🦠 PA’s bird flu outbreak

Local District Rethinks Library Policy

The Pine-Richland school board is considering changes to a controversial policy that gives board members final say on what books are available in district libraries. The policy led to backlash and a vote of no confidence from the teacher’s union last year, and a November election flipped the board's conservative majority. [WESA]

Reconsidering Tax Breaks for AI?

Tech giants are rushing to build data centers — facilities to house their servers — and PA is a mostly willing partner. But is Gov. Josh Shapiro (or our very divided legislature) waffling on that support? [🎧 City Cast Philly / City Cast Pittsburgh]

PA is the Epicenter of Bird Flu Outbreak

The state’s latest avian flu outbreak accounts for more than half of the country’s total cases, and the rampant spread puts our multibillion-dollar poultry industry at risk. Gov. Josh Shapiro asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture for additional veterinarians and an expedited flu vaccine. [WESA]

• There are currently no known cases in Allegheny County, but if you raise chickens in your backyard, it’s important to register with the state so they can track infections. [🎧 📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Lilith Team To Open Italian Spot in Bloomfield

Chefs Jamilka Borges and Dianne DeStefano are expanding to open Giulia, an Italian restaurant inside the former Station space on Liberty Avenue. It's a step toward their goal of establishing a woman-owned restaurant group in Pittsburgh. Borges was recently named a James Beard Award semi-finalist for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic region.

• I love the name! “Giulia” pays homage to Giulia Tofana, a 17th-century Italian who helped women escape abusive marriages. [Post-Gazette]

Sly Fox Brewery Closes at The Highline

The brewery closed its location at the South Side warehouse space due to “evolving market conditions and performance trends.” Its Downton location will remain open. The Highline is expected to fill the space with a new tenant this summer. [Sly Fox]

Pittsburgh is buzzing with new places to grab a fresh cup of joe — from themed cafes to a creative co-working space to a late-night spot for decaf and community.

Pick your next coffee destination ⬇️

Afters Cafe

Squirrel Hill

Want coffee or tea past 4 p.m.? Or a cozy hangout space that isn’t a bar? Afters Cafe on Murray Avenue is your spot. Stop in for “espresso-fusion” drinks, fresh smoothies, and Mediterranean pastries from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Pre Amp Coffee Studio

Squirrel Hill

Listen to tunes while you sip on a latte at this record-themed cafe, packed with shelves of vinyl for every music taste. Look out for special events like coffee tastings, jazz-only Sundays, and rotating food concepts. You won’t want to skip a stacked focaccia sandwich from their current kitchen concept, Mortadella.

Standing Wave

South Side

With canoes suspended from the ceiling and walls decorated with wooden oars, this coffee shop is on brand for the city of three rivers. The owner is an outdoorsman who roasts the coffee in-house. Try a pistachio latte, pear and sage matcha, and a treat from Nancy B’s Bakery.

Creative Chem Co.

Bloomfield

If you’ve ever wanted to drink coffee with Jeff Goldblum, here’s your chance — there’s a giant mural of the Pittsburgh-born actor at this cafe and coworking space. Book a desk, set up your laptop, and sip on the Goldblum latte made with lavender and honey.

Ruckus Cafe

Downtown

Need something quick on your Downtown commute? The Shaler cafe opened a new location in the former EQT Building on Liberty Avenue. There’s coffee and espresso drinks, fresh breakfast items, and grab-and-go bites.