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City Cast Pittsburgh

Kevin Gavin

Test your knowledge of PA-made candy 🍭🍫🍬

Hershey Co. is a leading chocolate manufacturer in the U.S. (

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

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

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

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

Megan Harris

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

Hundreds of thousands of people are headed for the Burgh to attend NFL Draft festivities, April 23-25. But the party isn’t just on the North Shore draft stage — there are celebrations all throughout the city!

All of that fun inspired local influencer and coder 

) where you can find events all in one place. 

 on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast, then scroll for some draft weekend highlights ⬇️

. It’s your one-stop shop for check-ins, event schedules, maps, ticket management, transportation information, and accessing exclusive fan experiences.

Kick off festivities the day before the draft with a concert from hip-hop superstar Nelly at 

 — then return on the weekend for performances by ground-breaking EDM DJ Steve Aoki and Grammy-winning hip-hop artist 2 Chainz. The new outdoor entertainment space is right across from PNC Park and features a fast-casual restaurant, SugarBird, serving fried chicken, donuts, and soft serve ice cream.

Celebrate Pittsburgh’s culinary heritage and diversity with celebrity chef Andrew Zimmerman and more than 20 beloved local chefs at the Tower at PNC Plaza in Downtown. 

 tickets are pricey, but the proceeds help to bring healthy food to PA schools. Plus, word is that some Steelers and NFL Legends will be there!

Local businesses and restaurants are hosting local performers for 

. Kick it off with the grand reopening of Market Square and music by DJ Arie Cole, NASH.VILL, and Big Jus & Steeltown Horns. Then march through Downtown to enjoy R&B and funk at August Wilson Center and jazz at Con Alma. Or venture to other neighborhoods for indie punk at The Government Center, reggae at Club Cafe, and pop rock at City Winery.

The new four-acre civic space in the Cultural District will make its debut with a 

free party for Pitt fans and football lovers

. There will be food trucks, bars, a stage for live music, a gaming tent, vendors, and more — right along Fort Duquesne Boulevard with stunning views of the Allegheny River.

 all three days of the NFL Draft. Check out the 

, an immersive fan cave modeled after a 1970s Pittsburgh basement, photo opportunities with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, oversized replicas of the team’s six Super Bowl rings, and a custom art installation honoring the Terrible Towel.

Spread the love to small businesses! Head to the Pitt Building on Third Avenue to shop from some of Pittsburgh’s best Black artists and creators at a 

. It’s a collaboration between the Greenwood Plan and 

 will be spinning high-energy hip hop, R&B, and trap at Roxian Theater from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Come to dance with Arie Cole, DJ Shay, Solo Dolo, and Icy Pisces. The event is 21+, and a VIP package is available.

Take in the action with one of the best rooftop bar views in the city. 

 on the South Side will have a draft livestream, a special themed menu, and draft tracking sheets so you can follow along. Have a group? Reserve a table to get a complimentary bottle of a ready-to-drink cocktail and a commemorative event item.

Nothing says “iconic Pittsburgh" like a day in the Strip District. Close out NFL Draft festivities with 

. Shop local, grab a Parma Sausage sandwich, dig into a football-shaped pizza, cool off with Millie’s Ice Cream, sip on an East End Brewing beer, and more. Plus, if you spend $50 or more in the gift shop, love, Pittsburgh will buy you a drink!

On the last day of the draft, locals and visitors can run or walk through the North Shore and Downtown in a 

. The route will take racers across our iconic bridges and right into the heart of the action.

This is the easiest way to avoid traffic headaches and high parking costs. PRT is expanding service to include 

 all weekend with the $25 Draft Pass on the 

 If you must drive, know that several streets in Downtown and on the North Shore will be closed to vehicle traffic. There are 

 leading up to and after the event. Heads up: The city increased street parking fees to 

Once you’re in the event area, you can take the Gateway Clipper Fleet between Point State Park and the North Shore for free.

Similar to Pirates games, the Roberto Clemente Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic so pedestrians can get from the North Side to Downtown.

Party for the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh with a music crawl, free fan festival in Point State Park, Slappers N Bangers dance party, Pitt Block Party at Arts Landing, and more.

What To Do During the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

Free Parties, Concerts and More NFL Draft Events in Pittsburgh

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

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

What do you know about Pittsburgh neighborhoods and surrounding areas?

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

Sophia Lo

ICYMI, we hit 1,000 episodes of City Cast Pittsburgh! To celebrate, we're making a list of 1,000 things we love about our city — 

. Here are some of the themes we've seen so far, by the numbers.

 Pittsburghers think our city is just the right size. We're large enough to have all the big city amenities without feeling overwhelming and small enough so you're always running into your friends around town.

 of yinz mentioned you’re a big fan of our neighborhoods. You love that they’re cozy and walkable (depending on the hilliness) and that each one has a distinct and eclectic personality.

 of you said you love the view when you drive inbound through the Fort Pitt Tunnel — one of our favorite things to show visitors when we pick them up from the airport!

Want to see the city from another perspective? One person recommended looking down toward the river instead of up at the skyline. At night when the Mon is calm, you'll see the lights from Downtown and Station Square twinkling on the water.

 about the Pirates. Your comments ranged from cheering on the Buccos on a summer night to (even) finding joy when watching the Pirates lose. One person gets a kick out of watching Michael Keaton "relentlessly posting about his disgust" with the team on Instagram.

Of course, we also received notes about the pierogi race. Jalapeño Hannah is a crowd favorite!

 yinzers love our parks, especially Schenley and Frick Park. Did you know that we actually have more than 100 parks? We love hearing about your favorite neighborhood green spaces, so 

We got so many submissions complimenting our local restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries, including Polska Laska, Cop Out Pierogis, Angkor, Five Points Bakery, Spigolo, Brew Gentlemen, Pamela's, and lots more. Plus, a special shoutout for the ranch at Eat'n Park 😂

 Join us at 412 Day (a totally real holiday) to continue celebrating our city. We'll be at Southern Tier Brewing Co. on the North Shore this Sunday, April 12 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is totally free and family-friendly, and the fun includes a live DJ, vendor market, flash tattoos, and our exclusive Nebby Neighbor beer. 

City Cast Pittsburgh readers and listeners tell us what they love about living in Pittsburgh.

What Are the Best Things About Pittsburgh?

1,000 Things We Love About Pittsburgh: By the Numbers

Pittsburgh is about to be one big party for the NFL Draft! Wondering what else there is to do in April? Check out art shows, find zen moments in nature, feel a rush at Kennywood, score deals for Record Store Day, and more ⬇️

tune into the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast 

for even more recommendations from the team.

These trees with rosy flowers are the first sign of spring in the Burgh. You might mistake them for cherry blossoms, but they’re actually eastern redbuds — one of the first native tree species to bloom each April and a major nectar and pollen source for pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. 

2. Celebrate 412 Day With City Cast Pittsburgh

, a totally real holiday celebrating everything we love about the Burgh! Join the team at Southern Tier Brewing Company on the North Shore for live music, a market full of local vendors, flash tattoos, and more. And did we mention you can get our special Nebby Neighbor beer on tap?

3. See the New Collective Energies Exhibit

Beautiful things can happen when we work together. That’s the ethos behind the Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media’s newest exhibit, Collective Energies. The show features work from 11 staff members, paired with creations from artists they admire. Check out the 

, or swing by the Shadyside campus during business hours through May 17.

Celebrate this annual global event on April 18 by checking out exclusive releases and deals at Pittsburgh indie record shops like 

 in Mt. Lebanon. Keep the music love going at a 

. There will be live music, T-shirts and records for sale, and tasty drinks.

5. See Photographs from 30+ Pittsburghers

Bloomfield’s Bodega Film Lab is celebrating its five year anniversary with a group photo exhibit at Studio 4, opening on April 10. 

 features work from more than 30 local photographers who’ve developed their images at the space — showcasing a diverse array of perspectives that have passed through the lab’s doors. See it for yourself during gallery hours through the month of May.

There are lots of ways to shop from talented local makers this April. One of the most unique opportunities is 

, a pop-up inside a mid-century home in Point Breeze for two weekends, April 11-12 and 18-19. The market features a mix of local designers and internationally-sourced pieces, from fashion to home goods. Want more? 

7. Get Inspired By Nature at Frick Environmental Center

 on April 18. Enjoy a free, family-friendly afternoon with live music, guided trail walks, up-close animal encounters, and hands-on environmental education activities. Don’t forget to 

check out the nearby Sensory Nature Trail

, a fully accessible one-third mile stretch with rest spots and interactive stations.

8. Celebrate Art & Community at a Block Party

St. Nicholas Croatian Church in Millvale is home to the stunning Maxo Vanka murals, a 4,500-square-foot display depicting themes of immigration, social justice, labor, war, and faith. Check out the 4th annual 

 for food, music, art making, tours, and more.

The folks behind the plant-powered summer event, VegFest, are hosting a 

 on April 18 at Rockwell Park in Point Breeze. There will be vegan goodies, animal rescues, cruelty-free vendors, art, and more. It’s free!

Hundreds of thousands of people are coming to Pittsburgh to party April 23-25! Get in on the 

 with the Draft Theater on the North Shore, a fan festival at Point State Park, and lots of other community events — like 

 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.

April in Pittsburgh: pink blooms, 412 Day, art and photo exhibits, Record Store Day deals, spring markets, NFL Draft fun, and more.

The Best Pittsburgh Events in April 2026

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in April 2026

The north end of Point Breeze feels like a working-class neighborhood, but it was once the home of Pittsburgh’s wealthiest families. In the middle of the community is Westinghouse Park — formerly entrepreneur George Westinghouse’s estate. That property, along with the lawn of Henry J. Heinz, was transformed into a green space in 1918. You can still see Heinz’s original carriage house (now the 

 apartment building), the stone wall that surrounded the estate, and a decorative iron fence along Penn Avenue.

Spend a day exploring shops, getting creative, and finding tasty eats in Point Breeze North ⬇️

Commonplace Coffee has several locations around the city, but this spot in 

 — a former industrial site turned eight-building campus — is by far the roomiest. It has plenty of space for remote work or catching up with friends. Look for latte specials, treats like muffins and scones, and local art displays. And keep an eye out for pop-up events in Rockwell Park, like 

If you’re passionate about the environment, organic food, and supporting local businesses, grab your reusable tote bag and head to 

. It’s been around for more than 40 years, and you can find lots of local goods, as well as bulk items like beans, flour, spices, and more. Become a member to support the store and get discounts, or 

 like cheese tastings, game nights, and craft workshops.

Looking for specialty items? Just a skip away from the Co-Op, you’ll find Pittsburgh’s newest Asian grocery, 

. Aisles upon aisles are stacked with every kind of rice, noodle, sauce, and spice. Freezer sections are packed with ready-to-go eats (I’m a big fan of the japchae mandu). A seafood and meat counter make dinners feel fresh. And if you’re not up for cooking, stop by the hot bar. Don’t forget to treat yourself on the way out with a salty snack, a fresh sweet bun, or something refreshing from the homemade ice cream and juice bar.

 is a center for salvaged, reclaimed, and repurposed materials — there’s even a section dedicated to toilets, which, to me, looks like a graveyard for Pittsburgh potties. It’s a great place to find small home project items like tile, light fixtures, or hardware. Construction Junction is also a drop-off recycling site. Find out what 

If you prefer crafting over construction, swing around back to the 

. It’s like a garage sale, your grandma’s sewing stash, and the clearance aisle in an old Pat Catan’s, all combined into one. Stop by to see a gallery from the 

Find coffee, creative reuse, and specialty groceries in Pittsburgh's Point Breeze North neighborhood.

Things To Do in Point Breeze North

Get To Know Point Breeze North

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

Pittsburgh Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

PA has the fourth largest candy economy in the U.S. What do you know about locally-made treats?

What Candy Is Made in Pennsylvania?