Julia Maruca

Pittsburgh’s TubaChristmas brings horns home for the holidays More than 80 musicians played baritone horns, euphoniums and tubas of all shapes and sizes — many of them decorated with festive trappings — for a performance of holiday pieces in Schenley Park.

Have you heard of TubaChristmas?📯Earlier this month I checked out Pittsburgh's iteration of the decades-old musical tradition--and got to hear it for myself! Listen here: www.wesa.fm/arts-culture...

Pittsburgh City Council mulls potential tax hike, cuts in 2026 budget process Pittsburgh's city councilors have yet to make up their minds on what changes they want to propose to Mayor Ed Gainey's 2026 budget plan — but a tax increase or potential cuts both seem to be on the ta...

Pittsburgh's city councilors have yet to make up their minds on what changes they want to propose to Mayor Ed Gainey's 2026 budget plan — but a tax increase or potential cuts both seem to be on the table. www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Pittsburgh Public Safety redesigns program that sends social workers to emergency scenes A Pittsburgh public safety program that dispatched social workers alongside police to assist with mental health emergencies is undergoing a major overhaul.

A major overhaul is underway for a Pittsburgh public safety program in which social workers join police to respond to mental-health emergencies. www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Pittsburgh 2025 election: voter guide to mayor, ballot initiatives & Allegheny County Council A primer on who is running in the 2025 election for Pittsburgh mayor, city council and ballot initiatives, as well as Allegheny County council and Court of Common Pleas.

Haven't voted yet today? Check out WESA's voter guide for info on the mayor's race, city and county council, judicial retention, and more: www.wesa.fm/pa-election-...

Pittsburgh budget office director Pawlak talks Gainey’s 2026 financial plan Mayor Ed Gainey is preparing to formally present his proposed 2026 spending plan to City Council early next month, having released a draft version at the end of September.

Budget season is on the horizon in Pittsburgh. Mayor Ed Gainey is preparing to formally present his proposed 2026 spending plan to City Council early next month. I spoke to city budget director Jake Pawlak about the numbers, the criticism, and the path ahead. www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Inclusionary zoning fight erupts in Pittsburgh City Council, dispute with Gainey looms As Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s term enters its final three months, a battle over one of his administration’s signature affordable-housing initiatives — mandatory inclusionary zoning — boiled over in ...

As Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey’s term enters its final three months, a battle over one of his administration’s signature affordable-housing initiatives — mandatory inclusionary zoning — boiled over in City Council Wednesday. And the fight is far from over. www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Students kindle interest in firefighting at Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Girls Camp Over the course of a week in August, high-school girls participate in exercises at the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire training center, intended to give them a taste of the possibilities of firefighting as ...

Over the course of a week in August, high-school girls participate in exercises at the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire training center, intended to give them a taste of the possibilities of firefighting as a career.
www.wesa.fm/identity-com...

What’s causing Pittsburgh’s drop in homicides? Violence prevention efforts may be a factor. For the third summer in a row, Pittsburgh’s homicide rate has been on the decline. That mirrors a national trend, but collaborative violence prevention efforts may be a factor.

For the third summer in a row, Pittsburgh’s homicide rate has been on the decline. According to the city’s police data portal, as of July 31, Pittsburgh is experiencing its lowest homicide rate of the past eight years. My newsletter talks about the possible reasons why: www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Kail-Smith introduces bills to reshape Pittsburgh planning process in bid to speed development A collection of bills introduced by City Councilor Theresa Kail-Smith on Tuesday would significantly reorganize city departments and policies related to development, zoning and permitting — moves Kail...

The bills introduced by City Councilor Theresa Kail-Smith on Tuesday would significantly reorganize city departments and policies related to development, zoning and permitting — moves Kail-Smith said would “streamline” the permitting process and accelerate development. www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

To developers, affordable housing is a challenge bigger than one mayor Developers and community organization leaders agree there will still be plenty of ground to break after the May 20 primary — and that some challenges will be hard to grapple with no matter who wins.

Developers and community organization leaders paint a mixed picture of how successful Mayor Ed Gainey has been at facilitating affordable housing. Most agree there'll still be plenty of ground to break after the May 20 primary — no matter who wins.
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

In Pittsburgh mayoral race, Gainey foe criticizes group chat that supporters call a 'common' tool As new polling suggests a narrowing Pittsburgh mayoral primary contest between Mayor Ed Gainey and challenger Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor, some O’Connor supporters are raising red flags...

Councilor Bob Charland raised alarm about a chat in which the Gainey campaign have been discussed among administration officials and City Council members, campaign workers, advocacy groups and grassroots supporters. Members of the chat say it's a common campaign tool. www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Pennsylvania Supreme Court hears oral arguments in 'jock tax' case Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices say they need more information before they make a decision in the already drawn-out court fight regarding Pittsburgh’s controversial facility usage fee.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices say they need more information before they make a decision in the already drawn-out court fight regarding Pittsburgh’s controversial facility usage fee.
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Rally at East Liberty Social Security office calls for continued in-person services Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and Wilkinsburg Mayor Dontae Comans joined other local officials and advocates to rally outside the Social Security office in East Liberty on Tuesday, arguing that the servi...

“You want to look a person in the eye and ask your questions. We deserve to be treated like human beings, and not just some list of numbers online in the cybersphere or something.”

Area advocates and leaders rally in support of East Liberty Social Security office:

www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Pittsburgh NAACP branch grapples with its future Members of the century-old Pittsburgh chapter of the NAACP were given a task by their organization’s national branch on Monday: Gather enough active members to determine what future the organization h...

Members of the century-old Pittsburgh chapter of the NAACP were given a task by their organization’s national branch on Monday: Gather enough active members to determine what future the organization has in Pittsburgh.
www.wesa.fm/identity-com...

After Ragland’s departure, local groups wonder what's next for Pittsburgh Police chief hiring Ragland argued the confirmation process for the seat had been turned into a "political football."

Following the departure of Acting Police Chief Chris Ragland, I spoke to some of the community groups who'd been looking forward to upcoming public meetings with the then-prospective permanent chief. www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Pittsburgh City Council members say 'good riddance' to former acting police chief in ethics debate Members of Pittsburgh City Council angrily pushed back on statements former acting police chief Christopher Ragland made yesterday in withdrawing his bid to lead the bureau, with one councilor suggest...

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and city council members argued yesterday over who and what was to blame for the departure of former Acting Police Chief Chris Ragland. www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Pittsburgh's snow removal fleet faces blizzard of problems, officials say More often than not, Pittsburgh’s snow-clearing fleet is plowing uphill, according to Public Works officials — and it’s not likely to get much better anytime soon.

I couldn't resist putting a few snow puns in this article! Officials at Wednesday's postagenda took a stab--or maybe a shovel?--at discussing the challenges facing Pittsburgh's snow fleet. Among them are funding struggles and old vehicles.
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Pittsburgh Hill District residents, analysts wonder what’s next following Salem’s Market closure The doors to Salem’s Market are closed, at least for now, and its once-bustling parking lot is now nearly empty. Since the Centre Avenue grocer closed suddenly this weekend, a sign on the glass urges ...

The doors to Salem’s Market are closed, at least for now. Its once-bustling parking lot is now nearly empty since the Centre Avenue grocer shut down suddenly this weekend
But what's next? We talked to neighbors, officials and experts about the store's unknown future. www.wesa.fm/economy-busi...

Salem's Market in Hill District to 'pause' operations next week, restructure The lights were on and the doors were open at Salem's Market on Centre Avenue Wednesday, but the store will be "pausing its operations" next week, says the city's Urban Redevelopment Authority.

The future of Salem’s Market in the Hill District — whose opening just one year ago was heralded as a hopeful sign for the long-suffering community’s rebirth — appears to be in doubt as the store faces at least a temporary closure next week, followed by a restructuring. www.wesa.fm/economy-busi...

O’Connor starts year with money advantage over Gainey in Pittsburgh mayoral primary campaign With a huge fundraising surge that dwarfed that of his rival last month, County Controller Corey O’Connor proved Monday that he is set to mount a strong challenge to incumbent Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gain...

Hoo boy, my colleague @marucajulia.bsky.social reports that Corey O'Connor outraised Ed Gainey by like 20 to 1 in January, and finished out the month with nearly three times the cash on hand going into February.
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Pittsburgh’s inclusionary zoning debate: what you need to know The Planning Commission will hear testimony on two rival proposals focused on inclusionary zoning, a contentious policy approach aimed at improving access to affordable housing in Pittsburgh. It’s a d...

Pittsburgh's Planning Commission will hear testimony and vote Tuesday on two rival proposals focused on inclusionary zoning, a contentious policy aimed at improving access to affordable housing in Pittsburgh. It’s a debate that’s been brewing for months in the city. www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Gainey says Highmark financial pledge shows strong ties with nonprofits; O'Connor has doubts Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey is touting a financial pledge from Highmark as proof of “the strong working relationship we’ve been able to build” as the city seeks financial support from its largest tax-e...

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey touted a pledge from Highmark as proof of progress in the city's quest for financial support from its largest nonprofits. But a Highmark spokesperson said the company's position hasn’t changed--and primary challenger Corey O'Connor is doubtful. www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Candidates jump in race for open Pittsburgh City Council seat in West End The crucial city race next year will be the contest for mayor, but District 2 may be the only one of four council districts on the ballot next year that has real drama.

This week was my first time filling in on our politics newsletter! Our topic: the City Council race in District 2, where several candidates have already thrown their hats into the ring. www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Pittsburgh City Council passes 2025 budget, amid doubts about staffing costs Pittsburgh City Council is poised to pass a $845 million budget for 2025, despite ongoing concerns that some of its numbers — in particular, its projections for police overtime — are unrealistic.

This week was a busy one in Pittsburgh city news--from protests at Mayor Ed Gainey's house over an increased crackdown on homeless camps, to the final passage of the 2025 city budget, to a controversial zoning bill headed to the planning commission.
www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Julia Maruca Julia Maruca reports on Pittsburgh city government, programs and policy. She previously covered the Westmoreland County regions of Hempfield and Greensburg along with health care news for the Tribune-...

Hi 🦋! I'm Julia Maruca, I cover Pittsburgh city government at 90.5 WESA! (I'm one of 3 separate Julias at the station, lol) You'll often see me lurking around the City-County building looking for news. I'll still post my stories on Twitter, but wanted to set up here too!
www.wesa.fm/people/julia...