🌿 Council wish lists: Ban ICE & legalize weed

City Council Wants Legal Cannabis in PA

Pittsburgh City Council is asking legislators in Harrisburg to legalize cannabis, calling it a “necessary step toward justice, public health, and economic growth.” In his 2026-27 budget proposal, Gov. Josh Shapiro (yet again) called for PA to legalize adult recreational use, which he says could generate more than $500 million in revenue for the commonwealth in the first year. [TribLive]

Allegheny County Seeks Answers on ICE

County Council is scheduled to vote on a bill later this week that would prohibit elected officials and county employees from working with federal immigration agents unless ordered by a federal judge — but it’s not clear how employees currently interact with ICE or whether the county can enforce these rules. [Public Source / City Cast Pittsburgh]

• County Executive Sara Innamorato says not only will she sign the bill, but that it’s worth a potential lawsuit to try and protect our immigrant neighbors. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

‘Forever’ Chemicals Run Off from PIT Airport

Three Rivers Waterkeeper says that an “alarming” level of PFAS (aka “forever” chemicals) are being discharged into Montour run from Pittsburgh International Airport — likely linked to a foam used at its firefighting training facility. While PIT says it no longer uses this foam, these synthetic chemicals don’t break down and can cause health issues. [Allegheny Front]

• Learn more about “forever” chemicals and their risks by reading local author Kristina Marusic’s book “A New War on Cancer.”

CMU Could Lose Military Tuition Reimbursement

Under a new Pentagon policy, military members could lose access to tuition money to go to Carnegie Mellon University and several other universities. The policy change is part of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s effort to crack down on “biased” schools. CMU has not yet received a formal notice. [WESA / CNN]

Cursive Writing Required in PA Schools

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a new state law requiring students to learn cursive handwriting. Studies show that cursive helps memory, language, critical thinking, and fine motor skills. More than half of U.S. states already require cursive education. [KDKA]