📺 Hot takes on ‘The Pitt’ season 2

Summer Lee To Deliver State of the Union Response

Congresswoman Summer Lee, who represents much of Allegheny County, will give a response to President Donald Trump's State of the Union today on behalf of the progressive Working Families Party — a role given to lawmakers seen as rising stars on the left. Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger is set to deliver the main Democratic response. [Axios Pittsburgh]

Local Businesses Respond To Block on Tariffs

The Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump does not have the authority to set global tariffs, and analysts are urging companies to start collecting receipts for refund applications. Local trade officials estimate that over the past year, tariffs cost the Pittsburgh region several billion dollars. [🔒 Post-Gazette]

South Hills Votes in Special Election

PA’s 42nd House District votes today to replace former state Rep. Dan Miller (D), who resigned to serve on the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. The district includes Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, Castle Shannon, Baldwin Township, and part of Upper Saint Clair. Learn where candidates stand on issues such as housing, transportation, and health care. [Public Source]

Pittsburgh Water Rates Are Going Up

The average customer will see about a $15 monthly increase starting March 8 — but the price hike is much less than originally anticipated. Pittsburgh Water’s original request would’ve increased bills by about $35 over two years. [🔒 Business Times]

Freedom House Up for Congressional Award

Pittsburgh’s trailblazing Freedom House Ambulance Service is in the running for the nation's highest civilian honor: a Congressional Gold Medal. Learn more about the group of Black men from the Hill District who served as the nation’s first paramedics and paved the way for modern emergency medicine. [WESA / 📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]

There are two ways to watch HBO Max's hit medical drama "The Pitt" — like a normal person or like someone on the City Cast Pittsburgh team. If you're like us, you've loved clocking the specificity of its local lore, even when it's not exactly right. Here are some of our favorite Steel City references in the first half of season two ⬇️

What ‘The Pitt’ Gets Right

Regional pride and obsessions

Pittsburgh IS the fireworks capital of the world, and it’s funny — if also nightmare fuel — to suggest lanternflies could shut down a major medical center. (Meanwhile sinkholes really could.) Sonny’s Tavern is a real institution in Bloomfield, though not most people’s preferred spot for a first kiss. And no one will ever forget Three Rivers Stadium or all the folks like Louie, the fictional former groundskeeper, who ensured the rest of us had a great time.

Local references that feel lived in

Dr. Robby wearing a Hemingway’s shirt. The Penguins logo as a family crest. Amazing Italian at Pino’s in Point Breeze. Brashear’s unfortunate former mascot choice. Calling a nun’s ailment an “immaculate infection.” PennDOT will absolutely teach you to ride a motorcycle (for free!), but they would also suggest you wear a helmet.