🎭 Name a local theater company

Aaron Rodgers Rails Against Fauci

In response to a question on “The Pat McAfee Show” about Rodgers’ mindset ahead of his last NFL season, the Steelers quarterback said, “I’m going to plead the fifth, like that absolute coward, Tony Fauci.” In a statement, a Steelers spokesperson said, “Our players are entitled to their own personal views.” [WTAE]

• Villainous views? Rodgers isn’t our only sus QB. As part of a series on recent local villains, we’re digging into a bunch of sports scoundrels and why at least one may be worthy of a redemption arc.

Name a Local Theater Company

Now that the Pittsburgh CLO and Pittsburgh Public Theater have finally merged into one production company, you can vote on its new name or suggest one.The board will make a final decision in the next month. [WESA]

• $1M for Dance: Pittsburgh Ballet Theater received a $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to help the company reimagine the Nutcracker and plan “innovative programming.” [Pittsburgh Magazine]
• Where do you go to see community theater? Let me know! Your input will help me with an article I’m working on – and also bring me joy because I love local theater.

Bug Season Gets Political

Sens. John Fetterman, Dave McCormick, and other lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill to combat spotted lanternflies. They want to designate the pesky bugs as an invasive species and expand research to control them. Fitting, since Allegheny County again leads the state in lanternfly reports. [🔒 Post Gazette]

• West Nile in Pgh? The county is spraying eight North Side neighborhoods today after finding more positive samples of West Nile virus. Officials say the insecticide being used is considered low-risk to people, pets and pollinators. [WTAE]

Wayfair Is Coming to Ross

The popular online furniture retailer is opening its first physical location in Pennsylvania. The 95,000-square-foot storefront in North Hills Village will include an on-site studio where you can design your dream home with a consultant. You’ll have to wait to play Martha Stewart, however, since its opening is slated for 2027. [TribLive]

If you’re hoping to reach new heights (pun intended), then Pittsburgh is a great place to rock climb. Here’s a look at where you can climb year-round in the Steel City.

Pro-tip: Most gyms aren’t just for climbing! Some offer yoga and fitness classes and have traditional gym equipment like squat racks, treadmills, and stationary bikes to keep you moving.

Ascend

📍 South Side & Point Breeze

Ascend ushered in the city’s latest climbing wave in 2017. Both its facilities have walls for bouldering and top roping, though the walls in Point Breeze are higher (up to 42 feet for top roping) and offer lead climbing for more advanced folks. Ascend regularly hosts free climb time for affinity groups, like women and femmes and LGBTQ+ climbers, and organizes interest clubs such as “Sustainability Club” and “Peak Parents” where climbers can take turns belaying kids. Check the community calendar to see which groups resonate with you.

Iron City Boulders

📍 Lawrenceville

Look for bouldering and yoga classes, plus private coaching if you’re interested in one-on-one support. ICB hosts great events including monthly “Funday Friday” where day passes are discounted to $15 and the gym invites food and drink vendors, musicians, and more for a block-party vibe. ICB also offers discounted day passes and free rentals for PPS students and the occasional “Student Rush” discount night for college students.

FA Climbing & Fitness

📍 Station Square

My former spot! It’s bouldering only, and sadly it’s closing at the end of the month. Until then, you can still take climbing and yoga classes per usual. FA also hosts weekly discounted sessions like Wednesday night College Climb and Sunday Family Climb Time. And look out for their “Send Off” party and community competition Saturday, Aug. 29. When you visit, make sure to park in the garage by the Sheraton Hotel and bring your ticket in for staff to validate – parking is free for four hours with validation.