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During the pandemic, Daniel Brown and his wife spent a lot of time in their backyard in Greenfield, fixing it up with native plant species that were deer-resistant. Daniel planted some pawpaw trees and was wowed this year at the sight of a beautiful butterfly he hadn't seen before: a zebra swallowtail. Daniel writes in a first-person essay about the rarity of seeing that butterfly back in Pittsburgh and his transformation into a "butterfly daddy."

The butterfly's reemergence in the city has been formally documented with the use of conservation apps.

Also, learn the facts surrounding a recent political ad for Democratic state Senate candidate Nicole Ruscitto of Jefferson Hills through our weekly Spot Check series with 90.5 WESA.

Our top story

When zebras fly: How my backyard flora project helped bring a long-gone species back to Pittsburgh

Naturalists waited 87 years for the return of the zebra swallowtail butterfly to the northern end of its habitat. This summer, my pawpaw trees bred hope.

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NOT TO MISS

Butterfly effect: Where pawpaws go, zebra swallowtails follow

Spot Check: Abortion ban ad, and counterpunch on gender-affirming care, loose with facts

Allegheny County moves to hike air program fees

The Festival of Combustion is a one-of-a-kind extravaganza that celebrates industrial arts and American crafts through hands-on activities, trade demonstrations, tours, fireworks and more! Showcasing the creativity of our region’s artists, makers and builders, the 2024 Festival of Combustion will bring together more than 50 collaborators to create a day of fun for everyone. Live music, food trucks and a makers’ marketplace round out the experience.

WANT MORE? WE’RE ON IT.

Both presidential candidates hope to win over labor union blocs in Pennsylvania. Union members will look at their voting records and past support for workers, The Conversation reports.
Allegheny County Council approved a settlement in the lawsuit it filed last year against the former county executive over the privatization of Shuman Juvenile Detention Center.
A lawsuit seeks to compel Pittsburgh-based gas firm EQT to provide clean water to New Freeport, Pa., after a 2022 fracking mishap and widespread reports of contaminated water.

GREAT READ

As Tornado Alley shifts east, bracing for impact in unexpected places

Grist

Support Silver Eye Center for Photography by bidding on an extraordinary selection of contemporary photography along with vintage treasures, including many artists featured in Silver Eye exhibitions! Be the first to see the pieces at the Preview Party 9/12 with food by Manduhandu, beer by Two Frays and music by Formosa. Then return to bid at the Live Auction on 10/19!

FROM OUR ARCHIVES

Marching to a new beat: Pittsburgh’s Perry High is a rare enrollment winner

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