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Springdale Borough was long a sleepy square-mile suburb dominated by a power plant, but over the last 12 months has become a local flashpoint ([link removed]) for two of the nation’s most contentious issues: data centers and immigration enforcement.

Our latest investigation shows how the two issues found their way into the Allegheny River town’s civic life. Springdale is one of 130 municipalities in Allegheny County, and the recent convulsions are testing the ability of a small town ([link removed]) with mostly volunteer leadership to preserve trust.

Links are corrected, apologies!

✍️ Newsletter written by Charlie Wolfson ([link removed]) ,

Public Source local government reporter & newsletter editor


** ICE, A DATA CENTER AND A TOWN DIVIDED
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** How ICE and a data center turned a small Pittsburgh suburb into a civic battleground ([link removed])
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One of the key figures in Springdale’s government is Police Chief Derek Dayoub ([link removed]) . He garnered attention after the April arrest of a man giving public comment about the borough’s agreement with ICE during a council meeting.

A Public Source investigation found Dayoub faced lawsuits alleging excessive force ([link removed]) , a criminal complaint and termination years before he arrived in Springdale. Since his 2013 hire in the borough, he has been the subject of a protection from abuse order from a former partner and accused of retaliating against critics.

One former borough council member said, “I should have questioned more ([link removed]) ,” before voting to make Dayoub chief in 2022.


** ICE-allied police chief in Springdale faced lawsuits and allegations before clashes with critics ([link removed])
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** MORE STORIES
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Showdown over short-term rental rules in Pittsburgh looms ([link removed]) — Both Pittsburgh City Council and the Planning Commission are expected to vote on proposed new rules for Airbnbs and the like after Labor Day. Operators worry that too much regulation could hurt tourism and livelihoods.

Pittsburgh nonprofit sues Trump administration for deporting abused, trafficked children ([link removed]) — Jewish Family and Community Services brought the case on behalf of six children, largely from Allegheny County, whose cases have been fast-tracked by the Trump administration despite indications of risk.


** IN OTHER NEWS
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→ Why Pittsburgh restaurants are closing despite packed dining rooms ([link removed]) (TribLIVE)

→ Allegheny County takes first steps toward creating, funding new Housing Acquisition Fund ([link removed]) (WESA)

→ The Trump administration is ending a Medicare drug subsidy program. Here’s how it could affect costs ([link removed]) (AP)


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** TODAY IN HISTORY 📅
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Today is August 4.

6 years ago, 2020: Nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate exploded in the port of Beirut, Lebanon, killing more than 200 people and injuring more than 7,000 in one of the largest non-nuclear explosions ever recorded. (AP)

17 years ago, 2009: A gunman killed three people, injured nine and committed suicide at an LA Fitness in Collier Township. (Post-Gazette)

30 years ago, 1996: Aerobatic pilot Clarence “Clancy” Speal died when his plane crashed into the Ohio River near Point State Park during the Three Rivers Regatta. (Post-Gazette)


** LOCAL EVENTS
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🍺 Barrel & Flow Fest ([link removed]) Saturday | The Stacks at 3 Crossings, Strip District

🇮🇹 Little Italy Days ([link removed]) Aug. 13-16 | Liberty Avenue, Bloomfield

🪷 Vintage mixer night at Phipps ([link removed]) 5 p.m. Aug. 20 | Phipps Conservatory, Oakland

🚲 Pedal PGH ([link removed]) Aug. 30 | Allegheny Commons Park West, North Side

👋 Thanks for reading today’s newsletter! I hope you feel more informed about Pittsburgh and your community. For any questions or comments, feel free to email me at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
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Thank you to those who became supporters of Public Source’s journalism for July 27-Aug. 3: Cheryl, David, Gerald, Glen, Hilary, Jaclyn, Kim, Mackenzie, Marcia and Patricia. Join them by giving today ([link removed]) .

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Pittsburgh’s Public Source informs and inspires the Pittsburgh region through the power of deep, independent journalism. Read more about us ([link removed]) .

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