Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh, a city of multitudes

Published

2 years ago

February 16, 2024

It has the moniker of City of Steel, but there is much more to Pittsburgh than industry. It is also a rousing city of museums, great food and beloved sports teams.

Play ball! (Or hockey)

The Pittsburgh Pirates call PNC Park home

(Image credit: Justin Berl / Getty Images)

Depending on when you visit, you can catch a football, baseball or hockey game. The Pittsburgh Steelers play at the Acrisure Stadium, while the Pittsburgh Pirates’ home base is PNC Park. And the Pittsburgh Penguins can be found at PPG Paints Arena. If it happens to not be a game day, you can still swing by PNC Park for a stadium tour.

Soak in the culture

A picture of Jackie Kennedy by Andy Warhol — The Andy Warhol Museum has the world’s largest collection of his work

You should definitely consider a pop by the Andy Warhol Museum. Warhol was born and raised in Pittsburgh, and the museum has the world’s largest collection of his work and archival materials. His art is on display alongside pieces by contemporary artists “that resonate with Warhol’s life and work,” and the museum promises that “you’ll always see something different” during each visit.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week’s Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

A giant dinosaur statue outside of the Carnegia Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — A giant dinosaur greets visitors at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History

The Andy Warhol Museum is one of the four Carnegie Museums, along with the Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History and Carnegie Science Center. The Museum of Art was founded by Andrew Carnegie to showcase the “old masters of tomorrow,” and today it has more than 100,000 objects in its collections, from paintings to sculptures to digital media. The Museum of Natural History has its own vast collection of flora, fauna and artifacts gathered by botanists, anthropologists, entomologists and zoologists during research expeditions.

Men and women stand in a room looking at art at the Mattress Factory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Mattress Factory is known for its eclectic contemporary exhibitions

The Mattress Factory is all about the avant-garde. There is “always something surprising” going on at this contemporary museum, Lonely Planet said, “from pitch-black sensory deprivation rooms to surreal caricature galleries to oddly angled experiments in room layout.” It is a welcoming space, and often visitors can meet with the installing artists.

A picture of Fred Rogers on a screen — Original set pieces from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” can be found at the Heinz History Center
Advertisement

The Heinz History Center focuses on the accomplishments of Western Pennsylvanians, and that is why it is known as Pittsburgh’s “people museum.” It covers six floors, with such artifacts as original set pieces from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and the world’s oldest Jeep. Of course, there is also an exhibition dedicated to Heinz ketchup.

See the sights

A view of the Strip District in Pittsburgh — The Strip District has a global flair

Take a trip around the world in The Strip District, home to international markets, delis, sidewalk vendors and all kinds of restaurants and food carts. If you want pizza, Thai, sushi, tacos or a burger, you will find it here. This was once an industrial hub, and it is fun to walk through the old buildings that have been converted for modern use.

The red Duquesne Incline funicular with Pittsburgh in the background — The Duquesne Incline has gorgeous views of the city

Pittsburgh has two funiculars, the Duquesne Incline and the Monongahela Incline, which both take riders up steep slopes. The views are great from each, and with round-trip fares only $5 for the Duquesne and $3.50 for the Monongahela, the ride is a breathtaking steal.

The Carrie Blast Furnaces near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — The Carrie Blast Furnaces became a national landmark in 2006

Go back in time and see Pittsburgh during its industrial days. Rivers of Steel offers several guided tours at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, with visitors hearing stories about what it was like to work there and how iron was made at the site.

Eat like a local

Pierogies are a Pittsburgh staple, and everyone has their favorite place for these Polish dumplings. The Pittsburgh City Paper polled its readers on the best pierogies, and Pierogies Plus took the top spot, followed by Apteka and Cop Out Pierogies. Pierogies Plus is in McKees Rocks, just a few minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, and their website says if you “want more authentic pierogies, you’ll have to fly to Warsaw or Krakow.” They serve a few types of pierogies, including plain potato, sauerkraut and potato and hot sausage, as well as other Eastern European faves like stuffed cabbage and noodle haluski.

The most famous sandwich place in Pittsburgh is Primanti Bros., which tops its grilled meat sandwiches with fries and sweet-and-sour coleslaw. There are multiple locations, including one at PNC Park. These are not the only sandwich spots in town, though. Pittsburgh Magazine praised Food for Thought’s traditional Reuben as well as its Pittsburgh Reuben, which swaps the corned beef for kielbasa. There’s also Stoke’s Grill, where you can get a pretzel sandwich. Try the Hitch, with roasted turkey, Swiss cheese and honey mustard.

Bar Marco opened more than a decade ago but remains “one of the hottest spots in Pittsburgh — and not just because it’s located in an old firehouse,” Pittsburgh Magazine said. Diners enjoy coming here for homemade pasta and bread and cocktails like the Persimmon to Speak, made with dark rum, persimmon and cinnamon. Call ahead to secure a reservation in the wine cellar.

On the sweeter side, there’s Prantl’s Bakery, known for its burnt almond torte. The sweet treat is a yellow cake with custard between the layers and buttercream and toasted almonds on top. It has several spin-offs as well, including cheesecake, chocolate and raspberry versions.

A historic stay

The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh feels historic, and that is because it is. The downtown hotel is located inside a 1903 Beaux-Arts style building that offers a grand first impression. The interior is thoroughly modern, with “whimsical, colorful design as well as original art and sculpture decorating the space,” Travel + Leisure said. Amenities include yoga mats in every room, an evening wine hour, coffee and tea service in the morning and use of Micro Kickboard scooters and bicycles. There is also an on-site restaurant, The Commoner, and the rooftop Biergarten that is open during warm weather.

Source link

Pennsylvania

Man charged after over 100 human skeletal remains found in Pennsylvania home – National | Globalnews.ca

Published

5 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Man charged after over 100 human skeletal remains found in Pennsylvania home – National | Globalnews.ca

A Pennsylvania man has been arrested and is facing more than 500 charges after he was accused of stealing human skulls and “numerous” skeletal remains from an abandoned cemetery on Philadelphia’s outskirts, according to police.

Bones and skulls visible in the back seat of a car near the cemetery led police to the home and storage unit of Jonathan Gerlach, 34, after police had been looking into a string of burglaries.

Investigators checked Gerlach’s licence plates and found that he had been near the cemetery repeatedly during the period when the burglaries occurred.

Officers say the Jan. 6 arrest culminated a months-long investigation into break-ins at Mount Moriah Cemetery, where at least 26 mausoleums and vaults had been forced open since early November.

After searching Gerlach’s home and storage unit, investigators reported finding more than 100 human skulls, long bones, mummified hands and feet, two decomposing torsos and other skeletal items.

Story continues below advertisement

“They were in various states. Some of them were hanging, as it were. Some of them were pieced together, some were just skulls on a shelf,” Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said.

Most of the findings were in Gerlach’s basement, authorities said. They also recovered jewelry believed to be linked to the graves, and a pacemaker that was still attached.

Get daily National news

Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

“Detectives walked into a horror movie come to life in that home. It is truly, in the most literal sense of the word, horrific. I grieve for those who are upset by this, who are going through this, who are trying to figure out if it is, in fact, one of their loved ones,” Rouse added.

Click to play video: 'Human skull found amid Halloween decor in Florida thrift store'

1:25
Human skull found amid Halloween decor in Florida thrift store

Police say Gerlach targeted mausoleums and underground vaults at the cemetery, which was established in 1855. Gerlach was arrested as he walked back toward his car with a crowbar, police said.

Story continues below advertisement

He also had a burlap bag in which officers found the mummified remains of two small children, three skulls and other bones.

Gerlach then told investigators that he took around 30 sets of human remains and showed them the graves he stole from, police said.

Police believe the remains were also taken from other cemeteries in the region. They are investigating the Human Bones and Skull Selling Group on Facebook, where Gerlach was reportedly tagged and pictured holding a skull.

He was charged with 100 counts each of abuse of a corpse and receiving stolen property, along with multiple counts of desecrating a public monument, desecrating a venerated object, desecrating a historic burial place, burglary, trespassing and theft.

Mount Moriah Cemetery released a statement on its Instagram Stories following Gerlach’s arrest, thanking Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, the Yeadon Police Department and the Philadelphia Police Department for “their hard work and dedication to this case.”

“Our team has been working alongside all parties involved and will continue to do so throughout the remainder of the investigation. Please direct any specific questions regarding this case to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office,” it said.

“Mount Moriah is the largest abandoned cemetery in the United States. Its historic grounds are cared for by a dedicated group of approximately 12 volunteers who show up week in and week out to preserve this space.”

Story continues below advertisement

Gerlach is being held on $1-million bail, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 20.

— With files from The Associated Press

&copy 2026 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

Source link

Pennsylvania

Here’s what to try at this year’s Pennsylvania Farm Show food court

Published

17 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Here’s what to try at this year’s Pennsylvania Farm Show food court

As we were sequestered around the Expo Hall and Main Hall at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, guided by Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and a Benjamin Franklin re-enactor Bill Robling, my mind began to wander to food.

Thursday marked my inaugural visit to the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg, the 110th iteration the expo and one that coincided with the 250^th anniversary of the Untied States’ founding. While I and York Daily Record photographer Paul Kuehnel joined a flock of other reporters for the Farm Show’s preview, we were treated to a taste of many of the foods, both new and returning, that would be offered to visitors in the sprawling food court inside the Expo Hall.

Considering I hadn’t had breakfast that morning, I was willing to oblige.

With such an anniversary on the horizon, the Pennsylvania Dairyman’s Association unveiled a flight of red, white and blue milkshake flavors. Newer additions to the menu including pickle pizza from the Pennsylvania FFA and Lion’s Mane coffee from the Pennsylvania Mushroom Farmers, among others.

Here are some of the items the preview provided, as well as what to try when the food court opens at noon on Jan. 9.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Coffee

Mushrooms are a major cash crop for Pennsylvania, with nearly 60 percent of U.S. production of the crop running through the commonwealth. Lion’s Mane mushrooms, especially, have been linked to brain health benefits thanks to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, according to a published paper by the journal Nutrients.

The coffee itself is a dark roast blended with ground Lion’s Mane mushrooms, and the flavor provides a slight, hearty twang to its benefit. Considering I hadn’t had my own coffee that morning, it provided me with an immediate jolt of energy.

Pierogi

Fun fact: pierogi is plural! A classic done right by the PA Cooperative Potato Growers, Inc., the pierogi are soft, chewy and contain a starchy potato filling that satisfies any craving but doesn’t weigh you down. The pierogi also come with grilled onions on top, which adds a savory boost to keep you wanting more.

Blended Mushroom Steakhouse Burger

Piled high with a mix of mushrooms grown right in Pennsylvania and a slathering of Alabama barbecue sauce, the Pennsylvania Mushroom Farmers offer a burger with a twist. The patty itself is 75 percent grass-fed beef, 25 percent mushroom, and it works. The burger retains the flavor of a traditional all-beef patty while keeping in style with the Pennsylvania Mushroom Farmers’ mission to introduce the state’s cash crop to a variety of dishes. And the Alabama barbecue sauce provides a twang to the ensemble.

Stuffed Baby Bella Mushrooms

Returning to the menu provided by the Pennsylvania Mushroom Farmers, you are provided with four bite-sized mushrooms that come in two flavors: artichoke and spinach and bacon and cheese.

The mushrooms are an excellent snack or starter for the Farm Fest, filled with flavor and firm enough to burst with juices after your first bite.

Potato Doughnut

The granddaddy of them all and a Farm Show staple, the potato doughnut makes its return in its three traditional flavors: plain, powdered and cinnamon sugar. It’s not as flaky as a traditional doughnut, and not as heavy either.

Red, White and Blue Milkshakes

With the 250^th anniversary of the United States’ founding, the The Pennsylvania Dairyman’s Association, a vendor with the Farm Show since 1955, saw fit to roll out a milkshake flight of red, white and bBlue milkshakes to ring in the sestercentennial. The white is a normal vanilla flavor, the red is strawberry and the blue is a raspberry flavor.

The Dairyman’s Association has also made an intentional move this year away from artificial dyes in their milkshakes, shifting to natural dyes to provide the color.

Dave Smith, executive director of the Pennsylvania Dairyman’s Association, said the move had been a goal of the Dairyman’s Association ahead of the nation’s 250^th anniversary.

“That was one of my priorities, to figure out how we could do something like that,” Smith said. “What we found is that (the colors) are not as distinct as what they would have been if they were artificial. It’s more subtle.”

This shift doesn’t affect the flavor one bit. All three options are sweet, thick and delicious, as to be expected.

Plan your trip to the Pennsylvania Farm Show

For more information about the Farm Show, check out the full schedule of events here. The food court opens to the public on Jan. 9 from noon until 9 p.m. with the bulk of the expo running from Jan. 10-17.

Source link

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania launches new website to combat human trafficking | StateScoop

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Pennsylvania launches new website to combat human trafficking | StateScoop

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency on Thursday launched a new website aimed at preventing human trafficking and better supporting victims by bringing together resources for first responders, social service providers and members of the public.

The announcement came during Human Trafficking Prevention Month at a roundtable discussion in Philadelphia that included state and local officials, advocates, social service providers and survivors.

The new website, developed with Villanova University’s Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation, provides trauma-informed training materials, guidance on recognizing warning signs of trafficking and information on how to report suspected cases.

“The fight against trafficking begins with coordination and working together to raise awareness of the warning signs, making sure people know where and how to report, strengthening support for survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable,” Kathy Buckley, director of PCCD’s Office of Victims’ Services, said in a press release.

Human trafficking is the crime of using force, fraud or coercion to induce another person to perform labor or sex acts.

According to the Philadelphia Anti-Trafficking Coalition, the number of identified trafficking survivors in the region increased by 23% in 2025 compared to the previous year. The organization cites housing, food assistance, medical care and counseling among the most common needs for survivors

“That’s the goal of our new website and the purpose of this conversation today, shining a light on organizations leading this work and ensuring that all across Pennsylvania, every individual knows there are people and resources dedicated to combating all forms of exploitation,” Buckley said.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 26 states have enacted legislation creating human-trafficking task forces, study groups or similar coordination efforts. Eight of those states — Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri and Rhode Island apply to sex trafficking only, while the others target both labor and sex trafficking.

In 2019, researchers in the Biotechnology and Human Systems studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology released a Human Trafficking Technology Roadmap aimed at helping federal, state and local agencies to better identify, investigate and prosecute trafficking cases. The report’s recommendations include building tools that automatically analyze large amounts of data, establishing centralized collections of evidence templates and trafficking “signatures,” and developing shared computing systems for law enforcement and courts.

Pennsylvania’s new website builds on efforts by the administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro, who announced his reelection bid Thursday, to combat human trafficking. Those include spending $14 million over the past two budget cycles on the Victims Compensation Assistance Program and moving the state’s Anti-Human Trafficking Workgroup under PCCD’s leadership. That group now focuses on training, law enforcement coordination, victim services and public awareness.

Source link