How a Former Church Became a Hallowed Home

Remie Ferreira spent three years turning a 165-year-old former church on the South Side into a home with modern amenities, while still retaining its historic character.

PHOTOS BY 360 CAPTURES LLC Shortly after Remie Ferreira listed his home, a 165-year-old former church in the heart of the South Side, for sale near the end of July, it started getting noticed on social media. “I was surprised. It went viral,” he recalls. Upon seeing the red brick building’s striking features, which stand out even in a neighborhood…

What Else Should Be Pittsburgh’s Theme Song?

Our first attempt to find a local anthem ended in a split decision.

As of this writing, the big winner in last week’s competition to crown a Pittsburgh theme song is … “None of the above.” Yinz guys are opinionated n’at. We presented six solid contenders last week, none of which passed 20% of the vote total. The closest was Joe Grushecky’s “Pumping Iron,” at 19%, but the top vote-getter was a rejection…

Perspectives: What Should Be Pittsburgh’s Theme Song?

West Virginia has “Country Roads.” Why don’t we get an anthem, too?

Whenever I pass into West Virginia, I instinctively sing the chorus of “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” The Mountaineer State anthem is so ingrained in the common perception of West Virginia that it strikes me as a respectful hat-tip to get through at least four lines whenever my tires cross the state line. (Even if I’m just passing through that…

Watch: Celebrities Help Ease College Students’ Anxiety

These famous faces, all with ties to Pittsburgh, deliver their messages with equal amounts of humor and empathy.

The Unpack U initiative, created by the Citrone 33 Foundation in partnership with Embrace Pittsburgh, will help students focus on their mental health throughout the school year with tips, local resources and real-time virtual events for nine local universities: University of Pittsburgh Carnegie Mellon University Chatham University Duquesne University Carlow University Point Park University Robert Morris University Saint Vincent College…

Watch: Ryan Shazier Gives Father-Son Pair a Special Gift

Two dedicated Steelers fans can always watch the game from their seats

RYAN SHAZIER AT STEELERS TRAINING CAMP IN 2018 | PHOTO BY PITTSBURGH STEELERS | KARL ROSER Former Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier gives away two Heinz Field stadium seats to fans in a heart-warming video by Pepsi titled “Every Game is a Home Game.” The father and son pair, Tim and Pat Dougherty, have a history of attending Steelers’ games. Tim,…

Where You Can See Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers for Free

“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” will be shown under the stars this weekend at the Pittsburgh Zoo parking lot.

If you haven’t seen or want to watch again “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” the story about the transformation of a skeptical journalist (Matthew Ryhs) after meeting and writing a profile of Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks) for Esquire, Saturday night is your best bet. The film is part of the City of Pittsburgh’s summer Drive-In Movie night program. You…

Watch: What Makes This Pittsburgh Fashion Show Unique?

Models wearing masks and social distancing was just the beginning.

The idea for Fashion Under Quarantine began when Pittsburgh designer Bradford Mumpower was working on a new concept for the annual Fashion with Compassion show scheduled for early spring. He wanted all of the artists and designers to create outfits from clothing donated to Thriftique. Then the pandemic changed everything. “As an artist, I was feeling the frustration of having…

Where You Can Snag Free Tickets to a Pop-Up Drive-In Movie

This summer, the city of Pittsburgh has been showing free movies under the stars.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK When the pandemic canceled the city of Pittsburgh’s annual Movies in the Park program, organizers pivoted to Drive-In Movie nights. Six movies were scheduled at various outdoor locations – all of them for free. The next flick under the stars is Saturday, Aug. 22, when “Charlie’s Angels” will be shown in the Carnegie Science Center parking lot. Gates…

When There’s No Time for Grudges

A Fayette County man's heroic rescue of a police officer trapped in a car that was about to catch fire gets national attention.

You may have heard the story about Daylan McLee. While inside a home at a Father’s Day cookout in Uniontown, he looked outside and saw a police cruiser involved in a violent crash. He ran to help, pulling a trapped officer from the car before it caught fire. As if his heroic actions were not enough, McLee’s history with police…

Watch: A Pittsburgh Penguin is Taught How to Cook a Lobster

Defenseman Brian Dumoulin learns how to prepare lobster thermidor in NHL cooking show.

Dumoulin appears in the latest episode of “Plates and Skates,” an NHL produced program where players learn how to prepare restaurant-quality dishes with the help of real chefs. The defenseman’s instructor for making lobster thermidor was French chef and restaurateur Ludo Lefebvre. The highlight of the episode is toward the end when Duomoulin’s young son Brayden tastes tests the dish….

“The Fandom” Explores Pittsburgh’s Furry Gathering

Although Anthrocon was canceled due to the pandemic, viewers can learn more about furries in a new documentary.

Although Pittsburgh’s popular Anthrocon was canceled due to COVID-19, fans of the event can still revel in “The Fandom” documentary, out now. Anthrocon, the annual furry convention held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown, has taken place over the Fourth of July holiday weekend since 2006. The event has grown every year, and has turned into a source…

Enjoy an Immersive Experience at the National Aviary

Whether you’re missing your favorite birds or planning a first visit, the National Aviary is ready for you.

Visitors at the one and only National Aviary can get close to a colony of African Penguins, peek in on a new Victoria Crowned Pigeon chick, and relax in the quiet surrounds of the newly renovated Grasslands habitat. New Beginnings Ongoing individual support is helping the National Aviary’s dedicated team continue caring for birds like penguin Dottie. She and her…

See Video of the New Baby Sea Lion at Pittsburgh Zoo

Like all newborns, this one is a cutie.

There’s a new attraction at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, and it’s just 13 days old. Smiley, a California sea lion, was born June 10 and the zoo just released a video of the pup and Mom Kelilah taken three hours after it was born. “We are all very excited and happy for Kelilah,” says Henry Kacprzyk, curator of…

Pittsburgh Hosting Its Own Drive-In Movies This Summer

The city's special events office and Dollar Bank partner to provide an alternative to the Cinema in the Parks series

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK Drive-in movies are enjoying a resurgence in the age of social distancing and the city of Pittsburgh is jumping on the bandwagon. Every other Saturday through Aug. 22, the city’s special events office and Dollar Bank are hosting family-friendly drive-in movies at various locations. Admission is free, but the number of parking spaces is limited so you must…

The Weather Can’t Hurt This Year’s Three Rivers Arts Festival

What to stream — and how to buy one-of-a-kind art — from the comfort of your home this month.

PHOTO BY JESSICA SINICHAK There’s one thing, at least, that organizers of the Three Rivers Arts Festival won’t have to worry about this year: For once, it won’t matter if it rains. Hosted by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the 61st festival will convert to a digital format beginning June 5 at noon. At the event page through June 14, audiences…

Watch: Local Musician Records Video in 28 Locations

Nick Navari's musical trip around Pittsburgh landmarks is fun to watch, and the video will leave its soundtrack planted in your head for the rest of the day.

Nick Navari says he recorded the video to lift our spirits during these challenging times. “Pittsburgh always seems to have a knack for coming out of tough situations stronger, and I think we’ve already seen many ways in the current crisis where that is true,” he tells Next Pittsburgh. “To me, ‘Dear Pittsburgh’ serves as just another boost of encouragement…

Watch: Ellen DeGeneres Surprises One of Pittsburgh’s Helpers

As the founder of the Alignment Chapter, Ray Nell Jones delivers bundles of essential items to struggling single mothers in Pittsburgh, as well as 18 other states.

For the past 11 years, Ray Nell Jones has been fighting for struggling single mothers in her neighborhood. She never expected a staff member from “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” to discover her on social media and offer her an interview with an associate producer. But when DeGeneres herself surprised Jones and her family in her Mother’s Day special this year…

A Special Renovation Project Helps Teen in Recovery

84 Lumber built a handicap-accessible addition for 13-year-old Autumn Zundel, including a path to her beloved barn animals.

PHOTOS COURTESY 84 LUMBERNew Alexandria teen Autumn Zundel has a passion for showing her steers, hogs and horses in competition.  As a member of the American Quarter Horse Association, Harold Alwine 4-H group and livestock groups such as the National Junior Swine Association and the Pennsylvania Club Livestock Association, she brought home three ribbons from the state farm show in…

Watch: 13 Famous CMU Grads Send off the Class of 2020

The virtual Carnegie Mellon University ceremony Sunday included surprise appearances from Ted Danson, Billy Porter and Ming-Na Wen.

For high school and college seniors, the COVID-19 pandemic has cost them an occasion that would typically be a day of joy and celebration.  Having 13 celebrities act as your commencement speakers can soften the blow.  And CMU has no shortage of celebrity graduates.  Performers Billy Porter, Ted Danson, Ming-Na Wen, Leslie Odom Jr. and Tamara Tunie, San Juan mayor…

How Would You Like to Work at Zoom?

The video conferencing app announced Wednesday it will open Pittsburgh and Phoenix R&D offices and hire hundreds of software engineers.

In a viral video, comedian Julie Nolke appears to her pre-COVID-19 self and tells her she’s going to want to invest in Zoom. “Isn’t that a conferencing app?” her past self asks. “Yes. Trust me,” Nolke says. Turns out, that would have been good advice to our past selves. The video communications leader announced Wednesday it will expand and open…

How this Pittsburgh Couple is Coping with Postponed Wedding

Find out how Casey and Brandon have shifted their elaborate plans for a Heinz Chapel Wedding that was put on hold.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED Casey Macioge and Brandon Lewis were supposed to be standing together at Heinz Memorial Chapel this weekend, reciting their wedding vows and unveiling more than one surprise for their 120 guests. Instead, May 9 will be just another Saturday at home, despite the Youngstown couple planning for more than a year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic canceling weddings…