Taxing Pool Tables, School Closure Aftermath & Breweries in Bankruptcy

After almost three years of debates and hearings, the Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted to close nine school buildings and make other big changes to the district. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Colin Williams are taking their questions about what's next to James Fogarty, the executive director of A+ Schools. Then, Megan, Mallory, and Colin dig into the latest on Pittsburgh's budget (which remains bleak) and wonder whether a proposed tax on skill games, pool tables, and jukeboxes will add much to the city coffers. Plus, we get into some brewery closures and bankruptcy filings, Pride celebrations, and a very special Mister Rogers stamp. And in today's members-only segment, we're talking about a local influencer who tries sketchy gas station pills so you don't have to. A+ Schools is hosting its 4th annual Pittsburgh Collaborative Learning Summit today! Learn more here. Notes and references from today’s show: PPS approves plan to close and consolidate schools, reversing board’s November rejection [Public Source] Allegheny County Council elects 1st female president following Pat Catena fallout [TribLive] Pittsburgh’s finances are looking worse than expected [P-G] Deluzio rail-safety reforms find bipartisan support, advance to full House [WESA] Welcome Back to the Neighborhood, Mister Rogers [USPS] New Brookline LGBTQ+ community group builds plans for Pride Month and beyond [WESA] The Big Pittsburgh Pride Guide [City Paper] Meet the local taking gas station boner pills so you don’t have to [City Paper] Gas Station Drugs: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) [YouTube] Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 29th episode: PGH Cultural Trust PGH Book Fest Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.