Rich Lord
@richelord.bsky.social
Longtime Pittsburgh journo. Managing editor at Pittsburgh's Public Source. Author of American Nightmare: Predatory Lending and the Foreclosure of the American Dream. Part of a 2018 Pulitzer-winning team. Gardener, cyclist, husband, dad.
Who among us couldn't use a Chill Room now and then? www.publicsource.org/ahn-chill-pr...
‘Some kids don’t really have anyone to talk to or trust.’ Chill rooms fill that gap.
AHN’s Chill Project brings mental health services to Pittsburgh-area schools as students face anxiety and bullying. Funding woes complicate rising needs.
www.publicsource.org
December 9, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Who among us couldn't use a Chill Room now and then? www.publicsource.org/ahn-chill-pr...
Cooperate with ICE? Several local police chiefs decided last month to ink agreements to aid the immigration crackdown. Then @quinnglabicki.bsky.social started making calls and learned civilian leaders were not on board www.publicsource.org/munhall-stow...
Munhall, Stowe police walk back ICE partnerships after quietly inking agreements
Public Source asked local officials about signed partnership agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Two municipalities later canceled the agreements.
www.publicsource.org
December 8, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Cooperate with ICE? Several local police chiefs decided last month to ink agreements to aid the immigration crackdown. Then @quinnglabicki.bsky.social started making calls and learned civilian leaders were not on board www.publicsource.org/munhall-stow...
"I went to support group meetings, including some in which I was the only one who showed up. ... This winter I’m launching Still Here, a peer-led support group for suicide attempt survivors and people who are actively struggling with suicidal thoughts." www.publicsource.org/suicide-atte...
I survived, learned that what I needed didn't exist — and set out to create it
Allegheny County lacks peer-led support groups for suicide attempt survivors. Jeremy Carter shares how his experience drove him to change that.
www.publicsource.org
December 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM
"I went to support group meetings, including some in which I was the only one who showed up. ... This winter I’m launching Still Here, a peer-led support group for suicide attempt survivors and people who are actively struggling with suicidal thoughts." www.publicsource.org/suicide-atte...
What do Pitt grad students who also work for the university want? Along with pay and benefits, they're asking for freedom to research, instruct and speak without fear of discipline www.publicsource.org/pitt-grad-st...
Why academic freedom is a heated topic in Pitt grad union negotiations
As the University of Pittsburgh embarks on union negotiations with graduate students, bargaining over the concept of academic freedom has been contentious.
www.publicsource.org
December 4, 2025 at 12:11 PM
What do Pitt grad students who also work for the university want? Along with pay and benefits, they're asking for freedom to research, instruct and speak without fear of discipline www.publicsource.org/pitt-grad-st...
This year I’ve been exploring the path to opportunity for young people with disabilities. Along the way, I’ve shared glimpses of the journeys of many families, including my own. www.publicsource.org/job-one/
Job One
How young people with special needs enter the workforce.
www.publicsource.org
December 2, 2025 at 1:26 PM
This year I’ve been exploring the path to opportunity for young people with disabilities. Along the way, I’ve shared glimpses of the journeys of many families, including my own. www.publicsource.org/job-one/
Pittsburgh Water’s board asks few questions in full board meetings, and “no” votes are almost unheard-of. All that while it’s in the midst of $ billion of improvements and seeking a 35% rate hike. @briannuckols.bsky.social explored the board’s oversight www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-w...
Two years, zero ‘no’ votes on Pittsburgh Water board as rate hike looms
Pittsburgh Water’s board approved 228 resolutions with zero no votes as the utility pursues major spending and a rate increase, raising oversight concerns.
www.publicsource.org
December 2, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Pittsburgh Water’s board asks few questions in full board meetings, and “no” votes are almost unheard-of. All that while it’s in the midst of $ billion of improvements and seeking a 35% rate hike. @briannuckols.bsky.social explored the board’s oversight www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-w...
Looking for a 6’ turkey or a 20’ bunny? John’s Funky Inflatables has so much more. As it expands from hobby to business, owner John Funk, who is autistic, could face the hard math of earnings versus disability benefits www.publicsource.org/balancing-di...
Work or get benefits? People with disabilities don’t have to choose.
A McCandless man builds a life around inflatables while navigating disability benefits, work opportunities and employment rules.
www.publicsource.org
December 1, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Looking for a 6’ turkey or a 20’ bunny? John’s Funky Inflatables has so much more. As it expands from hobby to business, owner John Funk, who is autistic, could face the hard math of earnings versus disability benefits www.publicsource.org/balancing-di...
School consolidation in Pittsburgh won't happen any time soon after the PPS board voted down a plan two years in the making that would have closed 12 schools across 9 buildings www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-p...
Update: PPS board rejects school closure, reconfiguration plan after 2 years of planning
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 26, 2025 at 12:09 PM
School consolidation in Pittsburgh won't happen any time soon after the PPS board voted down a plan two years in the making that would have closed 12 schools across 9 buildings www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-p...
Would you want the T to run through your neighborhood? In Allentown, many would love to keep light rail service, but one key voice is silent www.publicsource.org/allentown-pr...
The T’s Allentown run may be ending — again — but some want to keep it on track
PRT’s temporary T reroute through Allentown draws mixed reactions. The transit agency eyes the rail’s future in a neighborhood grappling with mobility needs.
www.publicsource.org
November 25, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Would you want the T to run through your neighborhood? In Allentown, many would love to keep light rail service, but one key voice is silent www.publicsource.org/allentown-pr...
“What is now in contention is the policy position, the idea that America is a country that welcomes foreign talent.” Visa changes and anti-China rhetoric have some of CMU's international students rethinking U.S. educations
www.publicsource.org/cmu-internat...
www.publicsource.org/cmu-internat...
CMU seeks world’s ‘best and brightest’ but visa woes and anti-China rhetoric have some ‘freaked out’
Carnegie Mellon University’s pipeline of international students slows amid visa changes and growing anti-China rhetoric.
www.publicsource.org
November 24, 2025 at 12:11 PM
“What is now in contention is the policy position, the idea that America is a country that welcomes foreign talent.” Visa changes and anti-China rhetoric have some of CMU's international students rethinking U.S. educations
www.publicsource.org/cmu-internat...
www.publicsource.org/cmu-internat...
This week in @publicsource.org architect Nathan St. Germain called for converting the Roberto Clemente Bridge into a park. Vote now 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 21, 2025 at 2:21 PM
This week in @publicsource.org architect Nathan St. Germain called for converting the Roberto Clemente Bridge into a park. Vote now www.publicsource.org/roberto-clem...
Hazelwood's riverfront could be going from heavy industrial zoning to residential and commercial. The railroads that dominate it are not happy www.publicsource.org/hazelwood-re...
Hazelwood rezoning gets 4-2 nod, despite railroad opposition
The City Planning Commission's vote to rezone more than 40 parcels in Hazelwood sends the matter to Pittsburgh City Council. If approved there, railroads may sue.
www.publicsource.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Hazelwood's riverfront could be going from heavy industrial zoning to residential and commercial. The railroads that dominate it are not happy www.publicsource.org/hazelwood-re...
After 14 months of delay, Allegheny County Council approved air emissions permit fees that will tap U.S. Steel and others, but potentially invigorate the Health Dept www.publicsource.org/allegheny-co...
Big steel faces new costs as Allegheny County approves permit fee hikes
U.S. Steel facilities will see a nearly sixfold increase in fees on its facilities, allowing the Health Department to add staff.
www.publicsource.org
November 19, 2025 at 12:04 PM
After 14 months of delay, Allegheny County Council approved air emissions permit fees that will tap U.S. Steel and others, but potentially invigorate the Health Dept www.publicsource.org/allegheny-co...
The Roberto Clemente Bridge: A great walk, or an essential drive? Architect Nathan St. Germain knows which side he's on. 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 12:04 PM
The Roberto Clemente Bridge: A great walk, or an essential drive? Architect Nathan St. Germain knows which side he's on. www.publicsource.org/roberto-clem...
Born in Korea and raised in Moon, Shannon had "never walked into a room full of strangers who think I’m supposed to be there." Here's how she found "my people." www.publicsource.org/adoption-kor...
I was ‘the other’ until I found my people: neurodivergent millennials
Born in Korea but adopted into white America, I was “the Asian” who couldn’t hang with “real Asians.” Now, I've found my own identity.
www.publicsource.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:04 PM
Born in Korea and raised in Moon, Shannon had "never walked into a room full of strangers who think I’m supposed to be there." Here's how she found "my people." www.publicsource.org/adoption-kor...
Divestment calls and actions such as the mock tribunal and marches to Chancellor Gabel’s house amount to “creating an environment of fear and intimidation,” said one Pitt prof www.publicsource.org/pitt-divestm...
How divestment calls brought academic freedom backlash at Pitt
Students and faculty at Pitt continue to call for financial transparency and divestment from Israel. Campus expression has felt the strain.
www.publicsource.org
November 17, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Divestment calls and actions such as the mock tribunal and marches to Chancellor Gabel’s house amount to “creating an environment of fear and intimidation,” said one Pitt prof www.publicsource.org/pitt-divestm...
The number of tents along Allegheny County's sidewalks and trails is way down. The number of unsheltered people, though, is up. Here's the lay of the land with winter shelter opening tomorrow www.publicsource.org/allegheny-co...
Winter shelter to open amid high unhoused numbers, lower tent count
Allegheny County will reopen a winter homeless shelter on Pittsburgh’s North Side, providing 140 beds, as estimates of unsheltered population rise above 300.
www.publicsource.org
November 14, 2025 at 12:04 PM
The number of tents along Allegheny County's sidewalks and trails is way down. The number of unsheltered people, though, is up. Here's the lay of the land with winter shelter opening tomorrow www.publicsource.org/allegheny-co...
"We laugh, we cry, we toast, we feast, but most of all we write, and we enlarge our understanding of life." Meet Mary and the Now or Never Writers Group www.publicsource.org/older-writer...
A writers club for older adults soothed my grief as we’ve ‘ranted, raved and wrangled’ with aging
The Now-or-Never Writers meet monthly to “rant, rave and wrangle” with aging. Mary Schinhofen says the creative bond is healing her grief.
www.publicsource.org
November 7, 2025 at 12:03 PM
"We laugh, we cry, we toast, we feast, but most of all we write, and we enlarge our understanding of life." Meet Mary and the Now or Never Writers Group www.publicsource.org/older-writer...
Partisan politics has paralyzed or compromised some federal and state programs. Is the shutdown/stalemate affecting your household? @publicsource.org would like to know how. www.publicsource.org/government-s...
Are shutdowns and disruptions to government programs and services hitting you?
Pittsburgh’s Public Source wants to know how the federal shutdown and state stalemate are affecting Pittsburgh-area households.
www.publicsource.org
November 6, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Partisan politics has paralyzed or compromised some federal and state programs. Is the shutdown/stalemate affecting your household? @publicsource.org would like to know how. www.publicsource.org/government-s...
Corey O'Connor, change agent? @publicsource.org asked people what they expect and hope the next Pittsburgh mayor will address across public safety, finance, development, the nonprofit sector, education and community relations www.publicsource.org/oconnor-mayo...
A wish list for Mayor-elect O’Connor
From voices across Pittsburgh’s civic landscape, here’s what may change as Corey O’Connor steps into the role of mayor.
www.publicsource.org
November 6, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Corey O'Connor, change agent? @publicsource.org asked people what they expect and hope the next Pittsburgh mayor will address across public safety, finance, development, the nonprofit sector, education and community relations www.publicsource.org/oconnor-mayo...
20 years ago, Allegheny County Council included 8 Democrats and 7 Republicans. Next year it will be 14-to-1. Here's what happened in county, city council races yesterday www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-a...
Democrats win Pittsburgh, Allegheny council races with few surprises in local results
Democrats prevail in local elections, holding three incumbent seats and fending off a spirited Republican challenger for Pittsburgh City Council.
www.publicsource.org
November 5, 2025 at 12:04 PM
20 years ago, Allegheny County Council included 8 Democrats and 7 Republicans. Next year it will be 14-to-1. Here's what happened in county, city council races yesterday www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-a...
Students get political every four years, right? This off year partisan passions on Pittsburgh campuses are running higher than usual, Ember Duke of @publicsource.org reports www.publicsource.org/college-demo...
College partisans fight apathy with midterm message: ‘You can bring about change’
Student turnout in local elections is typically low, but groups at Pitt, CMU, Duquesne and Chatham are mobilizing voters for Pennsylvania’s Nov. 4 election and 2026 midterms.
www.publicsource.org
November 3, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Students get political every four years, right? This off year partisan passions on Pittsburgh campuses are running higher than usual, Ember Duke of @publicsource.org reports www.publicsource.org/college-demo...
Teens were encouraged to explore their diversity and honor it on video. Sharing Our Story will unveil their work Sunday. Here are 5 of their stories, taking you from Kabul to Brookline to North Dakota www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-t...
www.publicsource.org
October 31, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Teens were encouraged to explore their diversity and honor it on video. Sharing Our Story will unveil their work Sunday. Here are 5 of their stories, taking you from Kabul to Brookline to North Dakota www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-t...
“I believe in Pittsburgh Public Schools ... I believe in what it can be, and I don't believe that we can sit by even for another day, knowing that change is possible, and choosing not to make that change because we're not comfortable with every little piece.” www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-p...
PPS would cut 150 positions to trim — but not eliminate — deficit
Pittsburgh Public Schools aims to shrink its budget deficit to $25 million by 2028 after reducing the roster by 152 jobs and halving bus trips in facilities plan update.
www.publicsource.org
October 31, 2025 at 11:08 AM
“I believe in Pittsburgh Public Schools ... I believe in what it can be, and I don't believe that we can sit by even for another day, knowing that change is possible, and choosing not to make that change because we're not comfortable with every little piece.” www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-p...
After Gaza protests riled Pitt’s campus, CMU set new rules for “expressive activity.” Today? “We’ve been avoiding making large events specifically because the policy creates these massive cost barriers,” said one student leader www.publicsource.org/cmu-expressi...
CMU made protesting on campus harder. A year later, even debate is difficult.
At CMU, “expressive activities” on campus of over 50 participants must register with the university. Some worry the policy is chilling campus speech.
www.publicsource.org
October 30, 2025 at 12:17 PM
After Gaza protests riled Pitt’s campus, CMU set new rules for “expressive activity.” Today? “We’ve been avoiding making large events specifically because the policy creates these massive cost barriers,” said one student leader www.publicsource.org/cmu-expressi...