📍 Why Pittsburgh’s an ‘unexpected’ destination

Pittsburgh Cartoonist Ed Piskor Dies

Pittsburgh-based cartoonist Ed Piskor was found dead in his home on Monday, his family announced. He posted what appeared to be a suicide note on his Facebook page, addressing recent allegations of sexual misconduct and the fallout he said he’d experienced. Pittsburgh City Paper reported last week that the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust indefinitely postponed an exhibit featuring his art after learning about the allegations. Piskor, 41, was well known in the comics world for his works “Hip Hop Family Tree” and “X-Men: The Grand Design.” [90.5 WESA]

School District Gets More Say in Blighted Properties

Pittsburgh City Council unanimously voted to expand the city’s land bank board. It’s creating two new seats for representatives from Pittsburgh Public Schools and Allegheny County, so they have a say in deciding what the city does with blighted properties. Council also passed an agreement that exempts the land bank from paying back taxes when it acquires properties. [TribLIVE]

Pittsburgh Named a Top Travel Destination

The Steel City is a top global travel destination – at least according to National Geographic’s latest publication, “Here Not There.” The guide explores 100 “unexpected travel spots.” Author Andrew Nelson presents Pittsburgh as an alternative to San Francisco, and highlights our blend of tech startups, historic neighborhoods, and scenic landscapes. We even get a shout out for having the steepest street in the country. [CBS News]

• Time to celebrate: Your guide to April in Pittsburgh. [City Cast Pittsburgh 🎧]

You better order your glasses now! The April 8 total solar eclipse – which will send a swath of the U.S. into sudden twilight – will be the “single largest event of our lifetime” in Erie County.

Check out this simulation that shows where and when the total eclipse will happen in Pennsylvania.

No matter where you are, in perfect view or not, it will be a powerful moment of collective memory-making. The U.S. won’t have another viewable total eclipse until 2044. The last total solar eclipse along the East Coast was on March 7, 1970.

Read our full eclipse guide to find out where to view the eclipse and what to do if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

⚠️ Beware: The state’s Attorney General is asking residents to be mindful of “fake” eclipse glasses. There are several things you should look for in real specs, including a safety standard certification number.

How to Get Free Food on Your Birthday in Pittsburgh

Producer Sophia Lo is celebrating her birthday today! In honor of the festivities, we’re rounding up some of the best birthday freebies and discounts in Pittsburgh, from sweet treats to full meals.