🌱 Seasonal Affective Disorder + $50 Million Plan To Reduce Violence

Hi all. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town today.

But first, today's weather:

Some sun returning; milder. High: 48 Low: 30.

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Here are the top three stories in Pittsburgh today:

1. People in Pittsburgh suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) are experiencing better outcomes this year, despite the typical February gloominess, as the area experienced warm and sunny days. Chrissy Whiting-Madison, a mental health expert from Sally and Howard Levin Clubhouse, which helps people disrupted by mental illness, said the nice weather had led people to "feel better" and suggested, "everybody [has] a little bit of SAD." Several club members shared their stories of mental health recovery at their annual fundraiser on Thursday, Feb. 23. (WPXI Pittsburgh)
2. Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald has pledged to allocate $50 million to organizations working towards reducing violence in the next five years. The funding will support proposals submitted to the Department of Human Services, including initiatives like identifying the root causes of shootings and improving hospital-based intervention for gunshot victims. Other supported programs include mental health services for violence victims and crime reduction through environmental design. (CBS Pittsburgh)
3. Mike Lang, the founder of Fifty One Ten Vintage, opened his first store in East Liberty in 2020, followed by Twisted Vintage in 2022 and Vintage on 51 just last week. Lang is dedicated to providing high-quality vintage clothing at affordable prices and hosts regular promotions and events. His success has led to additional stores opening, and he hopes to make vintage clothing more accessible to people outside the city. (The Pitt News)

Today in Pittsburgh:

• Friends To Friends Charity Benefit Show & Dance W/ Nied's Hotel Band & Pure Gold Band At The Pittsburgh Shrine Center (6:30 PM)
• Right TurnClyde At The Bridge Music Bar, East Liberty (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Pennsylvania has experienced a mild winter, with January temperatures averaging 6.2 degrees above normal and the second warmest January on record. This warm trend continued into February, suggesting a warmer-than-average spring on the horizon, which could lead to early blooms and increased insect activity. (WTAE Pittsburgh)
• Cafe Zinho, a Portuguese and Mediterranean restaurant located in nearby Shadyside, has closed down after 25 years due to owner Toni Pais' health problems, leaving the future of the space uncertain. (Pittsburgh Patch)
• Carnegie Mellon University is hosting "The Great Encouragement" event, featuring an art exhibit and award ceremony recognizing students from the area, open to the public today (Feb. 25) at 12 p.m. (butlerradio.com)

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You're officially in the loop for today! Your regular curator will be back on Monday with your next update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.