Looking for a socially distant safe hobby for this summer? Try hula hooping, says CP’s Jordan Snowden
With extra time on their hands during the stay-at-home order, many turned to new hobbies, crafts, and home improvement to occupy themselves. The number of TikTok users spiked, there was an influx of DIY music parody videos, and personally, I became a hardcore plant mom. But something else happened to me as well, my phone…
Port Authority service mostly returns to normal this week, with some limitations
Updated Thu., May 21 at 4:05 p.m. Port Authority buses will resume front-door boarding, on Mon., June 1, according to a press release. Since March, Port Authority riders have been boarding using the rear door of buses, making buses essentially fareless. Regular bus fare collection will return on Mon., June 8. In the press release,…
Election 2020: Pittsburgh City Paper’s DIY Pandemic Voting Stickers
Didn’t get a voting sticker because you voted from home this year? We’re here to help. Print out your favorite, tape it to your chest, and post a pic to Instagram anyway. (Just don’t forget to tag us!)
#CPQuestionOfTheWeek: What do you miss most about life before the pandemic?
Yes, most of Western Pennsylvania is now in the yellow phase, and Beaver County is about to join us, but that doesn’t mean life has returned to normal. We’re still social distancing. We’re still wearing masks. And we still can’t return to life as we once knew it. So what does everyone miss the most…
Mayor Bill Peduto signs letter in support of including arts funding in new federal relief bill
Yesterday, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto signed a letter urging the U.S. House and Senate to provide support for the arts in the next COVID-19 relief package. In the letter addressed to leaders of the U.S. House and Senate, Peduto expressed his support for the arts and culture industry and creative workers in Pittsburgh and beyond.…
ELECTION 2020 VIDEO TRAINING: Understanding The Basics and New Pennsylvania Voting Laws
The above video is the first in a three-part webinar training series for Pennsylvania nonprofits, recorded live on Fri., May 15, featuring presentations from Rachel Boss, Community Impact Manager at the Bureau of Campaign Finance and Civic Engagement for the Pennsylvania Department of State, and Caitlin Donnelly, program director for Nonprofit Vote. The series is free to…
State House District 34: Summer Lee vs. Chris Roland
Pennsylvania’s 34th State House District includes Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Churchill, Edgewood, Forest Hills, Homestead, North Braddock, Rankin, Swissvale, Turtle Creek, West Homestead, Wilkins Township, and some Pittsburgh neighborhoods, like Swisshelm Park and parts of Squirrel Hill and Hazelwood. State Rep. Summer Lee is the incumbent in this race. Summer Lee Bio – Lee, a Democrat,…
Guest column: Building Community Power Through Participation
As our region confronts COVID-19, civic participation is more vital than ever with the 2020 Census in full swing and Pennsylvania’s election season beginning June 2. At the Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership (GPNP) — a network of more than 400 local nonprofits — we have seen the staggering need and immense generosity of our communities…
Advocates and elected officials demand action on Allegheny County paid sick leave bill
On April 21, a paid sick leave bill was introduced in Allegheny County Council. During the height of the region’s coronavirus pandemic, some councilors believed it was especially important for the county to take steps to provide every worker in the county with paid sick days. “COVID-19 has had a huge impact on our communities…
Bankrupt Bodega owner to bike 412 miles in one week for 412 Food Rescue fundraiser
In less than 24 hours, Pat Bruener raised over $2,000 for 412 Food Rescue. So he decided to push the goal up to $4,000. On Mon., May 18, Bruener announced his 412 Miles For 412 Food Rescue fundraiser, for which the local photographer will attempt to ride 412 miles (rain or shine) to raise money…
Jordan Montgomery warns up-and-comers of the toxic music industry on ‘Favorite Rappers’
Jordan Montgomery’s latest single plays out like a story. “Favorite Rappers” begins by following an upcoming rapper’s rise in the music industry as he changes his style to a “gangster rapper” persona in order to better fit into the scene and become more successful. “Heard you up and coming and you buzzing in the street,”…
Carnegie Mellon International Film Festival goes virtual with Sorry We Missed You, an unwittingly prescient film about the gig economy
While the Carnegie Mellon International Film Festival has been postponed until November, you can still catch a glimpse of what its theme, “Faces of Home” has to offer. Now through Sat., May 23, CMU IFF is hosting virtual screenings of Sorry We Missed You, the film that was originally supposed to screen on opening night…
The convenience of delivery apps comes with a hefty price for local restaurants
As restrictions on the food industry endure, consumers are turning to delivery apps as a convenient way to enjoy takeout from their favorite restaurants without leaving the house. But for restaurants, this convenience often comes at a price. Spencer Warren, owner of The Warren Bar & Burrow Downtown, posted on Instagram last week asking Pittsburghers…
Lynn Cullen Live – 5/19/20
Video Archive Lynn and Susan are starting off the show discussing the news of Queen guitarist Brian May being hospitalized for tearing his buttock muscles during gardening. They both have so many follow up questions on how an injury like this could happen. In addition they are talking about Trump saying he’s taking Hydroxychloroquine as…
Three reps from Allegheny County ask Gov. Wolf to allow outdoor dining at restaurants
When Allegheny County moved into the yellow phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s coronavirus plan last week, it joined more than 30 other counties in partially reopening. This meant looser rules for retailers and several other kinds of businesses. For restaurants, however, not much has changed. They still are relegated to takeout and delivery business only,…
Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival 2020 will be “a digital celebration”
This June marks what would have been the 10th anniversary of the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF). But with the date approaching and large in-person gatherings uncertain, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) has moved the event online, announcing it as the first-ever Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival Live Online. The free event will take…
J’eet Jet? Pittsburgh City Paper announces its first ever Pittsburgh cookbook
Pittsburgh’s food scene has grown dramatically in the past decade, leading to our restaurants ending up on national lists for their innovative cuisine at the same time that the city is still putting out great classics like french fries on salads and platefuls of pierogies. Lucky for us, all of this means our Yinzer hearts…
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires is a dark read to distract from these dark times
During these strange, strange times, the last place I expected to find relief was an extremely graphic book about housewives fighting a vampire, but here we are. Grady Hendrix’s newest novel, The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, is a fast-paced and gory tale that centers around Patricia Campbell and her circle of Southern…
This Pittsburgh home has an indoor beach and a dining room that looks like a space command center
Real estate in Pittsburgh is hot right now. There are always new blocks of condos in the works, houses being flipped, or new houses with that metal siding (you know the kind) cropping up. But all of those new properties pale in comparison to a recently listed Plum house that can only be described as beautiful…
New notable releases from Ryan Haynes, Big Blitz, livefromthecity, and more
Ryan Haynes – “Sweet Melody” Since introducing himself as Ryan Haynes in December — the artist previously released music as DJ Afterthought — Haynes has been steadily releasing melodic, R&B singles that continue to highlight a new side of his musical talent. The latest is “Sweet Melody,” a downtempo, introspective tune about trying to make it through life. The…
Pittsburgh Police and Parking Authority to resume ticketing for motorists parked illegally or Downtown
Pittsburgh Police announced that city parking enforcement will return to normal as state shutdown and stay-at-home orders are eased. In an official tweet sent out on May 16, Pittsburgh Police announced that starting Mon., May 18, it will resume full parking enforcement for motorists who park illegally. That includes citing and towing cars blocking fire…
Prime Stage Shares engages patrons with virtual readings and activities
Local theaters have been closed for two months, but they’re still working hard to keep patrons entertained during quarantine. Prime Stage Theatre is keeping active with their Prime Stage Shares series, featuring uplifting messages, activities, and videos of prime stage theater members and local leaders reading excerpts of books on their Facebook page. “People enjoy…
Lynn Cullen Live – 5/18/20
Video Archive Tune in to hear Lynn discuss Allegheny County’s move to yellow, and what we are now allowed to do, which places are opening back up, and whether or not we’re moving back towards living as we did before. She is also sharing the New York Times obit for Tom Sokolowski. Reading it has…
60-Second Documentary: Gyms may be closed, but this 70-year-old is determined to stay healthy
The following video is part of a series of 60-Second Documentaries, produced by Point Park University students in collaboration with the student-run Point Park News Service. Meet the filmmaker: Name: Brian Soutner Year: Senior Major: Acting
Webinar training series aims to help nonprofits increase voting participation in hardest-to-reach communities
The 2020 U.S. Census and 2020 Presidential Election make this the most important year for civic participation in a generation. That’s why a group of Pennsylvania organizations say they have joined together to help community groups and activists learn what every nonprofit should be doing this year to effectively increase participation in both — especially…
Pittsburgh to close some streets near parks to provide space for social distancing
Pittsburgh city officials announced a round of changes involving outdoor recreation today, including the facilities that would be open during the pandemic, such as farmers markets and tennis courts, and the facilities that would not be opening, like the city’s pools. But one closure should actually be viewed as a boost to outdoor recreation. Four…
Allegheny County and Pittsburgh City pools closed for the summer, among other changes
On May 15, the Allegheny County Parks Department and the City of Pittsburgh announced that all public pools and spray parks will be closed for the summer, among other programming changes. In a press release, the city noted that the CDC has said swimming itself is safe, but that “City pool waiting areas, locker rooms,…
There was no resource for face masks affirming transgender and queer folks, so we created one
As a queer blogger and social worker, I’m familiar with organizing drives to address gaps in services. Toy drives, food drives, blankets, pet supplies, even creating a tote bag project to support food pantries. It all starts with being able to identify a gap and work with people to create solutions. On the day that…
At Home With: Steve Spohn
“If anybody knows how to get a hold of Joe Manganiello’s people, tell ‘em I’d love to be friends and play Dungeons and Dragons sometime!
Con Alma continues to bring live jazz performances to Pittsburgh
Jazz fans rejoice! Con Alma has begun offering live jazz performances on Sundays in a socially distant manner, of course. Each Sunday from 12-3 p.m., (weather permitting), a different jazz musician or band will set up outside of the Ellsworth Ave. restaurant in Shadyside. Conveniently, this is also during the time Con Alma is open…
Get a free download of Rocket Loves Blue’s ‘The Great Indoors’ by donating to Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
Right now, donations to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank come with a gift: an exclusive link to download Rocket Loves Blue’s newest song, “The Great Indoors.” Oh, and donating is the only way to get access to the song. After a positive response to a rough demo of “The Great Indoors” played on country radio…
True T PGH is getting ‘back to basics’ with new podcast series
The COVID-19 pandemic has pressed pause on life as the world once knew it, but John “Dezmanian” Easter is looking on the bright side. In 2010, Easter co-founded True T PGH, “a community platform for LGBTQ resource sharing, queer art, activism, and entertainment.” In its decade of service, the organization has paid special attention to…
New collection sheds lights on legacy of Millvale church muralist, Maxo Vanka
The St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale has become famous as not just a house of worship, but as the site of breathtaking murals by Croatian-American artist, Maximilijan “Maxo” Vanka. Now the murals have been expanded upon by an extensive, newly donated collection of never-before-seen works by Vanka. The Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals…
Kenny Chesney’s May 30 Pittsburgh show has finally been postponed
Well, it finally happened. Kenny Chesney’s Heinz Field performance scheduled for May 30, along with the rest of his tour, has been postponed, according to Essential Broadcast Media. Chesney postponed the first 11 dates of his Chillaxification Tour on March 12, but the Pittsburgh date — lucky No. 12 — remained on the schedule until today. “With so…
For Sale With Baggage: Put the pandemic pedal to the metal
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…
Lynn Cullen Live – 5/14/20
Video Archive Lynn is reminding you that the PA voter registration, and vote by mail deadlines are coming up soon. Both can be completed at www.votespa.com. In addition, she is talking about an opinion piece by Cyril Wecht on Covid-19. His take is somewhat surprising to Lynn. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last…
Lynn Cullen Live – 5/13/20
Video Archive Pittsburgh has lost another amazing figure. Vernell Lillie, founder of Kuntu Repertory Theatre, and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Africana Studies at the University of Pittsburgh died on Monday. Later in the show Lynn will be joined by Pittsburgh City Paper Senior Writer Amanda Waltz to discuss bidets. Audio Only Archive Stream…
At Home With: DS Kinsel
Everybody is dealing with COVID-19 quarantines and restrictions in different ways. While there’s no single right way to cope — social distancing and staying TF home aside — connecting with friends, family, and neighbors is a good place to start. You can contact your loved ones on your own, but you might also be curious…
Airbnb has been operating in Pa throughout the pandemic and against stay-at-home orders
The global coronavirus pandemic has meant a lot of additional stress in everyone’s lives. It’s stressful to shop for groceries, to educate children at home, and to figure out how to pay bills during record levels of unemployment. But, for the most part, isolating at home can offer a reprieve. It’s one of the few…
Vigilance Theater Group goes virtual for the ghostly immersive tale Dawn’s Trail: A Cosmic Uncertainty
The whole point of immersive theater is, well, the immersion part, which can be challenging when people are stuck in their homes and even small crowds are prohibited. For the fledgling Vigilance Theater Group, the desire to put on what would be its third show in the face of COVID-19 restrictions required some creativity. As…
After toilet paper shortages, should you say yay or nay to a bidet?
Everybody poops, and as the COVID-19 outbreak and its many well-publicized toilet paper shortages have shown, it’s every butt for itself. But what are the alternatives to the roll? If you’ve been paying attention to the sponsored ads popping up in your Instagram feed, you may have seen something about bidet attachments. Companies like Brondell,…
Girl at the Edge explores what it’s like to be the daughter of a mass murderer
On Feb. 24, 2010 at SeaWorld in Orlando, 40-year-old trainer Dawn Brancheau was killed by an orca named Tilikum, the subject of the 2013 documentary Blackfish. As punishment, Tilikum was separated from the other orcas and confined to a small isolation tank. Around the same time, Greensburg-based author Karen Dietrich was brainstorming ideas for her…
Free Will Astrology (5/14 – 5/21)
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “The very least you can do in your life is to figure out what you hope for,” writes author Barbara Kingsolver. “And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof.” According to my analysis of…
Touchless sinks, concession-stand apps, and other pandemic prep prepare drive-in theaters for reopening
For years, the remaining drive-in theaters still operating were seen as a fun relic. Their lack of modernity was part of the charm. But now, the concept of moviegoers watching from their individual cars is suddenly modern again. There is still no clear answer as to when traditional, indoor movie theaters can open or when…
How to bring local farms to your table
Every year, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an important component of the growing season for many farmers. It’s a system in which consumers purchase a share at the beginning of the season and, for the next few months, receive weekly or bi-weekly boxes of produce straight from the fields. The model — similar to a…
