PublicSource

12/03/2025

In this guest commentary, Simi Olusola-Ajayi considers AI optimism and asks who benefits from the value of technological efficiency. What do you think, is AI likely to improve the quality of life in the Pittsburgh region?

12/03/2025

In this guest commentary, Simi Olusola-Ajayi considers narratives of AI optimism and asks who benefits from the value of technological efficiency.

What do you think, is AI likely to improve the quality of life in the Pittsburgh region?

Share your thoughts below and dig deeper at https://www.publicsource.org/ai-productivity-paradox-policy-power/

12/03/2025

The delayed state budget allows public schools in Pennsylvania to deduct more expenses from cyber charter schools, a major player in K-12 education since the pandemic. From Spotlight PA https://buff.ly/DDyuQmX

Lawmakers of both parties supported allowing Pennsylvania's public schools to deduct more expenses from payments to cyber charters.

12/03/2025

Giving Tuesday ends at midnight! We hope you’ll make a gift today and help sustain paywall-free, fact-checked local journalism for your neighbors. https://buff.ly/Sgz4SSY

12/02/2025

While Pittsburgh Water navigated $870 million in decisions, its board almost never voiced dissent, heard the details in private and rarely received live public comment.

Between October 2023 and September 2025, the board voted on 228 resolutions. The board voted unanimously on 223 of those. The other five included abstentions, but no nays. Meeting minutes analyzed by Public Source show board members raised questions on 72 of the 228 resolutions. The remaining resolutions, nearly two-thirds, passed without any indication of discussion.

The board’s unanimous voting pattern comes as Pittsburgh Water seeks a two-year rate increase totaling around $35 per month for residential customers by 2027. The utility filed its rate case with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on June 4. The PUC’s decision is due March 8.

Dig deeper at publicsource.org

🖊️: Brian Nuckols
📽️: DS Fleegle

12/02/2025

There’s still time to donate! On Giving Tuesday, people in our region show up for the causes they care about and the organizations that serve our communities. We hope you’ll make a gift today and help sustain paywall-free, fact-checked local journalism for your neighbors. https://buff.ly/Sgz4SSY

12/02/2025

Nearly two-thirds of 228 resolutions passed by Pittsburgh Water’s board proceeded with no indication of discussion. Researchers say prolonged unanimity can signal weak oversight as the utility pursues a two-year rate hike. https://buff.ly/6Jcotam

Pittsburgh Water’s board approved 228 resolutions with zero no votes as the utility pursues major spending and a rate increase, raising oversight concerns.

12/02/2025

Each year, on Giving Tuesday, people in our region show up for the causes they care about and the organizations that serve our communities. Pittsburghers routinely tell us we produce reporting they want and need, but it takes reader support to keep producing it. We hope you’ll make a gift today and help sustain paywall-free, fact-checked local journalism for your neighbors. https://buff.ly/Sgz4SSY

12/01/2025

Disability employment has approached 40%, up from 30% in 2009. For John Funk, an inflatable hobby could become paid work. “You cannot work, you’ll lose your benefits,” some are told. “Not true,” a benefits counselor says. https://buff.ly/oVWjpms

A McCandless man builds a life around inflatables while navigating disability benefits, work opportunities and employment rules.

11/30/2025

“A huge resource” or “the most controversial thing that we've had in Allentown” — Hilltop residents debate the temporary T line as PRT weighs options for its future.

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.

11/29/2025

“This was a plan for them to have something better across the district and not at only a few schools,” PPS board member Sylvia Wilson expressed frustration at the 11th hour takedown of a proposal to reconfigure the school district.

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.