Thursday, Dec. 4: County Budget + School Equity + Tax Proposals
Thursday, Dec. 4
Your local news briefing
5 Headlines You Should Know Today
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Robotaxis: Waymo tests self-driving cars downtown Pittsburgh, advancing public rollout.
Waymo has begun testing self-driving cars on Pittsburgh streets, initially with safety drivers, as it evaluates the city’s unique driving conditions. The timeline for public service has not been announced, but the move highlights Pittsburgh’s role as a hub for “physical AI.”
County Budget: Allegheny approves $3B plan with no property tax increase.
Allegheny County Council approved a $3 billion 2026 budget without a property tax increase. The plan funds rental assistance and legal staff while balancing $1.2 million in added costs by raising select park user fees, maintaining services without layoffs or cuts.
School Equity: Report shows gains and ongoing disparities in Pittsburgh Public Schools.
Pittsburgh Public Schools are seeing attendance gains and higher early-grade test scores, with more than 2,400 students attending regularly since 2021. Enrollment growth is partly driven by English language learners, though small schools and limited Algebra offerings remain challenges.
Tax Proposals: Verona and Bell Acres suggest 2026 property tax hikes.
Verona and Bell Acres boroughs propose real estate tax increases for 2026. Verona plans a 9% hike to fund police staffing, while Bell Acres proposes a 5.8% rise to keep services steady. Both budgets face council votes in early December.
Underwater Search: Journalists use technology to hunt for missing Mon Bomber.
Pittsburgh journalists are re-investigating the missing WWII B-25 “Mon Bomber” from the Monongahela River. Using a high-tech underwater vehicle, the team aims to uncover the aircraft ahead of a documentary marking the crash’s 70th anniversary this January.
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