YWCA building sells to City Club Apartments 

On April 9, the YWCA building, located on the corner of Wood Street and Third Avenue, announced that City Club Apartments had officially bought the property to construct apartment complexes. The building, which is currently home to the Center for Media Innovation (CMI), will add about 20 stories with 300 apartments and will include “gender-neutral bathrooms and facilities.” As reported in The Globe in February 2022, the CMI will now move to the West Penn building. (KDKA-TV and The Globe) 

Pittsburgh Planning Commission approves 254-unit apartment complex at GNC headquarters

The former GNC headquarters, located on Wood Street, will be turned into a “254-unit apartment complex.” The Pittsburgh Planning Commission, approving New-York based developer Victrix LLC, granted development rights for 216 housing units, with a recommendation of allowing 26 additional units to be added. Although approved by the commission, the Pittsburgh City Council still needs to vote on passing on developmental rights to the Victrix LLC. (Trib) 

Staffing shortages cause Allegheny County Jail Guards to call for lockdowns 

Due to recent concerns of understaffing, the Allegheny County Jail guards union has requested for the jail to be put on lockdown to ensure employee safety. Brian Englert, the guards union president, said that the current shifts of workers are short by “seven hallway escorts and one intake officer,” which could pose danger for inmates and other staff if a problem occurs within the prison. (KDKA-TV)

Steelers quarter-back Dwayne Haskins dead at 24 

On April 9, Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins died on an interstate in South Florida after being struck by a dump truck after getting out of his vehicle.. Haskins, who played with the Ohio State Buckeyes and was formerly drafted by the Washington Commanders in 2019, signed with the Pittsburgh team in January 2021. Many athletes and organizations, including from but not limited to the Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins and the NFL, have expressed condolences for the young quarterback and his family.Haskins’ passing comes one month short of what would have been his 25th birthday. (WTAE)

Senate candidate Oz endorsed by Former President Donald Trump 

Former President Donald Trump issued a statement on April 9 formally endorsing heart surgeon and television star Dr. Mehmet Oz for the Pennsylvania U.S. Senate seat. “The Great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a tremendous opportunity to Save America by electing the brilliant and well-known Dr. Mehmet Oz for the United States Senate,” part of Trump’s official statement read. Oz, a Republican, is currently participating in the party’s primary election for the seat being vacated by retiring Senator Pat Toomey. The endorsement is seen as important in an election with the most potential for being flipped by a Democratic candidate. (WTAE)

Philadelphia re-orders indoor mask policy amid COVID-19 increases 

On April 11, Philadelphia became the first major city within the United States to reinstate its indoor mask policy after reports of increasing COVID-19 cases within the area. According to the Trib, confirmed COVID-19 cases rose by more than 50% within the last two weeks, at which city guidelines can call upon residents to make again within enclosed, public spaces. Health officials within the area believe that the spike in cases is due in part by the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron. (Trib)