Plus, first-person essay on blindness, Shell investigation.
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This week: The URA is looking to convert Downtown’s empty office spaces into apartments ([link removed]) through tax breaks for developers and amending a conversion program that began in January but has only attracted one developer.

Writer and educator Sally Hobart Alexander expounds upon the question of a precocious child — “Is it hard being blind?” ([link removed])

And don't miss our investigation following the paper trail of malfunctions ([link removed]) at the Shell cracker plant in Beaver County and how the state has responded to its troubles over nine months.

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** ‘Is it hard to be blind?’ What I want people to know about my journey, history and where we go from here. ([link removed])
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** URA amps up housing initiatives, focusing on Downtown office conversions and neighborhood development ([link removed])
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** Sponsored: Date auction with a 'maker' twist to benefit STEAM education ([link removed])
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** With annexation ‘dead,’ Wilkinsburg looks toward possible home rule and tax changes ([link removed])
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** Albion development would add 300 apartments to Lawrenceville, pending approval ([link removed])
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** INVESTIGATION: Inside Pennsylvania’s monitoring of the Shell petrochemical complex ([link removed])
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** Many tools, little impact: Abandoned property programs struggle to address vacancy problem, but change may be coming ([link removed])
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** ICYMI FROM LAST WEEK
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* The Lindy Paving plant near Uptown is trying to get a new permit — still under review by the Allegheny County Health Department — that would allow for fewer restrictions on the plant’s operations ([link removed]) , likely leading to emissions increases. Environmentalists and some Uptown residents are concerned.
* Students graduating from some Pittsburgh universities are leaving their studies with more than $50,000 in debt to private lenders ([link removed]) . That raises questions about these institutions’ affordability and the financial guidance students receive.

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On Aug. 26, we’re partnering with the Whitehall Public Library for a fun, useful and free session presented by journalists Rich Lord and Lajja Mistry. You’ll learn how to think like an investigative reporter and how to access hard-to-find info on businesses, landlords, campaign finances and more. Lunch will be provided by Whitehall Public Library. Space is limited; click here to register ([link removed]) . Presented with support from the Jefferson Regional Foundation.
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Thank you to those who became supporters of PublicSource's journalism July 25 - 31: Jake, Josephine, Lyudmila, Matthew, Robert, Ronald and Stephen. Join them by giving today! ([link removed])
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