💔 Your worst Pittsburgh dating stories

🪑 Allegheny County Council Fills Vacant Seat

Mt. Lebanon Republican Mike Embrescia will replace Sam DeMarco, who resigned in January to work for U.S. Sen. David McCormick. Embrescia is the chief development officer at Carnegie Robotics. He calls himself “a fiscal conservative [and] social liberal.” [90.5 WESA]

😷 UPMC, AHN Encourage Masks

UPMC originally announced a mask mandate starting this week, but the hospital system later walked it back; instead they're recommending masks because of a surge in respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV. Allegheny Health Network is also encouraging mask use. [TribLive]

🚧 Market Square Renovations To Start in April

The city’s Planning Commission approved a plan to revitalize the hub with new traffic rules, greenery, outdoor dining space, and a trellis canopy where visitors can gather for events. It’s just one piece of a $600 million plan to revamp Downtown. [TribLive / 🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

• 🌟 The Golden Triangle is getting a polish. But what about Smithfield Street? Can it become a hot spot again? [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

🎥 Pgh Celebrates First Black News Correspondent

Pitt is honoring Homestead’s barrier-breaking journalist Mal Goode at an event from 4-6 p.m. today. Goode became the nation’s first Black correspondent for a major American TV station in 1961; he first appeared on ABC with a report about the Cuban Missile Crisis. [Union Progress]

• 📖 Learn more about his story through this recent biography.
• ➡️ Celebrate Black History Month with our guide to February, roundup of best jazz spots, and feature on August Wilson. [📝 Hey Pittsburgh]

We love to update yinz on the yummiest new places to grab a bite or bev in the Burgh! Here's what caught our eye this week 🤤

🍜 Kyuramen

Check out this East Liberty spot for ramen made with homemade noodles and rich broth — plus savory sides like chili garlic edamame, pork bao buns, and purple sweet potato fries. Pair your meal with bubble tea or smoothie from the attached TBaar.

✨ Bae Bae’s Bar + Supper Club

We were heartbroken when the popular Downtown Korean restaurant announced its closure in January — but that was short lived! It’s now rebranded as a bar and supper club (hopefully still serving favorite japchae noodles, crispy tofu, and kimchi!). Stop in for a drink and late night bite starting Feb. 14. The kitchen is open from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.!

🍔 Cold Friends Kitchen

This food truck has been rolling around town for awhile, but they’ve added a new stop to their roaster. Find their Chz Burgher Egg Rolls and Blackened Gold Mac at New Amsterdam in Lawrenceville, Wednesday through Sunday. You can also find them at Velum Fermentation, Trace Brewing, and soon, Jackworth Ginger Beer.

🥯 Balena Bagels

Don’t sleep in! This new bagel shop in Castle Shannon usually sells out by 11 a.m. on Fridays and the weekends. Pick from fun bagel flavors like asiago, seven seed, za’atar, and jalapeño cheddar, and slather it in cream cheese. (They have vegan options, too!) Stop in Wednesday through Sunday.