drinking water have decreased dramatically since 2016. Pittsburgh Water has replaced thousands of service lines and is on track to replace all residential lead lines by 2027. [WESA]

• Learn about ways you can help keep Pittsburgh's water clean. [📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Why Pennsylvania Can’t Pay Its Bills

PA is the only state in the nation without a budget. What's the holdup? PA Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton shares why negotiations are dragging on and how the impasse is affecting everyday life for Pennsylvanians. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh / City Cast Philly]

County Announces Winter Shelter Plan

Allegheny County will have more than 600 beds available at several shelters from Nov. 15 through April 30. The sites will also provide hot meals and access to services like medical care. See the full shelter list. [Allegheny County]

AMC Waterfront 22 Renovation Complete

Homestead moviegoers can expect new plush seats; a bar for beer, wine, and mixed drinks; and updates to the lobby, restrooms, and concession stands. The renovation also cut seating from 4,200 to 2,300, freeing space for new developments like a hotel or restaurants. [🔐 Business Times]

• Want more movie fun? Check out the grand re-opening of a historic theater, the Three Rivers Film Festival, and more this November. [📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]