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Sara Innamorato has supported paid parental leave policies since before she became Allegheny County executive in 2024. Now she’s working to implement an 18-week guarantee ([link removed]) for all workers employed in the county, while her own pregnancy makes the issue personal and next year’s election makes it political.

“When we sign up, whether it’s to be a parent or whether it’s to lead a county of 1.25 million people, it’s what I have to do: Every day you get up, you figure it out, you surround yourself with good people … and you just keep moving,” she said.

Political strategists from both sides of the aisle told Public Source other cities will be looking closely at how the paid leave process plays out here ([link removed]) . The 18-week proposal could undergo edits, and could see a vote from the Board of Health in November.

Don’t miss yesterday’s story: Our readers shared their memories of 9/11 ([link removed]) and how they believe it changed their lives and the country.

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

Public Source local government reporter & newsletter editor


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Backyard Docs Film Festival, Pennsylvania's largest documentary film showcase, returns for its 6th annual festival across venues in Pittsburgh from Sept. 24–27, opening with the regional premiere of the East Palestine, Ohio documentary "The Bulldogs ([link removed]) " with the filmmakers present and closing with a new 4K restoration of the Appalachian labor classic "Harlan County, U.S.A. ([link removed]) " The lineup also includes "The Haunting of Pennhurst, ([link removed]) " a DIY screening and party at an abandoned convent in Mount Oliver, plus a shorts program, filmmaker workshops and an industry roundtable panel discussion. Tickets and the full schedule are available at backyarddocs.com ([link removed]) .


** THIS WEEK’S STORIES
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9/11 memories vivid across Pittsburgh region ([link removed]) — Twenty-five years later, readers share what they remember about 9/11 and how they believe it changed their lives and the country.

First-person essay: 9/11 lit fires that burned for years, but it also tempered a generation ([link removed]) — My enlistment in the Marines wasn’t driven by the attacks, but they landed me in Iraq. Like many others, I returned with new takes on responsibility and patriotism, which now play out in my Pennsylvania community and many others.

You may be trusting your pet’s health to private equity ([link removed]) — and not even know it — Vet care costs have far outpaced inflation over the last 10 years, as corporate owners consolidate practices. Do profit incentives also impact care?

Las Palmas owner’s son: Federal agents demand he ‘get out of the way’ as Beechview immigration enforcement heightens ([link removed]) — A Tuesday encounter between apparent federal agents and Latino Pittsburgh’s signature grocery store brought renewed tensions Wednesday, scaring customers but bringing out advocates for immigrants.

ICE agreement nixed by Stowe commissioners — again ([link removed]) — The Ohio Valley township northwest of Pittsburgh has had an on-again, off-again partnership with federal immigration enforcement, but has participated in no ICE operations and faced public opposition.

Innamorato’s paid parental leave push is personal, political and maybe a national precedent ([link removed]) — The Allegheny County executive was a supporter of paid parental leave before her pregnancy, and it could become a signature reelection campaign plank. Blue leaders in red or purple states are watching.
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Bill to limit new short-term rentals in Pittsburgh stalls as planning commission awaits legal review ([link removed]) — More than 30 people spoke before the City Planning Commission, largely favoring regulation of Airbnbs and their like, but a vote on new rules will have to wait.

Pa. fines Shell $15 million for air pollution from its Beaver County plastics plant ([link removed]) — The plant has routinely exceeded allowable limits on nitrogen oxide, benzene and other pollutants, according to a consent decree signed Friday.

A Hilltop ‘Lorax’ wants just one public tree on her block. Will a border thwart her? ([link removed]) — As Murray told Public Source: “It’s only gonna get hotter and hotter and hotter. The Black community deserves trees.”

Sponsored: The library was there when she needed it. Now, she’s paying it forward. ([link removed])
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** TODAY IN HISTORY 📅
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Today is September 12.

22 years ago, 2004: US Airways filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, causing anxiety for 8,000 local employees and threatening Pittsburgh International’s status as a major hub. (Post-Gazette)

64 years ago, 1962: In a speech at Rice University, President John F. Kennedy reaffirmed his support for the manned space program, declaring: “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.” (AP)

79 years ago, 1947: Pirates left fielder Ralph Kiner hit two home runs, his seventh and eighth in four games, a major league record. (AP)


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Just $5 gets you in! Experience The Original Pittsburgh Taco Festival with 20+ taco vendors, live music, games, local artists and fun for the whole family. Get your tickets today at PGHTacoFest.com.


** LOCAL EVENTS
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🌳 A Fair in the Park ([link removed]) Saturday-Sunday | Mellon Park, Squirrel Hill

🍽️ Lebanese food festival ([link removed]) Saturday-Sunday | Our Lady of Victory Maronite Church, Beechview

🎷 Jazz in the Garden ([link removed]) Sept. 17 | Phipps Conservatory, Oakland

🦁 Disney’s The Lion King ([link removed]) Sept. 9-27 | Benedum Center, Downtown

👋 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 Aug. 24-31: Anne, George, Janey, Jennifer, Joan, Marco, Mary, Paul, Paula and Robin. Join them by giving today ([link removed]) .

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