Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of August.
Good morning, Pittsburgh.
🏘️ Community
Greenfield Holiday Parade will keep its name for Friday, Dec.
4 as new organizers take over amid a permit dispute filed by other groups. Christina Popojas said the old name honors tradition and aims to include all neighbors while plans for fireworks and a community festival continue.
🎭 Culture
Pittsburgh hosts more than a dozen community events this weekend, Aug.
20-23, featuring a history tour at the Heinz History Center (starting today), a vintage mixer at Phipps Conservatory and a global celebration at Market Square. Visitors can enjoy diverse food, art and culture at local venues.
Oakland trivia nights offer weekly fun for students and locals.
Bootleggers hosts teams Monday at 7 p.m. at 403 Semple Street, Stack’d offers trivia at 8 p.m., and Mario’s Saloon and Gene’s Place host trivia on Wednesdays at 8 and 8:30 p.m.—providing choices for all.
🎓 Education
This fall, the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences will shift from faculty to staff advisers as part of a multi-year project (Plan for Pitt 2028) that aims to give every undergraduate a shared academic support system.
Faculty will still mentor students while workshops help define roles.
Pittsburgh colleges have welcomed thousands of first-year students this week, with over 9,000 moving into University of Pittsburgh housing and 1,500 entering Duquesne's Towers residence.
Administrators say strong urban opportunities and new financial aid initiatives help drive growing enrollment.
🏛️ Government
Lower Valley property owners face a potential 141% water rate hike if the dispute between Fox Chapel Authority (which purchases water in bulk) and Pittsburgh Water remains unresolved.
The Authority filed for arbitration after summer negotiations and the typical quarterly bill could jump from about $182 to nearly $439.
🏥 Health
Allegheny County Health Department reported a milestone when new data showed 53 HIV diagnoses in 2025, the fewest ever recorded and a 32% drop from 2024.
Community leaders stressed that continued investment in testing and treatment remains vital.
The Allegheny County Health Department reported only 53 new HIV diagnoses in 2024, a 32% drop from the previous year — a historic low attributed to 30 years of community collaboration among local organizations, healthcare providers, and advocates.
Officials stressed that sustained prevention and public funding will remain critical.
Pittsburgh’s Chaai & Chaatwala in North Oakland closed on Tuesday after inspectors found 18 health code violations including food safety risks and unsanitary conditions.
The restaurant must complete fixes to its prep cooler, sink drainage, and sewage system before it can reopen.
📰 Lifestyle
Local bars and restaurants are offering seasonal cocktails made with fresh herbs like basil and mint.
Vivo Kitchen in Sewickley and The Eagle Food & Beer Hall downtown deliver creative sips for residents looking to try new, refreshing drinks.
🏈 Sports
Brandon Lowe hit a go-ahead home run in the ninth inning off Tigers closer Kenley Jansen to give the Pirates a 4-3 win at PNC Park on Wednesday, Aug.
19. Rafael Flores Jr. drove in the rally with two home runs while Mason Montgomery pitched scoreless relief.
The Pitt men’s basketball team will start the 2026—27 season with a nearly new roster after a 13—20 record last season.
The team added experienced transfers Baye Ndongo and Naithan George plus sophomore Jonathan Powell, but head coach Jeff Capel remains in charge while fans hope for improvement.
Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said that Will Howard will start the game against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium tomorrow while Drew Allar will follow in, with Mason Rudolph & Aaron Rodgers not playing.
The team’s focus is on young talent this preseason.
🎉 Pittsburgh Events
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