Pittsburg, PA
Pittsburgh Israel-boycott referendum is dead after DSA declines to defend it in court
(JTA) — The Pittsburgh group behind a ballot referendum that would compel the city to boycott Israel said it won’t defend the measure against multiple legal challenges, ending its longshot bid to make November’s ballot.
The Democratic Socialists of America chapter announced it would not defend the effort on Sunday night, the evening before a scheduled court date for multiple challenges to the referendum. The local Jewish federation, several rabbis and the city controller all challenged the referendum in court, while both of Pennsylvania’s US senators condemned it and a staffer in the mayor’s office resigned after revealing she had signed it.
“We have made the difficult but strategic decision to withdraw our petitions so that we can come back stronger, more experienced and fully ready to continue fighting for a free Palestine with all avenues available to us,” the Pittsburgh DSA chapter tweeted.
Claiming that “politicians and interest groups” are “afraid of this referendum because they know if it goes to a vote, it wins,” the group added, “Unfortunately, today their efforts to push us off November’s ballot succeeded.”
Jewish groups celebrated the move as a victory.
“The DSA’s proposed referendum initiative posed a grave threat to the core values and financial viability of the Jewish community, as well as to the entire city of Pittsburgh’s ability to provide vital city services in a lawful manner,” the federation said in a press release.
DSA withdraws Pittsburgh referendum
It added, “In the end, it was their antisemitic and anti-Israel agenda that led to the referendum initiative’s defeat.”
The referendum would have added a clause to the city charter “prohibiting investment or allocation of public funds, including tax exemptions, to entities that conduct business operations with or in the state of Israel unless and until Israel ends its military action in Gaza, fully allows humanitarian assistance to reach the people of Gaza, and grants equal rights to every person living in the territories under Israeli control.”
The federation described the referendum efforts as the first time an “anti-Israel boycott and divestment proposal at the municipal level” would have faced a popular vote.
The DSA-backed organizing group, No War Crimes On Our Dime, submitted ballot signatures for approval earlier this month, but the federation quickly challenged the validity of the signatures, claiming they actually fell far below the required signature threshold. Four local rabbis from Reform, Conservative and Orthodox congregations joined the challenge.
Both the Jewish groups’ challenge and a separate legal challenge, from Pittsburgh City Controller Rachael Heisler, also maintained that the referendum violated state law that prohibits the government from doing business with companies that boycott Israel. Both challenges were scheduled to be heard Monday before the DSA dropped out.
In backing down, the DSA maintained that it had gathered enough signatures to make the ballot and framed its decision as a “strategic withdrawal, and by no means a loss.” It said it would continue pressing for its ultimate goal.
“This isn’t about us, and at the end of the day this isn’t about ballot access — this is about pressuring for a ceasefire and a Free Palestine,” the group wrote.
J.J. Watt could be calling a lot of Pittsburgh Steelers games this season. He will be joining Ian Eagle on the CBS Sports No. 2 announcing team for the 2025 season, the network announced amid shifts to their broadcasting team.
Watt will replace Charles Davis, who is set become the lead College Football Analyst, replacing Gary Danielson. Danielson announced his plans to retire following the season. Davis will still call NFL games during the 2025 season in an unspecified role, but will not work with Eagle, his longtime broadcast partner.
Watt had been a studio analyst for CBS Sports for the last two seasons. He called the Steelers’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs this last season.
CBS carries most of the AFC’s games in their TV contract with the NFL. As a result of the Steelers’ competitiveness under Mike Tomlin, they often assign their No. 2 crew to Steelers games, and that could see Watt calling many of the Steelers’ games this upcoming season.
The former defensive lineman and future Hall of Famer long had aspirations of making the transition into the booth from the studio and will now get to do that with Eagle as his partner each week.
- BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks, where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks.
Pittsburg, PA
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to show heavy interest in this first round running back
The Pittsburgh Steelers might not be that interested in most first round running backs, but there is one they clearly have a focus on, even if it is unlikely they will land him. Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is continuing to draw interest from the Steelers.
The Steelers met with Jeanty for a formal interview at the NFL Combine, something they did for only him as a top prospect. However, Wednesday showed just how serious they are about Jeanty as a player. The Steelers sent running backs coach Eddie Faulkner to Boise, Idaho, to watch Jeanty do positional drills.
Jeanty wrapped up one of the best seasons for a running back in college football history. He finished second all-time in rushing yards in a season only behind Barry Sanders and helped carry the Broncos to a College Football Playoff berth. His breakaway speed is something the Steelers need, as Jaylen Warren runs just a 4.55, and behind him, they have little to no certain options.
The Steelers have other needs like cornerback, quarterback, wide receiver, and defensive line, but if the value is there with someone like Jeanty at a more minor need, they might take a swing on the talent.
- BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks, where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks.
The 51st annual Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic presented by U.S. Steel will take place on Saturday, March 29 at Peters Township High School in McMurray, Pennsylvania. This tradition-rich high school wrestling showcase is known as “The Rose Bowl of High School Wrestling.” This year’s event will have double-digit nationally ranked matchups and 16 different wrestlers who are ranked in the top five in their weight class.
Matchups have already been announced for the USA All-Stars vs PA All-Stars and New Jersey All-Stars vs WPIAL All-Stars. Matchups for New Jersey Women All-Stars and PA Women All-Stars will be released soon.
2025 Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic
US All-Star Team vs PA All-Star Team
121 lbs – #12 Ethan Timar, Brunswick, OH vs #9 Gauge Botero, Faith Christian Academy
127 lbs – #6 Ronnie Ramirez, Walnut, CA vs #2 Nathan Desmond, Wyoming Seminary
133 lbs – #6 Matthew Botello, Hingham, MA vs #3 Aaron Seidel, North Lebanon
139 lbs – #3 Sergio Vega, Tucsan, AZ vs #4 Tahir Parkins, Nazareth
145 lbs – #2 Nikade Zinkin, Clovis, CA vs #4 Eren Sement, Council Rock North
152 lbs – #1 Daniel Zepeda, Gilroy, CA vs #10 Maddox Shaw, Thomas Jefferson
160 lbs – #1 Landon Robideau, St. Michael, MN vs #3 Collin Gaj, Quakertown
160 lbs – #5 Alessio Perentin, Delbarton, NJ vs #2 Kollin Rath, Bethlehem Catholic
172 lbs – #1 LaDarion Lockett, Stillwater, OK vs #5 Asher Cunningham, State College
189 lbs – #4 Lane Foard, Reva, VA vs Tyler Morrison, West Perry
215 lbs – #3 Angelo Posada, Poway, CA vs #7 Austin Johnson, Muncy
285 lbs – #4 Rocco Dellagatta, Holmdel, NJ vs #9 Rowan Holmes, Somerset
New Jersey All-Stars vs WPIAL All-Stars
121 lbs – Anthony Pellegrino, Seton Hall vs Leo Joseph, Greater Latrobe
127 lbs – Devin Ryan, New Milford vs #18 Nico Fanella, Indiana
133 lbs – #7 Carson Walsh, Pope John vs Luke Willochell, Greater Latrobe
139 lbs – Jake Zaltsman, St. John Vianney vs Dominic Ferraro, Pine-Richland
145 lbs – Donny Almeyda, Pope John vs Ramil Islamov, Baldwin
152 lbs – Luke Geleta, Phillipsburg vs Evan Petrovich, Connellsville
160 lbs – AJ Falcone, Christian Brothers vs Lonzy Vielma, Connellsville
172 lbs – #10 Jordan Chapman, Cranford vs #6 Bode Marlow, Thomas Jefferson
189 lbs – Terrence Thomas, Toms River East vs Mark Gray, Kiski Area
189 lbs – #7 Vincenzo LaValle, Hanover Park vs Braedon Welsh, Fort Cherry
215 lbs – #14 Conor Delaney, Rumson-Fair Haven vs Jake Conroy, Ringgold
285 lbs – James Lynch, Toms River East vs Shepherd Turk, Thomas Jefferson
New Jersey Women All-Stars vs PA Women All-Stars
matchups to be released soon
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