Investigations
FEATURED INVESTIGATION
How Shell’s cracker has polluted more than permitted with no new fines for three years
State regulators have allowed the Beaver County ethylene plant to keep exceeding limits on damaging nitrogen oxides while the official permitting process has taken seven times its original timeline.
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After deadly explosion, safety and environmental lapses at U.S. Steel’s flagship coke works now rest with Nippon
Six months after two deaths at the massive Clairton Coke Works, U.S. Steel’s new owner inherits the plant’s safety challenges and pollution violations. Nippon’s plans haven’t yet been released.
Maps: Pittsburgh has more decaying homes than it can demolish
The city saw a three-year surge in demolitions of abandoned structures, but the federal funds are gone and disrepair is again outrunning the wrecking crews.
On a North Side block that saw a New Year’s shooting, short-term rentals draw fire
The latest shooting at an Airbnb in East Allegheny could fuel a renewed push to regulate short-term rentals.
Slur accusation against city employee tests human relations panel’s clout
The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations receives few complaints alleging discrimination based on perceived or actual sexual orientation. An allegation against a city employee has raised questions about the scope of its powers.
Pittsburgh professors say research was weaponized in Trump’s higher ed fight
This year, Pittsburgh researchers responded to new federal guidelines by rewriting grant applications or, in some cases, going without funding. Some worry that university commitments to academic freedom will fade.
Pittsburgh Water board asks questions after transparency investigation
The water agency is working toward a rate increase, and its oversight board has tallied a two-year streak without a no vote, while asking most questions outside of monthly meetings.
Doubling down, doubling back: local departments diverge on ICE cooperation
Stowe police cancelled an agreement with the federal agency following a Public Source inquiry, then inked a new one days later. Springdale defended its contract during a public meeting; Robinson denies being a signatory. A Mount Washington arrest stirs controversy.
Munhall, Stowe police walk back ICE partnerships after quietly inking agreements
Three Allegheny County municipalities signed agreements with ICE last month. Stowe and Munhall reversed course after a Public Source inquiry, while a Springdale official claimed no knowledge.
Pittsburgh-area ICE arrests through mid-October more than triple last year’s level
The Trump administration’s immigration enforcement surge has included around 900 arrests in the Pittsburgh area.
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