🍻 New taproom Downtown

Pittsburghers March in Third ‘No Kings’ Protest

Thousands of residents turned out for demonstrations as part of a nationwide day of protest against what organizers call “an authoritarian tilt in federal government.” Protests took place in Downtown and about a dozen nearby communities. Speakers and attendees addressed a variety of concerns, including Social Security, healthcare, immigration, voting rights, reproductive rights, and affordability. [Public Source / TribLive]

TSA Workers Back On Payroll?

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to pay TSA employees during the partial government shutdown, and workers could start to see paychecks as soon as today. The order is in response to an ongoing budget impasse in Congress. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe was launched to help hundreds of PIT employees who’ve been working without pay. [Associated Press / TribLive]

• Not up for flying right now? We have your guide to planning the best staycation in Pittsburgh. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Pittsburgh Population Is on the Decline

New census numbers show the Pittsburgh region lost more than 3,100 residents last year. Far fewer international migrants are moving into the area, mirroring a national trend during the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration. Pittsburgh has been dealing with population loss and stagnation for decades, and immigrants are a key source of growth for the region. [Post-Gazette / City Cast Pittsburgh]

Pittsburgh Brewing To Open Downtown Taproom

The iconic local beer company is opening a new spot in the Alcoa Building ahead of the NFL Draft. The taproom is part of the Project Pop Up initiative to bring more businesses into vacant storefronts. Look for the neon sign: If it’s on, they’re open. Have a seat at the bar or outdoor patio, and order favorites like Iron City Beer and IC Mango. [Pittsburgh Brewing Company / City Cast Pittsburgh]

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 Meade Place 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 ⬇️

First: Fuel Up

Commonplace Coffee has several locations around the city, but this spot in Rockwell Park — 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 VegFair and seasonal I Made It! Markets.

Next Stop: Grocery Shopping

Looking for specialty items? Point Breeze North has the East End Food Co-Op, as well as Pittsburgh’s newest Asian grocery, Enson Market. 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.

Final Fun: Creative Reuse

Want to go on a treasure hunt? Construction Junction 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 materials they accept.

If you prefer crafting over construction, swing around back to the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse. 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 artist in residence or learn a new skill in a workshop on mending, paper making, and more.