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Third Eye Blind, Nelly to headline free Point State Park show

The show caps a statewide concert series marking America's 250th.

News

Third Eye Blind and Nelly will headline a free summer concert at Point State Park on June 27, closing out the five-stop <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America250PA Commonwealth Concert Series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.america250pa.org/Signature_Events" data-vars-content-id="1e99e61a-08c7-472d-af67-0d71eb8e3516" data-vars-headline="Third Eye Blind, Nelly to headline free Point State Park show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.america250pa.org/Signature_Events" target="_blank">America250PA Commonwealth Concert Series</a>.The big picture: The series joins a packed summer lineup of major events, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="headline acts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/26/nelly-2-chainz-to-headline-north-shore-plaza-shows" data-vars-content-id="1e99e61a-08c7-472d-af67-0d71eb8e3516" data-vars-headline="Third Eye Blind, Nelly to headline free Point State Park show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/26/nelly-2-chainz-to-headline-north-shore-plaza-shows" target="_self">headline acts</a> and other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free shows" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/02/nfl-draft-concerts-wiz-khalifa-kane-brown-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="1e99e61a-08c7-472d-af67-0d71eb8e3516" data-vars-headline="Third Eye Blind, Nelly to headline free Point State Park show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/02/nfl-draft-concerts-wiz-khalifa-kane-brown-pittsburgh" target="_self">free shows</a> in the city.

Pittsburgh joins Michelin restaurant guide

The Michelin Guide will rate Pittsburgh restaurants for the first time in 2027.

The world&#x27;s preeminent food reviewer is adding Pittsburgh to its guide. Why it matters: The Steel City continues to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="notch accolades" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/02/fet-fisk-james-beard-finalist-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="ef0026bd-41c6-43e6-abb2-affda42b758d" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh joins Michelin restaurant guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/02/fet-fisk-james-beard-finalist-pittsburgh" target="_self">notch accolades</a> for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing food scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/13/pittsburgh-restaurant-survival-doordash-2025" data-vars-content-id="ef0026bd-41c6-43e6-abb2-affda42b758d" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh joins Michelin restaurant guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/13/pittsburgh-restaurant-survival-doordash-2025" target="_self">growing food scene</a>, and a Michelin star would fully legitimize it.

Pittsburgh gets its first romance-only bookstores

The new bookstores highlight the genre's growth and changing cultural reputation.

Things to Do

Pittsburgh is getting a double dose of romance with two new bookstores just blocks apart.Why it matters: Romance novels <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dominate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/07/briefing/romance-bookstores.html" data-vars-content-id="0248b646-8b45-495c-9b50-37680268b951" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh gets its first romance-only bookstores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/07/briefing/romance-bookstores.html" target="_blank">dominate</a> bestseller lists, but the genre hasn&#x27;t always enjoyed equivalent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cultural respect" data-vars-click-url="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/why-cant-romance-novels-get-any-love-180954548/" data-vars-content-id="0248b646-8b45-495c-9b50-37680268b951" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh gets its first romance-only bookstores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/why-cant-romance-novels-get-any-love-180954548/" target="_blank">cultural respect</a>.

Hospitals ramp up for NFL Draft crowds

The city's hospital systems will expand services to handle large crowds and emergencies.

Pittsburgh&#x27;s hospital systems are mobilizing in anticipation of hundreds of thousands of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL Draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/25/nfl-draft-pittsburgh-transportation-tips-road-closures-parking" data-vars-content-id="862b1f09-3350-4b94-823c-653ef6320bd3" data-vars-headline="Hospitals ramp up for NFL Draft crowds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/25/nfl-draft-pittsburgh-transportation-tips-road-closures-parking" target="_self">NFL Draft</a> visitors flocking to the city this month.Why it matters: Record <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crowds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/02/nfl-draft-concerts-wiz-khalifa-kane-brown-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="862b1f09-3350-4b94-823c-653ef6320bd3" data-vars-headline="Hospitals ramp up for NFL Draft crowds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/02/nfl-draft-concerts-wiz-khalifa-kane-brown-pittsburgh" target="_self">crowds</a>, alcohol and late nights can quickly overwhelm emergency departments.

Pittsburgh's allergy season is getting longer

If you're breaking out the Claritin early, you're not alone.

Environment

If you&#x27;re breaking out the Claritin early, you&#x27;re not alone. Pittsburgh&#x27;s spring allergy season is getting longer and stronger.Why it matters: About a quarter of U.S. adults swap fresh spring air for runny noses, itchy throats and puffy eyes as pollination season begins.

Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns

Developers keep building data centers in Pa. despite noise, energy and pollution concerns.

A tide is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="forming against data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/11/ai-economy-data-centers-pennsylvania-poll" data-vars-content-id="a493a517-c4ff-45be-a9fd-db52e23c81be" data-vars-headline="Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/11/ai-economy-data-centers-pennsylvania-poll" target="_self">forming against data centers</a>, but Pennsylvania is holding it back — for now.Why it matters: Data centers are attracting more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pushback from locals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/24/springdale-residents-oppose-ai-data-center-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="a493a517-c4ff-45be-a9fd-db52e23c81be" data-vars-headline="Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/24/springdale-residents-oppose-ai-data-center-pittsburgh" target="_self">pushback from locals</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric grid monitors" data-vars-click-url="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/12/03/watchdog-for-electric-grid-in-ohio-other-states-wants-a-pause-on-data-centers/" data-vars-content-id="a493a517-c4ff-45be-a9fd-db52e23c81be" data-vars-headline="Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/12/03/watchdog-for-electric-grid-in-ohio-other-states-wants-a-pause-on-data-centers/" target="_blank">electric grid monitors</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="politicians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/17/democrats-data-centers-ai-fight" data-vars-content-id="a493a517-c4ff-45be-a9fd-db52e23c81be" data-vars-headline="Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/17/democrats-data-centers-ai-fight" target="_self">politicians</a>, but it doesn&#x27;t appear to be slowing them down much in the Keystone State.

How to cut your power bill while keeping your holiday lights

Switching to LEDs and setting a timer can keep your holiday electric bill low.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lighting up the night" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/21/light-up-night-guide-trees-fireworks-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="b0606357-c9ad-42c1-8b75-7c3cf519fef7" data-vars-headline="How to cut your power bill while keeping your holiday lights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/21/light-up-night-guide-trees-fireworks-pittsburgh" target="_self">Lighting up the night</a> might not be the wisest decision.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rising energy prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/09/30/data-centers-grid-electricity-costs-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="b0606357-c9ad-42c1-8b75-7c3cf519fef7" data-vars-headline="How to cut your power bill while keeping your holiday lights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/09/30/data-centers-grid-electricity-costs-pittsburgh" target="_self">Rising energy prices</a> during the holidays have Americans second-guessing if they should scale back on decorations.

Springdale residents oppose AI data center proposal

Locals say the project risks pollution, noise and high water use.

Residents of Springdale Borough are fighting back against a proposed 565,000-square-foot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/16/ai-natural-gas-data-centers-pennsylvania" data-vars-content-id="f66ba298-776e-4fea-8fb9-7cfef6840f89" data-vars-headline="Springdale residents oppose AI data center proposal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/16/ai-natural-gas-data-centers-pennsylvania" target="_self">data center</a> that could soon be built near their homes.Why it matters: Springdale&#x27;s ordinances do not include provisions for data centers, leaving room for violations surrounding pollution, noise, electricity and water usage, according to advocates from the environmental group Protect PT.

Pennsylvania's "Grand Canyon" is worth the trip

This 50-mile gorge is one of the East Coast's most dramatic natural wonders.

The Keystone State has more than 2,500 municipalities, and a lot of them have something worth visiting. So you&#x27;ll need to make a bucket list to keep track.The intrigue: Welcome to our PA Bucket List series, where we highlight the state&#x27;s must-visit destinations, spanning natural beauty, historical monuments, cultural attractions, and can&#x27;t-miss experiences.

A guide to viewing Pennsylvania's elk

The start of fall is the best time to view Pennsylvania's roaming elk herd.

Most Pennsylvanians appreciate the fall cooldown, but none more so than our storied elk.Why it matters: The original Keystone State elk population was wiped out in the late 19th century, but the descendants of Rocky Mountain elk reintroduced here over 100 years ago now thrive in North Central Pennsylvania and have become a major tourist draw.

Plastics maker to pay $2.6 million for nurdle pollution

Owners of an idled Pittsburgh-area plastics plant have agreed to pay $2.6 million to settle a citizen-led lawsuit accusing the company of polluting local waterways with microplastics.

Owners of an idled Pittsburgh-area plastics plant have agreed to pay $2.6 million to settle a citizen-led lawsuit accusing the company of polluting local waterways with microplastics.Why it matters: The deal &quot;demonstrates the crucial role that citizen lawsuits play in the enforcement of our core environmental laws,&quot; says Matthew Donohue, the National Environmental Law Center attorney who represented the plaintiffs.

Gas valve failure caused deadly Clairton blast, U.S. Steel says

U.S. Steel says gas valve failure caused blast that killed two, injured 10 at Clairton Coke Works.

A gas valve failure caused the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="explosion at Clairton Coke Works" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/11/us-steel-explosion-clairton-coke-works" data-vars-content-id="fa5cb26b-6242-4ade-8e05-fb85123362d4" data-vars-headline="Gas valve failure caused deadly Clairton blast, U.S. Steel says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/11/us-steel-explosion-clairton-coke-works" target="_self">explosion at Clairton Coke Works</a> on Monday morning that killed two people, U.S. Steel said Friday.Why it matters: The massive Mon Valley facility — one of the largest coke plants in the world — has a long history of environmental and safety violations. The latest explosion is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fueling renewed scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/13/clairton-coke-works-explosion-safety-scrutiny" data-vars-content-id="fa5cb26b-6242-4ade-8e05-fb85123362d4" data-vars-headline="Gas valve failure caused deadly Clairton blast, U.S. Steel says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/13/clairton-coke-works-explosion-safety-scrutiny" target="_self">fueling renewed scrutiny</a> from regulators and the public over U.S. Steel&#x27;s operations and transparency.

U.S. Steel Clairton plant under scrutiny after deadly blast

The plant has experienced multiple explosions and other safety issues in recent years.

Politics & Policy

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Steel&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/18/us-steel-trump-nippon-takeover" data-vars-content-id="a36b2f8b-b9b2-46f0-a0a0-c4d360a4e363" data-vars-headline="U.S. Steel Clairton plant under scrutiny after deadly blast" 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">U.S. Steel&#x27;s</a> Clairton Coke Works is under fresh scrutiny after an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="explosion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/11/us-steel-explosion-clairton-coke-works" data-vars-content-id="a36b2f8b-b9b2-46f0-a0a0-c4d360a4e363" data-vars-headline="U.S. Steel Clairton plant under scrutiny after deadly blast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/11/us-steel-explosion-clairton-coke-works" target="_self">explosion</a> killed two workers this week.The big picture: Once a defining part of the Pittsburgh region&#x27;s economy, the nearly 400-acre facility is increasingly criticized for its environmental impacts and past safety incidents.

Ohiopyle named best affordable state park option in U.S.

The Pennsylvania gem earned top honors as an affordable nature getaway.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohiopyle State Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/ohiopyle-state-park" data-vars-content-id="203ff618-4058-419a-a753-4a20eca60e4f" data-vars-headline="Ohiopyle named best affordable state park option in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/ohiopyle-state-park" target="_blank">Ohiopyle State Park</a> is the most affordable option for a quality state park in the country, per vacation rental company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="HomeToGo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hometogo.com/?hl=en_US&amp;adword=google%2Fus%2Fkwd-301212238526%2Fct%3Dbgs%3Bd%3Da%3Btc%3DUS%3Bln%3Den%3Bmt%3De%3Bcid%3D762df1b82e2b4fd9%2Fn-a%2Fn-a%2Fn-a%2F643652095364%2Fhometogo&amp;mktasp=acid%3D2693559900%3Bcpid%3D1455840191%3Bagid%3D62141830928%3Badid%3D643652095364%3Bdvce%3Dc%3Bkwrd%3Dhometogo%3B&amp;wbraid=CkwKCQjwtMHEBhD2ARI7ANew2hGfSc6wLPhLynipNH9Ytenvl3hgdI5yLJo-W6s4Wut2uE4jRU8rzEDCwhss6f_IzDZI7oRzUH0aAp9-&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADj-DCSsxBXn0_oR3LK_hytD0NyLJ&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=1455840191&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwtMHEBhC-ARIsABua5iRHkDjERUCb5wX-wkIGalUqwOW2bGTzR6yzf-PLFhDRJYZ_NtO6acEaAtU-EALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="203ff618-4058-419a-a753-4a20eca60e4f" data-vars-headline="Ohiopyle named best affordable state park option in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hometogo.com/?hl=en_US&amp;adword=google%2Fus%2Fkwd-301212238526%2Fct%3Dbgs%3Bd%3Da%3Btc%3DUS%3Bln%3Den%3Bmt%3De%3Bcid%3D762df1b82e2b4fd9%2Fn-a%2Fn-a%2Fn-a%2F643652095364%2Fhometogo&amp;mktasp=acid%3D2693559900%3Bcpid%3D1455840191%3Bagid%3D62141830928%3Badid%3D643652095364%3Bdvce%3Dc%3Bkwrd%3Dhometogo%3B&amp;wbraid=CkwKCQjwtMHEBhD2ARI7ANew2hGfSc6wLPhLynipNH9Ytenvl3hgdI5yLJo-W6s4Wut2uE4jRU8rzEDCwhss6f_IzDZI7oRzUH0aAp9-&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADj-DCSsxBXn0_oR3LK_hytD0NyLJ&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=1455840191&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwtMHEBhC-ARIsABua5iRHkDjERUCb5wX-wkIGalUqwOW2bGTzR6yzf-PLFhDRJYZ_NtO6acEaAtU-EALw_wcB" target="_blank">HomeToGo</a>.The big picture: The company&#x27;s 2025 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State Park Index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hometogo.com/united-states/state-parks/#state-park-index-methodology" data-vars-content-id="203ff618-4058-419a-a753-4a20eca60e4f" data-vars-headline="Ohiopyle named best affordable state park option in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hometogo.com/united-states/state-parks/#state-park-index-methodology" target="_blank">State Park Index</a> ranks America&#x27;s best state parks for great-value stays according to factors like size, trails, wildlife, solitude and scenic views.

Axios What's Next

Map of change in allergy season length by cities. 24 cities across the country are expected to see their allergy season length decrease. Nine cities are expecting to see increases of 45 days or more. 