🚑 Pittsburgh gets $$ for fleet

UPMC Gives $10 Million to City’s Vehicle Fleet

The major gift from UPMC will allow the city to purchase nine new ambulances and one rescue truck this year, plus a similar amount of equipment in 2027. The donation also frees up funds in the city budget to purchase 35 vehicles for the Department of Public Works.

• Because nonprofits are mostly exempt from paying property taxes, local leaders have been trying for years to get big players like Highmark, UPMC, and CMU to invest back into the city. O’Connor said the donation is an isolated gift, and the city is still in talks with large nonprofits to create partnership agreements. [City of Pittsburgh / 🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Fetterman Votes No, DHS Funding Blocked

Sen. John Fetterman joined Democratic Senators, along with eight Republicans, to block a funding package that would’ve given ICE another $10 billion this year. PA Republican Sen. Dave McCormick voted in favor of the package.

• The government is headed toward a partial shutdown if an agreement can’t be reached by Saturday morning. ICE would still operate during a shutdown due to funding from a 2025 GOP law. [Philadelphia Inquirer / Politico]
• See what local officials are saying about ICE in Pittsburgh. [📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Police Chief Interviews Under Oath

In an interview with City Council, prospective (and acting) Police Chief Jason Lando and Director of Public Safety Sheldon Williams both said they’d like to see police staffing increase. When pressed about the influx of ICE activity, Lando said “we don’t have an interest in immigration enforcement” but would have a “legal and a moral obligation to respond” if ICE called police in a crisis situation. [WESA]

PPS School Closures Back on the Table

After rejecting a plan in November, Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted to bring back discussions on a proposal that would close, consolidate, and restructure schools — an effort to address issues like declining enrollment and a growing deficit. While discussions will resume, board member Tracey Reed said there is “still considerable disagreement in the public and among the board.” [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh / Public Source]