food policy
Cafeteria worker Linda Buck prepares to check out students eating breakfast at North Hills Middle School in Ross Township. (Photo by Katie Blackley/90.5 WESA)

From ‘Grab and Go’ to ‘Second Chance,’ school districts are getting creative with their breakfast options

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Compared to the rest of the United States, Pennsylvania’s school breakfast participation is low. A recent Food Research and Action Center report ranked the state 41st in the country for accessing free and reduced-price breakfast. But with grants and creativity, districts in the region can eventually reach their breakfast goals, says Chris West, Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank Child Nutrition Outreach Coordinator.

Pittsburgh's lead problem
The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority's water treatment plant in Aspinwall. (Photo by Ryan Loew/PublicSource)

What the future holds for Pittsburgh’s water authority

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The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority had a rough 2017. Remember all those boil-water advisories? Partial lead line replacement controversy? News about fee hikes? The year ended with a state consent order that included a multimillion-dollar fine. The intensified scrutiny that comes with a consent order, though, may be just what the water authority needs to have a more orderly and productive 2018.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Gaudenzia’s proposed drug rehab expansion troubles Hill District residents, including retired police officer Brenda Tate

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Gaudenzia, a nonprofit drug and alcohol treatment corporation, wants to expand its presence in the Hill District. But the Hill's residents are troubled by its proposal because they believe the services are not benefitting its community members and that the company is not paying attention to the community's wishes regarding its location.

EDUCATION

How Pittsburgh-area colleges work to meet students’ mental health needs. We surveyed eight schools about the challenges.

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On the campuses of eight Pittsburgh-area colleges and universities, it’s not unusual for students to wait this long, or even longer, for therapy — though some schools did report quicker scheduling. Policies regarding access and use of campus mental health services vary among the schools, affecting how students fare and if they ever use the services at all.