Latest news with #EdGainey
CBS News
2 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
Pittsburgh vows to protect immigrants despite threat of federal funding cuts
Pittsburgh and Allegheny County are among hundreds of jurisdictions accused of standing in the way of the Trump administration's efforts to round up and deport illegal immigrants. The list of jurisdictions published last week by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has been taken down, but Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey has vowed not to assist federal agents, and the city could still face a loss of federal funding if it does not comply. From its taco stands to its bodega groceries to its Mexican restaurants, the Beechview neighborhood has become Pittsburgh's barrio. "Beechview had hardly any storefronts taken up, and now we have all kinds of different things here. And a lot of it is Hispanic," said Missy Berumen, an owner of Law Palmas. They've come here from Mexico and across Latin America — countries like Honduras and Guatemala. Berumen says most are seeking asylum and in the process of applying for citizenship. "They are afraid?" KDKA's Andy Sheehan asked. "They're afraid, yeah, because they've done everything they're supposed to do, and then all of a sudden they get a letter or a message or an email," Berumen said. Or get rounded up by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who were spotted in Wilkinsburg last week. Pittsburgh is technically not a sanctuary city, but Mayor Gainey has vowed to protect the immigrants, saying Pittsburgh will not cooperate with ICE. Now, both the city and county find themselves on the Department of Homeland Security's list, accused of violating federal immigration laws. After complaints from several jurisdictions, the list has been taken down, at least temporarily. Both the city and county contend they are not in violation of immigration laws and that Homeland Security has not specified any allegations. But while the Trump administration says it will cut funding to cities and counties not in compliance, Deputy Mayor Jake Pawlak says Pittsburgh will not change its policy and begin cooperating with ICE. "If we were to accept federal funding in exchange for making a compromise about the value we place on human life and human dignity, what would that be worth? And to me, that's a really easy question to answer," Pawlak said.
CBS News
9 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
16 CitiParks Pools around Pittsburgh to open June 16
The City of Pittsburgh will open 16 CitiParks pools starting on Monday, June 16, for the 2025 pool season. CitiParks officials have recruited, certified and onboarded over 160 lifeguards for the upcoming season. "Thanks to the continued hard work and dedication of the CitiParks team in recruiting and hiring lifeguards for the 2025 Pool Season, we're proud to open 16 pools this summer," said Mayor Ed Gainey. "Their efforts ensure our communities have safe, welcoming spaces to cool off, gather, and enjoy the season." Pools opening on June 16 include Ream, Ammon, Banksville, Bloomfield, Highland Park, Jack Stack, Magee, McBride, Moore, Ormsby, Phillips, Riverview, Schenley, Sue Murray, West Penn and Westwood. Two pools, Homewood and Sheraden, will remain closed due to ongoing renovations. Hours of operation for pools are as follows. Ammon, Bloomfield, Highland, Jack Stack, Magee, Moore, Ormsby, Phillips, Ream, Schenley, and Westwood Monday through Friday 12-1 p.m. — Adult Lap Swim 1-7 p.m. — Open Swim 7-7:45 p.m. — Adult Lap Swim Saturday, Sunday and holidays 12-1 p.m. — Adult Lap Swim 1-5:45 p.m. — Open Swim Highland Early Adult Lap Swim will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Due to size and capacity limitations, Schenley is unable to host lap swimming. Banksville, Riverview and West Penn Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 12-1 p.m. — Adult Lap Swim 1-7 p.m. — Open Swim 7-7:45 p.m. — Adult Lap Swim Saturday, Sunday and holidays 12-1 p.m. — Adult Lap Swim 1-5:45 p.m. — Open Swim McBride and Sue Murray Monday-Friday 12-5 p.m. — Open Swim
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Trump administration names Pittsburgh, Allegheny County as ‘sanctuary jurisdictions'
There is added pressure from the Trump administration on what it calls 'sanctuary jurisdictions.' The Department of Homeland Security released a list of states and cities considered to be in violation of federal immigration laws. Both Pittsburgh and Allegheny County are on the list. 'I think it's funny. I think it's funny we're still using this narrative that immigrants are bad,' Monica Ruiz said. She's the Executive Director of the nonprofit organization Casa San Jose. The organization works with immigrants and refugees. 'Allegheny County nor the City of Pittsburgh are doing anything that is illegal,' Ruiz said. According to the Department of Homeland Security, both are 'shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws, endangering American communities and are protecting 'dangerous criminal aliens.' Ruiz disagrees. 'These people are not criminals. These are people driving to work, taking their children to school. When you talk about trying to crack down on criminals, it's the opposite of what's happening,' she said. Channel 11 did reach out to county and city leaders. County Manager John Fournier told us they have not received any formal communication from the federal government and will have 'no further comment until we can evaluate their recommendations.' Mayor Ed Gainey says the city is not by definition a sanctuary city and added 'We honor and protect our immigrant neighbors' and 'we refuse to betray them.' The mayor also went on to say the city is pursuing every option to protect federal funding. In April, a federal judge barred the administration from denying funding to sanctuary jurisdictions. DHS did not specify what actions would be taken against the jurisdictions but did say local leaders would receive formal notification of non-compliance. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
CBS News
5 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Pittsburgh's Herron Avenue Bridge temporarily closed following inspection
Pittsburgh's Herron Avenue Bridge has been temporarily closed following an inspection. Inspection consultants have deemed the bridge to be structurally "deficient," according to a detour alert from Pittsburgh Regional Transit. The bridge was closed at 8 a.m. Wednesday until further notice. "Following emergent findings from the City's bridge inspection consultant and PennDOT, we are moving quickly to close the Herron Avenue Bridge in the interest of public safety," said Zack Workman, P.E., Acting Chief Engineer. "Barricades and 'Bridge Closed' signage will be in place starting Wednesday. A designated detour route will guide motorists via the Bloomfield Bridge." The Department of Mobility and Infrastructure is currently in the preliminary engineering phase of a full bridge rehabilitation, which is set to begin in 2028. DOMI, PennDOT, and the inspection team will explore other options for a safe and earlier reopening. "Since the start of my administration, I've had to make the tough call to close bridges more than once—but I've never regretted putting public safety first," said Mayor Ed Gainey. "Proactive steps like this are how we ensure our infrastructure remains safe for every Pittsburgher." For southbound traffic, a detour route will utilize Liberty Avenue to the Bloomfield Bridge to Bigelow Boulevard. City of Pittsburgh / Department of Mobility and Infrastructure A northbound detour will utilize Bigelow Boulevard to the Bloomfield Bridge to Liberty Avenue. City of Pittsburgh / Department of Mobility and Infrastructure The closure will impact the North Side, Oakland, and South Side (Route 54). The inbound and outbound stops at the Herron busway station will be discontinued.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New details emerging about Pittsburgh's Juneteenth celebration
11 Investigates has learned that the City of Pittsburgh is scaling back its Juneteenth celebration. It was just last year that the city pulled funding from a long-time promoter's popular festival and hired a marketing firm with ties to Mayor Ed Gainey to produce the first city-run event. The city still plans to hold a celebration this year, but the Department of Parks and Recreation is putting it together. And the one-day celebration will be the week before B. Marshall's popular Juneteenth Festival, which he's held for more than a decade. Marshall's celebration is the largest in the region. 11 Investigates has learned the city plans to hold a Juneteenth CommUnity Concert event at Allegheny Commons East Park on the North Side on June 14th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature musical performances, activities for children, vendors and a cookout. The city, this year, is declining to hire an event coordinator like they did for the first time last year. Instead, the city will rely on the Department of Parks and Recreation to organize the event. In a controversial move last year, Mayor Ed Gainey pulled city funds from long-time promoter B. Marshall. Mayor Gainey defended his decision at the time. 'We felt that at the end of the day we need to be more transparent,' said Mayor Gainey. Marshall fired back and said he felt betrayed by the city's first African American mayor. 'It's like a betrayal. It's like your brother doing something to sabotage you,' Marshall said. Instead, the city put it out for bid and awarded the $125,000 contract to Bounce Marketing, which had done work for the mayor before. At a news conference last year, the mayor introduced the owner of Bounce Marketing. She outlined her plans for the festival. 'We plan to bring the best in talent, art, fashion, food, music and dance right to the heart of downtown Pittsburgh,' Fantasy Zellars said. After public outcry, Pittsburgh city council reinstated Marshall's $125,000 in funding because it had already been promised to him. Marshall's three-day festival at Point State Park, Gateway Center and Market Square last year drew more than 70,000 visitors. Two weeks later, the city held its first-ever celebration known as FusionFest on Smithfield Street Downtown at the Greenwood Plan building. While the city is doing its own scaled-back celebration this year, Marshall is also gearing up for his festival from June 19th to the 22nd. 'This will be our 12th year of doing this event. This year will be inside of Mellon Spray Park,' Marshall said. Because of renovations at Point State Park, Marshall will be holding his festival at Mellon Park in East Liberty. And while the city isn't contributing any money this year, Marshall is getting support from other big names. 'We got the (Pittsburgh) Penguins that are going to be a part of our parade. We're so happy about that. We got Dollar Bank here. Dollar Bank helps us generate over $6 million in economic impact with our Juneteenth celebration,' Marshall said during a recent news conference at Mellon Park promoting his celebration. The Pittsburgh Penguins have partnered with B. Marshall for the past four years. Marshall told 11 Investigates he's still waiting for a final permit from the city. He's confident it will happen soon, and he says he's looking forward to the celebration. Marshall has a number of food and gift vendors, events and activities for youths and musical entertainers planned for the festival. The renowned funk and R and B band, Morris Day and The Time, will be the featured entertainer. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
