Pittsburgh

blue

Pittsburgh Alerts

Alert

Axios Pittsburgh Partners

Pittsburgh Members

Membership

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Pittsburgh with Alexis Johnson, Ryan Deto, and Chrissy Suttles.

Axios Pittsburgh

Standard

Axios Pittsburgh Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Shapiro: Mail voting unchanged for 2026 after SCOTUS ruling

Pennsylvania voters can still cast mail ballots as usual this November.

News

A U.S. Supreme Court <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ruling favoring President Trump&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/supreme-court-mail-in-ballot-rules" data-vars-content-id="951a2366-0689-4996-9d1d-fd450e14c7d9" data-vars-headline="Shapiro: Mail voting unchanged for 2026 after SCOTUS ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/supreme-court-mail-in-ballot-rules" target="_self">ruling favoring President Trump&#x27;s</a> push to restrict mail-in voting won&#x27;t impact the upcoming midterm elections, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday. Why it matters: On Monday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SCOTUS cleared" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/trump-usps-federal-power-state-elections-mail-voting" data-vars-content-id="951a2366-0689-4996-9d1d-fd450e14c7d9" data-vars-headline="Shapiro: Mail voting unchanged for 2026 after SCOTUS ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/trump-usps-federal-power-state-elections-mail-voting" target="_self">SCOTUS cleared</a> one roadblock for Trump&#x27;s push to restrict mail-in ballots via the U.S. Postal Service, sowing uncertainty about how states will carry out their elections.

Cars, gadgets and odd finds at Pittsburgh airport's auction

A curious collection of things left behind at Pittsburgh International Airport is on the auction block.

A curious collection of things left behind at Pittsburgh International Airport is on the auction block, from jewelry and electronics to abandoned cars.The big picture: Each year, thousands of unclaimed lost-and-found items are auctioned off alongside retired airport vehicles and surplus equipment.

Pittsburgh sees its final 8pm sunset this week

Get ready for shorter days: Allegheny County's final 8pm sunset of the year is this week.

Get ready for shorter days: Allegheny County&#x27;s final 8pm sunset of the year arrives Thursday as fall inches closer, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per NOAA" data-vars-click-url="https://gml.noaa.gov/grad/solcalc/sunrise.html" data-vars-content-id="b84b5553-8914-435d-87a1-ffcd0a8ca008" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh sees its final 8pm sunset this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gml.noaa.gov/grad/solcalc/sunrise.html" target="_blank">per NOAA</a>.The big picture: We lose a little more daylight every day as the Earth&#x27;s Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun through Dec. 21 — the first day of winter and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shortest day of the year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/19/chicago-winter-solstice-seasonal-affective-disorder-tips-events" data-vars-content-id="b84b5553-8914-435d-87a1-ffcd0a8ca008" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh sees its final 8pm sunset this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/19/chicago-winter-solstice-seasonal-affective-disorder-tips-events" target="_self">shortest day of the year</a>.

Independent bets on data center issue in Senate race

Jodi Borello says opposition to data centers can reshape a deep-red district

A local candidate is hoping her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="anti-data center stance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/18/shapiro-data-center-rules-executive-order" data-vars-content-id="c5d2521c-664f-4694-af59-2f8a4fa69318" data-vars-headline="Independent bets on data center issue in Senate race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/18/shapiro-data-center-rules-executive-order" target="_self">anti-data center stance</a> can flip a conservative state Senate district south of Pittsburgh.Why it matters: Republicans hold a four-seat majority in the state Senate and are facing strong challengers who could take away control of the chamber they’ve had for over 33 years.

Shapiro puts new guardrails on Pa. data centers

New projects face tougher rules on power, permits and local approval.

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order Tuesday tightening the rules for data center development in Pennsylvania, a move he said imposes the “strictest guardrails in the nation.”Why it matters: The first-term Democratic governor and potential 2028 presidential contender once <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="courted" data-vars-click-url="https://www.alleghenyfront.org/josh-shapiro-amazon-data-centers-pennsylvania/" data-vars-content-id="0abcd902-84c4-464b-8b16-4ba40ee29a98" data-vars-headline="Shapiro puts new guardrails on Pa. data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.alleghenyfront.org/josh-shapiro-amazon-data-centers-pennsylvania/" target="_blank">courted</a> data center investment in Pennsylvania, but growing public <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opposition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/poll-majority-voters-say-risks-ai-outweigh-benefits-rcna262196" data-vars-content-id="0abcd902-84c4-464b-8b16-4ba40ee29a98" data-vars-headline="Shapiro puts new guardrails on Pa. data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/poll-majority-voters-say-risks-ai-outweigh-benefits-rcna262196" target="_blank">opposition</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="energy demands" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/data-center-backlash-fossil-fuel-protests" data-vars-content-id="0abcd902-84c4-464b-8b16-4ba40ee29a98" data-vars-headline="Shapiro puts new guardrails on Pa. data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/data-center-backlash-fossil-fuel-protests" target="_self">energy demands</a> and concerns about local control have led politicians <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide" data-vars-click-url="https://fox40.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-governors-races-are-being-increasingly-buffeted-by-the-toxic-politics-of-data-centers/" data-vars-content-id="0abcd902-84c4-464b-8b16-4ba40ee29a98" data-vars-headline="Shapiro puts new guardrails on Pa. data centers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fox40.com/news/national/ap-us-news/ap-governors-races-are-being-increasingly-buffeted-by-the-toxic-politics-of-data-centers/" target="_blank">nationwide</a> to recalibrate that approach.

PPG to invest $280M in Ohio expansion

The project will add jobs and boost automotive coatings production, per PPG.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pittsburgh-based" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/20/ppg-paints-arena-wifi-upgrade-6ghz" data-vars-content-id="d8624c44-4801-42f0-8cff-8565fa06cf5c" data-vars-headline="PPG to invest $280M in Ohio expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/20/ppg-paints-arena-wifi-upgrade-6ghz" target="_self">Pittsburgh-based</a> paint giant PPG is expanding an automotive coatings manufacturer facility in central Ohio and investing $280 million.Why it matters: The expansion will boost production and add 100 jobs to the site in Delaware, Ohio, located 40 minutes north of Columbus, per a PPG press release.

Historic whiskey brand to return with new tasting room

The revived whiskey company plans to open its tasting room as early as this fall.

One of Pittsburgh&#x27;s long-lost whiskey brands is back, with a descendant of its founder leading the revival more than a century later.The big picture: Founded in 1884 by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="German immigrant Herman Obernauer" data-vars-click-url="https://rauhjewisharchives.org/entries/obernauer-family/" data-vars-content-id="98691602-deb8-4f70-a252-ca62e391d376" data-vars-headline="Historic whiskey brand to return with new tasting room" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rauhjewisharchives.org/entries/obernauer-family/" target="_blank">German immigrant Herman Obernauer</a>, H. Obernauer &amp; Co. became part of Pittsburgh&#x27;s thriving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whiskey boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/blog/6-things-you-didnt-know-about-pennsylvanias-whiskey-legacy-and-where-to-see-it-today/" data-vars-content-id="98691602-deb8-4f70-a252-ca62e391d376" data-vars-headline="Historic whiskey brand to return with new tasting room" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/blog/6-things-you-didnt-know-about-pennsylvanias-whiskey-legacy-and-where-to-see-it-today/" target="_blank">whiskey boom</a>.<ul><li>The company closed in 1915 as opposition to the liquor trade mounted ahead of Prohibition.</li></ul>

AI Avenue lands 2 new companies

Two AI companies are expanding Pittsburgh's growing tech corridor.

Two new tech headquarters are coming to Pittsburgh&#x27;s AI Avenue.Why it matters: Leaders at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI Strike Team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/02/10/ai-boom-strike-team-data-center" data-vars-content-id="a9a0039d-87c5-436d-8c09-e157f1b8030f" data-vars-headline="AI Avenue lands 2 new companies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/02/10/ai-boom-strike-team-data-center" target="_self">AI Strike Team</a> want to concentrate AI companies in the same area so they can collaborate and drive greater growth for the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="burgeoning tech industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/07/15/pittsburgh-aims-to-power-ai-future" data-vars-content-id="a9a0039d-87c5-436d-8c09-e157f1b8030f" data-vars-headline="AI Avenue lands 2 new companies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/07/15/pittsburgh-aims-to-power-ai-future" target="_self">burgeoning tech industry</a>.

Trump praises Giant Eagle promotional price cuts

The president praised the grocery chain's summer discounts on 300 products.

President Trump tipped his cap to local grocery chain Giant Eagle on Sunday night over a promotional price cut.The big picture: As grocery prices have increased amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump&#x27;s tariffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/tomato-price-hike-2026" data-vars-content-id="f9dac920-ac7a-4854-99cb-3b9f73c71d43" data-vars-headline="Trump praises Giant Eagle promotional price cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/tomato-price-hike-2026" target="_self">Trump&#x27;s tariffs</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/iran-war-food-inflation-oil" data-vars-content-id="f9dac920-ac7a-4854-99cb-3b9f73c71d43" data-vars-headline="Trump praises Giant Eagle promotional price cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/iran-war-food-inflation-oil" target="_self">Iran war</a> and supply shocks, the president praised Giant Eagle for its temporary price cuts on 300 products.

Pittsburgh startup scans leftovers to cut food waste

The startup turns leftovers into data that can improve menus and profits.

Business

Pittsburgh startup <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clean Plate Innovations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cleanplateinnovations.com/" data-vars-content-id="241af89b-4ce2-4bdb-ac6e-936e88e04d9f" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh startup scans leftovers to cut food waste" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cleanplateinnovations.com/" target="_blank">Clean Plate Innovations</a> is using AI to turn table scraps into data that helps food-service operators cut waste and save money.Why it matters: Food waste is as much a business problem as it is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sustainability" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/29/412-food-rescue-pittsburgh-food-waste-snap" data-vars-content-id="241af89b-4ce2-4bdb-ac6e-936e88e04d9f" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh startup scans leftovers to cut food waste" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/29/412-food-rescue-pittsburgh-food-waste-snap" target="_self">sustainability</a> one, costing the hospitality industry <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="billions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/sites/hankcardello/2026/03/25/restaurants-lose-162-billion-to-food-waste-new-report-finds/" data-vars-content-id="241af89b-4ce2-4bdb-ac6e-936e88e04d9f" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh startup scans leftovers to cut food waste" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/hankcardello/2026/03/25/restaurants-lose-162-billion-to-food-waste-new-report-finds/" target="_blank">billions</a> each year in lost profits.

U.S. Steel details Mon Valley upgrades

The company showcased major improvements planned for its Mon Valley facilities.

U.S. Steel is investing $2.5 billion in its Mon Valley Works facilities, and it showcased its planned improvements to the community Thursday.Why it matters: About a year after Japan&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nippon Steel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/18/us-steel-trump-nippon-takeover" data-vars-content-id="65dddd81-bec9-4d5e-878d-9099c3d945b4" data-vars-headline="U.S. Steel details Mon Valley upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/18/us-steel-trump-nippon-takeover" target="_self">Nippon Steel</a> bought U.S. Steel, the region is starting to see portions of the promised $11 billion investment for the Pittsburgh-based icon.

Gecko Robotics expands to Sewickley

The Pittsburgh robotics company is adding a manufacturing hub in Sewickley.

One of the region&#x27;s fastest-growing robotics companies, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gecko Robotics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/02/27/gecko-robotics-naes-energy-deal" data-vars-content-id="b4333210-4efe-4399-a231-5dd6a87619f6" data-vars-headline="Gecko Robotics expands to Sewickley" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/02/27/gecko-robotics-naes-energy-deal" target="_self">Gecko Robotics</a>, is expanding into manufacturing with a move to Sewickley.Why it matters: Pittsburgh&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unicorn companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/06/24/pittsburgh-unicorn-tech-boom" data-vars-content-id="b4333210-4efe-4399-a231-5dd6a87619f6" data-vars-headline="Gecko Robotics expands to Sewickley" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/06/24/pittsburgh-unicorn-tech-boom" target="_self">unicorn companies</a> are looking to grow and help transition the regional economy to more focus on high-tech companies.

Kroger to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion

Kroger's acquisition would reshape Western Pennsylvania's grocery market.

Cincinnati-based Kroger will buy local grocery chain Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="company said Wednesday" data-vars-click-url="https://ir.kroger.com/news/news-details/2026/Kroger-Announces-Agreement-to-Acquire-Giant-Eagle/default.aspx" data-vars-content-id="07f03424-e26c-4cfb-bb54-0efd9134acf7" data-vars-headline="Kroger to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ir.kroger.com/news/news-details/2026/Kroger-Announces-Agreement-to-Acquire-Giant-Eagle/default.aspx" target="_blank">company said Wednesday</a>.Why it matters: Cranberry-based Giant Eagle has dominated Western Pennsylvania&#x27;s grocery market for decades, making it one of the region&#x27;s most influential retailers and among Pennsylvania&#x27;s largest private employers.

Westinghouse lands $17.5B loan for nuclear expansion

Federal financing could accelerate 10 new U.S. nuclear reactors.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is putting up $17.5 billion in loans to fast-track <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Westinghouse&#x27;s plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/12/westinghouse-nuclear-reactors-us-power-jobs" data-vars-content-id="caa088e9-9a34-4121-bbfe-3f35ed7e5ebc" data-vars-headline="Westinghouse lands $17.5B loan for nuclear expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/12/westinghouse-nuclear-reactors-us-power-jobs" target="_self">Westinghouse&#x27;s plan</a> to build 10 large nuclear reactors nationwide, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="agency said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-announces-american-nuclear-supply-chain-loans" data-vars-content-id="caa088e9-9a34-4121-bbfe-3f35ed7e5ebc" data-vars-headline="Westinghouse lands $17.5B loan for nuclear expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-announces-american-nuclear-supply-chain-loans" target="_blank">agency said</a> Tuesday.Why it matters: Cranberry-based Westinghouse is staking its claim in a potential <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nuclear revival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/30/nuclear-plants-energy-ai-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="caa088e9-9a34-4121-bbfe-3f35ed7e5ebc" data-vars-headline="Westinghouse lands $17.5B loan for nuclear expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/30/nuclear-plants-energy-ai-data-centers" target="_self">nuclear revival</a>, fueled by the Trump administration&#x27;s drive to increase domestic energy production and meet rising <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="power needs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/01/data-centers-ai-power-energy-demand-future" data-vars-content-id="caa088e9-9a34-4121-bbfe-3f35ed7e5ebc" data-vars-headline="Westinghouse lands $17.5B loan for nuclear expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/01/data-centers-ai-power-energy-demand-future" target="_self">power needs</a>.

Business 🏦

Shapiro puts new guardrails on Pa. data centers

PPG to invest $280M in Ohio expansion

Historic whiskey brand to return with new tasting room

AI Avenue lands 2 new companies

Trump praises Giant Eagle promotional price cuts