Free Tax Help, Adda Updates & Gainey Wants a Basketball Team

It’s the Friday news roundup! A few weeks ago, Mayor Ed Gainey told us he wants to bring a professional basketball team to Pittsburgh, and now the city’s officially exploring the idea. The Monroeville Convention Center is becoming a massive Hobby Lobby, and municipal leaders are really worried about the economic impact from an abrupt loss of business. And former Adda Coffee & Tea workers withdrew their NLRB complaint after management offered severance. Plus, we’ve got a bunch of free resources for folks who need help preparing their taxes.  We always cite our sources: Former employees at Adda Coffee & Tea got a compensation package that includes severance pay. The Monroeville Convention Center is closing down, and Hobby Lobby’s slated to move into the building later this year. But local officials are saying they weren’t informed about the lease and will try to save the convention center. The Sports and Exhibition Authority is doing a feasibility study to see if Pittsburgh could be home to a pro basketball team.   Pittsburgh is also hoping to host an NFL Draft in the next few years. Last year, we talked with The Athletic’s Tyler Batiste about why Pittsburgh can’t score an NBA team. Looking for help with your taxes? Newsletter Editor Francesca Dabecco rounded up a few organizations offering tax help for free. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.