🚽 Pittsburgh potty parking chair

PNC Steps Up for Snow Plows

The PNC Foundation gave the city a $2 million grant to help upgrade snow removal equipment. Mayor Corey O’Connor says the money will help purchase 15 new vehicles for the Department of Public Works. UPMC gifted $10 million to go toward EMS vehicles last week. [KDKA / 🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Pitt Launches Institute for Space & Global Biomedicine

The $25 million institute, led by professor and former NASA astronaut Kate Rubins, is focused on "applying insights from spaceflight to improve human health on Earth.” Space’s harsh environment, along with its severe lack of resources, provide a “prime testing ground” for how to treat patients during disasters, humanitarian missions, and more. [University of Pittsburgh]

Ice Shuts Down Allegheny River Traffic

The U.S. Coast Guard is halting traffic through March 1 because of ice accumulation on the river. The shutdown is disrupting Pittsburgh’s supply chain, including coal shipments for power plants and U.S. Steel. The Monongahela and Ohio rivers are still open. [TribLive]

County GOP Chair Runs for Lt. Governor

Jason Richey, longtime attorney and chair of the Allegheny County GOP, is running for lieutenant governor. He’s endorsed by Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who's vying to unseat Gov. Josh Shapiro. Richey previously ran for governor in 2022. [Post-Gazette]

Fridays are where it’s at in February. Go on an art crawl, dig into a savory sando, get a guided museum tour, or ditch the romance for some spooky Friday the 13th fun. Scroll for these recommendations and more, like Valentine’s markets and a new romance bookstore.

1. Buy a Local Valentine’s Gift

Show love to a partner, friend, or family member while also spreading the love to local businesses and makers. Shop from over 100 vendors selling jewelry, art, pottery and more at I Made It! Mine, Feb. 7 at The Block Northway. Or heat things up at the Sexy Time Market, an adult-only vintage and maker event, Feb. 7 at Spirit.

Want to shop and make a homemade gift? WorkshopPGH is hosting a Valentine Market and DIY Party, Feb. 8 inside the historic Wilkinsburg Train Station. If you can’t make it to these pop-up events, stop by one of Pittsburgh’s best gift shops.

2. Tour the Clemente Museum on 21+ Nights

Learn about the legacy of this barrier-breaking Pirate on a special 21+ guided tours every Friday in February. The Lawrenceville museum has an impressive collection of photographs and artifacts from Roberto Clemente’s life on and off the field: game series rings, game-worn uniforms, documents from his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, and more. A $30 ticket gets you admission and a glass of Engine House 25 Wine.

3. Make Friends with Pittsburgh Social Health

Looking to pick up a new hobby or plug into a local organization? The Pittsburgh Social Health Connection Expo is hosting the ultimate “try-it-all” day, Feb. 21 at Velum Fermentation. Expect to see social clubs, community organizations, craft groups, nonprofits, and more. It’s free and open to all ages. City Cast Pittsburgh will have a table at the expo. Come say hi!

4. Dig Into a Sando at Trace Brewing

Don’t skip a chance to get one of my favorite sandwiches in town. Find the G.S. Sando Co. food truck at Trace Brewing every Friday in February, offering fluffy, indulgent sandwiches and cozy bowls of tantanmen-style ramen. It’s the perfect pairing with a craft brew. Every sando (the Japanese nickname for sandwich) is made with pillowy milk bread, katsu-style meat or veggies, cabbage, green onions, and a tangy, sweet sauce.

5. Find a New Romantic Read

Feeling the love for Valentine's Day? Get your hands on a sappy or steamy novel from Passionate Pages, Pittsburgh’s new romance-only bookstore in Lawrenceville. Or shop from local book sellers at the Plot Twist Adult Book Fair at Velum Fermentation Feb. 7. The event includes bookmark making, bookish tattoos, and local vendors.

Looking for some new literary friends? Check out the Book Club Fair, Feb. 9 at Trace Brewing. Whether you like imaginative science fiction or a thrilling mystery, there’s a club for you.