Charlie Wolfson
@chwolfson.bsky.social
Pittsburgh and Allegheny County government reporter, PublicSource.org | Interested in local government, elections, baseball, Pittsburgh
"I can’t think of a city in Pittsburgh’s weight class that is facing the prospect of not having any daily newspaper at all." www.publicsource.org/newspaper-pi...
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says it will cease operations in May
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's owners said it has lost $350 million over 20 years and called that "no longer sustainable."
www.publicsource.org
January 7, 2026 at 8:24 PM
"I can’t think of a city in Pittsburgh’s weight class that is facing the prospect of not having any daily newspaper at all." www.publicsource.org/newspaper-pi...
NEWS: Pittsburgh is losing its newspaper of record. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announced today it will shut down in May.
The end of more than 200 years of chronicling Pittsburgh for the paper. www.publicsource.org/newspaper-pi...
The end of more than 200 years of chronicling Pittsburgh for the paper. www.publicsource.org/newspaper-pi...
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to cease operations in May
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's owners said it has lost $350 million over 20 years and called that "no longer sustainable."
www.publicsource.org
January 7, 2026 at 6:56 PM
NEWS: Pittsburgh is losing its newspaper of record. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announced today it will shut down in May.
The end of more than 200 years of chronicling Pittsburgh for the paper. www.publicsource.org/newspaper-pi...
The end of more than 200 years of chronicling Pittsburgh for the paper. www.publicsource.org/newspaper-pi...
New story: How does Pittsburgh have 20,000 vacant homes — and a housing shortage?
I show you one block in the Knoxville neighborhood to tell you why. www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-h...
I show you one block in the Knoxville neighborhood to tell you why. www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-h...
How does Pittsburgh have 20,000 vacant homes — and a housing shortage?
One block in Pittsburgh’s Knoxville neighborhood shows how a legacy of population decline and neglect has allowed homes to decay and neighbors to suffer.
www.publicsource.org
December 22, 2025 at 2:19 PM
New story: How does Pittsburgh have 20,000 vacant homes — and a housing shortage?
I show you one block in the Knoxville neighborhood to tell you why. www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-h...
I show you one block in the Knoxville neighborhood to tell you why. www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-h...
News: Pittsburgh City Council just gave preliminary approval to raise property taxes 20% next year. It was a 6-3, veto-proof vote. www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-c...
Pittsburgh council votes for 20% property tax hike
A divided council voted for the steep hike to fully fund vehicle purchases, worker overtime and utility bills, which members said were shorted in Mayor Ed Gainey’s 2026 budget.
www.publicsource.org
December 21, 2025 at 6:31 PM
News: Pittsburgh City Council just gave preliminary approval to raise property taxes 20% next year. It was a 6-3, veto-proof vote. www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-c...
Reposted by Charlie Wolfson
“There’s been an African American mayor of a major metropolitan city elected with only 22% of the people being Black,” Gainey said. “That’s incredible. That’s incredible.” @chwolfson.bsky.social on outgoing Mayor Ed Gainey's 6 top issues www.publicsource.org/ed-gainey-si...
How Mayor Ed Gainey changed Pittsburgh, from more housing to fewer police
Since Mayor Gainey’s historic election, he had only four years for his policies to take root. Here’s how the city’s first Black mayor changed Pittsburgh.
www.publicsource.org
December 18, 2025 at 12:06 PM
“There’s been an African American mayor of a major metropolitan city elected with only 22% of the people being Black,” Gainey said. “That’s incredible. That’s incredible.” @chwolfson.bsky.social on outgoing Mayor Ed Gainey's 6 top issues www.publicsource.org/ed-gainey-si...
Inbox: The special election to fill PA's 42nd state House district will be Feb. 24, per the speaker's office.
District includes Baldwin Tp., Castle Shannon, Mt. Lebanon and part of Upper St. Clair
Dan Miller resigning the seat to become a judge
District includes Baldwin Tp., Castle Shannon, Mt. Lebanon and part of Upper St. Clair
Dan Miller resigning the seat to become a judge
December 18, 2025 at 12:17 AM
Inbox: The special election to fill PA's 42nd state House district will be Feb. 24, per the speaker's office.
District includes Baldwin Tp., Castle Shannon, Mt. Lebanon and part of Upper St. Clair
Dan Miller resigning the seat to become a judge
District includes Baldwin Tp., Castle Shannon, Mt. Lebanon and part of Upper St. Clair
Dan Miller resigning the seat to become a judge
Here's what you need to know about the final weeks of Pittsburgh's budget negotiations — key dates and when the public can give their two cents. www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-c...
What are the key dates in Pittsburgh's budget fight — and when can residents weigh in?
Pittsburgh residents can weigh in on City Council’s budget negotiations Saturday, Dec. 20. A final vote on spending cuts and a tax increase will be on Dec. 21.
www.publicsource.org
December 10, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Here's what you need to know about the final weeks of Pittsburgh's budget negotiations — key dates and when the public can give their two cents. www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-c...
NEWS: Pittsburgh City Council will consider a bill to raise the city's property tax rate by 30% for 2026 as members race to form a balanced budget by year end.
That % could shift, and unclear if there are enough votes for any increase www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-c...
That % could shift, and unclear if there are enough votes for any increase www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-c...
Pittsburgh City Council to consider 30% property tax hike for 2026
Pittsburgh City Council will consider a 30% property tax hike for 2026. Councilor Barb Warwick introduced the bill. The public can comment at a Dec. 22 hearing.
www.publicsource.org
December 8, 2025 at 3:52 PM
NEWS: Pittsburgh City Council will consider a bill to raise the city's property tax rate by 30% for 2026 as members race to form a balanced budget by year end.
That % could shift, and unclear if there are enough votes for any increase www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-c...
That % could shift, and unclear if there are enough votes for any increase www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-c...
Pittsburgh's school board will make a decisive vote tonight its school consolidation plan, a day after 80 speakers urged them to vote against it.
@publicsource.org will cover the vote tonight
Coverage here: www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-p...
@publicsource.org will cover the vote tonight
Coverage here: www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-p...
Opposition mounts to PPS closures plan as divided board preps for vote tonight
Pittsburgh Public Schools will vote tonight on a plan to close 12 schools. Nearly 80 speakers at a recent hearing urged school directors to reject the plan.
www.publicsource.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Pittsburgh's school board will make a decisive vote tonight its school consolidation plan, a day after 80 speakers urged them to vote against it.
@publicsource.org will cover the vote tonight
Coverage here: www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-p...
@publicsource.org will cover the vote tonight
Coverage here: www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-p...
Guest commentary: The Roberto Clemente Bridge should become a linear park www.publicsource.org/roberto-clem...
The Roberto Clemente Bridge should become a linear park
The Pittsburgh bridge’s real power comes out when it’s closed to automotive traffic. So why not make that permanent and create a new attraction, like Dallas and New York have done?
www.publicsource.org
November 19, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Guest commentary: The Roberto Clemente Bridge should become a linear park www.publicsource.org/roberto-clem...
News: Corey O'Connor has chosen Jason Lando, longtime Pittsburgh police officer and commander, to be the next chief of police.
Lando was Zone 5 commander and led response to 2018 synagogue shooting. www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-p...
Lando was Zone 5 commander and led response to 2018 synagogue shooting. www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-p...
O’Connor taps former commander as Pittsburgh police chief
Mayor-elect Corey O’Connor taps former Zone 5 commander to lead the Pittsburgh police force. Jason Lando led the response to the 2018 synagogue shooting.
www.publicsource.org
November 13, 2025 at 6:59 PM
News: Corey O'Connor has chosen Jason Lando, longtime Pittsburgh police officer and commander, to be the next chief of police.
Lando was Zone 5 commander and led response to 2018 synagogue shooting. www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-p...
Lando was Zone 5 commander and led response to 2018 synagogue shooting. www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-p...
Happy Monday everyone. A brief thread on the election maps we published last week, now that the dust has settled some more... 🗺️🧵
November 10, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Happy Monday everyone. A brief thread on the election maps we published last week, now that the dust has settled some more... 🗺️🧵
🗺️ 2025 ELECTION MAPS 🗺️
We've got four maps that help show what happened in Allegheny County this election.
129 of 130 municipalities shifted left compared to 2024 (with much lower turnout of course)
O'Connor swept EVERY Pittsburgh precinct
More: www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-2...
We've got four maps that help show what happened in Allegheny County this election.
129 of 130 municipalities shifted left compared to 2024 (with much lower turnout of course)
O'Connor swept EVERY Pittsburgh precinct
More: www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-2...
November 6, 2025 at 7:24 PM
🗺️ 2025 ELECTION MAPS 🗺️
We've got four maps that help show what happened in Allegheny County this election.
129 of 130 municipalities shifted left compared to 2024 (with much lower turnout of course)
O'Connor swept EVERY Pittsburgh precinct
More: www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-2...
We've got four maps that help show what happened in Allegheny County this election.
129 of 130 municipalities shifted left compared to 2024 (with much lower turnout of course)
O'Connor swept EVERY Pittsburgh precinct
More: www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-2...
An East Deer commission seat is TIED, and there is also one (!) write-in vote. Provisional ballots are not yet counted but wow.
If you are the person who cast the write-in vote please contact me
If you are the person who cast the write-in vote please contact me
November 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM
An East Deer commission seat is TIED, and there is also one (!) write-in vote. Provisional ballots are not yet counted but wow.
If you are the person who cast the write-in vote please contact me
If you are the person who cast the write-in vote please contact me
Dems swept Pittsburgh City Council races and Allegheny County Council races. County Council at-large, between a Republican and an independent, is still too close to call www.publicsource.org/live-electio...
Live election results: Pittsburgh mayoral election, Pa. Supreme Court retention
Follow live election results for Pittsburgh mayor, City Council, Allegheny County Council, sheriff and Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention.
www.publicsource.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Dems swept Pittsburgh City Council races and Allegheny County Council races. County Council at-large, between a Republican and an independent, is still too close to call www.publicsource.org/live-electio...
Turning to some of Allegheny County's hundreds of local elections tonight, some of which will invariably come down to a tiny handful of votes
November 5, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Turning to some of Allegheny County's hundreds of local elections tonight, some of which will invariably come down to a tiny handful of votes
All three Pa. Supreme Court justices won retention. Democratic candidates for two open seats are leading but it's too early to call. Follow along here: www.publicsource.org/live-electio...
Live election results: Pittsburgh mayoral election, Pa. Supreme Court retention
Follow live election results for Pittsburgh mayor, City Council, Allegheny County Council, sheriff and Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention.
www.publicsource.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:14 AM
All three Pa. Supreme Court justices won retention. Democratic candidates for two open seats are leading but it's too early to call. Follow along here: www.publicsource.org/live-electio...
Breaking: Corey O'Connor elected Pittsburgh mayor, winning father's office and Gainey's problems www.publicsource.org/oconnor-elec...
AP: O’Connor elected Pittsburgh mayor, winning father’s office and Gainey’s problems
Corey O’Connor will be Pittsburgh’s 62nd mayor, following his father’s legacy and inheriting challenges from Mayor Gainey’s administration.
www.publicsource.org
November 5, 2025 at 1:30 AM
Breaking: Corey O'Connor elected Pittsburgh mayor, winning father's office and Gainey's problems www.publicsource.org/oconnor-elec...
Bookmark this page: Live election results and calls from the AP, for Pittsburgh mayor and Pennsylvania judicial elections. www.publicsource.org/live-electio...
Live election results: Pittsburgh mayoral election, Pa. Supreme Court retention
Follow live election results for Pittsburgh mayor, City Council, Allegheny County Council, sheriff and Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention.
www.publicsource.org
November 4, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Bookmark this page: Live election results and calls from the AP, for Pittsburgh mayor and Pennsylvania judicial elections. www.publicsource.org/live-electio...
Pittsburgh's mayoral election is in four days, Corey O'Connor (D) vs. Tony Moreno (R). Here's how the 2021 election went, when Mayor Gainey defeated Moreno. datawrapper.de/_/zrKvH/
How Pittsburgh wards voted in the 2021 mayoral General Election | Created with Datawrapper
Democrat Ed Gainey defeated Republican Tony Moreno, receiving 71% of the vote.
datawrapper.de
October 31, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Pittsburgh's mayoral election is in four days, Corey O'Connor (D) vs. Tony Moreno (R). Here's how the 2021 election went, when Mayor Gainey defeated Moreno. datawrapper.de/_/zrKvH/
County Exec Innamorato today proposed a 2026 budget with no tax increase, but said her decision to seek one last year was the right one. With some pointed words for her critics:
October 7, 2025 at 10:23 PM
County Exec Innamorato today proposed a 2026 budget with no tax increase, but said her decision to seek one last year was the right one. With some pointed words for her critics:
Reposted by Charlie Wolfson
In the '90s, being a 20-something in Pittsburgh often involved homeownership. Now? More like mid-to-late 30s. @chwolfson.bsky.social analyzes the shift and its implications www.publicsource.org/homeowner-ch...
'A really steep lift': Pittsburghers in their 20s and 30s find homeownership less and less attainable
Student debt, rising costs, aging homes and corporate buyers are making it harder for young adults to buy a home in Pittsburgh.
www.publicsource.org
October 6, 2025 at 11:23 AM
In the '90s, being a 20-something in Pittsburgh often involved homeownership. Now? More like mid-to-late 30s. @chwolfson.bsky.social analyzes the shift and its implications www.publicsource.org/homeowner-ch...
New: U.S. Rep. Summer Lee said the federal gov't "may be barreling toward a shutdown" at an event this morning as Allegheny County budget director said Trump's budget proposal would be "catastrophic" to county operations www.publicsource.org/summer-lee-i...
Lee, Innamorato aim to ‘fight back’ on Trump budget plan as Congress debates
The Pittsburgh-area Democrats say a plan moving through Republican-led Congress would hamstring programs meant to address hunger, housing needs, infrastructure and more.
www.publicsource.org
September 22, 2025 at 6:03 PM
New: U.S. Rep. Summer Lee said the federal gov't "may be barreling toward a shutdown" at an event this morning as Allegheny County budget director said Trump's budget proposal would be "catastrophic" to county operations www.publicsource.org/summer-lee-i...
Allegheny County has announced its ballot return and satellite vote locations for the Nov. 4 elections.
Four satellite voting locations open weekend of Oct. 25-26, and nine ballot return sites open Oct 31 and Nov. 1-3. Details:
Four satellite voting locations open weekend of Oct. 25-26, and nine ballot return sites open Oct 31 and Nov. 1-3. Details:
September 15, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Allegheny County has announced its ballot return and satellite vote locations for the Nov. 4 elections.
Four satellite voting locations open weekend of Oct. 25-26, and nine ballot return sites open Oct 31 and Nov. 1-3. Details:
Four satellite voting locations open weekend of Oct. 25-26, and nine ballot return sites open Oct 31 and Nov. 1-3. Details:
Another thing from today's Census ACS release: The level of remote work may have steadied after a post-2021 decline.
In the U.S., they estimate 18% of workers worked from home in 2021, 15% in 2022 and 13% each of 2023-24.
In Allegheny County it was 26% in 2021, 21% in 2022, and 18% in 2023-24.
In the U.S., they estimate 18% of workers worked from home in 2021, 15% in 2022 and 13% each of 2023-24.
In Allegheny County it was 26% in 2021, 21% in 2022, and 18% in 2023-24.
September 11, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Another thing from today's Census ACS release: The level of remote work may have steadied after a post-2021 decline.
In the U.S., they estimate 18% of workers worked from home in 2021, 15% in 2022 and 13% each of 2023-24.
In Allegheny County it was 26% in 2021, 21% in 2022, and 18% in 2023-24.
In the U.S., they estimate 18% of workers worked from home in 2021, 15% in 2022 and 13% each of 2023-24.
In Allegheny County it was 26% in 2021, 21% in 2022, and 18% in 2023-24.