🎒 Can a complaint stop PPS closures?

Can a Discrimination Complaint Stop PPS Closures?

Five local moms hope so. They filed a complaint with the state's top civil rights agency, alleging Pittsburgh Public Schools' closure plan unlawfully discriminates against Black students. According to the complaint, Black students make up 49% of the district's total population but represent 62% of children whose schools will close. [City Cast Pittsburgh / WESA]

Astrobotic Purchased for $300M

Denver-based Voyager Technologies acquired the space and defense company, headquartered in the Chateau neighborhood. Astrobotic has earned nearly $900 million in federal contracts since it was founded in 2007. The firm, rebranded as Voyager Lunar Systems, will continue operations in Pittsburgh. [TribLive]

City Sues Fire Truck Makers

The antitrust lawsuit alleges more than two dozen manufacturers have engaged in a conspiracy to monopolize the market for fire trucks and parts, hiking prices charged to municipalities like Pittsburgh. Similar lawsuits have been filed by officials in Milwaukee and Los Angeles County. [TribLive]

Allegheny County Names Interim Jail Warden

Deputy Warden Connie Clark will take over on August 1. Local officials say they saw notable changes under outgoing Warden Trevor Wingard — from improving conditions "for everyone at the jail" to increasing transparency — and worry he'll be hard to replace. Wingard announced he's taking a job in North Carolina to be closer to his children. [Allegheny County / 🔒 Post-Gazette]

Summer is the most popular season for an estimated 750,000 Pennsylvania fishers, according to the state's Fish and Boat Commission, and Allegheny County is home to the most licensed anglers in the state.

🚣 Where to Fish

Pennsylvania has 86,000 miles of streams and rivers and 4,000 inland lakes and ponds to find your lucky fishing hole. There are several quality spots within easy driving distance from Pittsburgh, including along the Allegheny and Youghiogheny rivers, Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park, and Slippery Rock Creek at McConnells Mill State Park. A bit farther to the north, check out Lake Erie with its 75 miles of shoreline to drop a line or take a fishing charter onto the great lake.

🪝 Luring Newcomers

If you aren’t quite hooked, learn from experts about what gear you’ll need, bait to use, and even fishing etiquette — like keeping an appropriate distance from nearby anglers. The state's Fish and Boat Commission also runs free programs like “Introduction to Fly Fishing” and a “Catfish Fishing Meet-Up.” (Don’t worry, I’m sure they’ll show.)