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Why Pittsburgh rarely merges municipalities

Experts say politics and local identity outweigh potential cost savings.

News

To merge or not to merge? That is the question facing Southwestern Pennsylvania municipalities.The big picture: More and more municipalities in the region are facing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="financial struggles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/12/pittsburgh-budget-deficit-30-million" data-vars-content-id="ea9fe8be-95f8-434b-9e74-bded066214fc" data-vars-headline="Why Pittsburgh rarely merges municipalities" 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/pittsburgh-budget-deficit-30-million" target="_self">financial struggles</a>, and consolidating can help provide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cheaper and more efficient services" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nlc.org/resource/cities-101-consolidations/" data-vars-content-id="ea9fe8be-95f8-434b-9e74-bded066214fc" data-vars-headline="Why Pittsburgh rarely merges municipalities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nlc.org/resource/cities-101-consolidations/" target="_blank">cheaper and more efficient services</a>, Duquesne University political science professor Lew Irwin tells Axios.

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>.

Heat wave pushes Pittsburgh toward 100 degrees

Dangerous heat will grip the region for days, with little overnight relief.

Temperatures will soar well past the 90s for the next few days in Southwest Pennsylvania.Why it matters: Allegheny County issued a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Code Red heat advisory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wtae.com/article/allegheny-county-code-red-heat-advisory-week-of-june-29/71761548#:~:text=in%20your%20inbox.-,Allegheny%20County%20said%20a%20%22code%20red%22%20heat%20advisory%20has%20been,to%20reach%20above%2090%20degrees.&amp;text=Officials%20said%20due%20to%20anticipated,%2C%20to%20Wednesday%2C%20July%201." data-vars-content-id="9cb9ac91-9ee5-4075-a040-06320b8636c7" data-vars-headline="Heat wave pushes Pittsburgh toward 100 degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wtae.com/article/allegheny-county-code-red-heat-advisory-week-of-june-29/71761548#:~:text=in%20your%20inbox.-,Allegheny%20County%20said%20a%20%22code%20red%22%20heat%20advisory%20has%20been,to%20reach%20above%2090%20degrees.&amp;text=Officials%20said%20due%20to%20anticipated,%2C%20to%20Wednesday%2C%20July%201." target="_blank">Code Red heat advisory</a> on Monday, meaning people without air conditioning, health systems, industries and infrastructure will be endangered by high heat, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Weather Service" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/NWSWPC/status/2071324549111558175/photo/1" data-vars-content-id="9cb9ac91-9ee5-4075-a040-06320b8636c7" data-vars-headline="Heat wave pushes Pittsburgh toward 100 degrees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/NWSWPC/status/2071324549111558175/photo/1" target="_blank">National Weather Service</a>.

Road closures for America250PA concert at Point

Several roads near Point State Park will close before Saturday's show.

Point State Park&#x27;s free concert this weekend is bringing fun and a bit of disruption.Why it matters: For those attending and driving nearby, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nelly and Third Eye Blind show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/09/third-eye-blind-nelly-pittsburgh-concert-free" data-vars-content-id="daac8354-0940-4ef0-979f-d7322ca99a01" data-vars-headline="Road closures for America250PA concert at Point" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/09/third-eye-blind-nelly-pittsburgh-concert-free" target="_self">Nelly and Third Eye Blind show</a> has several road closures to navigate.

Your guide to Pittsburgh's biggest July Fourth

Fireworks, concerts and a Ferris wheel fill Downtown and the North Shore.

Guides

Pittsburgh&#x27;s renowned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="July Fourth celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-4th-of-july-celebration/" data-vars-content-id="3f4a6229-4294-47c4-ae87-0eee9391e473" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Pittsburgh&#x27;s biggest July Fourth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/best-4th-of-july-celebration/" target="_blank">July Fourth celebration</a> is getting even better this year.Why it matters: We believe the Steel City is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the most American city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/08/why-pittsburgh-is-the-most-american-city" data-vars-content-id="3f4a6229-4294-47c4-ae87-0eee9391e473" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Pittsburgh&#x27;s biggest July Fourth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/08/why-pittsburgh-is-the-most-american-city" target="_self">the most American city</a>, and this Saturday&#x27;s Independence Day festivities prove our point.

What to know before the NFL Draft

Here's how to get there, what to do and when events start this weekend.

<figure><img alt="A man kicking a field goal and missing wide left at Acrisure Stadium." height="450" id="3e0c456c-7c6c-4dec-b360-ab8314e3f426" src="https://images.axios.com/abIH0ig_IykEo6l-aLeGbB91jhU=/2026/04/22/1776890808378.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Yinz can kick field goals at the draft, too, and hopefully not miss like Ryan. GIF: Courtesy of Oliver Morrison</figcaption></figure>The draft is here and we got a sneak peek.Why it matters: Local leaders say this is probably the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest free event Pittsburgh has ever had" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/21/pittsburgh-nfl-draft-fears-traffic-yinzers-relax" data-vars-content-id="1b5e1e76-8004-4ee3-b8dc-95a7ca3b7c67" data-vars-headline="What to know before the NFL Draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/21/pittsburgh-nfl-draft-fears-traffic-yinzers-relax" target="_self">biggest free event Pittsburgh has ever had</a>, so take advantage but be prepared.

A biker's guide to Pittsburgh's side streets

Neighborways offer calmer, safer routes for biking across Pittsburgh neighborhoods.

Transit

The city&#x27;s roads can be challenging to navigate by car, and often <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="even harder by bike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/06/03/pittsburgh-bike-lane-penn-avenue" data-vars-content-id="6104b22d-9251-4b04-a434-59ff73082181" data-vars-headline="A biker&#x27;s guide to Pittsburgh&#x27;s side streets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/06/03/pittsburgh-bike-lane-penn-avenue" target="_self">even harder by bike</a>.Why it matters: Spring is here, and more Pittsburghers will be hitting the streets on two wheels, so it&#x27;s important to know where riding is the safest and most stress-free.

Pittsburgh has an Easter candy abundance

Local candy shops across the region offer handmade treats ahead of the holiday.

Food and Drink

Pittsburgh is the second-best city in the country at celebrating Easter, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a Wallet Hub study" data-vars-click-url="https://wallethub.com/edu/best-places-to-celebrate-easter/19774" data-vars-content-id="3b629790-8ae1-413d-bcc3-4feffdc1c38c" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh has an Easter candy abundance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wallethub.com/edu/best-places-to-celebrate-easter/19774" target="_blank">a Wallet Hub study</a>, and when you look around, it makes sense why.🐰 Why it matters: Easter is, of course, about Christianity, but for secular celebrators it&#x27;s also about candy — and the Pittsburgh region has a plethora of local confectioners offering sweets made on-site.

How to swim in our only indoor public pool

A guide to hours, prices and what to expect at Oliver Bath House.

Things to Do

<figure><img alt="A man swimming in a pool underneath a yellow and black flag" height="448" id="41871226-7f71-4c72-acec-7d702769da32" src="https://images.axios.com/F-bKixPJzL-4xfTEn9tyG_28zBQ=/2026/03/19/1773943738315.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>GIF: Alexis Johnson/Axios</figcaption></figure>Summer is months away, but you can still affordably swim in Pittsburgh. Why it matters: The city recently reopened the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oliver Bath House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Pools/Oliver-Bath-House" data-vars-content-id="ac542952-8b08-458e-a3fe-cf33e021d3ef" data-vars-headline="How to swim in our only indoor public pool" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Pools/Oliver-Bath-House" target="_blank">Oliver Bath House</a>, its only indoor public swimming pool, bringing back one of the most budget-friendly swimming options in the region.

How to cross-country ski in Western Pennsylvania

First-timers can rent skis and take free lessons at Laurel Ridge.

Sports

There are more ways to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="enjoy the snow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/16/dogsled-pennsylvania-nemacolin-winter" data-vars-content-id="35f656a1-325b-451a-b1a1-faf6c19ddc6a" data-vars-headline="How to cross-country ski in Western Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/16/dogsled-pennsylvania-nemacolin-winter" target="_self">enjoy the snow</a> than going downhill.Why it matters: It can be more challenging and frustrating than downhill skiing, but cross-country skiing is much cheaper and provides a quiet solitude that is hard to replicate.

We rode the new Penn Ave. bike lane

Drivers, cyclists and businesses are still adjusting to the redesign.

<figure><img alt="A moving image of riding a bike down a white and green painted bike lane next to a black SUV riding in the street. " height="449" id="9d50c25f-10c2-443d-95a2-759f60995aa6" src="https://images.axios.com/J2TyqnGnHdTOMrFOqh5sDc_J4HY=/2025/11/24/1764012078222.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Drivers and cyclists can share Penn Avenue! GIF: Ryan Deto/Axios</figcaption></figure>Pittsburgh&#x27;s newest bike lane is here, and we got a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first-hand look" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRctXA7jwmj/" data-vars-content-id="bdd5f642-4600-4c0f-800f-e73abc8e3f74" data-vars-headline="We rode the new Penn Ave. bike lane" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DRctXA7jwmj/" target="_blank">first-hand look</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="road redesign project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/06/03/pittsburgh-bike-lane-penn-avenue" data-vars-content-id="bdd5f642-4600-4c0f-800f-e73abc8e3f74" data-vars-headline="We rode the new Penn Ave. bike lane" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/06/03/pittsburgh-bike-lane-penn-avenue" target="_self">road redesign project</a> ruffled feathers during its design process and is still garnering complaints after it was completed this month.

A guide to the new Pittsburgh International Airport

Travelers can now use the $1.7B PIT terminal with better security, parking and concessions.

The last tram will roll out of PIT&#x27;s old landside terminal early Tuesday morning — marking the first day the airport&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.7 billion terminal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/11/pittsburgh-airport-terminal-upgrade" data-vars-content-id="034330a6-b87d-443b-9f50-24e1bcd4d05d" data-vars-headline="A guide to the new Pittsburgh International Airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/11/pittsburgh-airport-terminal-upgrade" target="_self">$1.7 billion terminal</a> is open to travelers.Why it matters: The new 811,000-square-foot building is a glow-up compared to the 33-year-old former terminal and officials promise a more modern and efficient travel experience.

Pittsburgh area schools face shortfalls, potential closures

Budget shortfalls, closures and phone bans shape the first week of school.

Education

Most Pittsburgh-area schools have just started the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/18/rfk-vaccine-confusion-back-to-school" data-vars-content-id="d9a041a5-284b-4d33-a567-800347c011c9" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh area schools face shortfalls, potential closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/18/rfk-vaccine-confusion-back-to-school" target="_self">school year</a> or will start early next week.The big picture: Several school districts are facing a changing landscape with budget deficits looming thanks to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/25/local-schools-federal-funding-superintendents" data-vars-content-id="d9a041a5-284b-4d33-a567-800347c011c9" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh area schools face shortfalls, potential closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/25/local-schools-federal-funding-superintendents" target="_self">federal cuts</a>, declining property assessments, school and building closures in the city, and shifting policies like cell phone bans.

A guide to kayaking in Pittsburgh

Explore rivers, lakes, islands and urban views by kayak in and around Pittsburgh.

Our famous waterways are best explored by paddle.The intrigue: Pittsburgh isn&#x27;t always mentioned as a top kayaking destination, but it should be. We have an abundance and variety of waterways, from rural and urban lakes to large rivers flanked by skyscrapers to white water rapids.