April 16, 2025 - Pittsburgh City Paper by Pittsburgh City Paper

Homewood

Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh find self-sufficiency and health benefits in a Homewood beekeeping operation

BY: ATIYA IRVIN-MITCHELL

CP PHOTO: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

A view of Downtown from Pittsburgh's Noth Shore

SANCTUARY OR SITTING DUCK?

Once considered a climate change haven, Pittsburgh is showing signs of permeability

BY: RACHEL WILKINSON // RWILKINSON@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Four months before its 50th anniversary last April, Point State Park faced unprecedented flooding. Pittsburgh’s three rivers reached flood levels of more than 28 feet — the highest the park had seen in 20 years — submerging the fountain, swamping the lawn, and shutting down the infamous “bathtub” section of the Parkway East.

Long a symbol of Pittsburgh’s green post-industrial renaissance, Point State Park being underwater seemed to highlight the current era of urban planning and its imperative to address climate change. In 2024, the region also experienced a record number of tornadoes, some of the nation’s worst air pollution, and its hottest year on record.

At the same time, Pittsburgh is often touted as a “climate haven” city. hile there’s no formal de inition of the term, a climate haven is a place perceived by public of icials, researchers, and actuaries, to be shielded from climate change’s worst e ects, providing a sort of natural refuge for residents. A combination of favorable topography, planning, and preparedness tend to make for a climate change haven.

ut do Pittsburgh’s climate bona ides measure up? Pittsburgh City Paper looked into the region’s brief history as a climate change haven and what residents might expect as our environment changes.

Joshua Mullenite, an environmental social scientist and professor at Chatham University’s Falk School of Sustainability and Environment, says, from the outset, that Pittsburghers should be skeptical of the climate haven idea.

“It makes it sound like Pittsburgh is not being impacted by climate change, [which is] not the case,” Mullenite tells City Paper . “Obviously we’re seeing changes in rainfall, changes in snowfall, and increases in extreme weather.”

In the U.S., climate change havens generally include more inland cities, which are less vulnerable to hurricanes, sea level rise, coastal flooding, and cooler climes, better positioned to withstand a warming atmosphere. These criteria tend to favor the Great Lakes region, and have landed Pittsburgh, no stranger to lists, on a number of best-of rankings.

In 2022, Policygenius named Pittsburgh as the nation’s eighth-best city for withstanding climate change . The insurance agency used government data to analyze the 50 largest U.S. cities based on propensity for heat, natural disasters, flooding, and “social vulnerability,” which measures preparedness for environmental hazards. Even with its heightened flood risk, Pittsburgh made the top 10 for its cooler temperatures, and low wild ire and hurricane risk. t also achieved one of the highest scores for community resilience, attributed in part to the city’s climate action plan . Despite these comparative advantages, Pittsburgh’s status as a climate haven is relatively recent, and

“IT MAKES IT SOUND LIKE PITTSBURGH IS NOT BEING IMPACTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE, [WHICH IS] NOT THE CASE.”

to live in the coming decades. Zillow added climate risk data to its real estate listings for the first time in September.

For its part, Pittsburgh has worn the climate haven label lightly. The city’s first climate action plan was created in 2008 as part of a federal program. In 2014, under then-Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, it became one of 100 Resilient Cities (a Rockefeller Foundation initiative) and released a resilience assessment looking toward the city’s 200th anniversary in 2016. Though not positioning Pittsburgh as a climate haven

(something the city has previously specified it doesn’t intend to do), the report still praised a “history of resilience” and noted Pittsburgh’s capacity for rebuilding.

“Today Pittsburgh faces fewer threats than many other cities thanks to our location, geography, and natural resources,” the report states. “However, the Steel City must still overcome certain challenges from its industrial legacy, and will face new pressures with climate change, urbanization and globalization.”

CP PHOTO: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

Late January gloom and rain on the Smithfield Street Bridge

The irony that Pittsburgh, once famous for its industrial pollution, now finds itself labeled as a climate change haven is not lost. Mullenite says a history of deindustrialization and disinvestment, while not unique to Pittsburgh or even among Rust Belt climate havens, does pose a challenge. To tackle climate change, Chatham’s Sustainability programs emphasize a holistic approach that combines ecological changes, like reducing air pollution, with social ones, like changing how residents think about transit. In addition to flood management, Mullenite cites Pittsburgh’s “overreliance” on cars and driving as an area of priority to curb climate change, with many downstream effects.

“Thinking about that movement infrastructure as a whole, it’s going to be probably one of the key challenges that the city, the county, and the region are going to need to face. And there are ways to tie that into the other things, like flooding infrastructure,” Mullenite says. “If we start by rethinking how we get around … [then] a reduction in air pollution comes from removing vehicles from the road, or from maintaining the roads, especially come spring, when they have to fill all those potholes. If there are less potholes to fill, there’s less heavy equipment out there creating air pollution.”

Like Pittsburgh, most cities’ climate change plans are now decades-old, and re-examining their benchmarks . The city laid out a variety of goals for 2030, including cutting emissions in half, though they may not be falling quickly enough Another development is a new understanding of affordability and the role it will play in addressing climate change. If the city’s population remains flat, there will be no growing tax base to fund large infrastructure improvements or other necessities, a detriment to creating a climate change haven for all.

“You have all these needs, and you have to pay for them, [but] how do you pay for them?” Mullenite asks. “And how do you [it] without making it unaffordable for the people who have been here for a long time, and who haven’t seen the economic benefits of the new industries that have moved in?”

“My philosophy is, the future is unwritten,” Mullenite adds. “It’s for us to do now and come up with [solutions]. But it’s going to take those things where we really need to invest in green infrastructure.” •

CP PHOTO: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

A view of the "Bathtub" from the City Paper office.

CP PHOTO: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

The Monongahela River overflows onto a section of Parkway East, April 4, 2024

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Black Urban Gardeners' honey bee apiary

HOMEWOOD HIVES

Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh find self-sufficiency and health benefits in a Homewood beekeeping operation

BY: ATIYA IRVIN-MITCHELL // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

If Elizabeth Lawrence was correct in saying, “The hum of bees is the voice of the garden,” Homewood is full of humming. peci ically, after years of the Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh Co-op, aka BUGS, empowering Homewood residents to grow their own fruits and vegetables, the co-op has widened its focus to include beekeeping.

Raqueeb Bey, executive director of the Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh, tells Pittsburgh City Paper that the vacant lot-turned teaching farm allowed them to share the practice with the community.

Bey adds that, since bees can improve the neighborhood’s ecosystem in addition to the garden on Monticello Street, she sees it as a symbiotic relationship that can often go years without being tended to.

“We don’t call Homewood a food desert because deserts are beautiful and organic,” Bey says. “Homewood hasn’t had a grocery store since 1994, and that’s due to systemic issues. We have made progress, but you still see mostly Family Dollar stores and not stores that sell produce, and that tends to happen most where Black, brown, and underserved people are.”

“EVERYTHING THAT ANY GENUINELY GOOD-HEARTED PERSON WOULD WANT FOR THE BEHAVIOR OF FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS IS EXHIBITED IN THE BEHAVIOR OF HONEYBEES.”

“Our farm is in Homewood, it is a food apartheid area, and we have the farm here, so why not?” Bey says. “We have the beekeeping classes, [and] we started doing chicken-keeping classes this season.”

According to a report released by Feeding America in 2024, 1 in 8 people are food insecure. In Hispanic neighborhoods, that rises to 1 in 5 people, and when it comes to Black neighborhoods, the igure increases

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Gordon Hodnett tends to the greenhouse in Homewood on April 5, 2025.

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

Gordon Hodnett and Samantha Blount tend to the garden in Homewood on April 5, 2025.

to 1 in 3. With regard to Homewood, in addition to homegrown lettuce, basil, and tomatoes, honey that is locally grown, organic, and o ers health bene its — such as being a cough suppressant and improving heart health — gives locals a healthier option while encouraging them to bring beekeeping to their own backyards. There to share the virtues of beekeeping this coming May via biweekly classes is aurice o ord, who began beekeeping in 2018 while studying biodynamic agriculture.

o ord came to when ey’s colleague at the city’s ousing pportunity Fund made the connection between him and the o p. n the time he’s been with , o ord says he’s always gotten a positive response from the community and adds that, since bees are responsible for so much of the world’s pollination, it’s a win for the neighborhood.

“ t’s a ero waste activity, and especially over there in omewood, it’s ust something di erent for people of all ages to witness, or possibly tak[e] interest in and get involved in ust to have something di erent to do,” o ord says.

n his classes, o ord says that the best way to learn is by doing. With that in mind, he educates attendees on beekeeping by walking them through whatever he’s doing for the hives at that point in the season.

“ hatever ’m doing that day at any stage throughout the season is basically what ’ll teach and respond to any uestions they have,” o ord says. “ sually, do a hive inspection, so ’ll sort of e plain the behavior of the bees, the smell of their attack, what colors you want to wear, what colors you don’t want to wear. nd ust the bene its of all the things that can be derived from the hive, from the honey to the beeswa , and medicines that can be made from the hive, out of even dead bees.”

ey and o ord e plain that, from arch until December, the plan is to sell the $20 ars of omewood harvested honey to anyone interested. ue to the di erent pollinators used, the honey has a distinctive copper color, and ey looks forward to what the une hive harvest will bring. n between the sales and practical skills taught in the

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

Raqueeb Bey of Black Urban Gardeners poses for a portrait outside of the honey bee apiaries in Homewood on April 5, 2025.

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Baba Amir Rashidd of the Black Urban Gardeners poses for a portrait while working in the greenhouse.

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Maurice Wo ord tends to the honey bees in Homewood.

beekeeping classes, o ord e plains that when thinking of the enduring nature of honey and the teamwork that keeps hives going, there are a lot of positive lessons community members can learn from bees.

“Everything that any genuinely good hearted person would want for the behavior of fellow human beings is e hibited in the behavior of honeybees, everything from their work ethic to their dedication to the protection of their ueen, and ust pretty much how they live in a true direct democracy,” o ord says.

“Each individual bee is responsible for one another and sometimes for their own demise. hen a bee takes out the trash during the winter, it has to know in some way that that’ll be their inal flight, but it’s what’s neces sary for the survival of the colony.” •

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

Maurice Wo ord tends to the honey bees in Homewood.

The Difference Between Hemp THC and Marijuana THC: What You Need to Know

When it comes to cannabis, there’s often confusion surrounding the terms “cannabis,” “hemp,” and “marijuana,” especially when it comes to THC content.

Cannabis is the overarching term to describe the same plant species, Cannabis Sativa. How they differ would be in terms of use, chemical composition, and legal status. Although both hemp and marijuana come from the cannabis plant, the differences are important when it comes to legality, effects, and the products available. Thee Hemp Co. wanted to clear up these differences to help their customers make more informed decisions about the hemp-based products they purchase.

Understanding THC: What Is It?

THC, or Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis plants that is responsible for the “high” effect. However, the amount of THC in a plant determines whether it is classified as hemp or marijuana. At a chemical level, hemp THC and marijuana THC are essentially the same compound. The key difference is the concentration of THC the plant produces. Both types of cannabis share the same molecular structure but the psychoactive effects are only noticeable when the THC levels are high enough– which

is typical in marijuana and not always in hemp. From either plant, THC can be extracted out and potency increases can be added to edibles, drinks, vapes, tinctures, and topicals as desired.

How Did CBD & THC Become Legal to Buy Without A Medical Card?

Hemp became legal in the United States largely due to the 2018 Farm Bill (officially called the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018). This bill was a major turning point as it removed hemp from The Controlled Substances Act, allowing it to be farmed and sold across the U.S. for various purposes including the introduction into the consumer market that is now a booming multi-billion-dollar industry.

Can You Feel The Effect of Hemp THC?

Cannabis products under .3% THC concentration are thought to not have any psychoactive effects but—buyer beware—as in the above-mentioned products, the effects can be massively mind-altering since the .3 % is calculated on a dry weight basis, therefore the heavier the gummy or liquid, the greater THC levels can be added to the product. If looking for a product that does not have any or has low psychoactive

properties to it, you’ll want to pay attention to the THC to CBD ratio, as well as how many milligrams are found in a serving size. This is where talking to a professional in the space can help as a guide to a good starting point with THC.

What Kind of Products Can Someone Purchase?

Marijuana CBD and THC products can be bought in a dispensary with restrictions and limitations once a medical card is obtained and renewed as needed. Hemp derived CBD and THC are more readily available to the consumer and can be found in edibles, drinks, chocolates, oil tinctures, smokeable flower, vapes, concentrates, and more.

Why Choose Hemp-Based Products from Thee Hemp Company?

There is a wide array of products on the market that can be ordered online, found in gas stations, and many vape shops but this is also where the confusion and stigma around the product is steaming from. Thee Hemp Co.’s team has specialized in the hemp industry now for the past six years. They pride themselves in the fact that they are a brick-and-mortar store that isn’t going anywhere, so you know that your

satisfaction is guaranteed, or you can pop right in and bring any concerns directly to them. This is huge in this industry as there are no regulations or ways to truly put your trust in a product and how it is sourced when purchased online or mainstream. Thee Hemp Company works directly with the manufacturers and lab companies to ensure all their products are top-shelf quality, with focus on consistency and purity. They have always gone above and beyond to regulate themselves and set a high standard for their products so their customers can feel confident in the products they are using.

A Note from Thee Hemp Co.:

“As a small local business, we are committed to supporting our community with the highest quality hemp products. Our knowledgeable team is here to assist you in understanding the benefits of hemp, answering your questions about THC content, and helping you find the right product for your needs. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned consumer, you can trust Thee Hemp Company for products that are safe, effective, and legally compliant.”

Visit Thee Hemp Co. today and experience the best hemp-based wellness products in Pennsylvania.

High-Minded Restaurants

We recommend heading to one of these spots next time you’re stoned

Gone are the days of smoking schwag and scar ing Doritos in your friend’s basement. You’re a grownup now with sophisticated cannabis habits, and a worldly palate. So when the THC hits, followed by the inevitable tummy growl, pass the pantry. Instead, take yourself out to one of these exceptional Pittsburgh eateries that are perfectly suited for your enhanced tastebuds.

Umami

202 38th St., Lawrenceville. umamipgh.com

I doubt chef Roger Li and Derek Burnell had stoners in mind when designing and executing Umami, the stylish, Japanese-inspired sushi and ramen bar above Esquina Cantina (formerly Round Corner Cantina). Maybe it’s the intimate setting, the evocative red lighting, or the ability to order as many small plates as possible when the munchies set in. Add late-night eats and occasional DJs, and this spot proves a comfortable, yet stimulating environment for zooted diners to bliss out over plates of fried karage, fresh tamaki, and savory noodle bowls.

RecoveryNico’sRoom

178 Pearl St., Bloomfield

Don’t let the divey sports bar feel at Nico’s fool you. This loom ield staple attracts diverse patrons, from neighborhood regulars to college students, looking for a chill place to chat over a few beers. The welcoming atmosphere helps to stave o any chance of cannabis induced paranoia, with cozy, retro wooden booths, unpretentious vibes, and the enveloping din of chatty crowds. That the bar food slaps harder than most adds another compelling draw, with selections ranging from the usual fried faves to Greek and vegetarian options.

Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings

2773 Sidney St., South Side. nanxiangxiaolongbao.com

Admittedly I haven’t tried this yet (don’t green out at the LieMax, kids), so this entry is simply to #manifest and put this on Pittsburgh’s radar: what about getting a little high and nibbling on some Michelin-recommended soup dumplings?

Nan Xiang Long Bao, a beloved N.Y.C.-based Chinese restaurant, opened its first Pittsburgh location in the Southside Works last month. In addition to bringing their signature soup dumplings — tasty scratch-made dough pouches filled with savory broth plus your favorite meat or veggie — they apparently serve all-day breakfast. Soup dumplings are perfect comfort food already, being light, noshable, and served in multiples in a little steamer basket. And since Nan Xiang’s have appeared in the Michelin Guide nine times and counting, I don’t think you can go wrong in any altered state. To stay local and opt for a known quantity, head to Everyday Noodles, especially for the Sunday shrimp dumplings.

5929 Baum Blvd., East Liberty. tanaethiopiancuisine.com

Few global culinary traditions are as tactile as Ethiopia’s. Food from the east African country is traditionally consumed using injera, essentially a giant sourdough pancake made from teff flour, instead of silverware. The entrees are served in a colorful array similar to a painter’s palette. Using strips of tangy injera, you can build your own little crepe situations filled with everything from vegetarian entrees like Ya Abesha Gomen (savory collards with garlic and ginger) or tender Tana Tibs (simmered lamb in a zesty sauce), and wash it all down with a malty Ethiopian lager or off-dry honey wine. If you’re a finger food lover, this offers that sensory experience with more creative flair — and if you’re a cannabis lover, you can try a bit of everything by ordering a veggie and meat sampler for $35 (plus tip) and housing it in one sitting.

Walter’s Southern Kitchen

When intoxicated, I favor a food experience that doesn’t overwhelm me with choice. Pittsburgh has plenty of dives that offer fried food samplers, which can be perfectly adequate some days. But there are times when you want a meal a notch nicer than jalapeño poppers or a slice of pizza. In a city with a small but mighty barbecue scene, Walter’s stands out for its Lunchbox and Sandman specials, each a curated helping of tender smoked meats with cornbread and side options. Whether you dine in and grab beverages or slink in in your sunglasses, low-and-slow cuisine is perfect for a slow-andstoned Saturday in Larrytahn. All you have to choose is the sides … Oh god, should I get greens? Mac and cheese? Fries?

The Last Poets

ense, flavorful pi a. elicious fresh beer. utdoor seating with intimate booths inside if it rains. East End rewing has been a Pittsburgh mainstay for 2 years for a reason — in a change allergic city that struggles to handle restaurant rebrands, East End hasn’t i ed what isn’t broken beyond the addition of East End hewing in 202 . or the ha y headed and or hungover, the pi a and sides o er ust enough choice to satisfy your munchies while you bridge your la y afternoon and night out.

ou don’t need to be high to en oy a bu et, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. ne of the great things about Pittsburgh is, even post , there’s still a smattering of bu ets, unmatched in their open invitation to i a plate or three and indulge. ou even have your pick of e cellent ndian bu ets. People’s ndian hardly needs an introduction — maybe it’s an obvious choice, but who cares et this serve as your sign to go get your ill of their samosas, paneer, vindaloo, and anything tiki masala, then do another lap for their desserts gulab amun, hello , and comforting chai. a ahal in the orth ills boasts an all day weekend bu etas well, so you can also wander that direction to get your curry i with unlimited naan to dip. e still live in an age of miracles.

Everyday Noodles

Authentic Chinese food with authentic Yin-Yang. The cozy, minimalist interior gives inviting and chill vibes on one side of the room, while a bustling kitchen is happening on the other. Did we come here for Chinese food, or to stare at the Krispy Kreme-style assembly line? It sounds chaotic, but it’s a feast for the eyes.

There are so many choices on the menu that you may want to look up the simpli ied version on your phone, or decide ahead of time. o yourself a favor and get a bench seat facing the large windows into the kitchen. You and your companions can sit side-by-side and watch long, hand-pulled noodles being created from scratch. Ever wonder how soup dumplings and potstickers are made rder them and ind out when your ticket goes down the line. •

CP ILLUSTRATION: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

CANNABIS CONUNDRUM

An expert covers the issues faced by Pa.’s cannabis industry, including adult-use legalization, regulation, the possible impact of Trump’s tariffs

BY: AMANDA WALTZ // AWALTZ@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Pennsylvania loves to tout its supremacy over Ohio in its friendly rivalry with the neighboring state. In Pittsburgh, that means talking smack on the Cleveland Browns, deriding Ohio “cuisine” like Cincinnati Chili, and mercilessly roasting Vice President J.D. Vance, who represented Ohioans before being elected to the second-highest position in government.

But there’s one area where the Buckeye State has surpassed the commonwealth — that of legalizing adult-use — or, more commonly, recreational — cannabis. The measure, which passed in 2023 and went into e ect in ugust 202 , ensured that Pa. would be surrounded by states that allow nonmedical cannabis use, with New Jersey and New York being added to the mix.

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

Adding insult to injury, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control recently reported that cannabis sales in the state topped $2.5 billion, $390 million of which came from adultuse. It’s estimated that, as of March, non-medical cannabis sales contributed $37.6 million in tax revenue to the state.

put added pressure on Pa. leaders to expand access beyond the commonwealth’s current medical program.

“Five out of six states surrounding Pennsylvania have adult-use markets,” she says, adding that Pa. consumers crossing state lines eliminate possible revenue for the commonwealth. “Most adult consumers

“WE’RE HAVING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE RIGHT WAY TO DO IT INSTEAD OF JUST, ‘SHOULD WE DO IT?’”

Meredith Buettner Schneider, executive director of the Pennsylvania Cannabis Coalition, a trade association focused on advancing and changing cannabis rules and regulations, believes Ohio’s status as an adult-use cannabis-friendly state has

want legal access and are willing to participate in a regulated market. So they’re asking to pay taxes on it, right? And right now we’re saying, ‘No, we don’t want your money. Go ahead and take your money to New Jersey.’”

The commonwealth’s

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

REGULATION AGGRAVATION

Schneider says Pa.’s most urgent issue “would be comprehensive adult-use legislation.”

“We believe that a lot of the challenges facing the existing market should be tackled through the state’s approach to adult-use legislation,” she says. “For instance, we believe that there should be the creation of an independent regulatory body.”

She explains that, currently, the commonwealth’s medical cannabis program is regulated by the Department of Health. The creation of an independent regulatory body would “allow the medical program to come out from under the Department of Health and allow a singular agency to be focused on, hopefully, all consumable cannabinoids, which would be everything from medical marijuana to adult-use marijuana to hemp-derived products as well.”

not only targeted towards minors, but also the ingredients can be dangerous, and most often those products are untested, so you don’t actually know what you’re consuming.”

Schneider says that, until there is action on the federal level, enforcement at the state level will continue to be this “patchwork of rules and regulations state-by-state.”

FINALLY LEGALIZING IT

Schneider says that, over the last two years, conversations about adultuse cannabis in state government have taken a more positive direction.

“We’re having conversations about the right way to do it instead of just, Should we do it?’” she says. This includes Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro calling on lawmakers to legalize adult-use, and a bill reintroduced this year has garnered bipartisan support from the state Senate and House.

characteristically slow e ort to legalize nonmedical cannabis marks one of many concerns facing the industry. These include how to implement an adult-use program, crack down on low-quality, possibly harmful hempderived products, and regulate cannabis use in a way that doesn’t interfere with access. There are also concerns over President Donald Trump’s

mercurial tari s, which, according to one New York Times article, have already threatened to impact New York’s cannabis industry.

City Paper outlined how Pa. stacks up when it comes to serving cannabis industry professionals and medical consumers, and how outside influences could muck up a resource many depend on for relief.

She believes the shift would help address the “challenges that the market is currently facing because of intoxicating hemp products that are sold outside of a regulated system.” These include products like Delta-9 and THC-O, as well as Kratom, an herbal substance described by the National Institute on Drug Abuse as being able to “produce opioid- and stimulant like e ects.”

While potentially harmful, Schneider says hemp-derived products — the result of a loophole in the federal Farm Bill regarding hemp production — provide options for those who either fall outside of the medical program or are unable to a ord regulated cannabis.

“Certainly, the access to those products outside of a regulated market makes them attractive to folks because there’s a lower barrier to entry,” she adds. “But unfortunately, there are not all good actors in that space, and often those products are

“We are really hopeful that it will be part of budget negotiations,” she says, adding that those following cannabis legislation will likely see something develop in the next several weeks. “If it doesn’t become part of the budget negotiations for this year, I think the conversation will continue during this legislative session, which goes through the end of 2026.”

While she remains cautiously optimistic, especially given continued resistance from Republicans who express concerns over public safety and other issues, Schneider believes “it’s very likely” that action will be taken over the current session.

TRUMP TAKE WEED?

If adult-use cannabis should pass, the threat of U.S. President Donald rump’s tari s still looms.

A NYT article published on March 25 outlined how, in New York’s cannabis industry, tari s have “added

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

to the prices of necessities like the compost that farmers add to the soil, dome-shaped ‘hoop houses’ that protect outdoor cannabis crops and the metal tins used to package prerolled joints and edibles.”

Schneider says Trump’s proposed tari s, should they unroll as he intends, would a ect Pa. consumers on a few fronts. Trump has, for the moment, backed down on his e treme tari rates, e cept for hina, a major producer of cannabis-related goods in the U.S. As of press time, the President threatened a tari on hinese imports, which would dramatically hike costs for some aspects of the industry.

“It depends on how an operator’s individual supply chain is set up, right ” she says, adding that Pa. cannabis is “grown, packaged, produced, manufactured, et cetera, instate.” This means the cannabis itself will likely not be impacted. “Because

cannabis is federally illegal, everything sold in Pennsylvania has to be grown in Pennsylvania. e can’t bring product in, and product can’t leave the state.”

She says materials like plastic and glass packaging, vape hardware, fertilizers, and grow lighting made overseas would bear the brunt of price increases. Still, she doesn’t foresee prices signi icantly going up for cannabis consumers and patients.

“ e operate on such thin margins already that these guys are used to iguring out how to deal with a price increase and spreading it across so they don’t have to raise prices for consumers and patients. Because if an eighth is a couple of dollars more, somebody is going to pick the cheaper eighth, right? So I think that in terms of that, these companies are really savvy and know how to absorb the cost.”

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CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

SEVEN DAYS IN PITTSBURGH

PITTSBURGH

BY CP STAFF

THU., APRIL 17

GARDENING

• OAKLAND

April Used Bulb Sale 3-6 p.m. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. One Schenley Dr., Oakland. Free. phipps.conservatory.org

ART • SOUTH SIDE

Discover seven artists-in-residence when Brew House Arts opens its latest Distillery Residency Exhibition. Titled On the Edge Of, the group show includes works described as “inhabiting and embodying positions of discomfort or instability in order to explore the difficulties inherent in creative practice.” Featured artists include Alli Lemon, Karen Lue, Shyann Maragh, Mathias Rushin, Lisa Toboz, Ajunie Virk, and London Williams. 6-8:30 p.m. Continues through June 7. The Brew House. 711 S 21st St., South Side. Free. brewhousearts.org

LIT • SQUIRREL HILL

An Evening with Major Arcana Author John Pistelli 7 p.m. Riverstone Bookstore. 5841 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. Free. RSVP required. riverstonebookstore.com

COMEDY/MUSIC • ALLENTOWN

ZOOT: A Comedy and Jazz Showcase 8 p.m. Doors at 5 p.m. Bottlerocket Social Hall. 1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. $15. bottlerocketpgh.com

“Overthinking for Breakfast” by

FRI., APRIL 18

COMEDY • HOMESTEAD

THU., APRIL17

LIT • DOWNTOWN

Poetry Unplugged: Always August

7 p.m. August Wilson African American Cultural Center. 980 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $35-60. trustarts.org

THEATER • CARNEGIE

Pittsburgh International Classic Theatre presents Miss Julie 8 p.m. Continues through May 4. Carnegie Stage.

25 W. Main St., Carnegie. $20-40. picttheatre.org

SAT., APRIL 19

OUTDOORS • WEST END

Fans of the popular NPR program Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me! may know regular guest Alonzo Bodden. The comedian, who has also appeared on network sitcoms like Ghosts and Fresh Off the Boat, will bring his stand-up tour to the Pittsburgh Improv. Experience Bodden’s comedic stylings during a weekend run in Homestead. 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Doors at 5 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Continues through Sat, April 19. 166 East Bridge St., Homestead. $22-72. 21 and over. improv.com/pittsburgh

Venture Outdoors presents West End History Hike 10 a.m. West End Library. 47 Wabash St., West End. $10-20. ventureoutdoors.org/events

RIDES • OAKLAND

PNC Carousel Grand Opening Day 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Open through Memorial Day. Schenley Plaza.4100 Forbes Ave., Oakland. $3. Passes $12-75. All ages. pittsburghparks.org

THEATER • SOUTH SIDE

King James. 5:30 p.m. Continues through May 11. City Theatre Mainstage 1300 Bingham St., South Side. $35-55. citytheatre.culturaldistrict.org

SWAP • BLOOMFIELD

Clothing Swap 6-8:30 p.m. Songbird Artistry. 4316 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. $10. 18 and over. songbirdartistry.com

DANCE • DOWNTOWN

Pittsburgh Dance Council presents the Twyla Tharp Dance Diamond Jubilee 60th Anniversary Program. 7:30 p.m. Byham Theater. 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $20-84. trustarts.org

PHOTO: COURTESY OF DEAD OCEANS Bright Eyes at Roxian Theatre

PHOTO: MATT MISISCO Alonzo Bodden

PHOTO: CHRIS UHREN

Shyann Maragh, part of On the Edge Of at The Brew House

Sound Series: King Hannah 8 p.m. Doors at 7:30 p.m. The Andy arhol Museum. 117 Sandusky St., orth Side. $20-25. warhol.org

SUN., APRIL 20

DRAG • SOUTH SIDE

Drag Brunch 12 p.m. Doors at 11 a.m. Velum Fermentation. 2120 Jane St., South Side. $5-70. Tip money recommended or per ormers. S S Production at Eventbrite

FILM • LAWRENCEVILLE

Shake it up, baby when Row House Cinema presents a special holiday screening of the 1986 comedy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The event celebrates two very di erent holidays Easter and with a candy- lled adult Easter Egg Hunt happening all day in the theater and Bierport taproom. Then make use of those sweets during a Trash Your Popcorn take on a lm about a teen’s incredible day out. 7:15 p.m. 4115 Butler St., Lawrencevile. $15.50. rowhousecinemas.com

MON., APRIL 21

MUSIC • DOWNTOWN

Chamber usic Pittsburgh presents the Dover Quartet 7:30 p.m. Pittsburgh Playhouse. 350 Forbes Ave., Downtown. $15-55. chambermusicpittsburgh.org

MUSIC • NEW KENSINGTON

Dorothy: The Redemption Tour with Cory Marks 8 pm. Doors at 7 p.m. Preserving nderground. 1101 Fi h Ave., ew Kensington. $30-35. preservingconcerts.com

LIT • MILLVALE

Poetry Book Release: Phoebe Esmon, Evidence of Life 6-7 p.m. Poetry Lounge. 313 North Ave., Millvale. Free. poetrymillvale.com

MUSIC • NORTH SHORE

Meshuggah with Cannibal Corpse and Carcass. 6 p.m. Stage AE. 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore. $49.50-99. promowestlive.com

MUSIC • MCKEES ROCKS

Bright Eyes with Cursive. 7:30 p.m. Doors at 6 p.m. Ro ian Theatre. 425 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. $59-153. roxiantheatre.com/shows

WED., APRIL 23

MUSIC • STRIP DISTRICT

EXTC: Terry Chambers and Friends North American Cushty Tour. 7:30 p.m. Doors at 6 p.m. City inery Pittsburgh. 1627 Smallman St., Strip District. $30-45. citywinery.com/pittsburgh

THEATER • TRAFFORD

Riverfront Theater Company presents The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? 7:30 p.m. Continues through May 3. Theatre Factory. 235 Cavitt Ave., Trafford. $20-25. river ronttheaterco.org/our-shows

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF BOYLE, DOROTHY, J, A/K/A, IF NECESSARY, DOROTHY J. HEGEDUS DECEASED OF SPRINGDALE, PA No. 022501624 of 2025

Adrienne Virostek Extr. 621 Glengary Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15215

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: NO. GD-25-001720

In re petition of Devine Mathew Nickle for change of name to Devin Mathew Nickle. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 9:30 a.m, as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for

MARKET PLACE

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF GRAHAM, MITCHEL, L, A/K/A, IF NECESSARY, DECEASED OF PITTSBURGH, PA No. 022406634 of 2024. Matthew Graham Extr. Matthew Graham Adm. 1002 Wible Run Rd, Pittsburgh, PA, 15209

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: NO. GD-25-002429 In re petition of Angelo James Shipley for change of name to Angelo James Michaels.

To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, at 9:30 a.m, as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for

ESTATE NOTICE ESTATE OF YOCHUM III, HARRY, E , DECEASED OF PITTSBURGH, PA No. 022502142 of 2025.

Jo Yochum Adm. 4700 Jewel Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15236

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: NO. GD-25-002430

In re petition of Ryan Wayne Shipley Jr for change of name to Ryan Wayne Michaels.

HELP WANTED DEMOLITION, ASBESTOS LABORERS & SUPERVISORS NEEDED

Bristol Environmental is now hiring. Union Positions starting at $27.47 with Health & Pension Benefits. Ability to pass a drug test. Ability to pass a pre employment pulmonary physical. Must be 18 & have reliable transportation. If interested please send an email to csuppin@beigroup.com. Bristol Environmental is an equal opportunity employer beigroup.com

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: GD-25000147, In re petition of Bilal Abu-Hawili & Rachel AbuHawili, parent(s)and legal guardian(s) of Adalia AbuHawili & Nadia Abu-Hawili, Minor for change of names to Bilal Hawili & Rachel Hawili and Adalia Hawili & Nadia Hawili. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 27th, day of May, 2025, at 9:30 a.m, as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for: Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County Attorney for Petitioner, 414 Grant Street Ste 504, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219

HELP WANTED INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER

(Pittsburgh, PA): perform business req. definition; analyze technical industrial sys. requirements to define conceptual designs, driving systems; formulate, detail, test potential systems; implement solutions; perform user acceptance testing to support Customer CORE Apps/ SAP platform; develop industrial eng. forecast/ development models. Bachelor’s (or foreign equiv. deg.) in Industrial Engineering, or rel. + 2 yrs exp. in tech. req. analysis, business req. definition, functional and acceptance testing, SAP and PowerBi. Travel to unanticipated client sites throughout the US. Send resume: National Computing Group, 900 Mount Royal Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15223.

PERSONALS

White male, 56, health conscious, non-smoker, non-drinker. I’m very caring, talkative and loving. I enjoy oldies, nature, animal-lover. The simple things in life make me happy. Desire a girl with similar interest. 412-781-5989, best time 7p.m.-8:30p.m.

Looking to hire a qualified employee? Advertise your Business in City Paper. Call 412.685.9009

FINANCIAL

SAVE BIG on HOME INSURANCE!

Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies. Get a quote within minutes. Average savings of $444/year! Call 844712-6153! (M-F 8am-8pm Central) (AAN CAN)

PUBLIC NOTICE

For

and locations, please contact us at 412-626-6111.

Let Pittsburgh City Paper help you hire! Every month, over 400,000 people visit pghcitypaper.com for news, entertainment, and job listings.

New jobs are posted every Sunday online and in our Tuesday City Pigeon e-newsletter.

Contact T’yanna McIntyre at tmcintyre@pghcitypaper.com to advertise your job listing in City Paper.

MISSING PERIOD

So not cool

13.

Co ee blend

The princess in The Princess and the Frog

14.

It may have children’s puzzles on its back

15. Be 16. Dam builders in a part of the hospital?

17. Part in a cast

18. Garfield nemesis

19. School in New Haven

20. What glitter guns in a pie fight can make?

24. Actress Vardalos

25. Arthur ___ Stadium (US Open home)

26. On-line gasp

28. Jimmy Fallon’s channel

30. With 41-Across, “Let me explain how you hear a call from an Audubon once you push play on the stereo”?

37. Quaking cause

39. League that created the threepoint shot: Abbr.

40. Haleakalā National Park island

41. See 30-Across

46. Jeopardy! host

Jennings

47. Rock’s The Black Keys, e.g.

48. One with a helping hand

50. Delivery doc.

53. Jeans for the Beast’s beloved?

59. Art Spiegelman graphic novel whose characters wear animal masks

61. Band of brothers?: Abbr.

62. Architect Christopher

63. “Let’s roll!”, or an alternate title for this puzzle

66. Unified

67. “Her”

68. Pinch on the bottom

69. Able to feel, taste, etc.

70. Computer key with an arrow

DOWN

1. Rooms for twins

2. Participant in the first televised US presidential debates

3. Waves in front of an airport terminal, say

4. Maps within maps

5. Gentle touch

6. Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? playwright

7. Issa of a Black Mirror episode

8. Obamacare abbr.

9. Slew

10. “Let me clarify”

11. Soccer legend Lloyd

12. Floating on the ocean

14. Overly sti

16. When the Braves play most of their home games: Abbr.

18. PDF size, at times

21. Sushi fish

22. She’s a pig

23. “I can’t believe this guy,” in IMs

27. Where to get shredded

28. ___ payments (contactless)

29. Four-poster

31. Ether rapper

32. With 33-Down, Luke’s mentor

33. See 32-Down

34. Became established

35. Color choice

36. One, in Essen

38. Disencumber

42. Spicy application

43. Anonymous John 44. “What’s Going On” singer

45. Quick taste

49. Actress Rosario

50. Leaves out 51. Soak in the tub

52. Blues singer Tedeschi

54. Put up with 55. “Nothing ___ sleeve!”

56. Wingtip tip

57. Unable to relax

58. Nasty face

60. Pvt. instructors

64. Rio greeting

65. Back words?

66. Historical period removed from the theme answers in this puzzle

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company

to build the brand within the community. This position includes a current client base to manage, foster and grow while also focusing on acquisition of new clients to hit monthly goals set forth by the company.

This position needs an individual with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the local market and understands the competitive landscapes that many SMBs face today. The ideal candidate is motivated and focused on revenue growth across all platforms with the intention of meeting and exceeding revenue goals.

Earth Day and every day, we’re driving toward a more sustainable future.

At PRT, we aren’t just taking people where they want to go. We’re making a difference in people’s lives. You can see it in our Climate Action Plan. It includes transitioning to a zero-emissions ﬂeet of vehicles. Buying electricity from renewable sources. Upgrading and replacing facilities to use less energy. Building sustainability into every infrastructure project. Those are just some of the efforts we’re undertaking to keep rolling toward our goal of achieving zero emissions.