News

Pittsburgh News 

UPDATED: -Friday– 05-22-2026

Allegheny County Council President Pat Catena to step down from position, councilman says

(Allegheny County, PA) Following calls for Pat Catena to step down as president of Allegheny County Council — including statements from seven council members saying they would vote to remove him — Catena has announced he will resign from the position.

According to a social media post from Councilman Dan Grzybek, council members will hold an election Tuesday to choose Catena’s replacement.

Calls for Catena to resign intensified last week after campaign mailers tied to his bid for state representative criticized transgender athletes. In a joint news release, seven council members, including Grzybek, called on Catena to step down.

Driver fled scene after vehicle hits woman in Pitcairn; detectives launch investigation

(Allegheny County, PA) A woman was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle in Pitcairn last night.

Emergency dispatchers said crews were called to the 400 block of Broadway Boulevard at about 9:17 p.m.

First responders found a woman who had been hit by a vehicle. She was transported to a hospital in critical condition.

The driver involved fled the scene, according to police.

Allegheny County Police Department said preliminary information indicates the victim was struck by a light-colored sedan.

Detectives continue to investigate.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Allegheny County police tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous.

Woodland Hills School District holds public hearing on accusations against suspended superintendent

(Allegheny County, PA) The Woodland Hills School District school board faced off yesterday against the superintendent it is seeking to remove during the first of several public hearings expected to detail allegations against him.

In March, the board voted to terminate Superintendent Joe Maluchnik. Under the terms of his contract, however, Maluchnik is entitled to an appeal hearing.

The board placed Maluchnik on leave in November pending the results of an investigation into allegations involving the harassment and mistreatment of female employees.

District officials later said the investigation found merit in the claims, prompting the board’s vote to fire him.

During yesterday’s hearing, Maluchnik, through his attorney, responded to the allegations in an open session before the board.

The charges formally read at the hearing included neglect of duty, incompetency and intemperance. The accusations specifically allege gender-based discrimination and harassment.

According to the charges, Maluchnik allegedly touched a teacher during a closed-door meeting in a manner that made her uncomfortable. The allegations also claim he suggested female staff members seek other employment after they raised concerns about his leadership.

Unlike a traditional court proceeding, the board is both presenting the case and ultimately responsible for deciding the outcome.

Two district witnesses who testified yesterday were women who previously worked under Maluchnik.

The next hearing session is scheduled for the evening of June 3. It remains unclear how many hearings will take place before the board votes on the matter.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit installing new fare vending machines as part of system switch

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Regional Transit has begun installing new fare vending machines across the system.

The rollout is part of the agency’s “Ready? Set? Go!” campaign to help riders transition from ConnectCard to the ReadyFare system in 2026.

PRT expects to install more than 80 machines, with work continuing through late summer.

Riders will be able to use the new machines to purchase ReadyFare cards for $1.

According to PRT, current ConnectCard users should receive an email or postcard with instructions on how to request a ReadyFare card.

Riders who use the Ready2Ride mobile app will not need to make any changes, as the app already operates on the same platform as ReadyFare and can continue to be used to pay fares.

Click here for more information about fares and passes. 

Täkō restaurant in Downtown Pittsburgh to temporarily close for full revamp

(Pittsburgh, PA) Täkō in Pittsburgh will temporarily close as the restaurant undergoes a full revamp of its concept.

Ownership said the closure will allow the team to refresh the restaurant’s space, update its menu and enhance the overall guest experience.

Since opening, Täkō has become known for its street-food-inspired menu, cocktails and nightlife atmosphere in Downtown Pittsburgh.

In a statement, ownership described the closure as “not goodbye — it’s a reset,” adding that the restaurant remains an important part of Pittsburgh’s dining scene.

Owners said the renovation and concept overhaul are intended to reinvest in the restaurant and “push creativity further” while maintaining the spirit that made Täkō a popular downtown destination.

The restaurant’s final day of service before the temporary closure will be Saturday, June 27.

Ownership said additional details about reopening plans and new concept elements will be announced in the coming months.

Airbnb rolls out new policy to combat parties affecting the city of Pittsburgh

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh has seen increased debate in recent years over short-term rental properties, prompting the Pittsburgh City Council to consider legislation that would limit short-term rentals in the city.

Now, Airbnb is expanding efforts aimed at preventing disruptive gatherings and improving safety at rental properties.

The company’s “anti-party” technology is designed to identify bookings that may carry a higher risk of unauthorized or disruptive parties.

Airbnb said the measures come as communities nationwide continue to address safety concerns tied to large gatherings at short-term rental properties. In Pittsburgh, multiple shootings connected to short-term rentals have occurred in recent years.

According to Airbnb, nearly 11,000 bookings were either blocked or redirected nationwide during Memorial Day weekend last year as part of the company’s enforcement efforts. Airbnb bans parties at all properties year-round and says the goal is to promote responsible stays.

The company also reminded users that individuals under 18 are not permitted to hold an Airbnb account or book a stay through another person.

Additional safety measures include 24-hour support services, neighborhood assistance programs and noise-monitoring technology.

Airbnb said users who violate company policies could face account bans or other penalties.

The full policy can be found on their website by clicking here. 

Thomas Petropoulos becomes new executive director of the Allegheny County Bar Association

(Allegheny County, PA) Thomas Petropoulos will take the helm of the Allegheny County Bar Association and Allegheny County Bar Foundation on July 1, becoming the third executive director in the ACBA’s history.

Petropoulos succeeds David Blaner, who will retire June 30 after 25 years as executive director and a 35-year career with the ACBA and the foundation. Under Blaner’s leadership, the organizations earned several national awards, and many ACBA initiatives, programs and practices were adopted by bar associations across the country.

Petropoulos has served as assistant executive director since January 2024 after being hired following a lengthy search with the intention of eventually succeeding Blaner. A native of Baltimore, Petropoulos previously spent nearly a decade with the Akron Bar Association and Akron Bar Foundation, serving in several roles in Summit County.

Pittsburgh Police searching for 12-year-old girl

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Bureau of Police are searching for a missing 12-year-old girl.

Police said she was last seen Sunday in the 2500 block of Centre Avenue.

Investigators said she was in contact with family through text messages on Tuesday.

According to police, she is known to frequent the Hill District.

She is described as 5 feet 4 inches tall, with brown hair, brown eyes and glasses.

Anyone with information is asked to call Pittsburgh police at 412-323-7141 or 911.