RADical Days returns with month of free admissions and events throughout Pittsburgh
The tired adage goes that the only certainties in life are death and taxes. But taxes in Allegheny County, it turns out, have their perks. In this case, the annual RADical Days initiative delivering tons of free events to people all throughout the county. The 2021 RADical Days will begin later in September. A press release…
28 inmates in the Allegheny County Jail have tested positive for COVID-19
UPDATE: 1:30 p.m., Tue. May 12: According to the Allegheny County Jail’s website, there are now 28 inmates who have tested positive for coronavirus. So far, 59 inmates have been tested in total, a positive testing rate of 47%. A stark increase in coronavirus cases at the jail started in the last week of April.…
Wendy Bell is ‘on the fence’ about millions of Americans dying versus cost of slowing the economy
UPDATE, 10:50 a.m., Fri., April 10: On April 10, the Original Mattress Factory announced that it has decided to pull its advertisements from Wendy Bell’s show on KDKA Radio. An advertisement for the company was played after Bell’s segment aired on April 5, where she questioned if it was worth shutting down many parts of the…
Bernie Sanders drops out of presidential race, local state reps. say support for Biden must be ‘earned’
On Wed., April 8, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) suspended his presidential campaign, leaving Vice President Joe Biden as the only remaining Democratic candidate. While Sanders has suspended campaigning and fundraising, he will remain on the ballot in the upcoming primary states, including Pennsylvania’s election, which has been moved to June 2. Sanders, a democratic socialist,…
Allegheny County Council reappointed a Jail Oversight Board member who didn’t attend meetings for four years
The Allegheny County Jail has received increased attention and scrutiny in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but that scrutiny has not been transferred to the body that oversees the jail’s actions. Today, the Allegheny County Council voted to reappoint Gayle Moss to the Jail Oversight Board, despite evidence that Moss had a terrible attendance record.…
How the Department of Human Services is supporting Pennsylvanians with disabilities
On Tue., April 8, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services held a press briefing focused on how the state has and will continue to prepare people with intellectual and physical disabilities for the effects of COVID-19. Representatives from the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Long-term Living (OLTL) provided updates on changes…
The lineup for Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures’ Ten Evenings 2020 series has been announced
Every year, Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures’ executive director Stephanie Flom carefully curates the organization’s flagship program, Ten Evenings. Flom seeks a balanced lineup with a diversity of gender, race, and age. Sometimes she’ll book a writer just starting to receive attention, such as Emily St. John Mendel or Valeria Luiselli. But the one constant with…
Rep. Mike Doyle picks up Sierra Club endorsement, but his challenger says he never received a questionnaire
U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Forest Hills) has served in Congress for more than 20 years, and this election cycle is being challenged by Jerry Dickinson, a younger candidate who is running to the left of Doyle. Dickinson has said Pennsylvania’s 18th Congressional District should be run by a representative with stronger progressive policy positions, like…
For Sale With Baggage: Elusive bamboo shelf
Stuff can be complicated, especially when trying to get rid of it. The process can remind us that our things can have worth that’s hard to put a dollar amount on; they can call to mind other people from our lives; they can bring up memories of what they were (or weren’t) used for. For…
Sooth yourself in isolation with the sizzling sounds of smoldering sustenance
During isolation, you can’t beat the soothing sounds of “snap, crackle, pop.” No, not a heaping bowl of Rice Krispies, unless that’s your thing. I’m talking about the comforting glow of a campfire. I’ve always enjoyed fires, from procuring the kindling, logs, and the sticks for roasting marshmallows to the final crackles of the last…
Why is this Passover different from all others? Because we’re making matzo at home
Passover begins on Wed., April 8, so that means it’s almost time to dig into the matzo. Eating matzo on Passover originates from Jews not having enough time for their bread to rise before their exodus from Egypt, creating a flat, cracker-like thing instead of bread. But the lack of a leavening agent like yeast…
Pittsburgh pizzerias keeping health-care workers fed during the pandemic
Joe & Pie Café & Pizzeria locations plan to donate upwards of 5,000 pizzas to health-care workers through the shop’s newly-launched initiative, PGH vs Pandemic. Joe & Pie is one of many pizzerias and pizza-based initiatives – locally and nationally – that are stepping up to support their community’s frontline workers and neighbors. Another campaign is…
Familylinks opens temporary housing for homeless youth recovering from the coronavirus
Area teens and young adults struggling with homelessness and the coronavirus are now able to get quarantine housing through Familylinks. The nonprofit community organization opened its Teen Healing Center on March 30 for at-risk youth between the ages of 12 and 21 who have tested positive or are presumed positive for COVID-19, and are homeless,…
Quarantunes with Portrait People
We’re stuck at home. Musicians are stuck at home. We’re looking for entertainment. Musicians are looking to entertain. So City Paper is working with Pittsburgh artists and bands to bring you Quarantunes, a series of at-home performances to bring a little enjoyment to your day. Portrait People was ready to release their debut LP. The…
At Home With: Njaimeh Njie
Everybody is dealing with the COVID-19 quarantines and restrictions in different ways. While there’s no single right way to cope — social distancing and staying TF home aside — staying connected with friends, family, and neighbors is a good place to start. You can contact your loved ones on your own, but you might also…
Lynn Cullen Live – 4/7/20
Video Archive Lynn is being joined by Susan from Green Bay once again today. The first thing they are discussing is the Wisconsin primary election. The governor tried to get the primary moved to a safer date. The state Supreme Court denied that request, and the federal Supreme Court upheld the decision. This decision makes…
The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers will bring Easter flowers to you
Small businesses have been forced to get creative during the pandemic and family-owned flower shop The Farmer’s Daughter Flowers in North Side is no exception. “We have moved a huge portion of our retail offerings online and are thinking up new services to offer in the wedding industry,” says Lauren Work, the shop’s owner. “Our…
Giant Eagle to limit number of shoppers allowed in stores
On April 6, Giant Eagle announced it would be limiting the number of shoppers allowed in its stores in order to mitigate social distancing during the pandemic. The grocery chain will now admit no more than 50% of the occupancy allowed by the fire code. “As supermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies remain in operation as…
Cooking with chickpeas: How to use them, elevate them, and keep them interesting
The pandemic has changed many aspects of daily life for people, including how and what we eat. While restaurants are still open for takeout, we have turned to the contents of our pantries and cupboards asking, “What should I make today?” You might have an entire family to cook three meals for a day. You…
At Home With: Chris Dos of Anti-Flag
Everybody is dealing with the COVID-19 quarantines and restrictions in different ways. While there’s no single right way to cope — social distancing and staying TF home aside — staying connected with friends, family, and neighbors is a good place to start. You can contact your loved ones on your own, but you might also…
Lynn Cullen Live – 4/6/20
Video Archive A New York Times opinion piece on toilet paper is where Lynn is starting this week. The article includes an image of the 1891 toilet paper patent showing how the inventor intended the roll to go. She is also reading a column from Roger Cohen about looking back at old images of past…
Photos: Silent Saturday Strip District
Whether you’re a local or a tourist visiting from out of town, it’s practically a sin to not visit the Strip District on a weekend. I had to see for myself just how unusually quiet that part of town would be in the morning hours during the quarantine. If you saw my most recent story…
Pa. Supreme Court rejects request for large, expedient reduction of county jail populations
Today, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court rejected an emergency request to dramatically reduce jail populations by allowing the blanket release of certain inmates. On April 1, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania filed an emergency request on behalf of five inmates as a plea to reduce county jail populations across the commonwealth. The goal was…
Bust out these virtual party games for social distancing fun
It’s the weekend, and you know what that means! It’s time to stay in … again. But don’t let the corona blues get you down. You can still have a great time with your friends and family through online games. See suggestions below: Jackbox Party Packs (PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC/Mac, Apple TV/iPad, Android TV,…
Gov. Wolf: All Pennsylvanians should now wear masks when leaving their homes
Everyone in Pennsylvania should now wear masks when leaving their homes, according to Gov. Tom Wolf. Wolf made the announcement earlier today during his daily COVID-19 press briefing, two days after he instituted a stay-at-home order for the entire state until at least April 30. “Masks help prevent people from sharing illnesses,” said Wolf during…
Pittsburgh-area public transit to receive $162 million in federal coronavirus aid
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Scranton) announced today that public transit agencies across Pennsylvania will be receiving $1.13 billion in new funding thanks to the recently approved coronavirus stimulus bill. The bill, known as the CARES Act, allocated $25 billion for public transit throughout the United States. According to Casey’s office, Pittsburgh-area public transit agencies will…
At Home With: Julie Mallis
Everybody is dealing with the COVID-19 quarantines and restrictions in different ways. While there’s no single right way to cope — social distancing and staying TF home aside — staying connected with friends, family, and neighbors is a good place to start. You can contact your loved ones on your own, but you might also…
Meet new indie punk-pop outfit Milpool
New indie punk-pop outfit Milpool was planning to release its debut project May 9 with a show at 222 Ormsby, alongside Danvers and Nightmarathons. But that all changed once COVID-19 starting spreading. So instead, the thumping five-track EP We Are All We’ve Got became available to stream today, a month earlier than expected. “We will most…
Quarantunes with The Buckle Downs
We’re stuck at home. Musicians are stuck at home. We’re looking for entertainment. Musicians are looking to entertain. So City Paper is working with Pittsburgh artists and bands to bring you Quarantunes, a series of at-home performances to bring a little enjoyment to your day. Pittsburgh-based genre-blending outfit, The Buckle Downs is made up of …
Woke commie rag continues printing another week
Even in times of a global pandemic, Pittsburgh City Paper still gets hate mail from conservative trolls. After working for the paper for over 20 years, I’ve learned to not let it bother me … well, quite as much as it used to. But sometimes? Sometimes, someone insults you during a global freakin’ pandemic when…
Here we go, Ping Pong, here we go
Today was supposed to be the Pirates home opener against the Cincinnati Reds. Instead, Major League Baseball, like sports leagues across the world, has suspended its operations indefinitely because of the global pandemic. Last month, the National Basketball Association suspended its season after a player tested positive for coronavirus. Three weeks ago, the National Hockey…
The Heinz History Center is seeking donations of materials to document Pittsburgh’s response to the pandemic
The current pandemic will take months, even years, to mentally and emotionally process after it has passed. The Heinz History Center is seeking material donations for an archive that will document Pittsburgh’s response to COVID-19, so that in the future, people will be able to look back on how the community responded and changed. “As…
SoundCloud adds a direct-support button to help musicians during the pandemic
Two weeks ago, Bandcamp announced that for 24 hours it would be forfeiting its share of online sales revenue to support musicians and bands who are losing income during the pandemic. Since the spread of COVID-19 and the onset of stay-at-home orders, many organizations have been thinking of ways to help creatives make money while…
Make your favorite jagoff a champion with the Things That Turn People Into Jagoffs bracket
There’s no March Madness and you’ve been stuck inside for what feels like four fish fry seasons. What better way to air your grievances than by voting your most intense pet peeve through a Sweet 16 of Things That Turn People Into Jagoffs? John Chamberlin and Rachael Rennebeck of YaJagoff! started their bracket five years ago.…
Pitt researchers might have a vaccine for coronavirus, but it still needs extensive testing
The University of Pittsburgh is well known for being the school where the polio vaccine was developed in the 1950s, thanks to the work of acclaimed medical researcher Jonas Salk. Now the university might be on the verge of another breakthrough that could have global implications. Today, researchers at Pitt’s School of Medicine announced they…
Fundraising project together/apart supports Pittsburgh artists, musicians, and gig workers affected by coronavirus
A local jewelry maker and a musician have joined forces to launch together/apart, a new fundraising project for local artists, musicians, and gig workers affected by the COVID-19 shutdown. Susan Pedrazzi of the Pittsburgh bands Sweat and Tiny Wars, and Elizabeth Sanchez of the jewelry company Horsethief, created two designs that are for sale as…
Support local restaurants and healthcare workers by donating to Feeding the Frontline PGH
On Fri., March 27, three Pittsburghers launched Feeding the Frontline PGH, a grassroots campaign dedicated to feeding healthcare workers while supporting local restaurants. Feeding the Frontline originated at a pizzeria in Boston, Mass. With social-distancing practices keeping people in their homes, restaurants were facing a grim future. To aid their city’s food industry and serve…
For Sale With Baggage: The grass is greener …
Stuff can be complicated, especially when trying to get rid of it. The process can remind us that our things can have worth that’s hard to put a dollar amount on; they can call to mind other people from our lives; they can bring up memories of what they were (or weren’t) used for. For…
At Home With: Monica Ruiz
Everybody is dealing with the COVID-19 quarantines and restrictions in different ways. While there’s no single right way to cope — social distancing and staying TF home aside — staying connected with friends, family, and neighbors is a good place to start. You can contact your loved ones on your own, but you might also…
Lynn Cullen Live – 4/2/20
Video Archive The people on the front lines is where Lynn is starting the show today. Recently there have been stories about doctors and nurses being disciplined, and some even fired over asking for proper safety equipment, and bringing the items from home. An opinion piece in the New York Times focuses on the difficult…
Flex your amateur filmmaking skills for Steeltown’s all-ages Lights, Camera, Quarantine contest
You don’t need a film degree or high-tech equipment to enter the latest competition from Steeltown, a local nonprofit that works to support the local film and television industry. All you need is a camera or smartphone, and a bit of creativity. The Lights, Camera, Quarantine contest encourages Pittsburgh residents of all ages to make…
The new Lady Beast record is here and ready to help
Deb Levine is doing her best to keep her spirits high while the world is at a standstill. Her band, Lady Beast, is about to release its fourth album, The Vulture’s Amulet on April 3, and it’s one she’s incredibly excited about. “I love it. I think it’s a very simple, yet direct showcase of…
At Home With: Tom Savini
Everybody is dealing with the COVID-19 quarantines and restrictions in different ways. While there’s no single right way to cope — social distancing and staying TF home aside — staying connected with friends, family, and neighbors is a good place to start. You can contact your loved ones on your own, but you might also…
Lynn Cullen Live – 4/1/20
Video Archive Lynn is starting off today wondering why Governor Wolf isn’t shutting down the entire state of Pennsylvania? While in general she feels Wolf has done a pretty good job, this is one point she is questioning his decision making about. Wolf has extended the Stay at Home order in many counties, but not…
The Local 913: Morgan Erina
Morgan Erina has the kind of voice that gently claws its way into your soul and never leaves. She’s also a hell of a guitar player. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thrown on one of her expertly fingerpicked songs just to feel the warm embrace of her music. I’ve never lived inside…
Coronavirus means Pittsburghers are self-quarantining for who knows how long, so let’s all vote by mail
On March 27, Gov. Tom Wolf (D-York) signed legislation to move the Pennsylvania primary election to June 2 as a response to the coronavirus pandemic. This gives voters, candidates, and county election officials an extra six weeks to prepare for the primary, which will likely occur under unprecedented circumstances. Coronavirus has led many parts of…
Allegheny County Jail has been releasing inmates because of COVID-19 and why that matters
As of Tuesday, March 31 at 4:30 p.m., there have been 622 inmates released from the Allegheny County Jail, according to county officials. That’s a decrease of about 25% of the jail’s average population, which was down to 1,912 on March 31, according to the jail’s website. The release is part of a collaborative effort…
Don’t forget to respond to the U.S. Census
The U.S. Census only comes around every 10 years. It’s the only time the country attempts to count every single resident, meaning it is incredibly important for everyone to be counted, especially those who are historically under-counted like immigrants, people of color, and those with disabilities. The proper count affects which communities receive funding, and…
How Pittsburgh couple turned their 3D printer into Infinite Labs for the battle against coronavirus
By now, it’s no secret that the country is undersupplied for the current pandemic, perhaps best evidenced by the lack of medical-grade masks available for the people who need them the most. Every day, new photos circulate on social media of doctors wearing handkerchiefs to cover their faces and trash bags to cover their bodies…
7 Days of Quarantunes
Since concerts are on hold indefinitely at the moment, CP compiled seven exciting new releases from Pittsburgh musicians and bands — one for every day of the week. Thursday April 2 Merdsommar: Singles Under 45 Vol.1 Bengt Alexsander actionbengt.bandcamp.com During the quarantine, Bengt Alexsander of doom-rock band Action Camp has decided to release a series…
Pittsburgh makers learn to sew masks for medical professionals
On March 17, the CDC released guidelines for healthcare providers to optimize the use of facemasks and suggested using a scarf or bandana as a last resort. For many sewers and stitchers across the country, this was a call to put their skills to quick use and make washable, reusable masks to provide for frontline…
Free Will Astrology (April 1-8)
ARIES (March 21-April 19): “If all the world’s a stage, where the hell is the teleprompter?” asks aphorist Sami Feiring. In my astrological opinion, you Aries are the least likely of all the signs to identify with that perspective. While everyone else might wish they could be better prepared for the nonstop improvisational tests of…
Pittsburgh DJs keep the party going with virtual dance events
In Pittsburgh, as with many cities dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, bars and clubs are now closed, leaving DJs with no place to play. As a result, some local DJs are going online with virtual dance parties. In the few weeks since state leaders called for nonessential businesses to shut down, regular events by Hot…
Where to grab some of the best takeout around Pittsburgh
When I walked into People’s Indian to pick-up my online order, the dining room was quiet and the kitchen was buzzing. The tables — the few not covered by flipped chairs — were packed full with bags waiting to be delivered, picked up, and eaten. As social distancing guidelines extend and stay-at-home orders increase, I,…
Sex worker client fantasies are reflecting the reality of the pandemic
Audio smut producer and phone sex operator April Would has a regular client who enjoys office-based fantasies. Last week when he called, something interesting happened: He changed the setting of their typical scene. “You are now in my home office,” he said to her. “But you’re still my secretary and the dress code applies, you…
Stimulate your brain, stimulate local bookstores
Two Adirondack chairs sit in front of Classic Lines Books in Squirrel Hill. When the bookshop is open, you’ll find a customer or owner Dan Iddings or even a tired pedestrian relaxing in one of the chairs. But since the closing of non-essential businesses in Pittsburgh, the seats — and the bookshop — have been…
