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Shapiro and Garrity clash in only Pa. governor debate

The hourlong showdown comes less than a month before Election Day.

News

Democratic Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Josh Shapiro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/josh-shapiro-ai-data-centers-pivot" data-vars-content-id="9b41fd5d-12a3-4dee-aca2-ef307b5557bb" data-vars-headline="Shapiro and Garrity clash in only Pa. governor debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/19/josh-shapiro-ai-data-centers-pivot" target="_self">Josh Shapiro</a> and Republican state Treasurer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stacy Garrity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/12/02/pennsylvania-treasurer-stacy-garrity-future" data-vars-content-id="9b41fd5d-12a3-4dee-aca2-ef307b5557bb" data-vars-headline="Shapiro and Garrity clash in only Pa. governor debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2024/12/02/pennsylvania-treasurer-stacy-garrity-future" target="_self">Stacy Garrity</a> traded barbs over data centers, taxes, skill games, and gas prices in an hourlong debate, setting the stage for November&#x27;s gubernatorial election.The big picture: Wednesday night&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="debate filmed at ABC27 studio in Harrisburg" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/@WHTM-abc27News/videos" data-vars-content-id="9b41fd5d-12a3-4dee-aca2-ef307b5557bb" data-vars-headline="Shapiro and Garrity clash in only Pa. governor debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/@WHTM-abc27News/videos" target="_blank">debate filmed at ABC27 studio in Harrisburg</a> is likely to be the only debate in this year&#x27;s Pennsylvania governor contest.

Fall colors creep closer to Pittsburgh

Here's when to expect peak fall colors and where to see the brightest leaves.

Leaf-peepers, get ready: Fall colors are creeping into Pittsburgh. The intrigue: Some recent cold nights have spurred foliage to peak in the coldest parts of the state, and vibrant fall colors are getting closer to the Pittsburgh area, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/2026-fall-foliage-oct-8#table" data-vars-content-id="2cb6b88f-f8a5-4f39-93c6-6c6c7356f399" data-vars-headline="Fall colors creep closer to Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/2026-fall-foliage-oct-8#table" target="_blank">Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources</a>.

Why Pittsburgh is America's Halloween capital

Pittsburgh has a killer claim to fame: We helped put the horror in Halloween.

Culture

Pittsburgh has a killer claim to fame: We helped put the horror in Halloween.Why it matters: From pioneering the modern zombie to producing generations of horror talent, Pittsburgh has a legitimate case as America&#x27;s Halloween capital.

Spirit Halloween haunts our retail graveyard 

Spirit Halloween is haunting the shelves of former big-box stores again.

Business

Spirit Halloween is<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" haunting the shelves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/24/spirit-halloween-store-previous-tenant" data-vars-content-id="11528789-b5a8-45f9-9b18-883b5f5ed78e" data-vars-headline="Spirit Halloween haunts our retail graveyard " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/24/spirit-halloween-store-previous-tenant" target="_self"> haunting the shelves</a> of former big-box stores again this fall as it opens 1,500<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" locations" data-vars-click-url="https://stores.spirithalloween.com/" data-vars-content-id="11528789-b5a8-45f9-9b18-883b5f5ed78e" data-vars-headline="Spirit Halloween haunts our retail graveyard " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stores.spirithalloween.com/" target="_blank"> locations</a> nationwide, including more than a dozen in the greater Pittsburgh area.The big picture: The stores appear and vanish each fall, so finding a Spirit often means relaying directions in retail shorthand: &quot;At the old JoAnn&#x27;s.&quot;

Pens debut a monster Pittsburgh sandwich, and more

Pierogies, mozzarella sticks and waffle fries all land on one massive sandwich.

Food and Drink

Pittsburgh&#x27;s favorite foods have been stuffed into one ridiculously massive sandwich — and you can eat it at a Penguins game.The intrigue: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Pens season is upon us" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/09/30/penguins-season-preview" data-vars-content-id="03cf818c-13cc-4266-8278-8010480b7f4a" data-vars-headline="Pens debut a monster Pittsburgh sandwich, and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/09/30/penguins-season-preview" target="_self">new Pens season is upon us</a>, and that means new treats at PPG Paints Arena.

Pitt faces first test at Virginia Tech

The Panthers face their toughest opponent yet in a Friday night road test.

Sports

The undefeated Pitt Panthers will see their first real challenge on Friday as they face the Virginia Tech Hokies on the road.Why it matters: Pitt is hoping to keep the momentum going after a winning season last year and impress a national audience in primetime.

The Pens will surprise the NHL again

Pittsburgh's aging core still has enough left to defy expectations again.

Expectations for the Penguins aren&#x27;t high this season, but nobody should ever count out a team with a core of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang, no matter how old they are.The big picture: Last year proved that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Crosby and company can still compete" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/13/penguins-playoff-return-2026-season-turnaround" data-vars-content-id="b6f0768b-6d02-4731-a74b-e10a51fd2405" data-vars-headline="The Pens will surprise the NHL again" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/13/penguins-playoff-return-2026-season-turnaround" target="_self">Crosby and company can still compete</a> when they finished second in the Metropolitan Division and made the playoffs, even after everyone (including me) counted them out.

Central Catholic christens U.S. Steel Community Field

The Vikings played before a sellout crowd at their new permanent home in Hazelwood.

<figure><img alt="High school football game showing running back runing 20 yards into the end zone with green hills and orange sky in background." height="450" id="d101e9c1-b200-416b-83dd-3ded30cdce98" src="https://images.axios.com/wNOr5gtxX4CBblUXWPjg37RnRhI=/2026/09/12/1789235685861.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Central Catholic scored the first touchdown in U.S. Steel Community Field history! GIF: Ryan Deto/Axios</figcaption></figure>One of Pittsburgh&#x27;s most storied high school football teams, Central Catholic, finally played on its own permanent home field.Why it matters: High school football rivals religion in Western Pennsylvania and the storied Central Catholic team finally has its own holy ground after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="100 years of rotating fields" data-vars-click-url="https://www.centralcatholichs.com/post-details/~board/athletics-news/post/central-catholic-celebrates-first-home-football-field-in-nearly-100-years" data-vars-content-id="e625f921-c1e0-461b-8ee1-f0276db41046" data-vars-headline="Central Catholic christens U.S. Steel Community Field" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.centralcatholichs.com/post-details/~board/athletics-news/post/central-catholic-celebrates-first-home-football-field-in-nearly-100-years" target="_blank">100 years of rotating fields</a>.

Acrisure adds new Steelers game-day food

Acrisure Stadium's new menu goes big on kielbasa, waffles, hot dogs and fries.

This year&#x27;s menu at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Acrisure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/09/11/acrisure-stadium-2025-food-pierogi-sliders" data-vars-content-id="32c660e9-613d-4be2-bc62-27d7798c1fe1" data-vars-headline="Acrisure adds new Steelers game-day food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/09/11/acrisure-stadium-2025-food-pierogi-sliders" target="_self">Acrisure</a> Stadium includes pierogi-stuffed wraps, fry-filled chicken and waffles and more.🍽️ Dig in: Local specialties have become a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bigger part of Pittsburgh stadium menus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/18/pirates-new-pnc-park-food-2026-season" data-vars-content-id="32c660e9-613d-4be2-bc62-27d7798c1fe1" data-vars-headline="Acrisure adds new Steelers game-day food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/18/pirates-new-pnc-park-food-2026-season" target="_self">bigger part of Pittsburgh stadium menus</a>.

Steelers start new era with familiar stakes

Mike McCarthy takes over, but Pittsburgh enters the season with plenty of familiar faces.

The Steelers sidelines will look different this year after former longtime head coach <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Tomlin left" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/13/mike-tomlin-steps-down-steelers" data-vars-content-id="77e1915a-1f5b-44c7-b65b-4c51c77a4db4" data-vars-headline="Steelers start new era with familiar stakes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/13/mike-tomlin-steps-down-steelers" target="_self">Mike Tomlin left</a>.Why it matters: The Black and Gold saw nearly two decades with Tomlin at the helm, but a lack of playoff wins triggered some changes and the start of a new era in Pittsburgh.

Penguins bench the Zamboni gravy boat

Fans can score plenty of oddball giveaways this season, but not the beloved gravy boat.

The Penguins are giving fans a chance to take home a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Lange" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/02/20/mike-lange-dies-penguins-broadcaster" data-vars-content-id="db8d297d-e797-4168-8c20-fcfa5caede17" data-vars-headline="Penguins bench the Zamboni gravy boat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/02/20/mike-lange-dies-penguins-broadcaster" target="_self">Mike Lange</a> catchphrase alarm clock, a loaf pan shaped like Iceburgh the mascot, and even 2017 commemorative championship rings. But one item is conspicuously absent.Why it matters: This <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="season&#x27;s promotional schedule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/tickets/promotional-schedule" data-vars-content-id="db8d297d-e797-4168-8c20-fcfa5caede17" data-vars-headline="Penguins bench the Zamboni gravy boat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nhl.com/penguins/tickets/promotional-schedule" target="_blank">season&#x27;s promotional schedule</a> doesn&#x27;t include the popular Zamboni gravy boat.

Pirates serve up "Hoist The Cones" ice cream cones

Buy an ice cream cone at remaining Sunday home games to get the limited-edition holder.

Finally, you can hoist a cone into your mouth.The intrigue: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pirates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/07/21/pirates-playoff-hunt-2026" data-vars-content-id="5a70b7d2-1742-4544-bc3e-fe04e825912b" data-vars-headline="Pirates serve up &quot;Hoist The Cones&quot; ice cream cones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/07/21/pirates-playoff-hunt-2026" target="_self">Pirates</a> have gone viral this season for their &quot;Hoist The Cone&quot; celebration. Fans can now receive a limited-edition, PNC-branded traffic cone holder free with their ice cream purchase at select PNC Park locations in for the last remaining Sunday games this season.

Report: NFL draft generated $177M

Analysts say the event delivered economic gains and long-term exposure.

Many locals <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="believed the NFL draft would be a bust" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/21/pittsburgh-nfl-draft-fears-traffic-yinzers-relax" data-vars-content-id="1de2d530-a9d5-42db-bbe1-41156d2c8661" data-vars-headline="Report: NFL draft generated $177M" 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">believed the NFL draft would be a bust</a>, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.steelers.com/news/pittsburgh-sets-a-new-standard" data-vars-content-id="1de2d530-a9d5-42db-bbe1-41156d2c8661" data-vars-headline="Report: NFL draft generated $177M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.steelers.com/news/pittsburgh-sets-a-new-standard" target="_blank">reports</a> released Monday reveal the April event generated $177 million.Why it matters: The state, county and city <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spent over $19 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.publicsource.org/nfl-draft-spending-public-investments/" data-vars-content-id="1de2d530-a9d5-42db-bbe1-41156d2c8661" data-vars-headline="Report: NFL draft generated $177M" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.publicsource.org/nfl-draft-spending-public-investments/" target="_blank">spent over $19 million</a> preparing, running and marketing the three-day event, and some public officials said the costs would not be recouped.

Riverhounds debut beer in boots

The collectible cups make their debut during Saturday's home game.

Kick back with some brews at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Riverhounds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/05/riverhounds-usl-championship-defense-charleston-battery" data-vars-content-id="f80e24ed-fce5-4956-bdd0-4d2a674604a2" data-vars-headline="Riverhounds debut beer in boots" 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/riverhounds-usl-championship-defense-charleston-battery" target="_self">Riverhounds</a> game this weekend.The intrigue: Pittsburgh&#x27;s soccer team is debuting beer boots complete with cleats during Saturday&#x27;s match against Rhode Island.

Sports 🏅

Pens debut a monster Pittsburgh sandwich, and more

Pitt faces first test at Virginia Tech

The Pens will surprise the NHL again

Central Catholic christens U.S. Steel Community Field

Acrisure adds new Steelers game-day food