Pittsburgh’s No. 1! (or 2 or 3 or …)
Where does Pittsburgh rank? How does the Steel City keep ending up on all these lists? We’re doing our best to document every Best or Worst ranking for Pittsburgh that we spot online or that comes across our inboxes in 2022.
Five underrated pizza places in Pittsburgh
Pizza lovers, rejoice! According to a study by the website Rent.com, Pittsburgh was recently ranked as the No. 2 city in the United States for this cheesy, saucy favorite. While everyone knows local classics like Mineo’s and Aiello’s in Squirrel Hill, and the vegan and vegetarian-friendly goodness of Spak in Garfield, there are other great…
Ease into Dry January with mocktails from Pittsburgh bars and restaurants
Dry January is a 30-day challenge to abstain from drinking alcohol for the entire month. But it can be hard, especially if you’re a social person, to stay sober in situations where the people around you are drinking. Thankfully, many establishments in Pittsburgh make an effort to add non-alcoholic options to their menus. Here are…
Facing staff shortages due to COVID, Port Authority adapts and asks for patience
As COVID-19 cases multiply and cause serious staffing shortages throughout the Pittsburgh region, Port Authority of Allegheny County tweeted on Jan. 3 that they are “being forced to cancel between 100-200 bus and rail trips,” of their roughly 6,200 trips a day. In addition to those cancellations, Port Authority is also predicting “delays and longer-than-normal wait…
In a contentious rally, regional leaders advocate for Wilkinsburg-Pittsburgh merger
At a contentious rally on the afternoon of Jan. 5, proponents of a merger between the borough of Wilkinsburg and the city of Pittsburgh called on Pittsburgh City Council to support a petition allowing Wilkinsburg residents to vote on whether Pittsburgh will annex their municipality. This rally was held amid vocal opposition from about 10…
Squirrel Hill loses two longtime popular diners in one week’s span
The adage goes that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but soon it might become a little harder to get your pancake and sausage fix in Squirrel Hill. It was recently announced that the neighborhood would lose two long-standing restaurants, Pamela’s Diner and Eat’n Park. Both are located on Murray Avenue and…
Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit to feature three prominent authors as part of 2022 virtual event
The Pittsburgh Racial Justice Summit is back for 2022 and includes a panel with three of the city’s most prominent authors. Formerly known as the Summit Against Racism, the annual event will go virtual this year and will host talks and panels about the future of racial justice in Pittsburgh. Included is a virtual fireside chat…
Labor leaders rally for Coffee Tree unionization; call for fired worker to be rehired
On Jan. 5, more than 50 people rallied in Squirrel Hill to support the unionization efforts of baristas at Coffee Tree Roasters, a West Mifflin-based coffee chain. The crowd included labor leaders, Pittsburgh-area Democrats, and community members, all who also were calling for the rehiring of a worker they say was fired for his participation…
Recounting Daryl Metcalfe’s career as he announces retirement from Pa. legislature
State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Cranberry) has long been known in the Pittsburgh area as one of Pennsylvania’s most conservative and controversial politicians. His more than two decades in state politics has been filled with seemingly intentional efforts to rile up liberals and progressives over issues like firearms, climate change, immigration, and LGBTQ rights. His career…
Pittsburgh: The Year in Pictures 2021
Every year that goes by as the staff photographer with Pittsburgh City Paper, I continue to count myself as one of the luckiest people around. I always tell everyone that this job has brought me closer to people and made me feel more a part of Pittsburgh than ever before. My camera is a tool…
West Deer rejects gas well amid growing opposition to fracking in Allegheny County
On Dec. 15, 2021, West Deer Township in northern Allegheny County rejected a proposal by Olympus Energy LLC for one of two planned natural-gas well pads in the township. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously against the proposed well pad by a vote of 4-0. Vice Chairwoman Beverly Jordan told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that the Board…
UPDATE: Panel to spotlight Black and Jewish community relations of Hill District’s history
Update, 12 p.m. Sun., Jan. 27: Black and Jewish Histories of the Hill District was postponed and will now take place on Tue., Feb. 15 from 6-7:30 p.m. The Jewish community service organization Repair the World Pittsburgh will host a virtual panel discussion called Black and Jewish Histories of the Hill District. Program organizers hope that…
A “shot” and a beer, donut deliveries, and more Pittsburgh food news
Hilltop Pharmacy x Leo. a public house 1207 Allegheny Ave., Manchester. leopgh.com This local pub and pharmacy have teamed up to bring you another “shot and a beer” event, this time encouraging Pittsburghers to get their COVID-19 booster shots. The event will take place at Leo. a public house on Sat., Jan. 15 from 4-6…
Voting now open for Queer Pittsburgh T-shirt design contest
Who doesn’t love a good graphic tee, those pieces of clothing used to express yourself as part of a fandom, a supporter of a cause, or a lover of clever sayings? Now a Pittsburgh LGBTQ organization has a contest asking members of the public to pick their favorite T-shirt design made by a local artist.…
Wolf administration used state grant funding as leverage during debate on carbon fee
Gov. Tom Wolf has often said he’s “not a politician.” But before a vote on a key climate policy last month, his administration reached for a classic piece of Harrisburg leverage — state funding for local projects — to get Democratic lawmakers in line. On the record, no Democratic lawmakers would acknowledge the tactic. But…
Lynn Cullen Live – 1/04/22
Lynn and Susan are discussing the Omicron Variant, Meteor explosion, the swearing in of new Mayor Ed Gainey and Big Ben’s final home game. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
Jim Rogers’ death ruled accidental by Allegheny County Medical Examiner
The Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner has determined that the “manner of death” of Jim Rogers, the man who died after being tased eight times by Pittsburgh Police officers, was an accident. ACOME defines an accident as a “death that occurs as the result of an event with unintentional consequences.” The Commonwealth of…
Ed Gainey sworn in as Pittsburgh’s first Black mayor; addresses questions on policing
Ed Gainey, former state representative, was sworn in today as the 61st mayor of Pittsburgh, making history as the city’s first Black mayor and the first mayor to beat an incumbent in the last 90 years. Due to concerns about rising COVID cases in Allegheny County, Gainey’s transition team made a last-minute decision to pivot…
Concert Preview: MARINA, Illuminati Hotties, and other live shows coming to Pittsburgh in February
Tue., Feb. 1 Julia Jacklin at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. warhol.org This Melbourne, Australia-based singer-songwriter brings her voice to Pittsburgh, along with her band, to perform at the Carnegie Lecture Hall. Described as indie folk-pop and alt-country, Jacklin’s vocals and dreamy lyrics captivate listeners and will make you a fan…
Pennsylvania loses population in first half of 2021, says census estimates
After marginally gaining population between 2010 and 2020, census estimates indicate that Pennsylvania’s population figures have slightly reversed themselves starting in the new decade. From July 2020 to July 2021, Pennsylvania’s population dropped by about 25,000 to a total of about 12,964,000. The official census recorded a population of 13,002,700 for the Keystone State for…
Black trans woman found dead in Wilkinsburg
On Jan. 1, a victim was found dead of a fatal gunshot wound in Wilkinsburg. According to local LGBTQ advocacy group SisTers PGH, that victim was Amarey Lej, a 21-year-old Black trans woman. Allegheny County Police have launched an investigation into the death, according to KDKA, but police did not identify her in the initial…
Lynn Cullen Live – 01/03/22
“I am envious of those of you that do make efforts to order the chaos.” Lynn started the show reflecting on new beginnings for the new year while trying to understand that we do not know what lies ahead of us but trying to keep some sense of order to it all. Plus, Lynn talks…
Pittsburgh meteor, “the greatest event of 2022,” made into commemorative ornament
First came The Sinkhole Bus. Then, The Filled Sinkhole. Now, only two days into the new year, artist Toby Fraley has officially declared Pittsburgh’s meteor to be “the greatest event” of 2022, turning it into a commemorative ornament to celebrate the occasion. “I’m hedging my bets and predicting the greatest event of 2022 happened in…
Now Hiring: Direct a local library, interact with robots, and more job openings this week in Pittsburgh
We searched the web to find some of Pittsburgh’s best job openings this week. If your company is hiring, send info on your job opening for consideration to jobs@pghcitypaper.com. Nonprofit Donor Relations Coordinator. Pittsburgh nonprofit Hello Neighbor, which matches community members and advocates with recently resettled refugee families, is hiring a full-time Donor Relations Coordinator.…
12 of the weirdest things dropped across Pennsylvania towns on New Year’s Eve
2021 is almost over and that means Pennsylvanians are getting ready for New Year’s Eve. And getting ready to watch some random items be dropped across the commonwealth. The Keystone State is home to dozens of municipalities that hold public New Year’s Eve events where towns drop an item of interest during the countdown to…
10 Most-read Pittsburgh City Paper stories of 2021
2021 was another dumpster fire of a year, kicking off with the Capitol insurrection, then continuing with the pandemic raging on as COVID cases grew amid battles over masks and vaccinations. Sure, there were some bright spots. (Check out our 2021 People of the Year winners for some examples.) But we’re pretty sure most of…
Pa. Supreme Court says warrantless searches not justified by cannabis smell alone
On Dec. 29, Pennsylvania’s highest court confirmed a decision by a trial court that said the smell of cannabis cannot be the sole basis of a warrantless search by police officers. The State Supreme Court said law enforcement can use the smell of marijuana as part of the justification for a search, but it can’t…
Big Ben finally exits the spotlight
Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has announced that Monday night’s game against the Cleveland Browns will likely be his last at Heinz Field. After 18 seasons with the Steelers, Big Ben’s legacy will be forever remembered, not only by sports fans, but by all of those who cheer for the great city of Pittsburgh.
Song Spotlight: “You Still Believe In Me” by Chariot Fade
Pittsburgh-based pop band Chariot Fade released a cover of The Beach Boys’ “You Still Believe in Me” recently, and the cover is a balm for difficult times. The band announced their version over on their Instagram page with the following caption: “Dear friends, the last two years have been so unpredictable, but the one constant…
Officials urge caution as Omicron cases appear and spread in Allegheny County
Omicron has proven to be a highly contagious variant of the COVID-19 virus. Spreading quickly over the last few weeks, it has led to thousands of canceled flights, the re-closing of businesses, and canceled events as more and more people have tested positive for infection. Now the Omicron variant has come to Allegheny County, and…
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announces leadership change to editorial page
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial page has been at the center of a fair amount of strife. For years, the page had long skewed a bit more to the left, with some surprises to the right given the proclivities of Editor-in-Chief and publisher John Block. But a conservative tilt seemed to accelerate with the addition of Keith…
The top events in Pittsburgh for Dec. 30-Jan. 5
Thu., Dec. 30 COMEDY • IRL End the year with some laughs when Steve Byrne performs at the Pittsburgh Improv. Byrne grew up in Pittsburgh and has integrated the city into his work, including making it the setting of his three-season long sitcom Sullivan & Son. He currently has specials on Comedy Central, and wrote…
Pennsylvania’s most popular spirits as told by state store sales
In just a few days, New Year’s Eve will be upon us again. Before you head out to the store to make your last-minute alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage purchases, here’s a look at what Pennsylvanians bought the most, according to the annual report, issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The Top 10 Spirits If…
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY: Dec. 30-Jan. 5
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Microbiologist Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928. It was later described as “the single greatest victory ever achieved over disease” — an antidote to dangerous infections caused by bacteria. But there’s more to the story. Fleming’s strain of penicillin could only be produced in tiny amounts — not nearly enough to…
Pittsburgh coffee chain worker says he was fired for supporting union efforts
On Dec. 22, workers at Coffee Tree Roasters announced their intent to unionize with the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776. Coffee Tree Roasters is a Pittsburgh-based coffee chain with five locations throughout the region and about 52 baristas, according to a union filing. The next day, a worker at the coffee shop in Squirrel…
Pizza pop-up, blind bourbon tasting, and more Pittsburgh food news
Pittsburgh Street Pizza instagram.com/pghstreetpizza This pizza pop-up just came up on our radar despite launching sometime in July. You can find them at Trace Brewing or Commonplace Coffee on any given day. Follow them on Instagram to see their beautiful pies and find out where they’ll be next. Allegheny Wine Mixer 5326 Butler St., Lawrenceville.…
Pittsburgh gallery highlights fading way of life with American Portraits: The Family Farm
In Downtown Pittsburgh, in the lobby of the Steel Plaza T-Station, a new contactless art exhibit is on display. American Portraits: The Family Farm is now on view in the BNY Mellon Satellite Gallery as part of Contemporary Craft’s ongoing series Food Justice: Growing a Healthier Community through Art. The solo exhibition by fiber artist Patty…
Pittsburgh music scene mourns loss of beloved concert promoter “Mama Jo” Coll
Many in the Pittsburgh community, especially in the music scene, are currently processing the loss of Mary Jo Coll. Known affectionately as Momjo or Mama Jo, Coll was known as the person who gave many bands their break as the concert promoter and booker at Howlers and Hambone’s. As reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Coll…
Pittsburgh artists dropping new music projects in 2022
While 2021 was a great year in Pittsburgh music, 2022 promises to bring even more albums and EPs from the multi-talented artists living here. You’ll get your fix of everything from hip hop to metal to folk, and even some artists who fall outside the confines of genre. Here’s a running list of the albums…
Allegheny County housing market report shows hot market for some, but not residents of color
For the first time, Allegheny County and the city of Pittsburgh combined research resources to produce a housing report that analyzed the city and the county together to showcase a clearer and more comprehensive picture of the area’s housing market. It showed that for most of Allegheny County, the market is hot, and housing prices…
Seven amazing coffee beers brewed right here in Pittsburgh
Hard to imagine a better way to start a drinking session than with a mix of booze and a little caffeine. It’s probably not smart to take that advice to an extreme (we all remember the Four Loko bans of the late 2000s), but a nice beer mixed with a small amount of coffee can…
Now Hiring: Jobs for animal lovers, paid arts internships, and more openings this week in Pittsburgh
Cinderlands Warehouse, Waffles Incaffeinated, Contemporary Craft, Valkirye Doughtnuts, New Dimension Comics, City Theatre Company, National Aviary, Literacy Pittsburgh, Animal Friends
Lynn Cullen Live – 12/23/21
Lynn is discussing a story of a woman who bought a home in Munhall only to have the borough implement a “Newcomers Tax” on the home and have it reassessed at a much higher value, and the practice is legal. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
5 local spots to get festive baked goods and holiday desserts
Carnegie Coffee Company 132 E. Main St., Carnegie. carnegiecoffeecompany.com This local cafe is consistently switching out their in-house baked goods, so be sure to stop in and try one of their festive treats. One of our favorites is their homemade snickerdoodle cookies. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 350° Bakery (@350bakerypgh) 350…
Lynn Cullen Live – 12/22/21
h2>Video Archive Lynn is talking about the Churchill Borough Council approving a new Amazon distribution warehouse and the impact it will have on the community. Plus President Biden is still trying to strike a deal with Senator Joe Manchin to move President Biden’s Build Back Better program forward. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the…
The top events in Pittsburgh for Dec. 23-29
Thu., Dec. 23 EXHIBIT • IRL Celebrate the Diamond Anniversary of the Carnegie Trees with BEDAZZLED at the Carnegie Museum of Art. This annual installation, organized every year by the Women’s Committee of CMOA, transforms the Hall of Architecture into a winter wonderland with five Fraser Fir trees adorned with lights and handmade ornaments. The…
People of the Year
This year was supposed to be easier than last. Vaccines arrived, COVID cases were supposed to slow down, businesses were supposed to all open back up. And, in some ways, things have been better than in 2020. (At least we’re not all trapped at home 24/7, right?) But, as we prepare to enter year three…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Business
Amid universities, medical centers, and chain stores and restaurants, mother and daughter duo Christine and Brigette Bethea brought a refreshing new addition to Oakland’s business district in 2021. Argyle Studio, their pop-up store with items from over 30 local artists and makers, launched in May and provided a source of visibility and income for working…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Literature
It’d be difficult to find a year-end best of list that Pittsburgh writer Brian Broome’s 2021 memoir Punch Me Up to the Gods wasn’t listed on. His debut book is a wonderful story chronicling his struggles with race, sexuality, addiction, and recovery. The book made it into Publisher’s Weekly’s Best 20 Books of 2021, The…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Health
The past year has not been easy for those without housing. Those experiencing homelessness have been at higher risk to contract COVID-19, and housing protections have mostly come to an end. Dr. Jim Withers, the founder of Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net, has been providing health care for people experiencing homelessness for over 20 years.…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Food and Drink
It’s hard to imagine a new neighbor being as welcomed and celebrated as quickly as Trace Brewing in Bloomfield. Opening in mid-2020 to take-out customers, long lines for the craft brewery started immediately. Yes, Trace was the first craft brewery to open in the neighborhood, and yes, demand for beer was especially high during the…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Activism
Jasmine Cho’s activism has initiated conversations on race for years. As founder of online bakery Yummyholic and a self-declared “cookie activist,” she paints intricate portraits of Asian Americans with icing to give representation to the historically underrepresented community. The Los Angeles native, whose parents immigrated from South Korea, also penned a children’s book, Role Models…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Visual Arts
Even if you’ve never heard of Janel Young, chances are you’ve seen her work. Anyone who uses Yahoo likely saw the logo the Pittsburgh artist designed for the web service’s 2021 Black History Month campaign. But while Young has received recognition in the digital world, her work is better known in the real world, including…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Labor
In October, the higher education world was rocked — in a good way — by the news that faculty members at the University of Pittsburgh officially voted in favor of unionizing. The announcement came after years of alleged anti-union efforts by the Pitt administration, legal challenges, and other setbacks threatened the union of Pitt faculty’s…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Music
In years past, Pittsburghers might have known sarah huny young’s work best as a photographer and artist. She’s received numerous recognitions and grants for her portraits celebrating Black women and LGBTQ communities. Last year, young also helped to create the PGH Artists Emergency Fund to help the local arts community who relied on income from…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Theater
Monteze Freeland seems to be everywhere in the Pittsburgh theater scene. And recent developments demonstrate how his star has risen as a local actor, director, and playwright, with a background that includes working with Quantum Theatre, PICT, Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company, Prime Stage Theatre, and others. Freeland, a Baltimore native and Point Park University graduate,…
Pittsburgh’s People of the Year 2021: Politics
The Steel City saw significant progressive happenings in 2021: successful ballot initiatives to ban no-knock warrants in Pittsburgh and to limit solitary confinement in the Allegheny County Jail; five local judges elected on campaigns to reshape an unjust criminal justice system; a new effort formed to build progressive power within the old-school Allegheny County Democratic…
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY: Dec. 23-29
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): To ensure that 2022 will bring you the most interesting and useful kind of progress, take good care of your key friendships and alliances, even as you seek out excellent new friendships and alliances. For best results, heed these thoughts from author Hanya Yanagihara: “Find people who are better than you…
Lynn Cullen Live – 12/21/21
h2>Video Archive < Lynn and Susan are talking about the risks versus rewards of getting together for the holidays and how it is difficult to get Covid tests kits. They also discuss the DC teacher who had students reenact holocaust scenes. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads…
Lynn Cullen Live – 12/03/22
“I am envious of those of you that do make efforts to order the chaos” Lynn started the show reflecting on new beginnings for the new year while trying to understand that we do not know what lies ahead of us but trying to keep some sense of order to it all. Plus Lynn talks…
