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We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Pittsburgh

Francesca Dabecco

 on two wheels. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)

⏪ Looking for a previous Pittsburgh crossword? Find it here:

A crossword puzzle all about Pittsburgh news and fun facts. 

Can You Fill Out This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle?

Try This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle

What Pittsburghers have been wondering. We break down why things in Pittsburgh are the way they are and how they work.

Pittsburgh, Explained

Ready to do your civic duty? Allegheny County’s primary election is next 

If you're voting at a new polling place or in PA for the first time, you may need to provide an 

. If you are a returning voter, you don’t need an ID.

If you’re voting by mail, your application for a mail-in or absentee ballot must be received by the 

 by 5 p.m. May 12. Once you receive and complete your ballot, it must be 

Send your ballot through USPS or drop it off at 

Want to make sure your ballot was received? 

Reminder: PA is one of just eight states with a 

, meaning only registered Democrats and Republicans get to vote in their respective parties’ spring primaries. Independents and third-party voters can, however, vote on ballot measures.

, state Senate, state House, U.S. Congress, and more.

See exactly what’s on your ballot by entering your municipality, ward, and district into 

Elections can’t run smoothly without volunteers at each polling place. Help set up, check in voters, and assist with equipment by 

. Extra perk: You can make $150-$175 for your day of work.

7 Ideas To Make Voting Better in PA

How well do our elections actually work? Here are 

seven ways PA could improve its voting process

, from opening our primaries to making Election Day a holiday.

What to know before you vote in Allegheny County’s primary election on May 19.

Your Guide To Voting in the 2026 Primary Election in Allegheny County

Pittsburgh's Guide To Voting in the 2026 Primaries

Tips and tricks for living your best Pittsburgh life, by locals, for locals.

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

Where did Mister Rogers raise his family?

What neighborhood has the second-tallest education building in the world?

This neighborhood has a popular overlook perched more than 700 feet above the Ohio River, offering a unique view of Downtown.

Pittsburgh's only public indoor pool, Oliver Bath House, just reopened after years of renovations. Where can you find it?

Famous actor Jeff Goldblum grew up in this Pittsburgh neighborhood.

This neighborhood has a ceramics studio located inside of an old church

Which Pittsburgh neighborhood has the steepest street in the U.S.?

This borough is surrounded on all sides by city neighborhoods

How well do you know Pittsburgh neighborhoods and the surrounding areas? Take our quiz to find out!

Pop Quiz: Fun Facts About Pittsburgh Neighborhoods

Think You Know Pittsburgh Neighborhoods? Take This Quiz

People, places, and scenes from Pittsburgh's past.

Pittsburgh History

Whether you’re craving dippy eggs and home fries or a towering stack of pancakes, there's a spot in the city for you. We’re dishing on the meals worth waking up for on the 

 — and sharing a few of our best brunch tips ⬇️

Head to this South Hills gem on Saturday or Sunday for Greek twists on breakfast classics: like French toast made with sweet Easter bread or a Croque Madame stacked with rosemary ham, gruyere cheese, and béchamel. Order pastries for the table like Loukoumades (Greek honey puffs). Tip: Check out the cute patio outside, perfect for sunny days with sunny-side up eggs. — 

Francesca Dabecco, senior newsletter editor

Nosh on all-you-can-eat classics, plus roasted veggies, carved meats, fresh doughnuts, cold salads, and more inside the ornately-restored former home of the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad Station on the South Side. Brunch is served Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Don’t skip the cocktails and coffee. You definitely want a reservation. — 

Heinz might be king in Pittsburgh, but the banana ketchup on the Spam n'at is the perfect sweet and tangy complement to the rice and meat. Brunch isn't just for Sundays here; there are rotating specials during their weekday hours. The breakfast egg rolls, lumpia, hash browns, and home fries are all fried to perfection — so bring friends to share them all. Bonus points for having a bagel with pork roll on the menu, which makes my New Jersey heart so happy! — 

Grab a window seat in this cozy, sunlit spot on a Sunday and enjoy a fresh bagel with horseradish and dill schmear or a perfectly spicy shakshuka. If you like a little booze with your brunch, order from the impressive seasonal cocktail menu. On my last visit, I tried their “curry me banana” with cold brew concentrate, coffee liqueur and banana-curry foam. It was the ideal brunch beverage! — 

Dig In to More of Our Favorites! 💗

Whether you’re craving dippy eggs and home fries or a towering stack of pancakes, there’s a Pittsburgh brunch spot for you.

The Best Brunch Spots in Pittsburgh

4 Pittsburgh Brunches We Don’t Want To Live Without

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Pittsburgh. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Pittsburgh Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Mallory Falk

Megan Harris

We made it through the NFL Draft! Depending on your level of football fandom and tolerance for large crowds, you may be sad the party's over or relieved to move on.

Either way, you should get yourself Downtown to take advantage of the post-draft glow. Here are a few of our recommended ways to enjoy the Golden Triangle this spring:

Sure, the ice skating rink at PPG Place is iconic, but wouldn't it be nice to skate in the shadow of skyscrapers when it's warm and sunny? The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership is putting a roller skating rink in Market Square from May 7-25. Lace up and glide through the newly-renovated space.

Try yoga in the square instead. Free classes take place every Sunday and Tuesday, starting May 12.

Check out the expo Friday and Saturday at the convention center and prepare to lace up! Even if you aren’t running Saturday or Sunday, you can hang out by the finish line near Point State Park and cheer people on. Then grab a post-race meal or drink in the neighborhood. (Shouting words of encouragement and dramatically waving signs counts as a workout, too!) Make sure to stop by the Pittsburgh Pub, a pop-up bar in Market Square that was built for the NFL Draft but is sticking around through Marathon weekend.

Eighteen new businesses opened Downtown ahead of the NFL Draft as part of 

a long-standing program to fill empty storefronts

, a novelty shop that sells everything from s'mores earrings to pasta-shaped oven mitts. Get a drink at 

, a new tasting room serving beer, spirits, cocktails and N/A drinks from Black producers throughout the state. There are so many great spots to check out — and if they're successful, they could stick around the neighborhood for years to come.

Starting May 14, you can swing by Market Square every Thursday to find local produce and small-batch food. There's nothing like strolling around the space while snacking on a fresh plum or piece of fudge, and it'll be made all the sweeter this year now that Market Square is more shaded and walkable.

More fun things to do in Pittsburgh!

Roller skate through Market Square, browse the Downtown farmers market, and check out new pop-up businesses.

What To Do In Downtown Pittsburgh Spring 2026

What To Do Downtown After the Draft

Amanda Hicks at Clearview FCU

You’re minding your business, enjoying a cold brew in Shadyside, when a text comes through. “Did you make this charge for $325 at WALMART? Your account has been locked. Click here to verify.”

Panic ensues. There was no way that could be real. You haven’t been to that store this month. You go to click the link to verify when something hits you. This feels off.

Situations like this are becoming more common and can happen to anyone. The good news is that there are clear, actionable steps to take that can make a meaningful difference if you do fall prey to a phishing scam.

In the age of AI, scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated. They’re skilled at creating urgency, pressuring you to act and act quickly so that your account can be restored. It’s that pressure that often leads people to not think things through.

It’s essential to trust your instincts in moments like this. If something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t.

When the scam involves money or your accounts, your first move should be to contact your financial institution. Reach out to them using a trusted phone number, like the one on the back of your card or listed on their official website. Avoid using any contact information provided in a suspicious message or phone call.

Your financial institution can help you freeze your account(s) or card(s), flag or stop suspicious transactions, and walk you through next steps based on your situation. Even if you’re not sure whether something was a scam, it’s always worth reaching out. Having a real person on the line can make a stressful situation feel a lot more manageable.

If you clicked a link or gave someone your password or login credentials, it’s important to act quickly to secure your accounts.

Start by changing your affected passwords, especially for online banking. If you use the same password across multiple sites, you’ll want to update those as well.

Most financial institutions offer two-factor authentication as an added layer of account protection. Once enabled, someone can’t access your account as easily, even if they have your password. Simple steps like this make a huge difference.

Save the text message and/or phone number it came from. Screenshot any website you may have entered or any other online interaction you took during this scam. If you entered information anywhere, note what was shared.

This information can support your financial institution’s investigation and help identify patterns in similar scams. It can also help flag patterns that protect other people from the same scam.

After you report the issue, your financial institution may begin a review process.

Issuing provisional credits in certain situations

Following up with additional questions or updates

These steps can take time. Staying in touch and keeping an eye on your accounts can help you feel more in control as things move forward.

Getting scammed can feel unsettling, but taking a few quick steps can make a big difference. The sooner you act, the more control you have over what happens next. By staying calm, taking swift action, and leaning on the support of your financial institution, you can mitigate a scam’s impact and safeguard your accounts. Scammers may be evolving, but so are the strategies to outsmart them.

 Clearview Federal Credit Union has been in operation since 1953 and serves more than 140,000 members in the Southwestern PA region. Their commitment is to create an inclusive and thriving community where financial growth and prosperity are accessible to everyone. 

, you're part of a movement toward a brighter financial future for yourself and for everyone around you. Clearview is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration and is an Equal Housing Lender.

What to Do When You Get Scammed

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

Want to try some of the best bites and bevs in the Burgh? Save room for these spring food and drink events, from food truck festivals to taste test contests.

📍St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Oakland

Celebrate this 64-year tradition with music, dancing, and of course, 

 like gyros, spanakopita, baklava, and moussaka. (

Stop into businesses along Forbes and Murray Avenues to try 15 different wines at this 

. You can stroll (and sip) at your own pace!

Join Humane Action Pennsylvania to explore our city’s 

. All week long, participating restaurants will offer discounts and specials. (I’m keeping my eyes peeled for what Chef Michael Godlewski is cooking up at 

, contestants compete to see who can make the best strawberry pretzel-inspired treat while raising money for a nonprofit of their choice. Tickets are $15 to taste test and vote on your favorites.

Enjoy brews and bites with proceeds benefiting nine parks through the Allegheny County Parks Foundation. There will be a kids fun zone, raffle baskets, live local music, and more at this 10th annual celebration. 

 while tasting specialty cheeses and desserts, browsing craft vendors, and grooving to live acoustic sets. The $27 ticket gets you a festival-branded glass and all the wine you can drink.

📍 Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, Washington

Head about 25 miles south of Pittsburgh to dig into grub from 

, take in live entertainment, cheers with craft beer and wine, and shop from regional artisans and vendors.

Celebrate craft and creativity at the first annual 

. It’s part culinary competition, part block party. Enjoy live music and get slices from Pittsburgh favorites like Badamo’s, Driftwood Oven, Spak, 77 Club, Slice on Broadway, Rockaway, and more.

📍 South Hills Village Mall, Bethel Park

Try gourmet dishes and sweet treats from 

, and shop from dozens of artisans showcasing handmade jewelry, art, and crafts. It’s free and family-friendly!

 with an iconic industrial backdrop. Live tunes, a roundup of food trucks, and arts and craft vendors will keep you busy while you tour the site. Not into drinking? Buy the cheaper designated driver ticket, and sip on nonalcoholic bevs.

Mark your calendar for Vegan Restaurant Week, Strawberry Pretzel Standoff, Pittsburgh Pizza Olympics, and more.

Pittsburgh’s Best Spring Food and Drink Festivals 2026

10 Food and Drink Festivals in Pittsburgh This Spring

Both local media outlets once owned and nearly ended by Block Communications Inc. have something to celebrate today.

Nearly all the former staff of Pittsburgh City Paper met back in the office this morning, just as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette announced 

, a free alt-weekly founded in 1991, was purchased by BCI in 2023 and abruptly shut down last New Year’s Eve. In March, editor Ali Trachta announced plans to recall most of CP’s editorial staff for a relaunch under a new for-profit company called Pierogi Press LLC, which is owned by the new Pittsburgh-based nonprofit 

 in Philadelphia. Today marks City Paper’s first day back at work in a new space in Squirrel Hill. They say monthly print issues and a revamped digital experience are coming soon.

 is recognized as one of the nation's oldest newspapers. Its legacy dates back nearly 240 years, and the last 99 were under the stewardship of the Block family. Employees had endured a three-year work strike, the dissolution of multiple unions, and long stretches with few raises and minimal hiring — and that was before BCI told staff on Jan. 7 the paper would cease operations May 3. The Baltimore Banner is a nonprofit news outlet owned by the 

Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism

. They say the PG will retain its name, core leadership, and two print publication days. According to a release, the newsroom will likely “start smaller” than the Banner’s current 95 staffers. The PG newsroom currently stands around 100. Financial details haven’t been disclosed.

 to uphold union contracts and bargain in good faith. The Guild is still pushing for legal liabilities the PG has already incurred.

Does this mean Philly and Baltimore are the good guys now? 🥴

 just for City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors about the Block family and their antics over the years. If you're a Neighbor, you can hear it in your ad-free podcast feed in 

. If you're not a member, you can sign up for this and future bonus segments (plus local meet-ups, swag like our new parking chair hat (!!), and more) 

Won’t you be our Neighbor?

Both the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh City Paper will continue in 2026.

New Owners for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Baltimore Banner Buys the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pedal in Pittsburgh at group bicycle rides, races, and special events featuring tasty treats.

The Best Group Rides and Biking Events in Pittsburgh This Summer

7 Summer Biking Events in Pittsburgh, From Group Rides to Races

Find the best that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

Ever wonder what your favorite house on the block looks like inside? Or do you catch yourself peeking through the fence to spot gorgeous flowers in your neighbor’s yard?

Now’s your time to be nebby! Explore Pittsburgh homes, gardens, and more on walking tours this summer.

will take you inside uniquely restored homes, repurposed lofts, and green spaces — each with a distinct style. Get to know the stories of each dwelling through personal art collections, family heirlooms, and memorabilia.

Step inside the botanical oasis at Grow Pittsburgh’s 

 in Wilkinsburg. The certified organic farm and greenhouse provides plants to urban farmers, schools, community gardeners, and home growers throughout the community. After the tour, stick around for a barbecue and social hour.

Want a tour with a performance? Get inspired by historical Pittsburgh legends on a 

 in Lawrenceville. Prime Stage Theatre actors will resurrect the stories of locals buried in one of Pittsburgh’s largest and oldest burial grounds.

See how residents grow vegetables, fruit trees, and pollinator-friendly flowers throughout private gardens 

. Then join the community for a picnic and party afterwards with food, entertainment, and activities for all ages.

Take in the sweet smells and sights of the gardens throughout this North Hills suburb. Previous stops on 

 featured prairie gardens with native perennials, peaceful ponds, water features, and stone landscaping.

Want to know what Pittsburgh looked like during its steel industry days? Get a glimpse of our region’s industrial past on a 

 — stretching between Rankin and Swissvale and towering 92 feet above the Monongahela River. The furnaces, built in 1884, are a remnant of the U.S. Steel Homestead Steel Works and a rare example of both 20th century steel dominance and pre-World War II iron-making technology.

Hartwood Acres Sculpture Garden Audio Tour

Visitors to this magnificent 629-acre park — originally a county estate for an equestrian family — can take a 

 of the Carol R. Brown Sculpture Garden. Learn about Pittsburgh’s industrial past while touring 14 large displays. Bring your headphones, and find a QR code at each stop!

Mosey through brick-lined streets, turn-of-the-century Victorian homes, and dreamy gardens on this 

. You’ll be stunned by the intricate woodwork, stained-glass windows, tall ceilings, and manicured gardens in Pittsburgh’s largest historic district.

Open doors to beautifully restored rowhouses on this 

 on the North Side. Attendees will be awed by stonework hearths, gorgeous wood floors, charming courtyards, and verdant community gardens.

 — from the homes on Judges Row to the iconic Allegheny Observatory. Last year’s tour started at Riverview Park, and featured craft beer samples from local breweries at stops throughout the tour.

Be your best nebby self and explore lush gardens, historic homes, and magnificent parks on these summer tours.

Explore Pittsburgh on Summer Home and Garden Tours 2025

10 Summer Home, Garden, and Neighborhood Tours in Pittsburgh

Whether you want a solo relaxing day or festivities for you and all of your friends, here are our tips for planning the best birthday in the Burgh.

There is so much art and history to explore in Pittsburgh. Get a glimpse of our region’s industrial past at the Carrie Blast Furnaces along the Monongahela River. 

 offers tours where you can learn about the landmark’s iron-making legacy or see how the site has been transformed with art.

Want more than just an elegant birthday dinner? Explore the flavors of an entire neighborhood with a 

. Choose from spots like the Strip District, Lawrenceville, South Side, Oakland, Allegheny West, and Brookline.

Trivia buff? Discover fun facts about Pittsburgh from an expert guide at 

. Tours take place in Downtown and go between one and two miles. Learn about the whiskey rebellion while tasting cocktail samples, see a spooky side of the city with nighttime ghost tours, or explore iconic buildings on a family-friendly outing.

If you love inventive food made with fresh ingredients, splurge on a prix fixe dinner at 

 in Garfield. Each small plate is paired with wine and cocktails or NA drinks, crafted to perfection. Look around the communal table, and you’ll be amazed by all of Spork's food lab tools, from a koji incubator to a dehydrator.

 hosts farm-to-table meals by a rotating lineup of impressive local chefs. All of the dinners are made with ingredients grown on the Carrick farm and enjoyed just a skip away from the crop fields and pollinator gardens. They always sell out fast, so plan ahead for your next occasion.

Want an excuse to dress up? Put on your best threads to step inside a fairytale at 

Take a guided tour, learn a new skill, have a spa day, or play games with friends on your next birthday in Pittsburgh.

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