About 40 parents, educators, pastors, school volunteers and other Hill District stakeholders gathered yesterday at Milliones Magnet School to begin writing a blueprint for the future of the neighborhood???s schools in light of a new round of proposed closings by the board of Pittsburgh Public Schools. (Today)

For the last decade, North Siders who use Allegheny Commons Park have lamented the condition of their bridge to nowhere -- a fenced-off pedestrian span over Norfolk Southern railroad tracks that has been dropping chunks of concrete and nurturing weeds. (Today)

Holy pumpkins, it's almost time to turn the rain barrel cylinder from "collect" to "bypass." Such a simple act, yet so difficult -- another acquiescence to the cold. (Today)

Former Pittsburgh Public Works Operations Coordinator John Barley took his bid to return to his former job to Allegheny County Common Pleas Court yesterday, appealing a Civil Service Commission decision that reversed his June firing but allowed the city to suspend him for a year. (Today)

A trial was ordered yesterday for a man who was charged with homicide after he showed up at a hospital with a bullet wound from a shooting last month in the Hill District. (Today)