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“We can't incarcerate our way out of this kind of a problem. There's a way in which we need to actually engage with people who are being radicalized and not simply dismiss them.” Aaron Erb says health service professionals can assist with early intervention. buff.ly/VsPioW4
December 26, 2025 at 8:11 PM
“We can't incarcerate our way out of this kind of a problem. There's a way in which we need to actually engage with people who are being radicalized and not simply dismiss them.” Aaron Erb says health service professionals can assist with early intervention. buff.ly/VsPioW4
“A snowfall in the Oakland neighborhood … the snowman I made with my husband … those are beautiful gifts.” Sally Hobart Alexander cherishes these visual memories while reflecting on the hazards of traversing winter weather since losing her sight. buff.ly/j66Vydp
I haven’t seen the world through my eyes since a snowy day in 1969
Winter weather poses challenges for the blind: unshovelled sidewalks thick with snow. Cane-users and guide dogs alike find hardship in the cold. Here’s how you can help.
www.publicsource.org
December 26, 2025 at 2:22 PM
“A snowfall in the Oakland neighborhood … the snowman I made with my husband … those are beautiful gifts.” Sally Hobart Alexander cherishes these visual memories while reflecting on the hazards of traversing winter weather since losing her sight. buff.ly/j66Vydp
Since President Trump returned to office, cuts to research funding have cost 104 jobs and $24 million across Allegheny County. Money may get tighter as the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation face potential budget reductions next year. buff.ly/WwiWxSb
December 24, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Since President Trump returned to office, cuts to research funding have cost 104 jobs and $24 million across Allegheny County. Money may get tighter as the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation face potential budget reductions next year. buff.ly/WwiWxSb
What is Violence Prevention Network trying to do? Public Source sat down with Program Director Aaron Erb to talk about training social workers to identify signs of radicalization before it leads to violence. buff.ly/VsPioW4
Q&A: Can social workers head off extremism?
Violence Prevention Network USA believes human services professionals can identify radicalism and potentially intervene before it leads to political violence.
www.publicsource.org
December 24, 2025 at 2:22 PM
What is Violence Prevention Network trying to do? Public Source sat down with Program Director Aaron Erb to talk about training social workers to identify signs of radicalization before it leads to violence. buff.ly/VsPioW4
After lengthy study and contentious debate, officials say assisted outpatient treatment, or AOT, will be an alternative to involuntary hospitalization. The county says no one will be jailed or arrested for failure to stick with treatment, and an advisory group will monitor AOT’s use. buff.ly/nWoIyzD
Involuntary outpatient treatment for mental illness to start Jan. 1 in Allegheny County
A controversial type of involuntary mental health treatment will be available Jan. 1 as Allegheny County seeks alternative to 302 commitments.
www.publicsource.org
December 24, 2025 at 12:31 AM
After lengthy study and contentious debate, officials say assisted outpatient treatment, or AOT, will be an alternative to involuntary hospitalization. The county says no one will be jailed or arrested for failure to stick with treatment, and an advisory group will monitor AOT’s use. buff.ly/nWoIyzD
Here’s why a city that lost half its population and counts 20,000 empty homes is nonetheless in a housing crisis.
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.
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December 23, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Here’s why a city that lost half its population and counts 20,000 empty homes is nonetheless in a housing crisis.
“To say that we can’t do research that intersects with equity is mind-boggling.” Pitt prof. Miranda Yaver shares how her research on health insurance disparities has no support as the Trump administration's war on DEI continues. buff.ly/WwiWxSb
Pittsburgh professors say research was weaponized in Trump’s higher ed fight
University of Pittsburgh researchers describe lost funding, rewritten grants and uncertainty as Trump administration research cuts take hold.
www.publicsource.org
December 23, 2025 at 2:22 PM
“To say that we can’t do research that intersects with equity is mind-boggling.” Pitt prof. Miranda Yaver shares how her research on health insurance disparities has no support as the Trump administration's war on DEI continues. buff.ly/WwiWxSb
WE ARE SO CLOSE TO OUR GOAL! We’re 91% of the way to our goal, and our match pool ends in 10 days. Make your gift of support today! buff.ly/IRZ7mFv
December 22, 2025 at 9:00 PM
WE ARE SO CLOSE TO OUR GOAL! We’re 91% of the way to our goal, and our match pool ends in 10 days. Make your gift of support today! buff.ly/IRZ7mFv
Pittsburgh City Council approved a 20% property tax increase Sunday morning, taking a drastic step to fill what they described as a $20 or $30 million dollar hole in Mayor Ed Gainey’s proposed 2026 budget.
Pittsburgh council approves 20% property tax hike
With a veto-proof 6 votes, council took a step back from a proposed 30% hike, and voted to add funds for vehicle purchases, overtime and utility bills, which members said were shorted in Mayor Ed…
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December 22, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Pittsburgh City Council approved a 20% property tax increase Sunday morning, taking a drastic step to fill what they described as a $20 or $30 million dollar hole in Mayor Ed Gainey’s proposed 2026 budget.
After a bank threatened foreclosure, one Knoxville resident moved out willingly. The bank never closed and the house collapsed. “If I knew that I owned it, I would have done more.” buff.ly/NLpO8Z0
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 2:22 PM
After a bank threatened foreclosure, one Knoxville resident moved out willingly. The bank never closed and the house collapsed. “If I knew that I owned it, I would have done more.” buff.ly/NLpO8Z0
Reposted by Pittsburgh's Public Source
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...
We were curious about transparency at Pittsburgh Water. An investigation found nearly two-thirds of board resolutions passed without discussion. In the first meeting after the published findings, board members asked 40 questions of agency staff. buff.ly/ibACoOp
Pittsburgh Water board asks questions after transparency investigation
Pittsburgh Water board members asked nearly seven times more questions following a Public Source investigation into transparency at the public utility.
www.publicsource.org
December 19, 2025 at 10:47 PM
We were curious about transparency at Pittsburgh Water. An investigation found nearly two-thirds of board resolutions passed without discussion. In the first meeting after the published findings, board members asked 40 questions of agency staff. buff.ly/ibACoOp
As a budget battle unfolds in City Hall, the public can weigh in on proposed changes — including a potential tax hike — tomorrow, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. buff.ly/aTG6IMV
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.
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December 19, 2025 at 8:11 PM
As a budget battle unfolds in City Hall, the public can weigh in on proposed changes — including a potential tax hike — tomorrow, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. buff.ly/aTG6IMV
In this guest commentary, Laura Chelgren argues that public transit is vital to public health. What do you think? Should the government commit more taxpayer funding to keep transit services at or near current levels? buff.ly/1nmeaaG
Transit funding isn’t just about transportation. It’s a public health issue.
Debates over transit funding drove much of Pennsylvania’s budget impasse, but Laura Chelgren argues that funding mobility should be a public health priority.
www.publicsource.org
December 19, 2025 at 2:22 PM
In this guest commentary, Laura Chelgren argues that public transit is vital to public health. What do you think? Should the government commit more taxpayer funding to keep transit services at or near current levels? buff.ly/1nmeaaG
Pittsburgh City Council greenlit millions of expense increases while cutting costs, largely from transfers to the Stop the Violence Trust Fund. A final budget vote comes Sunday, along with a potential tax hike.
Pittsburgh City Council floats spending increases with vote on tax hike set for Sunday
Pittsburgh City Council plans to add millions to Mayor Gainey’s 2026 budget proposal. A vote on the amendments and a tax hike comes this Sunday.
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December 18, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Pittsburgh City Council greenlit millions of expense increases while cutting costs, largely from transfers to the Stop the Violence Trust Fund. A final budget vote comes Sunday, along with a potential tax hike.
Stowe quietly renewed an agreement with ICE. In neighboring Robinson, the solicitor says no local agreement has been signed, but ICE’s website shows a document with the signature of Police Chief Timothy Westwood. buff.ly/Orr29dh
December 18, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Stowe quietly renewed an agreement with ICE. In neighboring Robinson, the solicitor says no local agreement has been signed, but ICE’s website shows a document with the signature of Police Chief Timothy Westwood. buff.ly/Orr29dh
1994: August Wilson speaks at Ed Gainey's college graduation.
2005: The playwright pens "Radio Golf," imagining Pittsburgh's first Black mayor.
2021: Gainey wins election.
2025: Gainey looks back at his time in office.
buff.ly/5k1sXuX
2005: The playwright pens "Radio Golf," imagining Pittsburgh's first Black mayor.
2021: Gainey wins election.
2025: Gainey looks back at his time in office.
buff.ly/5k1sXuX
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.
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December 18, 2025 at 5:08 PM
1994: August Wilson speaks at Ed Gainey's college graduation.
2005: The playwright pens "Radio Golf," imagining Pittsburgh's first Black mayor.
2021: Gainey wins election.
2025: Gainey looks back at his time in office.
buff.ly/5k1sXuX
2005: The playwright pens "Radio Golf," imagining Pittsburgh's first Black mayor.
2021: Gainey wins election.
2025: Gainey looks back at his time in office.
buff.ly/5k1sXuX
After cancelling an agreement with ICE, Stowe is back on the list as of Dec. 11. Township commissioners appear to be in the dark about it again. buff.ly/042EFYo
Doubling down, doubling back: local departments diverge on ICE cooperation
Stowe police cancelled an agreement with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement after a Public Source inquiry. They signed another as Springdale keeps its own.
www.publicsource.org
December 17, 2025 at 8:59 PM
After cancelling an agreement with ICE, Stowe is back on the list as of Dec. 11. Township commissioners appear to be in the dark about it again. buff.ly/042EFYo
Not sure if a video is real or an AI-generated fake? University of Pittsburgh professor Jessica Ghilani recommends “lateral reading,” or seeking out trusted sources to combat the onslaught of misinformation.
The crass Fred Rogers of AI deepfakes has some Pittsburghers ‘horrified’
AI-generated deepfakes of Mister Rogers distort the reputation of Pittsburgh’s friendly legend. Fred Rogers Productions wants them removed.
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December 17, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Not sure if a video is real or an AI-generated fake? University of Pittsburgh professor Jessica Ghilani recommends “lateral reading,” or seeking out trusted sources to combat the onslaught of misinformation.
The concept of “states’ rights” has been a major Republican talking point, but the party leader just signed an executive order overriding state AI regulation, saying a national policy must be crafted. Pa.’s Republican attorney general disagrees. buff.ly/IGSClkg
AG, lawmakers in Pa. contend with Trump order blocking state AI regulations
President Trump issued an executive order to curtail states' regulation of AI. Pennsylvania's Republican attorney general does not agree.
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December 17, 2025 at 2:22 PM
The concept of “states’ rights” has been a major Republican talking point, but the party leader just signed an executive order overriding state AI regulation, saying a national policy must be crafted. Pa.’s Republican attorney general disagrees. buff.ly/IGSClkg
The average age of nuns and sisters in the U.S. is reportedly 80, and fewer than 1% are younger than 30. These demographics have nuns and sisters grappling with what the evolution of their orders will look like. buff.ly/MVbro8v
Nuns, sisters bring ‘moral authority…in spades’ to anti-ICE actions
Catholic nuns helped build Pittsburgh. Now they are defending its immigrants amid ICE raids in the region, even as their numbers dwindle.
www.publicsource.org
December 16, 2025 at 8:11 PM
The average age of nuns and sisters in the U.S. is reportedly 80, and fewer than 1% are younger than 30. These demographics have nuns and sisters grappling with what the evolution of their orders will look like. buff.ly/MVbro8v
Can you imagine Mister Rogers cussing at TV painter Bob Ross? Probably not. But AI has — along with dozens of deepfake videos casting Pittsburgh’s friendliest neighbor in not-so-friendly roles.
The crass Fred Rogers of AI deepfakes has some Pittsburghers ‘horrified’
AI-generated deepfakes of Mister Rogers distort the reputation of Pittsburgh’s friendly legend. Fred Rogers Productions wants them removed.
buff.ly
December 16, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Can you imagine Mister Rogers cussing at TV painter Bob Ross? Probably not. But AI has — along with dozens of deepfake videos casting Pittsburgh’s friendliest neighbor in not-so-friendly roles.
WE NEED 7 NEW MEMBERS! Through Dec. 31, donating to our newsroom for the first time can help us get an extra $2,000 — and your gift will be fully matched! Please consider becoming a member today. buff.ly/IRZ7mFv
December 15, 2025 at 9:00 PM
WE NEED 7 NEW MEMBERS! Through Dec. 31, donating to our newsroom for the first time can help us get an extra $2,000 — and your gift will be fully matched! Please consider becoming a member today. buff.ly/IRZ7mFv
PPS’s proposed 2026 budget totals $729.7 million in spending, with an operating deficit of $6.3 million — that’s if a 4% tax hike is approved. Otherwise the deficit would more than double. A board vote is scheduled on Dec. 17. buff.ly/upfyNe6
PPS holds to 4% tax hike proposal following aborted closures plan
The struggling school district looks to raise taxes as City Council considers its own 30% hike.
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December 15, 2025 at 8:11 PM
PPS’s proposed 2026 budget totals $729.7 million in spending, with an operating deficit of $6.3 million — that’s if a 4% tax hike is approved. Otherwise the deficit would more than double. A board vote is scheduled on Dec. 17. buff.ly/upfyNe6
Catholic sisters helped build many of Pittsburgh’s hospitals and schools in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 2013, Sister Janice Vanderneck founded Casa San Jose to support local Latino immigrants. That work persists today amid immigration crackdowns. buff.ly/MVbro8v
Nuns, sisters bring ‘moral authority…in spades’ to anti-ICE actions
Catholic nuns helped build Pittsburgh. Now they are defending its immigrants amid ICE raids in the region, even as their numbers dwindle.
buff.ly
December 15, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Catholic sisters helped build many of Pittsburgh’s hospitals and schools in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 2013, Sister Janice Vanderneck founded Casa San Jose to support local Latino immigrants. That work persists today amid immigration crackdowns. buff.ly/MVbro8v