Street cleaning has resumed, but you don’t need to move your car yet
Update: Tue., June 9 at 2:18 p.m. Street cleaning has now resumed in Pittsburgh, but the city is not ticketing for parking violations. Tim McNulty, spokesperson for Mayor Bill Peduto’s office, said in an email that “there are still too many people working from home and needing to leave cars on streets.” He says enforcement…
Michael Keaton helps Pittsburgh nonprofits make sure local children are fed
Updated: 12 p.m. Mon., April 6 412 Food Rescue and its partners have expanded the bus stop food distribution program after a successful pilot run that provided more than 500 meals to students in the South Side and Hilltop neighborhoods. The program will continue from Mon., April 6-Fri., April 10 by delivering a total of 9,000…
Jack Swing showcases its eclectic rock ‘n’ roll sound in new single “Whether I Do”
One thing Isaiah Ross, the frontman of Jack Swing, has always wanted is for the band to not be boxed into a specific niche. Instead of being dubbed blues-rock or funk-rock, he likes the simplicity of “rock ‘n’ roll.” “To me, rock ‘n’ roll is an energy that encompasses so many artists that sound so…
Quarantunes with jGGZ Patel
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. The process for jGGZ Patel’s upcoming album W.W.jGGZ.D? (What would…
Rep. Mike Doyle holding a telephone town hall on coronavirus assistance on April 2
Last week, U.S. Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which will provide economic relief to small businesses, corporations, and individuals affected by the coronavirus closures. That relief includes direct payments, loans, and expanded unemployment benefits. U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Forest Hills) is hoping to help Pittsburghers by providing them…
Gov. Wolf declares a statewide stay-at-home order for all of Pennsylvania
Ten days ago, Allegheny County was one of the first counties in Pennsylvania to receive a stay-at-home order from Gov. Tom Wolf (D-York). Since then, the governor has declared other county stay-at-home orders in piecemeal fashion. Today, Wolf declared every resident in the state is now issued a stay-at-home order, which will last until at…
Review: Planet Fitness’ at home work(ins)
Two weeks ago, around the onset of stay-in-home orders across the country, Planet Fitness announced it would be livestreaming daily workouts on Facebook fit for all levels of stamina, no equipment needed. To be honest, I always thought of the gym franchise as a bit lame, with its bright yellow and purple color scheme and…
Open Letter to Pittsburgh: ‘When we are all protected, cared for and cured, we can become a city reborn’
Open Letter to Pittsburgh, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is asking our Pittsburgh leaders to be inclusive in your emergency planning efforts related to COVID-19. There are wise, caring, thoughtful Brown and Black leaders, women and men, second and third language experts, whom you must include in your planning efforts, online team discussions and emergency conference calls.…
Ranking the dumbest things Pennsylvania politicians have said concerning coronavirus
The coronavirus pandemic has America in uncharted territory. Many states are essentially shut down, unemployment-claim records are being shattered, and public-health responses are unprecedented. For the most part, politicians have responded to this crisis with a unified message underlining the severity and urgency of the pandemic. Earlier this month, several Republicans across the country, including…
Proposals wanted for Artists Bridging Social Distance in the Public Realm initiative
The Office of Public Art (OPA) at the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council (GPAC) is seeking proposals from local visual and performing artists for its new initiative, Artists Bridging Social Distance in the Public Realm. Three artists will be chosen from submissions that “bridge social distance, increase a sense of community well being, and provide avenues for intellectual…
First Sip Brew Box fundraising to support Pittsburgh’s craft brewery industry during coronavirus
Craft beer is one of the many areas of the service industry that took a hit earlier this month as restrictions were placed on restaurants and bars due to the coronavirus outbreak. Dennis and Sammie Guy, founders of local beer gear subscription box First Sip Brew Box, have felt a similar hit. Though they aren’t…
Celebrating Pennsylvania’s heroine of the pandemic: Dr. Rachel Levine
These are strange and uncertain days. Nothing that has happened in the last month or so has ever happened to us before, and we find ourselves suddenly navigating this unprecedented and markedly new way of life, for the most part, flying blind. But in the midst of chaos, a sound voice has emerged with a…
At Home With: Kelsey Robinson
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…
City of Pittsburgh closes Mount Washington overlook following busy weekend of residents not properly social distancing
That picturesque view from Mount Washington will have to wait. The City of Pittsburgh closed the famous overlooks on Monday to “further enforce the social distancing rules necessary to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to a press release. Other new enforcements included the removal of basketball rims from courts after the City of Pittsburgh found people…
You can’t hang out with your friends, but you can eat brunch with Three Busy Debras
We’re in the middle of a pandemic and stuck at home, so I should use this time to finally get into The Sopranos or The Irishman or something else that I “never have time for.” But instead, I find myself only wanting to watch dumb, dumb television. An episode of Guy’s Grocery Games where Guy…
Quarantunes with Glo Phase
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. Most of the work Joseph Rusnak, who writes, mixes, and…
Women in Radio: Rosemary Welsch on WYEP
While you’re cooped up inside, you can still listen to the radio! In honor of Women’s History Month, City Paper will be highlighting women in Pittsburgh’s airwaves throughout the month. Rosemary Welsch 91.3 WYEP (WYEP-FM) Mon-Fri. 2-6 p.m. Time in radio: I’ve been in radio since September of 1981, so coming up on 39 years.…
Lynn Cullen Live – 3/31/20
Video Archive It’s a family affair today on the show. Lynn is being joined by not only her sister Susan, but also her mother. They are discussing what they’ve been doing recently to stay entertained, and calm. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
We Ride Upon Sticks is a journey into ’80s nostalgia, but with witchcraft
How far would you go to win it all? For Massachusetts-based women’s varsity field hockey team the Danvers in We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry, they’re happy to dabble in the dark arts in order to take home the 1989 Field Hockey State Championship. The Danver Falcons team is made up of Mel Boucher, Sue…
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust promises new PNC Broadway season with Cher, Hadestown, Hamilton, and more
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust theatrical season might be on hiatus due to the coronavirus shutdown, but the arts organization has not given up hope on bringing new shows to the city. Today, the Trust announced a new lineup of eight PNC Broadway touring shows set to begin August and continue into 2021. The announcement comes…
Local businesses offering free produce for Pittsburghers in need
Three local businesses are coming together to offer free produce for Pittsburghers in need. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tue., March 31, 412 Food Rescue, the Church Brew Works Foundation, and Sysco Pittsburgh will be handing out produce care packages at 3600 and Liberty Ave. The trio is offering produce bundles to any…
Get a five-dollar caricature from local artist who drew for Superman, Archie, and more
I haven’t had a caricature done since maybe the 1993 PiratesFest. I asked the artist to have me slam dunking a basketball before I was met with the harsh reality I would never be able to even touch the rim of a hoop. I can still jump high enough to slap some mean net, though.…
Quarantunes with Feralcat and the Wild
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. In June of last year, Roger Rafael Romero, who creates…
Lynn Cullen Live – 3/30/20
Video Archive Time seems to be moving differently right now. March is almost over, but the end of social distancing isn’t in sight at the moment. Lynn is talking about our new normal, and the anxiety she is personally feeling. Audio Only Archive Stream or download the last 5 shows on the MP3 downloads page.
At Home With: Sally Wiggin
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…
Topics of Conversation isn’t meant to entertain, it’s meant to make you think
I chose Topics of Conversation by Miranda Popkey as my January Book of the Month before reading any reviews, something I normally don’t do, and this week I picked up the book to start reading. So before diving in, I decided to browse reviews on Goodreads. The first few reviews were not great, coming in at…
Pittsburgh couple’s viral coronavirus-themed parody of Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Homeward Bound’ is the perfect pick-me-up for the fellow quarantined
A Pittsburgh couple has become the newest viral sensation with a coronavirus-themed parody of Simon & Garfunkel’s 1966 song “Homeward Bound.” With multiple verses of quirky lyrics — “I try to work from my PC, but soon the fridge is calling me, I eat some snacks, turn on TV, without Netflix, what would life be?”…
Cooking with lentils: 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 take out, 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.…
An employee at the Allegheny County Jail has tested positive for COVID-19
Today, the Allegheny County Jail announced that one of its employees has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease that is caused by the coronavirus. According to a press release, the infected employee didn’t provide direct care to inmates at the jail and has not been at work since the afternoon of March 19. On March…
At Home With: Princess Jafar
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…
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly of Butler has tested positive for coronavirus
According to a press release from his office, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Butler) has tested positive for coronavirus. The release says that Kelly began experiencing flu-like symptoms this week. Kelly’s doctor then ordered a COVID-19 test, and it came back positive this afternoon. “When I started experiencing mild flu-like symptoms earlier this week, I consulted…
Peduto decries mid-size cities like Pittsburgh being left out of COVID-19 stimulus bill
Congress is poised to pass a multi-trillion dollar stimulus package that will provide funds to businesses, public-transit, airlines, and American taxpayers that have suffered economic woes during the coronavirus closures. The bill has garnered broad bipartisan support, including a Senate vote of 96-0, and the U.S. House is expected to pass the bill today. President…
How Planned Parenthood is handling the coronavirus
The novel coronavirus has impacted every facet of our lives. An institution like Planned Parenthood is a vulnerable institution in the best of times, often having to fight off restrictive legislation and losses in funding. But now some lawmakers are using the pandemic as a reason to further restrict access to services, including abortion. Social…
Pittsburgh has reported a loss of population for the seventh year in a row
On Thu., March 26, the U.S. Census Bureau released its latest population estimates, and the Pittsburgh region has once again reported a loss of population. The Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) which encompasses Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, is estimated to have declined by 5,053 people between July 2018 and July…
BENNTY is looking for musicians interested in a collaboration album
If you were given one word, a theme, and 48 hours, could you create an original song? If the answer is yes, then reach out to Benjamin T. Wilson, aka BENNTY, who is looking for musicians to include on a collaboration album. All revenue from the album will directly benefit contributing artists as a way…
At Home With: Pittsburgh’s premier poet, Rachel Ann Bovier
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…
New Pittsburgh releases from Jordan Montgomery, Ryan Haynes, Meeting of Important People, and more
New releases from Pittsburgh bands/musicians to listen to while social distancing. The Commonheart – “You’ve Got a Friend” From The Commonheart’s Nov. 2019 Stage AE performance, with openers Gene the Werewolf and Buffalo Rose, comes this video of the band playing Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend.” The show in Pittsburgh was the first time…
Duolingo launches new app to help kids learn to read and write while home from school
On Thu., March 26, Pittsburgh-based language learning company Duolingo launched a new app to help teach kids to read English. Duolingo ABC was in the works for a while, but with the pandemic keeping many kids home from school, the company launched it early. The free iOS app is designed for children ages 3-6, and…
412 Food Rescue adds virtual volunteering option
In ordinary times, the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit 412 Food Rescue addresses rampant food waste through the hard work of volunteers who donate their time to collecting and distributing unused produce and other goods from restaurants and markets. But how is 412 Food Rescue continuing its operations even as COVID-19 demands social distancing and keeping people home? For one,…
Isaly’s Ice Cream Re-introduces Fan Favorite from Traditional Isaly’s Store Days – Toasted Almond Fudge
Isaly’s — makers of chipped chopped ham, barbecue sauce, and old fashioned ice cream — is expanding their ice cream line with a highly requested flavor from the ice cream counter archives: Toasted Almond Fudge — crunchy toasted almonds in Isaly’s rich chocolate ice cream. Isaly’s Ice Cream can now be found in pints in Giant Eagle’s freezer section along with…
Pennsylvania leads the nation in a record week of new unemployment claims
The U.S. Labor Department reports today that 3.28 million new unemployment claims were filed for the week ending March 21. The previous record in a week was below 700,000. Of those nearly 3.3 million unemployment claims, Pennsylvania reported an estimated 379,000 claims over the last week, the most of any state, according to Bloomberg. Ohio…
I grilled my 5- and 6-year-old children about the state of America during the coronavirus
Generations of Americans are living through an unprecedented era right now. Coronavirus and the subsequent quarantine are new and difficult for people of any age to navigate. So how do a 5- and 6-year-old deal with our new challenges? Well, I just happen to have one of each sitting behind me right now. And they’re…
Lynn Cullen Live – 3/26/20
Video Archive Lynn wants to hear from you. At this difficult time it makes the show, and Lynn feel better to have contact with her followers. You can email her at lynn@pghcitypaper.com, call the show 412-200-5686 or follow her on twitter @lynncullen. Further proof that these are different times the New York Times has an…
For Sale With Baggage: Please stay six feet away during transaction
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…
How to get meal kits and subscription boxes from local restaurants
If you’re starting to get tired of cooking from home, you’re not alone (there are only so many bowls of oatmeal one person can tolerate). Spice up your quarantine meals by signing up for a subscription, meal kit, or family dinner box from one of these local spots. 1. Menuette The Brookline pop-up eatery (and…
Lynn Cullen Live – 3/25/20
Video Archive A Harvard Business Review interview with David Kessler explaining how many of us are feeling grief at this moment and don’t even realize it is Lynn’s starting point today. The article explains how to handle this new normal. One of the most difficult parts to deal with is the open-endedness, but Kessler wants…
Rad Libs: Coronavirus Edition
Getting bored being stuck home alone? We’ve made you the perfect social-distance game to play with friends! Ask your pals to call out words during your next video chat, fill in the blanks, and laugh hysterically. Got one too good not to share? Tweet us your best results: @pghcitypaper
Pittsburgh restaurants defy odds by opening during pandemic
On Fri., March 13, pop-up shop Mi Empanada opened its brick-and-mortar location in Lawrenceville. The following Tuesday, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf ordered all restaurants to close their dining rooms. “It’s a disaster,” says Ivan Gil-Silva, co-owner of the Argentinian eatery. “I’m opening in the middle of chaos.” Mi Empanada started as a low-key, friend-to-friend business.…
Sierra Sellers releases her first new project in three years
Over the last few years, Sierra Sellers has gotten the same question over and over again: “When are you releasing new music?” Her first EP, a self-titled R&B/soul release, came out in 2017, and since then, Sellers has only put out singles. But that’s because she wasn’t in a hurry, just waiting for the right…
Local 913: Victor Abendano
If you’re reading this right now, you’re probably the type of person who takes solace in your favorite songs. For Victor Abendano, it’s writing and performing music that has brought him comfort. Born in Mexico, Abendano’s family left for Texas when he was a child. Their work visa ran out and they were here illegally…
Small arts organizations in Pittsburgh look toward an uncertain future in the time of COVID-19
They took every precaution – disinfecting every surface, telling staff to stay home if they felt sick, limiting class sizes. But in the end, small Pittsburgh arts organizations and spaces are now feeling the same impact of the COVID-19 outbreak as their larger counterparts. What started as affecting events with crowds of 250 or more…
Free Will Astrology (March 25-31)
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your oracle comes from Aries poet Octavio Paz: “The path the ancestors cleared is overgrown, unused. The other path, smooth and broad, is crowded with travelers. It goes nowhere. There’s a third path: mine. Before me, no one. Behind me, no one. Alone, I find my way.” APRIL FOOL! Although the…
Finding chic comfort in uncertain times
In the 1934 film The Thin Man, there’s a scene where Nora Charles (played by Myrna Loy) hears someone knocking on the door of the apartment she shares with her husband Nick (Pittsburgh’s own, debonair-for-days William Powell — oh, the list of chic men from Pittsburgh could fill a future column, I drool). But back…
How parents can keep ‘sexy time’ alive when quarantined with kids
The other day, my partner and I were in the living room surrounded by toys with Sesame Street blaring in the background when he stealthily asked if I wanted to go upstairs for a little afternoon romp. Now, I am someone who is almost always game, but in this particular moment I would have had…
Mo Rocca celebrates forgotten histories in Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving
As a correspondent for CBS This Morning, Mo Rocca has interviewed celebrities ranging from Vanna White to Pope Francis. He’s filed reports on gerrymandering, the electoral college, and U.S. presidents. Rocca is also genuinely intrigued by forgotten figures like Lois Weber, born in Allegheny City (now the North Side), who was a pioneering filmmaker, actress,…
