Pittsburg, PA

Duolingo lays off contractors as use of artificial intelligence increases

Published

2 years ago

January 8, 2024

Press Room

Duolingo lays off contractors

00:32

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pittsburgh-based Duolingo has laid off some of its contractor workforce, in part because of artificial intelligence.

The East Liberty-based company said it has “off-boarded” 10 percent of its contractor workforce. In some cases, the contractor work was concluded, Duolingo said, adding that in other cases the work is being aided by A.I.

“There is some merit to the idea that AI is contributing to the reduction of our contract workforce, but it would be an oversimplification to say this is the sole reason,” Sam Dalsimer, Duolingo’s global head of communications, said on Monday to our news partner at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “We use AI for a variety of different functions and tasks.”

Duolingo produces courses in 40 different languages and said artificial intelligence is generating some narratives and translations.

Over the summer, Duolingo was recognized as one of Time’s 100 most influential companies across the globe for 2023. Time highlighted the company’s use of artificial intelligence as a reason for making the top 100.

“Company founder and CEO Luis von Ahn says more advanced AI ‘will allow us to scale high-quality education to everyone in the world,’” Time said.

Michael Guise

Michael Guise is a web producer for KDKA-TV. He has worked for the station since 2019.

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Pittsburg, PA

Hemingway’s Cafe in Oakland closing after more than four decades

Published

6 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Hemingway’s Cafe in Oakland closing after more than four decades

January 9, 2026 / 6:04 AM EST
/ CBS Pittsburgh

A longtime staple near Pitt’s campus is closing its doors after more than four decades of business in Oakland.

Hemingway’s Cafe announced Thursday that it will be closing for good in May after more than 40 years along Forbes Avenue in the heart of Oakland.

“Since opening in 1983, Hemingway’s has been more than just a bar – it’s been a home, a meeting place, and an Oakland staple for generations of students, alumni, locals, and friends at the heart of the University of Pittsburgh,” the bar said.

Hemingway’s Cafe in Oakland has announced it will be closing for good in May after more than four decades of business near the University of Pittsburgh’s campus.

KDKA Photojournalist Brian Smithmyer

The bar said while they are sad to be closing, they’re also grateful for the decades of memories, laughter, friendship, and traditions over the years.

“Thank you for making Hemingway’s what it has been for over four decades,” the bar said.

A final closing date for Hemingway’s hasn’t been announced.

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Pittsburg, PA

Jack McGregor, original founder of Pittsburgh Penguins, dies at 91

Published

18 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Jack McGregor, original founder of Pittsburgh Penguins, dies at 91

January 8, 2026 / 8:28 PM EST
/ CBS Pittsburgh

Jack McGregor, a former state senator and the original founder of the Pittsburgh Penguins, died at the age of 91 on Tuesday. The organization announced the news in a post on social media on Thursday.

“The team extends our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time,” a post on X said.

No other information was provided in the post, which was shared before the team’s game at PPG Paints Arena against the New Jersey Devils.

Pittsburgh Penguins original owner Jack McGregor drops a ceremonial puck between Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks at PPG Paints Arena on October 15, 2016 in Pittsburgh.

(Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus/NHLI via Getty Images)

According to his biography on the United States Senate Library, McGregor served in the state Senate from 1963-1970. He represented District 44 in Allegheny County and was a Republican.

He was born in Kittanning, Armstrong County, and attended the University of Pittsburgh and Quinnipiac University before getting into politics, according to his biography. He also served in the United States Marine Corps.

In 1966, the NHL granted a franchise to Pittsburgh after McGregor formed a group of investors that included H. J. Heinz II and Art Rooney. McGregor was named president and chief executive officer by the investors and represented Pittsburgh on the NHL’s Board of Governors, according to his biography.

The team played its first game in 1967 at the Civic Arena. McGregor owned the team for four years before selling it.

There is also a scholarship in his name at Pitt. It aims to provide “financial assistance to a law student who excels academically and has committed to working in the public sector,” the university says.

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