🏥 Measles in Allegheny County

Measles in Allegheny County

An unvaccinated child tested positive for measles last week — our first confirmed case this year. The state is experiencing its largest outbreak in decades.

• Dozens of local schools report immunization rates below 95%, which is needed for herd immunity. A new state dashboard affirms the risks, but state officials and hundreds of local school districts acknowledge they still aren’t following their own rules. [🔒 Post-Gazette / PA.gov / City Cast Pittsburgh]

Zappala’s Many Investigations

Millions of dollars allocated during the Gainey administration may have been spent on “personal stuff,” according to Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala, who says he’s investigating whether criminal charges may be filed.

• The county pension fund is also under criminal investigation, Zappala says. Employees in the DA’s office pay into the fund and could be considered victims. He didn’t say which agency is leading.
• Zappala may be ready to talk about Daphy Michel this week, he said. Michel, a Haitian-born asylum seeker who lived in Charleroi, died from exposure last winter after ICE released her miles away from home. Her death was ruled a homicide. [TribLive]

College Students Return

Fewer babies were born after the 2008 recession, so local colleges and universities expected an “enrollment cliff.” But most are seeing impressive freshman classes. About 36% of Pittsburgh undergrads last fall hailed from outside the state, and lots of officials, including Mayor Corey O’Connor, believe retaining those students after graduation is key to reversing the region’s population decline. [NPR / 🔒 Post-Gazette]

• Unless that’s not our problem? Regional economist and friend of the pod Chris Briem says Pittsburgh’s actually pretty good at graduate retention and that maybe it’s OK if the region stays small. [The Conversation]
• Students, need a late-night bite? Contributor Hal B. Klein gave us his go-tos for where to nosh after a night out — or while studying after midnight. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

La Prima’s North Side Office Expands

What started as an espresso machine showroom in 1988 has transformed into a popular coffee empire, now with locations in Downtown, Oakland, and the Strip. The North Side roastery just added office space and room for another roasting machine. [🔒 Business Times]

• Wanna shake up your morning routine? We perused the city’s newer coffee shops to decide what’s worth our daily caffeine jolt. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

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

• 📚 Katie S. wants to shout out Spark Books in Aspinwall. “It's a warm and welcoming children's indie bookstore with a selection of adult & YA offerings, too. Don't sleep on their events: art classes for littles, adult bookclub, storytime, seasonal, and author events. It's my go-to for kids birthday party presents and the friendly staff are always willing to offer book recommendations.”

Want to share your own shoutout?

Thanks to our new members, James S., Melissa P., Katharine B., J. B., and Megan L.! Welcome to the neighborhood 🏘️