🥒 Good news for pickle lovers

Residents Pack Hearing on Paid Parental Leave

The proposed county policy would require employers to provide 18 weeks to birth or adoptive parents. Supporters shared personal hardships and pointed to studies that show parental leave leads to better health outcomes. Critics said the associated cost could shut down some small businesses and nonprofits. [Public Source]

• County Executive Sara Innamorato says less than half of local residents have access to paid leave. Hear her pitch to us. [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• What do you think? Submit your thoughts through June 16. Council could vote as soon as July.

Voluntary Affordable Housing Bill Moves Forward

Pittsburgh's Planning Commission endorsed a bill that offers developers incentives, like extra building height, if they include affordable housing in their projects. It's a revised version of a controversial inclusionary zoning bill that would've mandated affordable units. The legislation now heads to City Council for a public hearing and final vote. [TribLive / City Cast Pittsburgh]

Party in an Abandoned Lot?

Pittsburgh residents are already allowed to turn vacant city-owned lots into temporary gardens and urban farms. A new proposal would also let them use the spaces for public art projects, commercial vending and special events — plus, apply to farm and garden in underutilized sections of city parks. [WESA]

American Airlines Pauses Direct Flight to LA

The airline won't offer a daily direct flight from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles from Aug. 5 to Oct. 4 due to rising fuel costs. Passengers can still fly direct to LA via United or Breeze Airlines. [🔒 Business Times]

It’s officially ice cream season in Pittsburgh! Check out some of our favorites on today’s City Cast Pittsburgh podcast.

Millie’s

📍 Lawrenceville, Market Square, Shadyside, and more

A local favorite for a reason. Their new flavors are always a must-sample, and the lavender is an unexpected delight. Beyond the treats, Pittsburgh can take personal pride in the brand, which began right here in Chad and Lauren Townsend’s kitchen.

Happy Day Dessert Factory

📍 Allegheny West

This Black-owned business is on Western Avenue, and they’ve also got a dessert truck that travels to local events and farmers markets. They have 50 flavors of hard serve ice cream, custard, water ice, ice cream sandwiches, and more.

Antney’s

📍 Green Tree / Crafton

This longstanding shop has a nostalgic vibe and tons of creative, hard serve, small batch flavors. Check their Facebook for up-to-date hours and options.

Neff Haus

📍 Harmony

This historic Butler County staple is flanked by a magical fairy garden of string lights and soaring trees, plus sweet treats and gourmet popcorn. The space has that “wow” factor required for making summer memories, plus delicious treats like their signature “Cloud” cake-and-ice cream desserts.

Dari Delight

📍 Swissvale

This sweet shop is a favorite local post-Kennywood stop (though Kennywood has a great selection, too). They’ve been open since the 1950s and have all the classic cones and sundaes, plus vegan options and gluten-free cones.