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"Star Wars" vending machine stunt awakens Pittsburgh's ire

The creator says he'll repair and return the beloved Mt. Washington landmark, but not everyone's happy.

Culture

A social media stunt involving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pittsburgh&#x27;s beloved &quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/27/star-wars-vending-machine-replaced-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="068bae5b-67e9-4eb1-a4b6-3c4042b9e8e7" data-vars-headline="&quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine stunt awakens Pittsburgh&#x27;s ire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/27/star-wars-vending-machine-replaced-pittsburgh" target="_self">Pittsburgh&#x27;s beloved &quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine</a> has the region up in arms.Why it matters: Los Angeles-based content creator Braeden Days said <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/content-creator-claims-he-took-mount-washingtons-iconic-star-wars-vending-machine/OX77WMBFO5AXTGNMW6E45AAULE/" data-vars-content-id="068bae5b-67e9-4eb1-a4b6-3c4042b9e8e7" data-vars-headline="&quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine stunt awakens Pittsburgh&#x27;s ire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/content-creator-claims-he-took-mount-washingtons-iconic-star-wars-vending-machine/OX77WMBFO5AXTGNMW6E45AAULE/" target="_blank">last week</a> he took Mt. Washington&#x27;s &quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine, prompting a flurry of reactions from locals, including prominent radio personalities.

Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement

The endorsement adds to intrigue around the congressman's growing political profile.

News

Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chris Deluzio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/20/deluzio-trump-response-threat" data-vars-content-id="1d3fbabc-695f-4cb4-b898-146c215b537d" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/20/deluzio-trump-response-threat" target="_self">Chris Deluzio</a> (D-Aspinwall) was endorsed by the national progressive group Working Families Party, Axios learned Monday.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Deluzio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/04/deluzio-ice-oakmont-immigrant-detention" data-vars-content-id="1d3fbabc-695f-4cb4-b898-146c215b537d" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/04/deluzio-ice-oakmont-immigrant-detention" target="_self">Deluzio</a> is expanding his political base ahead of his election against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican Tony Guy" data-vars-click-url="https://tonyguyforcongress.com/" data-vars-content-id="1d3fbabc-695f-4cb4-b898-146c215b537d" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tonyguyforcongress.com/" target="_blank">Republican Tony Guy</a>, which could carry him beyond the U.S. House and on to higher ambitions.

Pennsylvania ER visits among the nation's longest

Patients typically spend over 3 hours in Pennsylvania emergency departments.

Health

A typical emergency room visit in Pennsylvania runs more than three hours, per new federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/dataset/apyc-v239" data-vars-content-id="f6546a56-825c-4dec-beda-d3d2ca861138" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania ER visits among the nation&#x27;s longest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/dataset/apyc-v239" target="_blank">data</a>.Why it matters: New insurance <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eligibility rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/03/medicaid-work-eligibility-requirement-rules-patients" data-vars-content-id="f6546a56-825c-4dec-beda-d3d2ca861138" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania ER visits among the nation&#x27;s longest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/03/medicaid-work-eligibility-requirement-rules-patients" target="_self">eligibility rules</a> could push more patients to delay care until their conditions become emergencies, further straining emergency departments.

What to do in Pittsburgh this September 

As fall approaches, expect a bevy of food fests, live music, Oktoberfest and a parallel parking showdown.

Things to Do

It may not feel like it with extreme heat settling over the region this week, but fall is closing in — bringing film fests, food fests and even a parallel parking championship.Here are Pittsburgh&#x27;s top events this September.

Armada gets an AI boost from CMU

Three AI projects cut errors, review times and food waste for the logistics giant.

Pittsburgh&#x27;s biggest logistics company is getting faster and more efficient thanks to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI help from CMU" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/11/jensen-huang-carnegie-mellon-commencement-ai" data-vars-content-id="204772ed-9a3f-49ff-9f57-fefef7d3c1ad" data-vars-headline="Armada gets an AI boost from CMU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/11/jensen-huang-carnegie-mellon-commencement-ai" target="_self">AI help from CMU</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wexford-based Armada" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/19/armada-office-expansion-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="204772ed-9a3f-49ff-9f57-fefef7d3c1ad" data-vars-headline="Armada gets an AI boost from CMU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/19/armada-office-expansion-pittsburgh" target="_self">Wexford-based Armada</a> is the region&#x27;s third-largest private company, and it wants to expand beyond food service logistics.

Borrow power tools and more from area libraries

Local libraries want to help residents save money, so they encourage patrons to "try before they buy."

If you need a drill for handiwork or a telescope to stargaze, you can check those out from Pittsburgh-area libraries.Why it matters: Local libraries want to help residents save money, so they encourage patrons to &quot;try before they buy,&quot; check out tools they will only use once, or check out games for parties and gatherings, according to the Allegheny County Library Association&#x27;s website.

New grads could be finding more work in Pittsburgh

New data suggests Pittsburgh is becoming more attractive to young workers.

Pittsburgh jumped into the top 20 for regions where new graduates can find work last year, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new study" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/04/college-graduates-job-metros" data-vars-content-id="7c89cce0-fde1-4a4e-bc15-237202d04ad0" data-vars-headline="New grads could be finding more work in Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/04/college-graduates-job-metros" target="_self">new study</a>.Why it matters: The region has long struggled with &quot;brain drain&quot; (the inability to retain educated young professionals) despite being home to several major universities.

Pittsburgh approves plan to close nine school buildings

The plan comes as the district faces falling enrollment, aging buildings and budget pressure.

Education

The region&#x27;s largest school district on Wednesday approved a controversial plan to close nine school buildings, reconfigure grade levels, and overhaul district programming in the coming years. Why it matters: Pittsburgh Public Schools&#x27; (PPS) <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Future-Ready Facilities Plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pghschools.org/about/future-ready-dashboard" data-vars-content-id="b7514d37-bcb0-4dd5-aa44-a846187245ec" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh approves plan to close nine school buildings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pghschools.org/about/future-ready-dashboard" target="_blank">Future-Ready Facilities Plan</a>, years in the making, comes as the district faces falling enrollment, aging buildings and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget pressure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wesa.fm/education/2025-12-17/pittsburgh-public-schools-2026-tax-increase-approved" data-vars-content-id="b7514d37-bcb0-4dd5-aa44-a846187245ec" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh approves plan to close nine school buildings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wesa.fm/education/2025-12-17/pittsburgh-public-schools-2026-tax-increase-approved" target="_blank">budget pressure</a>.

Why Pitt students are tracking Artemis II

Students built an antenna to track Artemis II signals during its trip around the moon.

Yinzers are tracking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Artemis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/04/01/artemis-nasa-space-moon-huntsville" data-vars-content-id="eb402bbe-a93f-47df-b482-f4c3d2487ba8" data-vars-headline="Why Pitt students are tracking Artemis II" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/huntsville/2026/04/01/artemis-nasa-space-moon-huntsville" target="_self">Artemis</a>.The big picture: Artemis II <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="set a distance-from-Earth record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/artemis-ii-distance-record-apollo-13" data-vars-content-id="eb402bbe-a93f-47df-b482-f4c3d2487ba8" data-vars-headline="Why Pitt students are tracking Artemis II" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/artemis-ii-distance-record-apollo-13" target="_self">set a distance-from-Earth record</a> for human spaceflight Monday, and it&#x27;s providing important learning opportunities for students in Pittsburgh and around the globe.

Cursive mandate hits Pa. schools in April

Cursive is making a comeback in Pennsylvania classrooms.

Cursive is making a comeback in Pennsylvania classrooms this April under a new state law.Why it matters: Spending valuable class time teaching students to put pen to paper is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/25/cursive-makes-a-comeback" data-vars-content-id="bae64e4c-bcc9-4613-a3ef-cb4f5b452887" data-vars-headline="Cursive mandate hits Pa. schools in April" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/25/cursive-makes-a-comeback" target="_self">nationwide</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/25/cursive-writing-returns-to-georgia-classrooms" data-vars-content-id="bae64e4c-bcc9-4613-a3ef-cb4f5b452887" data-vars-headline="Cursive mandate hits Pa. schools in April" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/25/cursive-writing-returns-to-georgia-classrooms" target="_self">trend</a>, despite students using computers for a growing share of assignments.

CMU leads in Trump's new foreign funding data

The Education Department released foreign funding data submitted by colleges and universities for 2025.

The Trump administration is casting new scrutiny on foreign funding at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. colleges and universities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/21/colleges-research-funding-trump-threat" data-vars-content-id="cb413462-8736-4a4e-a935-c3db3b4f667f" data-vars-headline="CMU leads in Trump&#x27;s new foreign funding data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/21/colleges-research-funding-trump-threat" target="_self">U.S. colleges and universities</a> — a push critics say is part of a broader effort to assert control over higher education under the guise of national security.Catch up quick: The Education Department on Wednesday released foreign funding disclosure data submitted by colleges and universities for 2025, &quot;documenting over 8,300 transactions worth more than $5.2 billion in reportable foreign gifts and contracts.&quot;

International enrollment dips at Pitt, CMU

Fewer international students could mean big losses for Pa.'s economy.

Pittsburgh&#x27;s largest universities are among <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="many U.S. schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/11/17/international-student-enrollment-colleges" data-vars-content-id="239eb954-72c6-47e3-bb0c-d2861a84c7c9" data-vars-headline="International enrollment dips at Pitt, CMU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/11/17/international-student-enrollment-colleges" target="_self">many U.S. schools</a> that saw dips in international student enrollment this fall — the first full academic year of President Trump&#x27;s second term.Why it matters: Having fewer international students could hurt cities like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pittsburgh that depend on higher ed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/03/05/nih-cuts-pittsburgh-economy-impact" data-vars-content-id="239eb954-72c6-47e3-bb0c-d2861a84c7c9" data-vars-headline="International enrollment dips at Pitt, CMU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/03/05/nih-cuts-pittsburgh-economy-impact" target="_self">Pittsburgh that depend on higher ed</a> and international talent.

Rediscovering Kurt Vonnegut's early Pittsburgh ties

New records highlight a little-known part of Vonnegut's journey.

Before becoming one of America&#x27;s defining literary voices, Kurt Vonnegut was a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="young Army private" data-vars-click-url="https://live-cmu-news.pantheonsite.io/stories/archives/2025/october/kurt-vonneguts-little-known-carnegie-mellon-connection?auHash=1H6xAqr7bK0Yxojs0UPBJzM2MvCou72uYBWOY1Ml9B0" data-vars-content-id="d7dd89af-d46b-4bd1-8232-73a227bd3032" data-vars-headline="Rediscovering Kurt Vonnegut&#x27;s early Pittsburgh ties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://live-cmu-news.pantheonsite.io/stories/archives/2025/october/kurt-vonneguts-little-known-carnegie-mellon-connection?auHash=1H6xAqr7bK0Yxojs0UPBJzM2MvCou72uYBWOY1Ml9B0" target="_blank">young Army private</a> studying in Pittsburgh — a formative period that shaped his later masterpieces.Why it matters: Freshly unearthed archives from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Carnegie Mellon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2025/october/kurt-vonneguts-little-known-carnegie-mellon-connection?utm_campaign=2025-11-06+Piper&amp;utm_source=head&amp;utm_medium=all&amp;utm_content=cmuhistory_hss_0&amp;utm_term=0_0&amp;utm_id=Kurt+Vonnegut%E2%80%99s+Little-Known+Carnegie+Mellon+Connection" data-vars-content-id="d7dd89af-d46b-4bd1-8232-73a227bd3032" data-vars-headline="Rediscovering Kurt Vonnegut&#x27;s early Pittsburgh ties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2025/october/kurt-vonneguts-little-known-carnegie-mellon-connection?utm_campaign=2025-11-06+Piper&amp;utm_source=head&amp;utm_medium=all&amp;utm_content=cmuhistory_hss_0&amp;utm_term=0_0&amp;utm_id=Kurt+Vonnegut%E2%80%99s+Little-Known+Carnegie+Mellon+Connection" target="_blank">Carnegie Mellon</a>, then the Carnegie Institute of Technology, reveal how the campus became a World War II training hub.

Community center named after baseball legend proposed for McKees Rocks

A foundation named for local baseball legend planning a new center with sports, learning and senior services.

The hard-hit borough of McKees Rocks lost its Boys and Girls club in 2020, but a new community center could be on its way thanks to a local baseball legend.The big picture: The Josh Gibson Foundation — started in honor of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hall of Famer and Negro League legend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/01/negro-league-josh-gibson-estate-licensing-mlb" data-vars-content-id="f9a48d40-c9dd-464b-a3ad-a75ae5f61415" data-vars-headline="Community center named after baseball legend proposed for McKees Rocks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/01/negro-league-josh-gibson-estate-licensing-mlb" target="_self">Hall of Famer and Negro League legend</a> — has proposed a 37,000-square-foot indoor community center in McKees Rocks, potentially doubling the size of the former facility, foundation executive director Sean Gibson tells Axios.

Education 📚

Armada gets an AI boost from CMU

Borrow power tools and more from area libraries

New grads could be finding more work in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh approves plan to close nine school buildings

Why Pitt students are tracking Artemis II