May 21, 2025 - Pittsburgh City Paper by Pittsburgh City Paper

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A W , R AT S !

Pittsburgh has fallen slightly on a list of America’s rattiest cities, but climate change could make controlling the rodents’ spread harder

AAKANKSHA AGARWAL

MARS JOHNSON

PHOTO: COURTESY OF WARRICK PAGE/MAX

Pittsburgh has fallen slightly on a list of America’s rattiest cities, but climate change could make controlling the rodents’ spread harder

BY: MICHELANGELO PELLIS // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

In 2023, the City of Pittsburgh was ranked 16th of 50 Rattiest Cities in America on Orkin’s annual Rattiest Cities list. In 2024, Pittsburgh dropped slightly to the 21st spot. Pittsburgh, it should be noted, is the country’s 68thlargest city and 26th-largest metropolitan statistical area — so why are we so far ahead in the rat race?

The city is taking action to evict these fourlegged interlopers. According to the City of Pittsburgh’s website, the Rodent Baiting Program offers free, year-round rodent control services to Pittsburgh residents up to twice a year. The city’s contractor, Fort Pitt Exterminators, receives a list from the Bureau of Animal Care and Control, visits private residences to set the bait, and returns to check the progress.

“We used to have a third round where we would go pick the traps up,” Anita Hartung, billing manager from Fort Pitt Exterminators, tells Pittsburgh City Paper . “A lot of people were throwing them away themselves. We’ve had some people, pranksters or whatnot, that just take them.”

n , tra s ere set, and t e i ure for 2024 was 472 requests made. In 2025, 121 requests have been made so far, according to Animal Care and Control.

One pet-safe baiting station, where the bait is concealed in a black plastic box, is placed on each property. Each station is good for about 200 rats or mice.

But the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.

A study published in January by Science used between seven and 17 years of public rat sighting and inspection data from 16 cities around the world to quantify changes in rat populations for each city to evaluate trends. The

study explored how the link between climate change and urbanization is reshaping rat ecology, especially in cities like New York and Tokyo. Warmer winters are disru tin t e ty ical inter die-offs t at usually limit rat populations.

The study ultimately urges city planners and u lic ealt of icials to factor cli ate i acts into control strategies. It suggests shifting to year-round iti ation efforts, inte rated data surveillance, and community-level interventions to prevent infestations from spiraling out of control.

onnor ooistra, o or s on t e t ird oor of a building in PPG Place, tells City Paper that, after ic les ur , is of ice faced a rodent ro le

“They left out the trash for a week after Picklesburgh, and of course the trash all over the street attracted a lot of rodents to the area,” Kooistra says e ad ice runnin around t e of ice for about a week.”

Kooistra says building management was eventually able to solve the rodent problem.

“I could see small businesses utilizing the [Rodent Baiting Program],” Kooistra says. “We all want to make sure we have a clean Downtown. We also want rats and mice to have a proper home — maybe not in our o es and of ices

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Rat poison sold at Lowe's

Ronnie Das, Public Health Information f icer for t e lle eny ounty ealt e art ent, said a ro erty ill fail a ealt ins ection if si ns of a rat infestation are found.

“We conduct enforcement anyti e e verify t e resence of either mice or rats on a ro erty, as ot are considered ealt a ards, as says nforce ent de ends on t e severity of a iven infestation en t e ealt de artent receives a co laint a out rats on a ro erty, a re-ins ection otice is sent to t e ro erty o ner outlinin t e conditions t at need to be corrected.

ese rats also a lessly carry a ost of diseases it t e ccordin to t e enters for isease ontrol and revention , rat ites and scratc es can result in rat- ite fever at

urine can s read le tos irosis, ic can lead to liver and idney da a e y ocytic c orio enin itis, a virus ost dan erous for re nant o en and t ose it ea ened i une syste s, is trans itted t rou rodent urine and saliva, accordin to t e odent e cretions can also s read dan erous antaviruses ic , earlier t is year, ade headlines for causin t e deat of actor ene ac an s ife ast, ut certainly not least, t e ost istorically dan erous rat- orne disease, t e u onic la ue, is transferred en eas fro infected rats bite humans.

nce environ ental and sanitary conditions on a ro erty are recti ied, residents are o li ated to aintain t e lle eny ounty ealt e art ent s e site reco ends do it yourself rat control roducts found at ard are stores around t e city

ey re al ays oin to e around, rett atter ield, o ner of ollier s ard are, a fa ily-o ned usiness t at as o erated for over years in Mt. Lebanon, tells CP enever you do

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Murray Avenue Grill was hit with a consumer alert after dead mice and droppings were found.

have [a rodent problem], you have to look at how they got in.” Rollier’s carries an array of rodent and pest control products.

“For some people, if they’re living in an apartment complex or near a restaurant, food scraps and waste can dra t e in, atter ield says y ically, t ey are looking to come in for shelter, too. You have to ask, ‘Did I leave a door open? Do I have cracks to seal up? Loose masonry blocks in my foundation?’”

atter ield says t at steel ool and s ray foa s can e effective to seal crac s and oles, alt ou so e s ray foams can be chewed through.

ey re ust loo in for food sources, atter ield says “If you have a birdfeeder, they’re going to come, if it isn’t a dumpster or trash can that’s drawing them in.”

Even in Pittsburgh’s wealthier neighborhoods, rodents remain a problem. Walnut Grill, a popular chain restaurant in Fox Chapel, was hit with over a dozen health code violations in a Feb. 27 inspection report. While Walnut Grill’s Fox Chapel location was not ordered to close, the restaurant permanently shut down on March 16, 2025. e re ort outlined rodent dro in s in nu erous areas including the dishwashing station, bar area, ice ac ine area, dry food stora e area, and staff loc er area. Inspectors found 11 dead mice in total in multiple areas, including the bar. Rodent droppings were also found on food-contact surfaces in the kitchen, according to the report.

With climbing bait requests, restaurant shutdowns in upscale neighborhoods, and climate conditions favoring rodents more than ever, Pittsburgh may be chasing its tail when it comes to a solution.

ven if t ey re ust loo in for a ar s ot, t ey ll s uee e in, atter ield says ey don t discri inate •

CP ILLUSTRATION: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST

GREENER PASTURES

BY: AAKANKSHA AGARWAL

PHOTO: RENDERING BY FIELD OPERATIONS/COURTESY OF THE PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST Rendering of the Arts Landing aerial view

The strip of land between Penn Avenue and Fort Duquesne Boulevard has been a noman’s-land, more concrete cut-through than community hangout. But next year, Pittsburghers might start planning picnics there.

Construction began on Arts Landing, a four-acre public space in the Cultural District set to transform Downtown’s Eighth Street block. Arts Landing marks one of the Cultural District’s most ambitious projects in 25 years. A soft opening is planned for April 2026 during Pittsburgh’s much-anticipated NFL Draft, with a grand opening in June.

The $31 million project, envisioned and operated by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and designed by Field Operations, aims to be part botanical beauty, part open-air stage, and part architectural gem. Backed by a coalition of funders and folded into Pa. Governor Josh Shapiro’s $600 million Downtown Revitalization Vision, Arts Landing promises to energize the Downtown riverfront.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST

O icials gather at the Arts Landing groundbreaking on April 29, 2025.

“Years from now, I hope Arts Landing stands not only as a vibrant community destination, but as a symbol of what we can accomplish in Pittsburgh when we work together,” Trust president and CEO Kendra Whitlock Ingram tells Pittsburgh City Paper “Like in pivotal times throughout our city’s history, we’re creating progress with collective effort.”

That progress started with the land. “Since the earliest days of this project, we recognized the potential to design something truly extraordinary here,” Sanjukta Sen, an associate partner at Field Operations, tells City Paper. “The drama of the site — suspended above the Allegheny River and framed by Pittsburgh’s iconic Three Sisters bridges — presented a unique opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the river and the city.”

This effort included demolishing a Goodyear tire store to make way for the large lawn on Eighth Street between Penn Avenue and Fort Duquesne Boulevard.

Arts Landing will connect Downtown to the Allegheny River via what landscape designers call a “civic green.” That means walking paths, trees, art, music, kids tearing through splash zones, and the occasional person falling asleep on a sunny bench.

Several distinct zones will give the space shape and character. The Garden Walk, formerly Eighth Street, will become a shaded, pedestrian-only promenade. The Flex Zone near Fort Duquesne Boulevard and Seventh Street will house three pickleball courts and a small running track. The Backyard, south of the play area, will offer picnic tables, planters, and overhead string lights for casual hangouts and events.

Field Operations, the same company behind New York City’s High Line and the Presidio Tunnel Tops in San Francisco, envisioned a dramatic, yet grounded layout that could serve the evolving needs of Downtown.

Sen emphasizes that adaptability is built into every element. “For public spaces to be sustainable, they must be adaptable and community-focused,” she says. “We design civic spaces and public parks with the expectation and hope that the community will find unique ways to use it and make it their own.”

Ingram believes the one-acre Great Lawn and low-profile bandshell are perfect examples of this dual-purpose design. They can host large concerts and civic gatherings, then become an unobtrusive part of the landscape when unused.

PHOTO: RENDERING BY FIELD OPERATIONS/COURTESY OF THE PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST Rendering of the Eighth Street Block Civic Space at Arts Landing

Various Arts Landing attractions emphasize the “Arts” part. The project commissioned local artist vanessa german to create “Lifted,” a sculptural bench installation honoring Pittsburgh centenarians. The project, described as “facing the city’s bridges and rivers,” will gather hand tracings from volunteers aged 100 and over and cast them in aluminum. The Trust released a form for interested participants to apply and upload their hand photos.

The Play Room will feature sculptural, natural-material structures instead of standard jungle gyms, and temporary public art installations are planned near Ninth Street and Fort Duquesne Boulevard.

A visitor pavilion in the renovated historic buildings at 819 and 821 Penn Ave. will provide information, seating, and muchcoveted public bathrooms.

Field Operations also sought to blend ecological resilience with social inclusion. The design includes underground stormwater tanks, pollinator-friendly plantings, recycled materials, and plans to divert 75% of demolition waste from landfills. Lighting will be dark-sky compliant, and maintenance will avoid harmful chemicals.

“Some of the strategies we have incorporated include environmental elements like resilient plant selection and responsible stormwater management; social concepts like open access and community participation; seasonal activation; and with the Cultural Trust’s support, economic effects like job creation and catalyzing more investment in the neighborhood,” Sen says.

Though Arts Landing sits on Cultural Trust property, it is designed for open, public access, with free programming and broad

community participation.

When asked what song would capture Arts Landing’s spirit, Ingram replies, “Pittsburgh’s hosting of the NFL Draft in 2026 has helped us accelerate progress on Arts Landing, so ‘Here We Go, Steelers’ comes to mind!” she says.

But there’s more to it than that. “The theme song for Arts Landing will change over time because the live music heard there will be as diverse as the artists performing and community organizations hosting events,” she says. “My hope is that everyone has a chance to hear their own theme song at some point in Arts Landing.”

For now, the construction dust is flying, and the renderings are promising. If all goes to plan, the Cultural District will get a new front lawn that’s free, open, and maybe even worth crossing a bridge for. •

PHOTO: RENDERING BY FIELD OPERATIONS/COURTESY OF THE PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST Rendering of The Great Lawn at Arts Landing

WINE GO UP

With Trump’s postponed tariffs looming large, Pittsburgh’s independent wine sellers are prepared for a changing economic climate

BY: EMMA RIVA

You’ve probably heard that Champagne can only be Champagne if it’s from the Champagne region of France — the words “American Champagne” send shivers down the spine of any wine snob. However, the 47th U.S. president wrote on Truth Social in March that his proposed 200% tariff on European wines will be great for “Champagne businesses in the U.S.”

Luckily, this 200% tariff has not come to pass, but the wine industry is still reeling over the proposed 10-20% tariffs, currently on a 90-day reprieve that would end on July 8.

In truth, Trump not using the correct terminology to talk

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

Tyler Borne, sommelier and co-owner of Solera Wine Co. in Lawrenceville

about sparkling wine is just about the least of anyone’s concerns about this presidency. But it highlights the short-sightedness of slapping lan et tariffs on t in s t at fundamentally can’t grow on American soil. (It’s worth noting that President Trump’s son, Eric, owns a winery at which you can get the Presidential Estate American-grown sparkling wine for a cool $245.47 … but hey, at least t ere s no added tariff cost

“It’s a very miseducated sort of syste to ut tariffs on ine, lontime beverage director, sommelier, and Pittsburgh & Western Pa. Sales Representative at Skurnik Wine and Spirits Alyssa McGrath says. “There’s a three-tiered system across the United States since Prohibition ended. Any wines and spirits have to go through an American importer and an American company, and be distributed by an American distributor, to keep those jobs in the country c rat esti ates t at a tariff t ou i ly, i ly unli ely ould ut a ottle of Champagne up to $200 and turn wine from a somewhat high-end good to a mega-luxury.

ou t e tariffs loo over t e wine world as a whole, Pennsylvania’s independent wine shops and industry professionals are uniquely prepared for jumping through bureaucratic hoops.

In 1933, Pennsylvania Governor ifford inc ot ut t e state li uor laws into place with the explicit goal to “discourage the purchase of alcoholic beverages by making it as inconvenient and e ensive as ossi le The result: the Pennsylvania Liquor Control oard , t e state-o ned retailer that operates Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores.

State control of alcohol sales leaves sommeliers, general managers, importers, and wine shop owners at a disadvantage. Love the grappa at Grapperia and want to buy a bottle?

Owner Dom Branduzzi legally can’t sell it to you due to state restrictions on hard liquor. Looking to buy some Aperol for a Sunday brunch spritz?

Until a series of reforms that started in and ca e into effect in2016, state liquor stores were all closed on Sunday.

Starting a bottle shop or developing a wine list in Pennsylvania requires an intrepid spirit. You can count most of the non-state wine stores in Pittsburgh on one and uv e in uirrel ill, Dreadnought Wines, Solera, Nine O’Clock Wines in Lawrenceville, and P’Vino in Shadyside, to name a few. In other words, if you don’t live in a neighborhood with a large population of young professionals, you’re probably going to be shopping at Fine Wine and Good Spirits.

Over the years, the state has loosened some of its control over wine, but it’s still an uphill battle for independent retailers. In order to develop an interesting and diverse wine list in a restricted state, all wine stores have to have close relationships with importers and try to focus on what t ey can do differently

When sommeliers Tyler Borne and Aaron Gottsman started Solera Wine Co. in 2024, they wanted to create something that went beyond at t e state store offered rou working with importers and seeking out lesser-known European wine regions, Borne and Gottsman have one of Pittsburgh’s most diverse bottle shops.

“[This period of unrest] goes eyond ust t e tariffs, orne tells Pittsburgh City Paper . “It’s the way eo le o out, t e in ation all of these things are weighing on people’s minds. And it is a concern. It’s not something we can ignore. Some people are making contin gency plans; some importers are preparing for the worst-case sce nario. We’ll plan for the worst and o e for t e est

Borne also points to the fact that wine production uses a lot of international goods. Portugal is the world’s largest producer of corks. Many of the barrels American wine ages in are from Slovenia or France. The uselet, t e ire ood for

“SOME IMPORTERS ARE PREPARING FOR THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO. WE’LL PLAN FOR THE WORST AND HOPE FOR THE BEST.”

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Solera Wine Co. in Lawrenceville

sparkling wine, is typically made abroad as well.

Heather Pokrowka, mid-Atlantic regional manager for Viña Concha y Toro, agrees with Borne that the tariffs aren t to of t e line concern for an industry t at s already strugling. “You have the weight loss drug craze, which has been said to cause people to drink less,” she tells City Pape r. “THC drinks are becoming a thing, as well as THC being legalized. o, ore eo le are turnin to different for ats of alterin t eir reality, you might say.”

o ro a is indin t at ore people gravitate towards South American wines due to their lower price point, especially brands like Frontera and Casillero del Diablo. ince eo le aren t avin as uc e enda le inco e, t ey re tradin down,” she said.

At Concha y Toro, they also plan not to pass any fees onto the consumer — so now, per Pokrowka, is the

time to start exploring some South American wine. Grapes like Pais and Carmenere are some of the signature grapes in Chilean winemaking. And t ere s al ays al ec, r entina s most well-known grape, or Torrontés for white wine lovers. Or, if you prefer a name you might be more familiar it , a ernet auvi non, erlot, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay all grow in Chile.

uro ean tariffs are retty i , so e re o in t at consu tion of our portfolio will go up,” Pokrowka says. She and her colleagues recently hosted a Chilean wine dinner at The Commoner to introduce more people to the variations found in Chile and encourage interest in onc a y oro s ortfolio orne and otts an s olera prides itself on featuring South American wines and providing a welcoming environment to learn about them, as well. Borne has found one way out of rising costs, lower drinking rates, and bureaucratic hurdles as a

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

Nine O'Clock Wines' tari wine list special

wine bar — give people service they’ll really want to pay for.

“The industry is preparing for people to be a lot more selective,” he says. “We really try to put an emphasis on the service and hospitality aspect of dining out. We try to make a connection to every guest as they walk through the door, so there’s a bit more experiential element to it where you’re really getting your money’s worth with us.”

McGrath has been selling wine, talking about wine, and drinking wine for decades and takes the long view of this turbulent moment. “Restaurant people are weathered. We went through COVID; this too shall pass,” she says. But what she thinks is a larger issue is that education around wine presents it as inaccessible.

“Wine should be something to be enjoyed,” McGrath says. “You shouldn’t look at a wine list and feel like shit because you don’t know what it means or you’re not a wine geek. It

shouldn’t be for the elite. It’s a little piece of culture that everyone can enjoy — responsibly, obviously. It’s really sad to me that this administration has disregarded it so much.”

McGrath recently helped Borne and Gottman bring in Chilean producer Garage Wine Co. for a tasting at Solera. Since then, Solera has also invited French and Italian winemakers to lead tastings behind their bar. To attend, you can just walk right in. lass of ine ordeau or Champagne is nice, but there’s a growing movement to demystify wine by going beyond the generic.

A Georgian, Slovenian, Austrian, or Chilean bottle can be a way to connect with a new culture and broaden both your palate and your mind. e ardless of tariffs or state restrictions, wine industry pros want consu ers to no t at to ind t e ri t wine for them, all they need to bring is their curiosity. •

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Solera Wine Co. in Lawrenceville

SECOND CHANCE STORE

MAC.BID has built an enthusiastic local following among deal hunters and the sustainably minded

BY: MAIA WILLIAMS

MAC.BID is built around the idea of second chances, allowing customers to use returned and overstocked products instead of them piling up in landfills. Launched in 2018, the online auction retail platform is filled with products from top retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.

Kellen Campbell, MAC.BID cofounder, started the company with Shawn Allen after identifying a sales gap between businesses that buy wholesale and liquidated products, and individual customers. They realized there wasn’t a local market for selling those products directly.

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON MAC.BID 's Robinson location.

Many Americans are fortunate to have dental coverage for their entire working life, throughemployer-provided benefits. When those benefits end with retirement, paying dental bills out-of-pocket can come as a shock, leading people to put off or even go without care.

Simply put — without dental insurance, there may be an important gap in your healthcare coverage.

When you’re comparing plans ...

 Look for coverage that helps pay for major services. Some plans may limit the number of procedures — or pay for preventive care only.

 Look for coverage with no deductibles. Some plans may require you to pay hundreds out of pocket before benefits are paid.

 Shop for coverage with no annual maximum on cash benefits. Some plans have annual maximums of $1,000.

Medicare doesn’t pay for dental care.1

That’s right. As good as Medicare is, it was never meant to cover everything. That means if you want protection, you need to purchase individual insurance.

Early detection can prevent small problems from becoming expensive ones.

The best way to prevent large dental bills is preventive care. The American Dental Association recommends checkups twice a year.

Previous dental work can wear out.

Even if you’ve had quality dental work in the past, you shouldn’t take your dental health for granted. In fact, your odds of having a dental problem only go up as you age.2

Treatment is expensive — especially the services people over 50 often need.

Consider these national average costs of treatment ... $222 for a checkup ... $190 for a filling ... $1,213 for a crown.3 Unexpected bills like this can be a real burden, especially if you’re on a fixed income.

“We thought, if you could get to scale by selling this product directly to the end consumer, you can really change the industry,” Campbell tells Pittsburgh City Paper. In 2018, Campbell and Allen began operations and brought resale auctions directly to local shoppers through MAC.BID.

The commitment to reducing waste is a core element to the company’s mission. Campbell says MAC.BID’s goal is to ind a o e for t ese overstoc ed and returned roducts to reduce t e c ance of t e endin u in a land ill ccordin to a BBC Earth report, each year 5 billion pounds of waste is generated through returns.

n ost cases, e re indin a use for it, and eo le can ind a ay to essentially recycle t e roduct, a ell says MAC.BID also recycles cardboard, palletizes materials, and scra s etals to furt er reduce its environ ental i act “We do our best to try and minimize waste any way we can,” Campbell says.

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

MAC.BID 's Robinson location

All products undergo a brief inspection by the MAC.BID employees, but customers are encouraged to examine items in person at warehouse locations before placing a bid. Product conditions are ranked from damaged to open box or “like new.” Some items may be missing accessories or pieces of hardware.

“If we do notice something, whether it be damaged or missing a piece, we will note it in the description,” Campbell says. “We put everything out in advance of the auction close so that consumers can come inspect and make a determination for themselves.”

in recovery programs or impacted by the justice system. Campbell says the company takes pride in giving people the opportunity to better themselves.

“When we first started to hire, we had developed a relationship with the City Mission down in Washington,” says Campbell. “They have a lot of people that are recovering addicts, and some people that have made some bad decisions in the past and are trying to get their life together and start to make good decisions.”

“Giving them something that gives them something to aim at and to work toward is one of the biggest things in helping them get beyond their past

“WE’RE FINDING A USE FOR IT, AND PEOPLE CAN FIND A WAY TO ESSENTIALLY RECYCLE THE PRODUCT.”

Currently, there are three MAC.BID locations in Pittsburgh, with another three just outside the city in Washington, Butler, and Beaver Falls. Product transfers can be made between Pittsburgh locations with an additional fee. MAC.BID now has more than 20 locations across the United States and about 1,500 employees.

Pittsburgh local Matt Simkovic says he’s been using MAC.BID for about two years. “I check it before I check anywhere else when I’m looking to furnish my home, upgrade some tech, or get a new toy just for me,” he tells City Paper

The company says its secondchance theme goes beyond products. They also run an employment program for individuals who’ve been

troubles,” Campbell adds. “I think we’ve been able to provide that. At the same time, they’ve been unbelievable employees, incredibly hard working and dedicated to the company.”

MAC.BID has even given a second chance to its own real estate by revitalizing long-vacant retail and warehouse spaces in Washington, Butler, and Pittsburgh Mills — think Spirit Halloween. Cambell says restaurants and other businesses appreciate the shared foot traffic.

“We definitely see ourselves as just a company of second chances,” said Campbell. “It’s a cool feeling to see something that you envisioned, working and experiencing the success that we’ve had.” •

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON

Molly Karkoski picks up a pet stroller from MAC.BID 's Robinson location on May 13, 2025.

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON MAC.BID 's Robinson location

MUSIC

• DOWNTOWN

IN PITTSBURGH

THU., MAY 22

MUSIC • LAWRENCEVILLE

Nekogoblikon with Revocation, Ov Sulfur, and BRAT 7 p.m. Doors at 6 p.m. Thunderbird Music Hall. 4053 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $40.18 in advance, $52.53 at the door. thunderbirdmusichall.com

FILM • SEWICKLEY

Emerging Filmmakers Showcase: Until We Meet Again. 7:15-9 p.m. Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center. 418 Walnut St., Sewickley. Free. RSVP required. thelindsaytheater.org

COMEDY • STRIP DISTRICT

Scott Thompson is Buddy Cole in The Last Gloryhole. 7:30 p.m. Doors at 6 p.m. City Winery. 1627 Smallman St., Strip District. $35-45. citywinery.com/pittsburgh

THEATER • CARNEGIE

Kinetic Theatre Company presents Embers 7:30 p.m. Continues through Sun., May 25. Carnegie Stage. 25 West Main St., Carnegie. $25-60. kinetictheatre.org

MAY 24

PHOTO: FISHER FOTOS/COURTESY OF RIVERLIFE

Riverlife Chalk Fest at Allegheny Landing

FRI., MAY 23

ART

• POINT BREEZE

Catching Sunbeams from the Porch Swing of Wisteria Castle 8 a.m. Continues through Oct. 26. Frick Pittsburgh Greenhouse. 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze. Free. thefrickpittsburgh.org

ART • NORTH SIDE

Good Business: Andy Warhol’s Screenprints 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Continues

FILM • LAWRENCEVILLE

Row House Cinema pays tribute to youthful angst with Kids These Days, a week of iconic films about “teen misdeeds.” See bloodsucking baddies in the 1987 vampire classic The Lost Boys, 1970s high school hijinks in Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused, the disturbing world of Harmony Korine’s Gummo, and teen lesbian romance in the 1999 satire But I’m a Cheerleader. Some screenings include thematic beer and food specials. Showtimes vary. Continues through Thu., May 29. 4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. $12.50, $35 for a pass. rowhousecinemas.com/lawrenceville

PARTY • LAWRENCEVILLE

In Bed by Ten 10th Anniversary 6-9 p.m. Spirit. 242 51st St., Lawrenceville. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. spiritpgh.com

MUSIC • UPTOWN

Ellie Martin Quartet Album Release Concert 7-11 p.m. Con Alma. 613 Penn Ave., Downtown. $10 additional fee during jazz performances. conalmapgh.com/jazz

MUSIC

• SOUTH SIDE

One Night Live Tour with Ellie Williams, Sofia Lafuente, and Farayi Malek 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Smiling Moose. 1306 E. Carson St., South Side. $15.45. shorefire.com

MUSIC • BLOOMFIELD

The Gotobeds Album Release Show with Century III and Addict Brain 8 p.m. Brillobox. 4104 Penn Ave., Bloomfield. $15. brilloboxpgh.com

COMEDY • DOWNTOWN

New Blood: Student Showcase 9 p.m. Arcade Comedy Theater. 943 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $10. arcadecomedytheater.com

SAT., MAY 24

FESTIVAL • NORTH SHORE

Riverlife Chalk Fest. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Continues through Sun., May 25. Allegheny Landing. Isabella Street and Allegheny Landing, North Shore. Free. All ages. riverlifepgh.org/chalkfest

EXHIBITION • FRIENDSHIP

Pittsburgh Glass Center focuses on “Black and Brown artists, performers, and entrepreneurs” during Better Together x Pittsburgh: A Celebration of BIPOC Makers Co-presented with Crafting the Future, the all-day event includes a maker market featuring locally made jewelry, decor, and other works, live glassblowing, flameworking, and neon demonstrations led by BIPOC artists, and free glassmaking activities. 12-8 p.m. 5472 Penn Ave., Friendship. Free. All ages. pittsburghglasscenter.org

FESTIVAL • BLOOMFIELD

Trace Aero Sol Fest. 3-10 p.m. Trace Brewing. 4312 Main St., Bloomfield. Free. tracebloomfield.com

MUSIC • ALLENTOWN

Fuzznuts, AutoRepublican, Terminal Stare, and Moemaw Naedon 4-7 p.m. Shred Shed. 732 East Warrington Ave., Allentown. Suggested donation. instagram.com/shred_shed_pgh

MAYFRI.,23

Barry Manilow: The Last Pittsburgh Concert 7 p.m. PPG Paints Arena. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. Tickets start at $62. ppgpaintsarena.com

FILM • DOWNTOWN

International Art House Classics: Ran 7 p.m. Continues through June 4. Harris Theater. 809 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $10-13. trustarts.org

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM

“Martha Graham: Letter to the World (The Kick),” part of Good Business: Andy Warhol’s Screenprints at The Andy Warhol Museum

MUSIC • MILLVALE

Of Mice and Men with Until I Wake and Gore 7:30 p.m. Doors at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Smalls Theatre. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. $36.03. mrsmalls.com

MUSIC • ALLENTOWN

Sleeping Witch and Saturn with Rex Tycoon, Valleyview, and DJ Ron Mist. 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Bottlerocket Social Hall. 1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. $10 in advance, $12 at the door. bottlerocketpgh.com

SUN., MAY 25

MUSIC • MILLVALE

Seth Portenlanger and Adam Fitz 7-10 p.m. Poetry Lounge. 313 North Ave., Millvale. $5. poetrymillvale.com

MON., MAY 26

MUSIC • GARFIELD

The Villain Era Tour with Enemy of Fate, Aggressica, Unwanted Downfall, and Mutate Often 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Mr. Roboto Project. 5106 Penn Ave., Garfield. $12. therobotoproject.com

TUE., MAY 27

MUSIC • DOWNTOWN

James Moore Plays Jobim. 5 p.m. Lounge at the Greer Cabaret. 655 Penn Ave., Downtown. Free. trustarts.org

LIT • SHADYSIDE

B. Dylan Hollis of Baking Across America with Alexander Rigby 7-8:30 p.m. First Unitarian Church. 605 Morewood Ave., Shadyside. $45.59. whitewhalebookstore.com/events

WED., MAY 28

MUSIC • NORTH SIDE

Experience the boundless possibilities of music when The Government Center presents Experimental Guitar Night 57 The event features live performances by ethnomusicologist Risky Tjokrosonto, T.R. Daddario and Mike Haggerty of Elementary Sound Design, the duo Pain Island, Erik Sakmar of Crush Curl, and Erika Valencic, an act out of Meadville, Pa. 7:30 p.m. 715 East St., North Side. $7 cash only. thegovernmentcenter.com/events

LYNN CULLEN

PHOTO: COURTESY OF PITTSBURGH GLASS CENTER

Better Together x Pittsburgh: A Celebration of BIPOC Makers at Pittsburgh Glass Center

PHOTO:

MARKET PLACE

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: NO. GD-25-2947, In re petition Johelen Clowney change of name to Jo Helen Clowney.

ESTATE OF WISNIEWSKI, BARBARA ANN, DECEASED OF PITTSBURGH, PA No. 022502782 of 2025. Raymond Wisniewski

Extr. 135 Bella Vista Ct. Murrysville, PA 15668

To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the Wednesday, June 11th, 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

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: NO. GD-25-004033, In re petition Grace A. Gales, change of name to Grace Annette Gales.

To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the Wednesday, June 11th 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

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: NO. GD-25-004214, In re petition Goldie Rollins, change of name to Goldie Rawlins.

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: NO. GD-25-004722, In re petition of Allan C Sousa and Nathalia FS Sou, parent(s) and Legal Guardian(s) of Lucca, Silva Sousa change of name to Lucca Silva, Sousa.

To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the Wednesday, June 4th, 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

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: NO. GD-25-005077, In re petition of Saloh Dilshodbekovich Nematilloev, change of name to Saloh Nematillo .

To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the Wednesday, June 18th, 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

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its a iliates life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a Public Auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extras Space’s lien at the location indicated: 902 Brinton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 on June 4, 2025 at 11:30am, Adetra Young 1195. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse and bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its a iliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 1005 E Entry Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15216 on 6/4/2025 at 11:30 AM. David Daniele 3181. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 1212 Madison Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. June 4th, 2025 at 1:30 pm. 2026 Destiny Martin, L59 Avondre Reed. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its a iliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 141 N Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh PA, 15208 on June 4th, 2025 at 11:00 AM. 2057 Angelina Dolan, 2129A David Harris, 3214A Breiona Graves, 6070 Tamar Reed. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 111 Hickory Grade Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017 on June 4, 2025. Angela Walker 2083, Bonnie Metro 2139, Ashley Jenkins 3206, Natasha Johnson 3207, Tracy Wise 3294. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.

Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its a iliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 700 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. June 4, 2025 at 12:15 PM. 3041 Lateeya Egleston, 3151 Steven Dell, 4062 Karen Gault, 4090 Alan Kohlman. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its a iliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 880 Saw Mill Run Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15226, June 4, 2025, at 1:15 PM. Maggie Clemmons 1038, Christopher Anderson 2130, Jazmyne Taggart 3086, Ed Gordon 4028, Rodrick Gamwo 4111. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of its a iliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s Lien at the location indicated: 3200 Park Manor Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 on June 4, 2025 at 1:00pm. 1042 James Sizemore; 1182 Karina Ott; 3010 Lisa Drennan. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

WE’RE HIRING!

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE

This role requires a sales and marketing-minded individual who desires an exciting opportunity to earn uncapped commissions and focus on connecting the local Pittsburgh business owners and organizations with marketing strategies including print, digital, events, sponsorships and social media advertising. This person desires to work with a supportive team base and the passion 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.

SLAP STICK

Please send resume and cover letter to Advertising Manager, Nate Niles

ACROSS

1. Prima donna

5. Imitates a hot dog

10. Eye liner?

14. Alternative to Windows

15. Sco at 16. “No way!”

17. Red state?

19. Memory unit

20. Wells’s genre 21. Indian honorific 23. Musical syllable 24. Made furtive moves

25. Red state?

28. Spill the beans

29. Bookbinding leather

30. Brand that’s gone to the dogs?

31. Bean Town tower, with “the”

32. Obed’s father, in the Bible

33. Fine, informally

34. Red state?

39. English cathedral town

40. Sens. colleagues

41. Clumsy sort

43. Ranch newborn

45. Membership fees

46. “Diana”

crooner Paul

47. Red state?

49. Weeper, proverbially

50. It often follows you

51. Short-haired dog

52. Ground

53. Auction o

55. Red state?

59. “Understood”

60. Flip side?

61. Top of the heap

62. Filmmaker

Preminger

63. Appalachian range

64. Throw o

DOWN

1. Name

2. Trapped

3. Unifying bond

4. Downward attack in Tae Kwon Do

5. “That’s awful!”

6. Yodeler’s perch

7. “Just the opposite!”

8. University of Arizona site

9. Prefix with foam

10. Mac

11. Beat

12. Repeat-and-fade song segments,

informally

13. Toast choice

18. 1960s atty. general

22. Some long crossword answers

24. Big race sponsor

25. Big pig

26. Statue of Liberty poet

27. Rice wine

29. Actor Calhoun

32. Shape, as dough

33. Egyptian snakes

35. Smile widely

36. Come across as

37. Like some griddles

38. Net

42. Substantially

43. Ranger’s concern

44. Frittata

45. Two-letter sequence

46. Main lines

47. Maker of the first electric compact calculator

48. Dark times abroad

49. Rival of SEA and OAK

52. Brooklyn-based mega-marketplace

54. Roarer

56. Brazilian city, familiarly

57. Type

58. Green, in a way

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

We like bikes.

Going somewhere that even your bike can’t take you but Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) can? You can still take your two-wheeled, non-motorized bike with you for part of your journey and then jump on any PRT bus, light rail vehicle, or the Monongahela Incline for no additional charge.

For more information on how you and your bike can ride with us, please visit rideprt.org/bikes or call Customer Service at 412.442.2000 (TTY: 412.231.7007).