🚨 County bans ICE cooperation

Allegheny County Bans ICE Cooperation

County Council voted 11-3 to approve a bill that prohibits elected officials and county employees from working with ICE unless ordered by a federal judge. County Executive Sara Innamorato said she’ll sign the bill into law but advised residents to “stay vigilant in supporting our immigrant and refugee neighbors.” Council President Pat Catena abstained from the vote, revealing that his family received a death threat earlier in the day, and he didn’t want it to sway his decision. [Public Source / City Cast Pittsburgh]

• An increase in local ICE arrests over the past year has hurt immigrant-owned businesses. Here’s how fears of deportation are impacting our economy and what you can do to help. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Rep. Summer Lee’s Primary Challenger Drops Out

Turtle Creek Mayor Adam Forgie, a moderate Democrat, ended his primary campaign to represent PA’s 12th Congressional District. Lee is seeking her third term and was endorsed by the Allegheny County Democratic Committee earlier this week. [TribLive]

New Phase of Penn Avenue Construction Begins

Businesses and commuters are dealing with more disruptions in Bloomfield and Garfield as construction takes over several blocks between Evaline Street and North Graham Street. The business corridor is getting new traffic lights, sidewalks, ramps, and other safety features. The major streetscaping project first began in the 2010s, and the city expects this phase to continue through fall 2027. [WTAE]

‘Mayor of Kingstown’ Films in Pittsburgh

The Paramount+ crime drama starring Jeremy Renner is filming its fifth and final season this week, and production is expected to continue through the summer. The Pittsburgh Film Office said that the fourth season generated over $95 million for the Pittsburgh area. [KDKA]

Fresh Market To Open in Shadyside

The North Carolina-based chain will open March 18 at the former Whole Foods location on Centre Avenue, joining a crowded grocery market on the East End. The retailer aims to set itself apart with its prepared foods and restaurant-style seating. [🔒 Business Times]

Let’s play a game! Where in Pittsburgh can you sip on this matcha ginger beer tonic?

🌟 Congrats to Harrison K., the only reader to correctly guess the last “Where Is It?” challenge! ⬇️

Find this “Write More Letters” sign outside of Sapling & Sons, a stationary and gift store in Mt. Lebanon — and don’t skip a stop inside. The shelves are lined with unique cards for all kinds of celebrations, plus journals, pens, keychains, stickers, and lots of other items to brighten someone’s day.

Spend a day browsing shops like this along Washington Road. Grab coffee and Italian-inspired eats from Orbis Caffe, a new album at Vinyl Remains, and fun Pittsburgh merch at Commonwealth Press.

Looking for more places to buy local gifts? Check out our list of Pittsburgh’s shops.

Looking for more things to see and do?

• 🗓️ Make plans for the month with our guide to March
• ☕ Try one of these seven new Pittsburgh coffee shops
• 📍 Learn Black history by touring local landmarks
• 🛍️ Shop at a new market inside a historic theater
• 🎥 Watch “The Pitt” with the City Cast Pittsburgh team
• 🛁 Treat yourself to a relaxing day at local spas
• 🍿 See Oscar-nominated films at indie theaters
• 💡 Test your knowledge of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
• ✏️ Try out our latest Pittsburgh crossword puzzle

We’re back with recommendations from City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors 📣 This is a weekly spot in the newsletter where members get to shine a light on their favorite local businesses, organizations, and events.

• ☕ Ashley J. wants to shout out Arabica Robusta Coffee House in Homestead. “This coffee shop is owned by a couple, and they both make phenomenal drinks. All of their syrups are homemade and have delicious, unique flavors. I’m already craving the return of the candied yam syrup this fall. The space has great decor and lots of seating options. My favorite part is that they open really early, so I can stop on my way to work.”

Want to share your own shoutout? 🌟