🍖 Good BBQ in Pgh??

O'Connor Wants City To Help PPS

If Pittsburgh Public Schools moves forward with a plan to close nine buildings, Mayor Corey O'Connor says the city could put resources toward converting them into community centers or housing. A vote is expected by June. [City Cast Pittsburgh / 🔒 Post-Gazette]

• PPS spent ~4% more on salaries and overtime last year than in 2024. Teacher salaries went up, but racial and gender pay gaps remain. [Public Source]
• Can perks boost attendance? Steelers prizes, Harry Potter gimmicks, “nudge” letters and texts, and more are being deployed to encourage chronically absent students back to class. [🔒 Post-Gazette]

North Side YMCA Gets Glow Up

The Allegheny YMCA reopened to the public after more than a year of renovations. Crews preserved and refurbished some of the building's historic elements — like the floor from a duckpin bowling alley and the quirky "log cabin room" — while making it more accessible, renovating the locker room, and adding new gym equipment. More renovations are still ongoing, including adding child care spaces and upgrading affordable housing units upstairs. [WESA]

Pittsburgh's Best Barbecue

Devastated it's cold again? Warm up your belly with some hearty brisket chili, creamy mac and cheese, or perfectly smoked ribs. City Cast Pittsburgh contributor Colin Williams makes the case that Pittsburgh has a surprisingly decent barbecue scene and shares some of his favorite spots. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Statewide Program Takes On Climate Change

Penn State is leading a new, statewide network to help communities adapt to climate change. Members will learn how to respond to the impacts of rising temperatures and extreme weather "in a way that is not panic." Register to learn more at a regional meeting in Pittsburgh on April 1. [Allegheny Front]

Let’s play a game! Where in Pittsburgh can you find this flower and rainbow mural?

🌟 Congrats to readers Randi C., Corey E., Laura H., Alexa F., Alissa F., Avocet G., Jo A., Jeff M., David R., Lauren H., Cristina R., Tiffany L., Lauren B.K., Karen D., Tyler M., Sarah B., Gloria G., Andrea A., Cathy R., Meghan H., Sam L., Emily S., Diane T.B., Lawrence M., Barb W., Amina T., Nikki T., Renee R., Allison E.B., Alice G., Gabby P., Caily G., Katie L., and Cassandra M. for correctly guessing the last “Where Is It?” challenge! ⬇️

Get a taste of spring at Margaux, a cafe and bar on Penn Avenue in East Liberty. I stopped by in the morning and got the nonalcoholic matcha ginger beer tonic made with (one of my faves) Jackworth Ginger Beer. It was so bright and refreshing and paired perfectly with their breakfast sandwich, topped with fontina cheese and pepper jelly. Stop by in the evening for cocktails and bites like baked ricotta, chorizo croquettes, and smoked salt and sumac popcorn.

Looking for more things to see and do?

• 🗓️ Finish the month with our guide to March
• 💌 Get some cute cards at these stationery shops
• ☕ Try one of these seven new Pittsburgh coffee shops
• 📍 Learn Black history by touring local landmarks
• 🛍️ Shop at a new market inside a historic theater
• 🎥 Watch “The Pitt” with the City Cast Pittsburgh team
• 🛁 Treat yourself to a relaxing day at local spas
• 💡 Test your knowledge of Pittsburgh neighborhoods
• ✏️ Try out our latest Pittsburgh crossword puzzle

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.

• 🚂 Chasz G. wants to shout out Esther's Hobby Shop in Millvale. “It's been a family-owned business for generations and the go-to place for anyone that is interested in dabbling in model trains or other model-building hobbies. Plus, they have a massive train layout in the basement.”

Want to share your own shoutout? 🌟