🦠 Outbreak risks rise in PA

Luxury Hotel Planned Near the Convention Center?

The $418 million Loews hotel could feature 500 rooms, a restaurant, and a direct connection to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The project, which has been in talks for two decades, is reportedly backed by state, county, and private funding. While Loews still needs to sign off on the development, Gov. Josh Shapiro says it has the potential to create 1,200 union construction jobs and 400 permanent union jobs. [WTAE]

• Enjoy the post-draft glow: Here’s what else is going on Downtown. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Ballot Question Asks About Public Notices

Primary elections are tomorrow! Right now, the city is required to publish certain public hearing announcements in newspapers, but a ballot question will ask you whether Pittsburgh can publish through digital media instead, which is different than state guidance. [City Cast Pittsburgh / WESA]

• A YES vote gives the city flexibility to use online notices for certain announcements if local newspapers disappear. A NO vote means the city would keep its current rules. Learn more here. [League of Women Voters]
• Every member of PA’s House of Representatives and half of the state Senate will be on the ballot tomorrow. Vet your candidates. [SpotlightPA]
• Make an election plan: Use these tips for voting in Pittsburgh. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Outbreaks Risk Rising in PA

Experts say disease outbreaks aren’t hypothetical anymore. At least 40,000 PA students are missing required vaccines, and many schools have dropped below the 95% herd immunity threshold that helps stop epidemic-like spread. (Some Pittsburgh-area schools are dangerously low in the 70% range.) Districts are often letting kids attend without vaccines or valid exemptions, and the state isn’t consistently stepping in. [🔒 Post-Gazette / City Cast Pittsburgh]

Stuntpig To Close in Squirrel Hill

The sandwich shop known for its cured and smoked meats is shutting down May 23. The restaurant moved from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar on Murray Avenue just two years ago. Stay plugged into their Instagram page; the owners say “we never really stop cooking” and there could be some events in the works. [Stuntpig]

• Looking for more meaty meals? We’ve got you covered with the best BBQ in the Burgh. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Put on your helmet, and let’s ride! Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a newbie to biking in the Burgh, we’ve got tips to help you navigate our city’s streets.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming rides and events ⬇️

1. Le Tour de Donut

🗓️ May 23

POGOH’s annual fundraiser ride gives you a sweet incentive to make it to each checkpoint: donuts! Pedal along bike lanes and trails throughout the city and snag treats from Paddy Cake Bakery, Pigeon Bagels, Sidecar, and Baked True North.

2. Bikes & Brews Ride

🗓️ May 24

Join the Bike Lab for a 20-mile ride, stopping at a few breweries along the way. You’ll start at Millvale Riverfront Park and roll along the trail toward the city. The event is a part of their Battles to Bikes program for local veterans.

3. Spring Bike Picnic

🗓️ May 30

Take a 15-mile ride on some of the city’s best bike lanes, then meet up at the Frick Environmental Center afterwards for a community picnic. There will be hot dogs with all of the fixings (vegan available!), icy treats, and good company. The ride is a fundraiser for BikePGH, and if you raise $100, you can get a special picnic blanket.

4. Scrap Cat Alleycat

🗓️ June 13

Have a chill ride with friends or race to win some cool prizes at Scrap Cat Alleycat. The ride starts and ends at 3 Rivers Outdoors Co. in Regent Square, and all proceeds go toward Free Ride Bicycle Collective, a volunteer-run nonprofit that helps Pittsburghers get, repair, and maintain bikes.