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PITTSBURGH, PA — As the weather warms in the spring every year, a familiar threat emerges: mosquitoes.

To get out in front of the problems the insects can cause, the Allegheny County Health Department is launching its annual treatment of more than 50 wetlands across 20 municipalities to target mosquito larvae before they ever take flight.

Since the 1970s, the treatment effort has been a cornerstone of the county’s strategy to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus. This year, the program will again use Altosid XR, a biological larvicide recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The product disrupts the life cycle of mosquitoes and midges—stopping them in their larval tracks—without harming humans, pets, fish, or other aquatic life.

“Among our many management practices to control mosquito populations, our annual spring wetland and catch basin treatments are some of the most effective,” said Nick Bladauf, ACHD Vector Control Specialist. “This allows us to stop mosquitoes from ever becoming the flying, biting pests people dread.”

The health department also tackle urban mosquito habitats with a citywide catch basin treatment program. Starting May 19, crews will treat over 13,500 storm drains and catch basins in Pittsburgh and five nearby boroughs—Bellevue, Millvale, McKees Rocks, Mount Oliver and Wilkinsburg.

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The shallow, stagnant basins are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Treating them early dramatically reduces the need for adult mosquito spraying later in the season.

People who notice potential mosquito breeding grounds—such as standing water in yards, tire piles, neglected pools, clogged rain gutters or blocked catch basins—are encouraged to file a complaint online or call 412-350-4046.

Pennsylvania exported $3.1 billion worth of goods to China in 2023 — supporting more than 24,000 local jobs.

Why it matters: Now, those industries face major headwinds as U.S.-China trade tensions boil over.

Catch up quick: China increased its tariff on U.S. goods to 125% last week. The U.S. now charges 145% on Chinese goods — the 125% reciprocal rate plus an earlier 20% tariff in a dispute over the flow of fentanyl, Axios' Ben Berkowitz reports.

Zoom in: China is Pennsylvania's fourth-largest export market, accounting for 6% of the state's global exports, per the U.S.-China Business Council.

Zoom out: China is the U.S.' third-biggest export market. More than 931,000 jobs were supported in 2022 by U.S. exports to China, according to the council.

The big picture: President Trump's tariff strategy aims to rebalance the global economy, but economists warn it will likely lead to higher prices for everyday necessities like food, clothing, and cars, while also putting pressure on businesses.

A website dedicated to drinking has rated cities all over the world for their beer quality. See here how highly Pittsburgh was ranked.

Eric Heyl, Patch Staff

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh is among the world's top 10 beer destinations for 2025. That's according to VinePair, a digital media company and website that delivers content about drink culture and trends and topics on wine, beer and spirits.

Pittsburgh was ranked the globe's fifth-best spot to imbibe and the highest-ranking American city on the list. New York City, the only other U.S. city to appear on the list, was ranked ninth.

Here's what VinePair had to say about the city's burgeoning beer scene:

"People have been brewing in Pittsburgh since as early as 1765, when an influx of German immigrants in the late-18th and early 19th centuries introduced new styles and techniques, allowing the city’s beer industry to flourish. And some of those breweries are still around today.

"In 1861, German immigrant Edward Frauenheim established Iron City Brewery, one of the first American breweries to produce a lager. Just over 30 years later, the brewery joined forces with roughly 20 others around the city to form what is now known as the Pittsburgh Brewing Company. Iron City Lager is still produced from the same recipe used in 1861.

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"Schedule a tour at Pittsburgh Brewing to see how the historic lager is produced and before trying a sample. For some craft beer history, visit the folks over at Penn Brewery, Pittsburgh’s oldest craft brewery. Established in 1986, the brewery got its start producing lagers adhering to Reinheitsgebot purity laws but has since expanded its offerings to include a handful of IPAs.

"To see more of Pittsburgh’s 40-plus brew houses, don’t miss City Brew’s Pittsburgh Signature Brew Tour, which makes pit stops at three rotating facilities around the Steel City. The three-and-a-half-hour tour offers 12 tastings in total at breweries like Hop Farm Brewing Company, which prioritizes the use of local ingredients, and Trace Brewing, which specializes in IPAs.

"The city also plays host to Barrel & Flow, which will take place this year from August 8–10 at The Stacks at 3 Crossings. The annual beer festival is a celebration of Black brewing and artistry, bringing together over 100 breweries, distilleries, music artists, small businesses, and more from across the country."

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PITTSBURGH, PA — Two Western Pennsylvania communities have been rated among the best small towns in the northeast in a USA Today Reader's Choice Awards list.

Sewickley was ranked second, behind only Castine Maine. Ohiopyle in Fayette County was ranked fourth.

Here's what USA Today said about Sewickley:

"A Pittsburgh suburb, Sewickley, Pennsylvania, is known for its leafy streets and upscale boutiques. Featuring well-preserved architecture,the town seamlessly blends historic charm with modern sophistication. It has a thriving cultural scene, spearheaded by the Sweetwater Center for the Arts, which offers hundreds of classes to the community and adds an enriching layer to this tranquil destination along the Ohio River."

Here's what USA Today said about Ohiopyle, which last year was ranked first among northeast towns:

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"In southwestern Pennsylvania, Ohiopyle is situated along the meandering Youghiogheny River and draws adventurers of all ages with its rugged charm and variety of natural wonders. Famous for Ohiopyle State Park, this area invites outdoor enthusiasts to experience many diverse activities, including first-rate whitewater rafting, rock climbing, wildlife spotting, and incredible waterfall hikes."

All of the top 10 towns on the list have a population of less than 25,000. They were nominated by a panel and voted on by readers as the best for their scenery, historic charm, cuisine and cultural attractions.