Latest news with #DowntownPittsburgh
CBS News
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Anthrocon expected to generate nearly $22 million for Pittsburgh businesses, report says
Businesses in Downtown Pittsburgh are experiencing a significant boost from the presence of furries in town for Anthrocon, which is expected to draw 19,000 people who will spend nearly $22 million in the city, according to Visit Pittsburgh. At Emporio on Penn Avenue, part of Sienna Mercato, it was hard to get seated quickly Saturday night due to all the furries in town. "It's probably our busiest day of the entire year," said floor manager Lena Balentine around 8 p.m. "Our wait is close to an hour, but we have slowly run out of food in our kitchen, so we have to close at nine tonight. This has never happened before. It didn't happen last year." They are welcoming the furries with open arms, as indicated by a sign at the front door. Having a furry on staff as a server, Bailey, doesn't hurt. "I have been loving it. I have never had so much fun at my job before," she said, sporting furry ears. "It's been lovely; they are such sweethearts, they tip well, they're patient, they're understanding." "And when we have too many people, we just start shoving them down the street," Balentine said. Win Gould, who has attended 30 furry conventions since 2016, explained there are a few reasons why furries spend so much in Pittsburgh. For starters, they like to eat, drink, and have a good time. "We are a bunch of party animals," Gould said. But, he explains, it goes beyond that. He says Pittsburgh has embraced the furries unlike any other city where he's attended a furry convention. That's from the people to the businesses. "There was a sign [at a business] that said, 'We loved having you last year,' and all that does is make us want to go and help out the people that care about us," Gould said. Anthrocon's chairman, Dr. Samuel Conway, said he's proud of how they support and partner with local businesses. "I hear a lot of people say, 'Pittsburgh likes your money.' Of course they do. This is America, but there is a genuine affection in this town for furries. We're not here for the money, we're here for the city," Conway said. "Pittsburgh's success is Anthrocon's success." The convention spills out into the streets, allowing Pittsburghers to join in. "I love Pittsburgh," Gould said. "This is the second time I've been here. And honestly, like, I live in Houston, and if I could move somewhere else, I'd probably look at moving to Pittsburgh, and it's solely because of the way that they treated this con." Gould explained that many furries are naturally introverted. Dressing up allows them to be who they truly are, Gould said, whether that be silly, goofy, or whatever else. "What everybody wants in their life is you want to feel loved and you want to feel welcomed, and the city of Pittsburgh makes us feel like that," Gould said. "So, it's great. I love Anthrocon and I love Pittsburgh. Go Pirates!"
CBS News
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Rachel Carson Bridge to close over the next two weeks for inspections
Drivers and cyclists in Downtown Pittsburgh who use the Rachel Carson Bridge (Ninth Street) will have to find a detour at times over the next two weeks. The Department of Public Works announced on Thursday morning that the bridge will be closed starting on Monday, June 16, at 6 a.m. and will remain closed through Friday, June 20, at 3 p.m. After reopening for the weekend, the bridge will once again be closed on Monday, June 23, at 6 a.m. until Friday, June 27, at 3 p.m. Both of the closures are for routine inspection. While the bridge is shut down, traffic will be detoured using Fort Duquesne Boulevard, the Andy Warhol Bridge (Seventh Street), and Isabella Street. When the bridge was last inspected in November 2023, inspectors gave the bridge a condition rating of six, meaning in fair condition, on a scale of zero to nine, which is based on National Bridge Inspection Standards established by the Federal Highway Administration. According to the county, the bridge carries an average of more than 10,000 vehicles per day. The bridge was opened in 1926 and was rehabilitated in 2019-2020 with a $24.2 million project.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- CBS News
Man used slingshot to launch rocks at people in Downtown Pittsburgh, police say
Man used slingshot to launch rocks at people in Downtown Pittsburgh, police say Man used slingshot to launch rocks at people in Downtown Pittsburgh, police say Man used slingshot to launch rocks at people in Downtown Pittsburgh, police say Police say a man used a slingshot to hurl rocks at people in Downtown Pittsburgh. According to investigators, it happened at Mellon Square Park. They say he was using a slingshot to hit victims with rocks at the park, then he turned over onto Smithfield Street and did the same. "It kind of reminds me of David and Goliath, but maybe a little bit different," said Tyler Thomas, a Downtown visitor. In this story, there isn't a giant to defeat, just a young man, identified as Yashua Strong, who allegedly went too far with his slingshot, using it to hurt people on Sunday. "If somebody hit me with a rock, I would be so angry, but I don't even know. I would duck for cover, man," Thomas said. One victim told police they were hit in the leg and back various times. He said he confronted Strong from a distance, but Strong grabbed his waistband like he had a gun and said, "I'm gonna deal with you." Strong then allegedly used his slingshot to hit another person. KDKA-TV has learned that the second victim is a city painter working at the park. Strong just turned 18 two days before this incident. Charles Jennings spends a lot of time Downtown. He calls this crime juvenile. "Usually, that's young people who ain't in class doing that type of stuff; they need to get a hold of these young people down here," Jennings said. "For a young man in this time and age, it's not an adult mentally, maybe his age." Strong was taken into custody shortly after the incident on Sunday. Approximately 30 minutes before, Strong was given a non-traffic citation. According to court documents, he's known to be homeless. Other records show that he has roots in West Mifflin. At 13 years old, he went missing for a few days and was later located. KDKA-TV has also learned he was diabetic and requires medication. He's currently in the Allegheny County Jail and unable to make bond. People KDKA-TV spoke with say it's not too late for Strong to turn things around. "They need mental, psychological help," Jennings said.
