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Best waterfalls around Pittsburgh

Cool off with these scenic waterfalls, from Shaler to Ohiopyle.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s the season to chase some waterfalls.The intrigue: Pittsburgh is overrun with streams, creeks and rivers, and several of them drain into waterfalls you can visit with relative ease.

Vote for Pittsburgh's best pizzeria

Help decide which local pizzeria advances in our reader tournament.

Food and Drink

Update: Fiori&#x27;s Pizzaria earned Axios Pittsburgh readers&#x27; vote as the region&#x27;s top pizza spot! <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Read more here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/07/10/fioris-wins-best-pittsburgh-pizza" data-vars-content-id="3fce294d-3957-4461-aab2-193f68e5dfdd" data-vars-headline="Vote for Pittsburgh&#x27;s best pizzeria" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/07/10/fioris-wins-best-pittsburgh-pizza" target="_self">Read more here</a>.Every community in Southwestern Pennsylvania seemingly has a favorite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pizza place" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/09/pizza-shack-brentwood-pittsburgh-style-pizza" data-vars-content-id="3fce294d-3957-4461-aab2-193f68e5dfdd" data-vars-headline="Vote for Pittsburgh&#x27;s best pizzeria" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/09/pizza-shack-brentwood-pittsburgh-style-pizza" target="_self">pizza place</a>, but which one is the best?Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pizza beefs are legendary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/pittsburgh-pizza-debate-the-aiellos-vs-mineos-rivalry-expands-to-the-suburbs/" data-vars-content-id="3fce294d-3957-4461-aab2-193f68e5dfdd" data-vars-headline="Vote for Pittsburgh&#x27;s best pizzeria" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/pittsburgh-pizza-debate-the-aiellos-vs-mineos-rivalry-expands-to-the-suburbs/" target="_blank">Pizza beefs are legendary</a> in Pittsburgh, and it&#x27;s time to help squash — or perpetuate — them with a public vote.

Readers crown Fiori's best Pittsburgh pizza spot

Axios readers voted Fiori's the region's top pizzeria in a week-long bracket.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fiori&#x27;s Pizzaria" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fiorispizzaria.com/" data-vars-content-id="e5352f9b-71b0-4eb5-823e-d5af23784f19" data-vars-headline="Readers crown Fiori&#x27;s best Pittsburgh pizza spot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fiorispizzaria.com/" target="_blank">Fiori&#x27;s Pizzaria</a> carried its legacy to victory, earning Axios Pittsburgh readers&#x27; vote as the region&#x27;s top pizza spot.The big picture: The finals came down to two pizzerias that embody the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="evolving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2026/02/24/best-pizza-pittsburgh-1/stories/202602160047" data-vars-content-id="e5352f9b-71b0-4eb5-823e-d5af23784f19" data-vars-headline="Readers crown Fiori&#x27;s best Pittsburgh pizza spot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2026/02/24/best-pizza-pittsburgh-1/stories/202602160047" target="_blank">evolving</a> pizza scene — from beloved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighborhood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/FiorisPizzaria/" data-vars-content-id="e5352f9b-71b0-4eb5-823e-d5af23784f19" data-vars-headline="Readers crown Fiori&#x27;s best Pittsburgh pizza spot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/FiorisPizzaria/" target="_blank">neighborhood</a> institutions to artisan shops pushing the craft to new heights.

Parkway East closes Friday for 25-day bridge project

The closure will divert roughly 100,000 daily motorists off the highway.

Transit

A notoriously <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="congested" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/05/22/drivers-slow-tunnels-traffic-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="db943d1b-26ce-43fd-9841-eba18f0278e2" data-vars-headline="Parkway East closes Friday for 25-day bridge project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/05/22/drivers-slow-tunnels-traffic-pittsburgh" target="_self">congested</a> stretch of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Parkway East" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/22/pittsburgh-parkway-east-ranked-riskiest-road" data-vars-content-id="db943d1b-26ce-43fd-9841-eba18f0278e2" data-vars-headline="Parkway East closes Friday for 25-day bridge project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/22/pittsburgh-parkway-east-ranked-riskiest-road" target="_self">Parkway East</a> closes for 25 days on Friday as crews demolish and replace the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Commercial Street Bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/05/parkway-east-closure-commercial-street-bridge-july-2026" data-vars-content-id="db943d1b-26ce-43fd-9841-eba18f0278e2" data-vars-headline="Parkway East closes Friday for 25-day bridge project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/05/parkway-east-closure-commercial-street-bridge-july-2026" target="_self">Commercial Street Bridge</a>.Why it matters: The closure will test drivers&#x27; patience, and their brake pads, diverting roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="100,000" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/projects-near-you/district-11-projects/commercial-street-bridge-replacement/frequently-asked-questions" data-vars-content-id="db943d1b-26ce-43fd-9841-eba18f0278e2" data-vars-headline="Parkway East closes Friday for 25-day bridge project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/projects-near-you/district-11-projects/commercial-street-bridge-replacement/frequently-asked-questions" target="_blank">100,000</a> daily motorists off the highway and onto detoured routes that could snarl traffic throughout the city.

Pittsburgh group joins national push to fight loneliness

Pittsburgh Social Health will become the Pittsburgh Chamber of Connection.

News

An organization dedicated to building community in Pittsburgh is joining a national effort to make social connection a civic priority.Why it matters: Pittsburgh is a city of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="neighborhoods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/29/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-municipal-mergers-explained" data-vars-content-id="98cf9b24-c344-4962-ab87-63ee46310da6" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh group joins national push to fight loneliness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/29/pittsburgh-pennsylvania-municipal-mergers-explained" target="_self">neighborhoods</a>, deep-rooted social circles and a reputation for not crossing rivers, making it difficult for newcomers and longtime residents alike to foster new relationships.

Allegheny County proposes 18 weeks of parental leave

The proposal would require employers to offer paid leave to new parents and legal guardians.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Allegheny County Health Department" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/03/25/allegheny-county-health-outcomes" data-vars-content-id="ad9679b0-d478-4669-a78d-301085a5d4d3" data-vars-headline="Allegheny County proposes 18 weeks of parental leave" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/03/25/allegheny-county-health-outcomes" target="_self">Allegheny County Health Department</a> proposes to require employers in the county to provide 18 weeks of paid leave to new parents and legal guardians.Why it matters: Pennsylvania does not have any parental leave laws, and Allegheny County would be the first county in the state to enact one.

Health care gaps persist for Black and Hispanic Pennsylvanians

A new report finds disparities in access, cost and outcomes across racial groups in Pennsylvania.

Black and Hispanic Pennsylvanians still face the largest gaps in health care access and quality, per a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Commonwealth Fund report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2026/apr/commonwealth-fund-2026-state-health-disparities-report" data-vars-content-id="cfd44f41-9b94-42b0-b134-d0873e83a5dc" data-vars-headline="Health care gaps persist for Black and Hispanic Pennsylvanians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/fund-reports/2026/apr/commonwealth-fund-2026-state-health-disparities-report" target="_blank">Commonwealth Fund report</a>.The big picture: No state has eliminated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="health disparities" data-vars-click-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11806735/" data-vars-content-id="cfd44f41-9b94-42b0-b134-d0873e83a5dc" data-vars-headline="Health care gaps persist for Black and Hispanic Pennsylvanians" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11806735/" target="_blank">health disparities</a> across racial and ethnic groups, and researchers warn that recent federal policy shifts will likely widen them.

130K drop Pennie coverage as insurance costs spike

The end of federal subsidies is tied to rising costs.

Roughly 130,000 Pennsylvanians have dropped coverage through Pennie, the state&#x27;s Affordable Care Act marketplace, in the past five months.Why it matters: About 1 in 10 Americans enrolled in an ACA plan last year now lack health coverage, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surveys" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/a-follow-up-survey-of-aca-marketplace-enrollees/#c255b176-f8c5-4647-ac6f-75178b0ed76c" data-vars-content-id="a0691753-1973-4d7d-9085-e060fe1a0e7d" data-vars-headline="130K drop Pennie coverage as insurance costs spike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/a-follow-up-survey-of-aca-marketplace-enrollees/#c255b176-f8c5-4647-ac6f-75178b0ed76c" target="_blank">surveys</a> by research nonprofit KFF.

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.

What to know about measles in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania measles cases are on track to eclipse last year as infections rise nationwide.

Health

Pennsylvania <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/23/infants-measles-vaccines-hospitals" data-vars-content-id="136e00aa-3922-470a-8109-26baff865fb3" data-vars-headline="What to know about measles in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/23/infants-measles-vaccines-hospitals" target="_self">measles</a> cases are on track to eclipse last year as infections <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/data-graphics/track-measles-outbreak-cases-us-map-rcna198932" data-vars-content-id="136e00aa-3922-470a-8109-26baff865fb3" data-vars-headline="What to know about measles in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/data-graphics/track-measles-outbreak-cases-us-map-rcna198932" target="_blank">rise</a> nationwide.Why it matters: The state has so far avoided a major outbreak this year, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="falling vaccination rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/08/measles-vaccination-rates-in-most-pennsylvania-counties-lag-below-herd-immunity" data-vars-content-id="136e00aa-3922-470a-8109-26baff865fb3" data-vars-headline="What to know about measles in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/08/measles-vaccination-rates-in-most-pennsylvania-counties-lag-below-herd-immunity" target="_self">falling vaccination rates</a> are clearing a path for one of the world&#x27;s most <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="contagious" data-vars-click-url="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/measles-is-making-a-comeback-can-we-stop-it-202503063091" data-vars-content-id="136e00aa-3922-470a-8109-26baff865fb3" data-vars-headline="What to know about measles in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/measles-is-making-a-comeback-can-we-stop-it-202503063091" target="_blank">contagious</a> viruses to make a comeback.

How Pittsburgh can cash in on biotech boom

Federal leaders say the region is well positioned to compete for billions in biotech investment.

<figure><img alt="A robotic arm placing a plastic dish into place inside a lab" height="450" id="7b6040e2-9247-408b-a2b4-97671c0980a0" src="https://images.axios.com/M92SOVmlS4CXYKcxvtkT1pm1A-o=/2026/02/19/1771533898807.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A robot at work inside CMU&#x27;s Biological and Chemical Innovation Cloud Lab. GIF: Ryan Deto/Axios</figcaption></figure>Pittsburgh&#x27;s biotech industry is ahead of the curve, according to the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB).Why it matters: The commission was created by Congress in 2022 to see how biotechnology can improve national security, and Pittsburgh&#x27;s biotech sector wants to show it&#x27;s worth federal investment and attention.

Pittsburgh death cafes are drawing crowds

Strangers are coming together over cake and tea to chat about death.

Culture

Strangers in Pittsburgh are coming together over cake and tea to chat about death.Why it matters: As anxiety about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="longevity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/health-tech-deals/2025/12/29/longevity-companies-surging-2026" data-vars-content-id="bda90537-6afb-4eff-bb51-ded64a6c105f" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh death cafes are drawing crowds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/health-tech-deals/2025/12/29/longevity-companies-surging-2026" target="_self">longevity</a> and end-of-life care grows, death cafes are normalizing conversations about death and creating spaces for shared learning, organizers say.

What to know about the "super flu" in Western Pa.

A new flu variant is spreading fast this season.

Flu cases are climbing in Western Pennsylvania, driven by a fast-spreading strain that experts warn could prolong this year&#x27;s flu season.Why it matters: An unprecedented rise in nationwide flu cases comes as other sicknesses — such as the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter vomiting bug" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" data-vars-content-id="43b7c910-8301-4234-9df7-dcaae993412a" data-vars-headline="What to know about the &quot;super flu&quot; in Western Pa." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" target="_self">winter vomiting bug</a>&quot; and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whooping cough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" data-vars-content-id="43b7c910-8301-4234-9df7-dcaae993412a" data-vars-headline="What to know about the &quot;super flu&quot; in Western Pa." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" target="_self">whooping cough</a> — are slamming the U.S. this winter.

What Pennsylvania should know about the new flu strain

A new flu variant is now dominant, but experts say the vaccine still helps.

This year&#x27;s flu vaccine may offer less protection against a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="newly circulating strain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/h3n2-new-flu-strain-symptoms-virus" data-vars-content-id="54977057-c003-4e23-a1ed-036253f904bc" data-vars-headline="What Pennsylvania should know about the new flu strain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/h3n2-new-flu-strain-symptoms-virus" target="_self">newly circulating strain</a>, but health experts still urge Pennsylvanians to get vaccinated to limit severe illness and prevent outbreaks.Why it matters: A new Influenza A (H3N2) variant, &quot;subclade K,&quot; emerged over the summer, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sparking fears" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/h3n2-new-flu-strain-symptoms-virus" data-vars-content-id="54977057-c003-4e23-a1ed-036253f904bc" data-vars-headline="What Pennsylvania should know about the new flu strain" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/h3n2-new-flu-strain-symptoms-virus" target="_self">sparking fears</a> that this year&#x27;s flu vaccine may struggle against it because the strain wasn&#x27;t circulating when the shots were developed.

🪱 What to know about cyclosporiasis in Pa. 

What to know about cyclosporiasis in Pa. 

A bar chart that shows Pennsylvania uninsured rates by race and ethnicity in 2024. Hispanic residents have the highest rate at 18.1%, followed by Black residents at 9.4%, AANHPI residents at 7.8% and White residents at 6.2%. Rates range from 6.2% to 18.1%.

Uninsured rates in Pennsylvania

Data: Commonwealth Fund 2026 State Health Disparities Report; Chart: Chrissy Suttles/Axios

Health 🩺

What to know about cyclosporiasis in Pa.

Pittsburgh group joins national push to fight loneliness

Allegheny County proposes 18 weeks of parental leave

Health care gaps persist for Black and Hispanic Pennsylvanians

130K drop Pennie coverage as insurance costs spike