🚙 Why are Pittsburgh potholes so bad?

Pittsburghers Brace for Potholes

Pittsburgh has a tough pothole season ahead thanks to the freeze-thaw cycle, where melted snow seeps into road cracks then freezes and expands overnight. Bill Crean, deputy director for the city’s Department of Public Works, shares what it takes to fill these annoying craters and how you can speed up the process in your neighborhood. [TribLive / 🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Lunar New Year Parade Canceled Over ICE Fears

Squirrel Hill’s annual celebration has been canceled because members of the city's Asian community are worried about their safety amid a surge of federal immigration enforcement. In lieu of the event, residents can write their New Year’s wishes on red tags and tie them to trees around the neighborhood. [WESA]

• Gov. Josh Shapiro says he'll "use every tool at his disposal" to block proposed immigration detention centers in PA, warning the facilities would hurt local economies and put stress on water, sewer, and emergency services. How much power does he have to stop them? [SpotlightPA / 🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Steelers Flunk Their Report Card

Pittsburgh ranked dead last out of 32 teams in the NFL Players Association annual report cards. The Steelers got failing grades for treatment of families, home field, locker room, and team travel. See the Steelers’ assessment. [ESPN]

Noah Wyle Wins Big for ‘The Pitt’

Actor Noah Wyle won a SAG-AFTRA Actor Award for his performance as Dr. Robby — making history as the first actor to sweep all five major television acting awards in a single season. The hit HBO Max medical drama also won “Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.” [TribLive]

• Hear our hot takes on season two so far, from the best local Easter eggs to where we think (confirmed and fictional) couples would go on a date. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Locals Arrested for Climbing Gulf Tower

Don’t look dahn! A man who scaled the Downtown skyscraper last week was charged with criminal trespassing; his alleged accomplice was also charged. The climber, Austin Seik, is known for ascending tall, risky heights — sometimes illegally — and capturing photos. [WPXI]

Let’s play a game! Where in Pittsburgh can you find “write more letters” at the entryway of a business?

🌟 Congrats to Lauren B.K., Ted K.S., Lauren B., Julianna W., Katie L., Shauna M., Melissa W., and Jason W. who correctly guessed the last “Where Is It?” challenge! ⬇️

Love supporting local artists? It only costs a dollar (in quarters!) to get a cool piece of original work from this print vending machine at Bantha Tea Bar in Bloomfield. The prints are created by the Pittsburgh Art Mail Club, a local subscription that sends art to your door every month 🎨💌

Stop into Bantha Tea Bar to get an art print, sip on a warm cup of tea, and attend one of their events, like live music or comedy. The space is so cozy and almost feels like a Star Wars cantina.

Looking for more things to see and do?

• 🗓️ Make plans for the month with our guide to March
• ☕ Try one of these seven new Pittsburgh coffee shops
• 🛁 Treat yourself to a relaxing day at local spas
• 🍿 See Oscar-nominated films at indie theaters
• ⛸️ Get outside with these winter activities
• 💡Test your knowledge of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
• ✏️ Try out our latest Pittsburgh crossword puzzle
• 📍 Learn Black history by touring local landmarks

We’re back with recommendations from City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors 📣 This is a weekly spot in the newsletter where members get to shine a light on their favorite local businesses, organizations, and events.

• 🍩 Sarah S. wants to shout out Pigeon Bagel’s donut Wednesdays. “Sometimes you just need a good nut on humpday.” 😆 Grab a treat on the second Wednesday of each month.

Want to share your own shoutout? 🌟