Pittsburgh
Morning News
Saturday, May 17th, 2025
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Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Nearly 100 abandoned properties in Homewood are now owned by non-profit Rising Tide Partners after a four-year court battle—its plan is to secure local developers and begin long-term renovations—and community leaders hope the project will bring affordable housing and improved safety to the area. CBS Pittsburgh
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Chancellor Joan Gabel delivered her final Senate Council report on the 2024-25 academic year, noting successes such as a record 64,000 undergraduate applications and the launch of the AI-powered GAINMED platform while acknowledging challenges from external forces + thanking participants in the April 30 town hall webinar. Outgoing Senate President Robin Kear received praise for her leadership, and Gosia Fort earned the Senate Service Award for her 26 years of service at Pitt. University Times
- ➤ On May 15, a Pitt professor, Jesse Merlin, said her NIH T32 grant was terminated by orders from the White House at a Senate Council meeting in Posvar Hall, and she appealed the decision while urging more coordinated support for faculty facing funding cuts (she has become a key point person for others in similar situations). Chancellor Joan Gabel and Senate Council President Robin Kear said they were exploring ways to share available resources and better support staff at the college level. University Times
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Pittsburgh Morning News.
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday's primary ballots, Pittsburghers will choose candidates for mayor, City Council, judges, a county sheriff, and school board members while also voting on referendums for the Home Rule Charter and utility policies. Polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. — anyone in line by closing time can vote. The Tribune-Review
- ➤ Pittsburgh voters will decide on three referendum questions next week that ask if the city charter should add limits on discrimination in business, keep water systems public, and restrict changes beyond what the law allows. Experts explained that a yes vote would stop these changes — while a no vote would let them move forward. CBS Pittsburgh
- ➤ New Census data shows that Pittsburgh is the fastest-growing municipality in PA having gained 4,708 residents between 2020 and July 1 and reached 307,668 residents. Mayor Ed Gainey credited focused investments in affordable housing and job creation with reversing decades of population decline—turning the city’s long-held trend on its head. PennLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ NFL executive Mike North said on Thursday that the Steelers’ schedule was built around coach Mike Tomlin and the team’s consistent playoff relevance, not influenced by Aaron Rodgers. He explained that a Rodgers signing would simply add extra interest—keeping Pittsburgh’s national brand strong. PennLive
- ➤ The Montreal Alouettes cut former Steelers running back Daijun Edwards on May 13 after he arrived at training camp out of shape—Alouettes management said his poor conditioning and lack of professionalism led to the decision. PennLive
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Kanin Wren's Taylor Swift Experience
3-6 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — $25 to $50 — Experience the magic of Taylor Swift through Kanin Wren's tribute show with VIP packages available.
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Darrell Scott Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — City Winery Pittsburgh — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of heartfelt music by renowned artist Darrell Scott.
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Pittsburgh Thunderbirds vs. Minnesota Wind Chill
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Highmark Stadium — Cost info not provided — Watch the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds compete against the Minnesota Wind Chill on the field.
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Post Malone Live with Jelly Roll
6:30-9:30 p.m. — PNC Park — Ticket prices vary — Experience a blend of pop and hip-hop with chart-topping artist Post Malone and special guest Jelly Roll.
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Southern Avenue Live Performance
8 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — Tickets required — Experience the uplifting sounds of the Grammy-nominated Southern Avenue blending blues, soul, and gospel.
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Christian Singles Paint Night
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Paint Monkey Waterfront — $43 for Hub Members, $58 for Non Hub Members — Unleash your creativity while connecting with local Christian singles in a fun and welcoming environment.
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Nikka Costa Live Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — City Winery Pittsburgh — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of Nikka Costa on her Dirty Disco Tour.
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American Aquarium Concert
8-11 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — General Admission Tickets — Experience a night of anthemic rock songs reflecting on maturity and balance in life.
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Vampire Weekend Concert
5-9 p.m. — Stage AE — Ticket prices vary — Experience Vampire Weekend live in Pittsburgh as they perform their greatest hits and new tracks from their latest album.
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Heart Attack Man Live
7-11 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — $35.32+ — Rock out with Heart Attack Man and friends for an electrifying evening.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Pittsburgh Morning News.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only way out is through.
~ Robert Frost
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