PublicSource | News for a better Pittsburgh (https://www.publicsource.org/author/nicole-brambila/)
Nicole C. Brambila is an award-winning investigative journalist. A graduate of Texas State University, she began her journalism career two decades ago, reporting for various news outlets in the Lone Star State, Southern California and Pennsylvania. Prior to coming to PublicSource, she was a data reporter for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and an investigative reporter for the Reading Eagle. Her recognitions include state, regional and national awards, including in 2017 being an IRE finalist for a soil study that found residences that should have been cleaned under a 2000 EPA order were contaminated with lead. A frustrated screenwriter, Nicole is currently writing a YA dystopian novel with her writing partner.
Safety issues had threatened the shelter’s expected Nov. 15 opening. The shelter has remained open through the winter months for 19 years and, last year, served 900 people experiencing homelessness.
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. defended his seat Tuesday over political newcomer and public defender Lisa G. Middleman.
Pittsburgh voters on Tuesday supported a ballot amendment that will create a real estate tax to pay for park improvements.
Four Pittsburgh City Council members spoke out against a ballot initiative before voters on Election Day Tuesday that will pay for park improvements by adding a real estate tax.
Pittsburgh City Council members unanimously voted Monday to approve the mayor entering the city into a $10.9 million contract for new body cameras and Tasers for the entire police force.
The Pittsburgh City Council is poised to approve a $10.9 million contract to purchase 950 body cameras and 950 Tasers to equip the entire police force with upgraded equipment.
The city originally entered into a $1.5 million contract with Axon in 2017 for 550 body cameras. In January, council voted to increase that contract amount to $2.3 million to outfit more officers with cameras. If council approves the new $10.9 million proposed contract at its 10 a.m. Monday meeting, those cameras and the current contract will be replaced with little public scrutiny from council members. The proposed contract to last through 2024 is a notable extension of business with a company whose previous engagement with the city has been scrutinized. The city approved the original contract without seeking competitive bids and involved a Pittsburgh police official with ties to Axon.
Though the city’s first batch of police body cameras are two years old or newer, the technology is evolving rapidly.
