🌸 Pittsburgh’s guide to April

Pgh Pauses Construction for NFL Draft

The city put a moratorium in place until May 15 to reduce traffic. The construction pause covers Downtown, North Shore, and key routes like Penn Avenue, Butler Street, and Carson Street. [KDKA]

• The NFL Draft Stage is officially under construction on the North Shore. [TribLive]

New Tax Credit for PA Residents

Workers can get up to $805 back on their state income taxes through the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit. Nearly one million residents qualify but less than half have claimed it so far, according to state officials. Use this calculator to see if you’re eligible and apply before the April 15 deadline. [WHYY / Commonwealth of PA]

PA Supreme Court Ends Mandatory Life for Felony Murder

The court struck down mandatory life sentences without parole for people convicted of second-degree murder, ruling the punishment is unconstitutional. Until now, someone who (for example) drove the getaway car after a botched robbery would serve the same sentence as someone who plotted and carried out a killing. Now it's up to state lawmakers to decide whether the ruling should be retroactive. [SpotlightPA]

Peoples Gas Proposes Monthly Rate Hike

The natural gas company wants to raise rates for the average customer by about $16 a month to fund infrastructure improvements. The state’s Public Utility Commission will review the request. If approved, customers wouldn’t see bill changes until December at the earliest. [TribLive]

Speakeasy Opens Inside Sea Monkey

Have you been to the Strip District’s new restaurant and nightlife lounge? It just opened in January, and the owners are already expanding the space to offer a vibey spot for drinks and small bites. It’s called Vieux Carré, meaning “old square” in French. Slide into a velvet seat under low lights, sip on their “adult milkshake," and pretend like you’re in the heart of New Orleans. [@vieuxcarrepgh]

1. Admire Pink Blooms Around the City

These trees with rosy flowers are the first sign of spring in the Burgh. You might mistake them for cherry blossoms, but they’re actually eastern redbuds — one of the first native tree species to bloom each April and a major nectar and pollen source for pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Here’s where to find them.

2. Celebrate 412 Day With City Cast Pittsburgh

We’re hosting our first 412 Day, a totally real holiday celebrating everything we love about the Burgh! Join the team at Southern Tier Brewing Company on the North Shore for live music, a market full of local vendors, flash tattoos, and more. And did we mention you can get our special Nebby Neighbor beer on tap?

3. Score Some Tunes on Record Store Day

Celebrate this annual global event on April 18 by checking out exclusive releases and deals at Pittsburgh indie record shops like The Government Center in East Allegheny, Rosie’s Records in Lawrenceville, Attic Record Store in Millvale, Jerry’s Records in Squirrel Hill, and Vinyl Remains in Mt. Lebanon. Keep the music love going at a local band merch marketplace at Jackworth Ginger Beer in Larimer. There will be live music, T-shirts and records for sale, and tasty drinks.

4. See Photographs from 30+ Pittsburghers

Bloomfield’s Bodega Film Lab is celebrating its five year anniversary with a group photo exhibit at Studio 4, opening on April 10. Friends, Fam & Film features work from more than 30 local photographers who’ve developed their images at the space — showcasing a diverse array of perspectives that have passed through the lab’s doors. See it for yourself during gallery hours through the month of May.