austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

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

City Cast Pittsburgh

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

Now that the season is officially here, tell us what’s on YOUR summertime Pittsburgh bucket list!

Maybe you want to take in a Buccos game and get gorgeous views of the city. (Megan Harris / City Cast Pittsburgh)

Francesca Dabecco

⏪ 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

How do you get through the ups and downs of living in Pittsburgh? No, really — we have one of the hilliest cities in the U.S.

The answer: a network of hundreds of public stairways locally referred to as “city steps.” This unique infrastructure was the first public transportation system in Pittsburgh.

Today, locals can walk these paths of the past to connect with our city’s history, explore neighborhoods, and get free outdoor exercise.

City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide

 to share a field kit to these steep and storied staircases.

If you’re just getting acquainted with city steps, here are author 

’s recommendations for the best flights for urban hikes ⬇️

 are the city's longest walkable flight. They're connected to trails that lead to the South Busway and Brookline Memorial Park. (You can catch 

 is the fourth-longest flight in the city. It's walkable, but it has a severe case of scoliosis! This flight once led residents to the East Street Valley neighborhood, which is now I-279. 👟 Want more Fineview fun? Sign up for the 

 from Shaler Street, and you'll find yourself surrounded by Emerald View park trails. Follow the half-mile 

 for a gorgeous tree canopy and sweeping views of the West End.

Enter at either Cowley-Goettman Park or Province Street to get a stunning view of the city at the 

. There’s a bench where you can relax and take in the vista. 👟Explore more of 

 span the hill in, well … the Hill District. These stairs are near the 

, the grand Victorian home of a well-known bootlegging family from the 1920’s and 30’s. 👟 Explore more of 

The National Negro Opera House, currently undergoing preservation, sits directly across from the 

➡️ All of these flights appear on the 1923 city maps, so you can literally "walk in the footsteps" of those from 100 years ago.

) for taking a field trip with the City Cast Pittsburgh team!

Discover Pittsburgh’s best city steps for urban hikers.

The Best City Step Hikes in Pittsburgh

A Guide to Touring Pittsburgh’s City Steps

Everything to know about Pittsburgh neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

In which neighborhood can you meet Vivien, a two-toed sloth?

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

Amanda Hicks at Clearview FCU

Have you looked at your bank account recently and wondered why your savings aren't growing? You aren't alone. We know that setting money aside each month has become more challenging for everyone. It isn't just about willpower, either. There are real economic forces at play making it harder for you to get ahead.

Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward overcoming them. Let's explore why saving feels so difficult right now, and how we can help you regain control.

One of the biggest hurdles we all face is the steady increase in everyday costs. Groceries, rent, utilities, and transportation have all become significantly more expensive. Because these are not optional expenses, even small increases across multiple categories add up quickly. When more of your income goes toward essentials, you naturally have less left to put into a savings account.

At the same time, wages aren't always keeping pace with inflation. Even when you receive a raise at work, it might not fully offset your rising living costs. This dynamic creates a frustrating feeling of constantly trying to catch up, where higher expenses quickly absorb any financial progress you make.

Managing your finances today means navigating a constant stream of decisions. Do you cook dinner after a long day, or tap your phone for delivery? Keep that subscription, or let it go? Click “buy now,” or hold off?

Each choice may seem small, but over time, they add up — not only in dollars, but also in mental energy. When you’re stretched thin or running on empty, it’s natural to lean into what feels easiest in the moment. But those quick, convenient decisions can quietly chip away at your ability to save.

By understanding how our mental energy shapes financial habits, we can take steps to make mindful choices that better align with our goals. Even small habits, like planning a few meals ahead or regularly reviewing subscriptions, can help take some of that pressure off your day-to-day decisions.

Because of these pressures, we often see a common tendency to delay saving until things feel more stable. You might tell yourself that you will start saving when things calm down, or when you finally have a little more room in your budget.

The problem is that expenses often stay high, or new unexpected costs appear. That perfect moment keeps getting pushed further out. This creates a cycle where building your savings always feels just out of reach. Even setting aside a small, consistent amount now can help break that cycle.

Here’s the good news: saving doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Taking small, consistent steps can still make a massive difference in your financial life. Giving your savings a clear purpose, like building a modest emergency cushion or preparing for planned expenses, makes it much easier to stay committed.

You don't have to navigate these economic hurdles alone. Clearview’s 

 are here to guide you. With their support, you can create a personalized strategy that helps you overcome any challenges and empowers you to achieve your goals. One step at a time, we can build a brighter, more secure financial future together.

Why It’s So Hard To Save Right Now

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

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

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

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

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

Tell us your goals, plans, and dreams for summer 2024.

What's on Your Summertime Bucket List in Pittsburgh for 2024?

What's on Your Summertime Pittsburgh Bucket List?

Find the best that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

Paint the town rainbow! Don’t miss the annual 

 June 6 and 7 in Allegheny Commons Park and 

 on June 7. There’s nothing quite like seeing a sea of color flow through the city — all in celebration of love and equal rights. The parade starts in the Strip District, goes through Downtown, and ends on the North Side at the Pride Festival in Allegheny Commons Park. Check out vendors, organizations, performances, and more.

For more pride, look no further than your own (or nearby) neighborhood! There are additional celebrations in 

Find all sorts of handmade arts and crafts at the 

, the Arts Landing in the Cultural District, June 5-7 and 11-14. Expect to see hundreds of arts and crafts vendors and a variety of live music performances, from rock to alternative hip hop to pop-folk. (

.) Don’t miss Pittsburgh’s art-rock troupe Squonk turn Arts Landing into a “kinetic, music-filled playground.”

What’s better than popcorn under the stars? Pittsburgh has a new 

 in the Strip District. Lounge in a sling chair, put on headphones, and snack on treats at The Stacks at 3 Crossings — every fourth weekend of the month, May through October. Or, bring your blanket and get cozy on the lawn for free movie screenings in 

Experience Pittsburgh from a new perspective at Bike Pittsburgh’s annual 

 event June 28. Miles of city streets will be shut down to cars and open for residents to walk, run, bike, skate, and roll. There will also be free fitness workshops, kids’ biking classes, local food vendors, and more family-friendly activities. 

Find Treasures at Mexican War Streets Yard Sale

. Not only can you find secondhand gems, but it’s a chance to see inside historic rowhouses and charming courtyards. Fuel up at my favorite coffee shop, 

Pittsburgh has a new 21+ night festival happening every weekend this summer! Starting June 20, East Carson Street will transform into one of Pittsburgh’s biggest outdoor nightlife destinations with live music, cocktails, vendors, and more entertainment. 

Celebrate the Warhol Bridge’s 100th Birthday

Hang out with City Cast Pittsburgh! We’re joining Allegheny County for an afternoon of music, food, games, and art to celebrate the Andy Warhol Bridge’s 100th Birthday on June 27. 

Make more plans for June! Tune into the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast to hear 

June 2026 in Pittsburgh: Three Rivers Arts Festival, Pride celebrations, Mexican War Streets yard sale, South Side Street Festival, and more.

The Best Pittsburgh Events in June 20206

7 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in June 2026

Put on your helmet, and let’s ride! Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a newbie to biking in the Burgh, we’ve got tips to 

Mark your calendar for these upcoming rides and events ⬇️

 gives you a sweet incentive to make it to each checkpoint: donuts! Pedal along bike lanes and trails throughout the city and snag treats from Paddy Cake Bakery, Pigeon Bagels, Sidecar, and Baked True North.

, stopping at a few breweries along the way. You’ll start at Millvale Riverfront Park and roll along the trail toward the city. The event is a part of their Battles to Bikes program for local veterans.

, then meet up at the Frick Environmental Center afterwards for a community picnic. There will be hot dogs with all of the fixings (vegan available!), icy treats, and good company. The ride is a fundraiser for BikePGH, and if you raise $100, you can get a special picnic blanket.

Have a chill ride with friends or race to win some cool prizes at 

. The ride starts and ends at 3 Rivers Outdoors Co. in Regent Square, and all proceeds go toward 

, a volunteer-run nonprofit that helps Pittsburghers get, repair, and maintain bikes.

 is dedicated to breaking down barriers to bicycling. Join the group for a beginner-friendly group ride along the riverfront trail, or get some more miles in with a steady, long climb from Point State Park to the top of Riverview Park.

, starting at Allegheny Commons Park on the North Side. All experience levels are welcome at this charity ride for BikePGH. There will be beer, NA beverages, music, and food trucks at the finish line.

Experience Pittsburgh from a new perspective at BikePGH's’s annual 

 event series, where miles of city streets are shut down to cars and open for residents to walk, run, bike, skate, and roll through. Stay tuned for details.

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

Pittsburgh's Best

What's on Your Summertime Pittsburgh Bucket List?

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

Share article

Pittsburgh's Best

7 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in June 2026

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

10 Summer Home, Garden, and Neighborhood Tours in Pittsburgh

10 Ways To Celebrate Your Birthday in Pittsburgh

15 Pittsburgh Music Festivals for Good Tunes and Community

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in May 2026

25 Spring Pop-Up Markets for Shopping Local in Pittsburgh

Free Parties, Concerts and More NFL Draft Events in Pittsburgh

The latest in Pittsburgh

Try This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle

A Guide to Touring Pittsburgh’s City Steps

Think You Know Pittsburgh Neighborhoods? Take This Quiz

Why It’s So Hard To Save Right Now

Pittsburgh's Guide To Voting in the 2026 Primaries

4 Pittsburgh Brunches We Don’t Want To Live Without

What To Do Downtown After the Draft

What To Do When You Get Scammed