Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Members

Membership

blue

Axios Pittsburgh Partners

Axios Pittsburgh Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Pittsburgh Alerts

Alert

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

Axios Pittsburgh

Standard

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.

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.

Mic Drop to bring live music, karaoke to North Shore

A new nightlife venue will feature live music, karaoke and dueling pianos near PNC Park.

A new entertainment venue, Mic Drop, is coming to the North Shore with a lineup of live music, karaoke and dueling pianos.Why it matters: The space is the latest addition to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Legacy Hospitality Partners&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.legacyhospitalitypartners.com/" data-vars-content-id="9e831776-07ae-40e4-a8de-25404b9bc5b9" data-vars-headline="Mic Drop to bring live music, karaoke to North Shore" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.legacyhospitalitypartners.com/" target="_blank">Legacy Hospitality Partners&#x27;</a> fast-growing North Shore portfolio and citywide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="real estate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/30/new-owners-eye-housing-at-smithfield-building" data-vars-content-id="9e831776-07ae-40e4-a8de-25404b9bc5b9" data-vars-headline="Mic Drop to bring live music, karaoke to North Shore" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/30/new-owners-eye-housing-at-smithfield-building" target="_self">real estate</a> investments.

Why Pittsburgh rarely merges municipalities

Experts say politics and local identity outweigh potential cost savings.

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.

Pennsylvania moves to regulate skill games

Lawmakers must regulate thousands of gaming machines in Pennsylvania

You might see fewer skill games in Pennsylvania&#x27;s convenience stores, gas stations, bars and restaurants soon.Why it matters: Unregulated skill games — machines where users can win cash prizes by besting puzzles and other video games — have spread throughout the state, coinciding with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising rates of gambling addiction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/17/pennsylvania-problem-gambling-hotline-calls-soar-in-2025" data-vars-content-id="78ffeb93-e0f8-44b4-b1a3-fb48acbd6218" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania moves to regulate skill games" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/17/pennsylvania-problem-gambling-hotline-calls-soar-in-2025" target="_self">rising rates of gambling addiction</a>.

Pittsburgh Pride adapts as corporate sponsors shrink

A six-figure sponsorship gap prompted budget cuts, but events remain on track.

<figure><img alt="Pittsburgh Pride 2025." height="450" id="4e164506-0a18-42f4-bc19-62f62aed2e72" src="https://images.axios.com/5gp_neZqsDmQN4ZK-RbhtobK_Ns=/2026/06/02/1780408442714.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The Pittsburgh Pride Parade in 2025. GIF: Chrissy Suttles/Axios</figcaption></figure><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pittsburgh Pride" data-vars-click-url="https://pittsburghpride.com/" data-vars-content-id="2731302b-0879-46a0-bddc-2430e7254c62" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh Pride adapts as corporate sponsors shrink" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pittsburghpride.com/" target="_blank">Pittsburgh Pride</a> returns this weekend as organizers weather a funding crunch fueled by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="corporate pullbacks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/08/pride-month-sponsorship-decline-2025" data-vars-content-id="2731302b-0879-46a0-bddc-2430e7254c62" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh Pride adapts as corporate sponsors shrink" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/08/pride-month-sponsorship-decline-2025" target="_self">corporate pullbacks</a> and competition for sponsorship dollars linked to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/22/nfl-draft-pittsburgh-numbers-records-impact" data-vars-content-id="2731302b-0879-46a0-bddc-2430e7254c62" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh Pride adapts as corporate sponsors shrink" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/22/nfl-draft-pittsburgh-numbers-records-impact" target="_self">NFL draft</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Corporate support" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/06/26/key-sponsors-retreat-from-pittsburgh-pride" data-vars-content-id="2731302b-0879-46a0-bddc-2430e7254c62" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh Pride adapts as corporate sponsors shrink" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/06/26/key-sponsors-retreat-from-pittsburgh-pride" target="_self">Corporate support</a> for Pride events, which attract more than a quarter-million people in Pittsburgh each year, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has waned here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/05/30/pittsburgh-pride-sponsor-pullback" data-vars-content-id="2731302b-0879-46a0-bddc-2430e7254c62" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh Pride adapts as corporate sponsors shrink" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/05/30/pittsburgh-pride-sponsor-pullback" target="_self">has waned here</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationwide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/02/phoenix-pride-bankruptcy-national-trend-corporate-sponsorships" data-vars-content-id="2731302b-0879-46a0-bddc-2430e7254c62" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh Pride adapts as corporate sponsors shrink" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/02/phoenix-pride-bankruptcy-national-trend-corporate-sponsorships" target="_self">nationwide</a> in recent years.

Pa. lawmakers push gambling addiction fixes

Calls to a state helpline hit a record last year as online betting continued to grow.

Pennsylvania lawmakers say the explosion in smartphone gambling has fueled addiction problems they never anticipated when the state legalized online betting several years ago.Why it matters: Calls to Pennsylvania&#x27;s gambling addiction hotline <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hit a record high last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/17/pennsylvania-problem-gambling-hotline-calls-soar-in-2025" data-vars-content-id="ab084a14-cabb-4ece-816a-bf5225f0b780" data-vars-headline="Pa. lawmakers push gambling addiction fixes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/17/pennsylvania-problem-gambling-hotline-calls-soar-in-2025" target="_self">hit a record high last year</a> as online betting revenues continued to surge.

Trump backs renewed push for railway safety bill

The proposal could be added to a major transit funding package this week.

President Trump is throwing his support behind an effort to improve railway safety that was written in the aftermath of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East Palestine train derailment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/13/what-we-know-about-ohio-train-derailment" data-vars-content-id="fe53f2b4-c808-40a5-b6e1-9dfdbe7265e3" data-vars-headline="Trump backs renewed push for railway safety bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/02/13/what-we-know-about-ohio-train-derailment" target="_self">East Palestine train derailment</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Railway Safety Act" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/01/rail-safety-bill-senate-ohio-train-derailment" data-vars-content-id="fe53f2b4-c808-40a5-b6e1-9dfdbe7265e3" data-vars-headline="Trump backs renewed push for railway safety bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/01/rail-safety-bill-senate-ohio-train-derailment" target="_self">Railway Safety Act</a> has lingered in Congress for over three years after the 2023 derailment, even with bipartisan support from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rep. Chris Deluzio" data-vars-click-url="https://archive.triblive.com/local/regional/deluzio-fetterman-renew-calls-for-action-on-railway-safety-act/" data-vars-content-id="fe53f2b4-c808-40a5-b6e1-9dfdbe7265e3" data-vars-headline="Trump backs renewed push for railway safety bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://archive.triblive.com/local/regional/deluzio-fetterman-renew-calls-for-action-on-railway-safety-act/" target="_blank">Rep. Chris Deluzio</a> (D-Aspinwall), Democratic Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="John Fetterman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/27/fetterman-noem-dhs-shooting" data-vars-content-id="fe53f2b4-c808-40a5-b6e1-9dfdbe7265e3" data-vars-headline="Trump backs renewed push for railway safety bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/27/fetterman-noem-dhs-shooting" target="_self">John Fetterman</a> and Vice President JD Vance.

Your guide to Pittsburgh's 2026 primary

A quick look at races, voting rules and what's at stake Tuesday.

Primary Election Day is nearly here.Why it matters: There aren&#x27;t any marquee races this spring, but the decisions Tuesday could shape what is set to be an important midterm election in the fall.

Sen. McCormick seeks faster energy approvals

Supporters say the plan could unlock major infrastructure investment.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sen. Dave McCormick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/08/mccormick-gas-prices-iran-conflict" data-vars-content-id="da892097-1c44-43f4-9d20-aad503c9ef69" data-vars-headline="Sen. McCormick seeks faster energy approvals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/08/mccormick-gas-prices-iran-conflict" target="_self">Sen. Dave McCormick</a>, a Republican, introduced a bill late last month to cut costs and speed up production of energy projects across the nation.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Electricity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/15/how-pittsburgh-s-electric-bills-stack-up" data-vars-content-id="da892097-1c44-43f4-9d20-aad503c9ef69" data-vars-headline="Sen. McCormick seeks faster energy approvals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/15/how-pittsburgh-s-electric-bills-stack-up" target="_self">Electricity</a> and gas utility prices are rising, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some blame the tepid buildout of power plants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/02/why-electricity-rates-rising-pennsylvania-energy-demand-grid" data-vars-content-id="da892097-1c44-43f4-9d20-aad503c9ef69" data-vars-headline="Sen. McCormick seeks faster energy approvals" 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/why-electricity-rates-rising-pennsylvania-energy-demand-grid" target="_self">some blame the tepid buildout of power plants</a> as the cause.

Pa. Justice Wecht leaves Democratic Party

The Jewish justice cited antisemitism rising on the political left.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice David Wecht, who is Jewish, announced Monday he is leaving the Democratic Party and has registered as an independent because he says antisemitic &quot;hatred has grown on the left&quot; and is becoming more mainstream in the party.

McCormick says gas prices could drop soon

McCormick acknowledged gas is too expensive and the cost has impacted families.

Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dave McCormick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/14/trump-mccormick-ai-energy-summit-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="9d093af1-b965-448a-bc55-97ee23f4855f" data-vars-headline="McCormick says gas prices could drop soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/14/trump-mccormick-ai-energy-summit-pittsburgh" target="_self">Dave McCormick</a> told Axios Thursday gas prices should come down rapidly when the Iran war ends, which he expects will be relatively soon.Why it matters: Pittsburgh&#x27;s average gas prices are the highest in the state, currently at over $4.92 a gallon and near all-time highs, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=PA" data-vars-content-id="9d093af1-b965-448a-bc55-97ee23f4855f" data-vars-headline="McCormick says gas prices could drop soon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=PA" target="_blank">AAA</a>.

Shapiro sues AI chatbot over medical advice

State officials say a chatbot falsely claimed to be a licensed psychiatrist in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Department of State is suing a popular AI startup to stop its chatbots from posing as licensed medical professionals.Why it matters: Generative AI companies have come under increased scrutiny for breaching ethical boundaries, leading to several <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lawsuits" data-vars-click-url="https://futurism.com/teens-killed-ai-phrase" data-vars-content-id="537eda06-ab59-497b-8afa-5801c03c2706" data-vars-headline="Shapiro sues AI chatbot over medical advice" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://futurism.com/teens-killed-ai-phrase" target="_blank">lawsuits</a>.

Politics 🇺🇸

Why Pittsburgh rarely merges municipalities

Pennsylvania moves to regulate skill games

Pittsburgh Pride adapts as corporate sponsors shrink

Pa. lawmakers push gambling addiction fixes

Trump backs renewed push for railway safety bill