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"Star Wars" vending machine stunt awakens Pittsburgh's ire

The creator says he'll repair and return the beloved Mt. Washington landmark, but not everyone's happy.

Culture

A social media stunt involving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pittsburgh&#x27;s beloved &quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/27/star-wars-vending-machine-replaced-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="068bae5b-67e9-4eb1-a4b6-3c4042b9e8e7" data-vars-headline="&quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine stunt awakens Pittsburgh&#x27;s ire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/27/star-wars-vending-machine-replaced-pittsburgh" target="_self">Pittsburgh&#x27;s beloved &quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine</a> has the region up in arms.Why it matters: Los Angeles-based content creator Braeden Days said <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/content-creator-claims-he-took-mount-washingtons-iconic-star-wars-vending-machine/OX77WMBFO5AXTGNMW6E45AAULE/" data-vars-content-id="068bae5b-67e9-4eb1-a4b6-3c4042b9e8e7" data-vars-headline="&quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine stunt awakens Pittsburgh&#x27;s ire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/content-creator-claims-he-took-mount-washingtons-iconic-star-wars-vending-machine/OX77WMBFO5AXTGNMW6E45AAULE/" target="_blank">last week</a> he took Mt. Washington&#x27;s &quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine, prompting a flurry of reactions from locals, including prominent radio personalities.

Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement

The endorsement adds to intrigue around the congressman's growing political profile.

News

Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chris Deluzio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/20/deluzio-trump-response-threat" data-vars-content-id="1d3fbabc-695f-4cb4-b898-146c215b537d" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/20/deluzio-trump-response-threat" target="_self">Chris Deluzio</a> (D-Aspinwall) was endorsed by the national progressive group Working Families Party, Axios learned Monday.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Deluzio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/04/deluzio-ice-oakmont-immigrant-detention" data-vars-content-id="1d3fbabc-695f-4cb4-b898-146c215b537d" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/04/deluzio-ice-oakmont-immigrant-detention" target="_self">Deluzio</a> is expanding his political base ahead of his election against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican Tony Guy" data-vars-click-url="https://tonyguyforcongress.com/" data-vars-content-id="1d3fbabc-695f-4cb4-b898-146c215b537d" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Deluzio nabs Working Families Party endorsement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tonyguyforcongress.com/" target="_blank">Republican Tony Guy</a>, which could carry him beyond the U.S. House and on to higher ambitions.

Pennsylvania ER visits among the nation's longest

Patients typically spend over 3 hours in Pennsylvania emergency departments.

Health

A typical emergency room visit in Pennsylvania runs more than three hours, per new federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/dataset/apyc-v239" data-vars-content-id="f6546a56-825c-4dec-beda-d3d2ca861138" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania ER visits among the nation&#x27;s longest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/dataset/apyc-v239" target="_blank">data</a>.Why it matters: New insurance <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eligibility rules" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/03/medicaid-work-eligibility-requirement-rules-patients" data-vars-content-id="f6546a56-825c-4dec-beda-d3d2ca861138" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania ER visits among the nation&#x27;s longest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/03/medicaid-work-eligibility-requirement-rules-patients" target="_self">eligibility rules</a> could push more patients to delay care until their conditions become emergencies, further straining emergency departments.

What to do in Pittsburgh this September 

As fall approaches, expect a bevy of food fests, live music, Oktoberfest and a parallel parking showdown.

Things to Do

It may not feel like it with extreme heat settling over the region this week, but fall is closing in — bringing film fests, food fests and even a parallel parking championship.Here are Pittsburgh&#x27;s top events this September.

PIT opens first public outdoor airport terrace

Anyone can enjoy the new terrace with takeoff views before security.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pittsburgh International Airport&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/17/pittsburgh-airport-new-terminal-opens" data-vars-content-id="204fa34e-2aa8-4bf6-9cb7-91b4743035e6" data-vars-headline="PIT opens first public outdoor airport terrace" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/17/pittsburgh-airport-new-terminal-opens" target="_self">Pittsburgh International Airport&#x27;s</a> first outdoor terrace is open — putting PIT on a short list of U.S. airports with fresh-air amenities.Zoom in: The first of four planned terraces blends native plants, walking paths and seating into a pre-security space where anyone, ticketed or not, can relax and watch planes ascend.

PIT debuts immersive steel sculptures

The commissioned artwork at PIT's new terminal invites visitors to take a breath — and selfies.

Travel

Three towering steel columns now stand outside Pittsburgh International Airport&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new terminal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/22/pit-new-terminal-curb-to-gate-times" data-vars-content-id="88764c6a-2548-4747-9d52-1429c06f6af4" data-vars-headline="PIT debuts immersive steel sculptures" 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/pit-new-terminal-curb-to-gate-times" target="_self">new terminal</a>, linking the traveler experience to the region&#x27;s landscape and industrial legacy.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado artist Patrick Marold&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.patrickmarold.com/" data-vars-content-id="88764c6a-2548-4747-9d52-1429c06f6af4" data-vars-headline="PIT debuts immersive steel sculptures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.patrickmarold.com/" target="_blank">Colorado artist Patrick Marold&#x27;s</a> &quot;Open Columns&quot; is the final permanent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="commissioned artwork" data-vars-click-url="https://flypittsburgh.com/acaa-corporate/new-terminal-overview/" data-vars-content-id="88764c6a-2548-4747-9d52-1429c06f6af4" data-vars-headline="PIT debuts immersive steel sculptures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://flypittsburgh.com/acaa-corporate/new-terminal-overview/" target="_blank">commissioned artwork</a> to take its place at the $1.7 billion terminal that opened late last year.

Pittsburgh tourism campaign goes to Washington

New ads aim to attract first-time visitors and raise the city's profile.

It&#x27;s a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big year for Pittsburgh tourism" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/05/pittsburgh-2026-nfl-draft-world-cup-arts" data-vars-content-id="d69f05e6-26b5-4914-a6b9-00962ffcd884" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh tourism campaign goes to Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/05/pittsburgh-2026-nfl-draft-world-cup-arts" target="_self">big year for Pittsburgh tourism</a>, and leaders want to keep the momentum going.Why it matters: Raising the region&#x27;s profile supports a broader strategy to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attract investment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/05/allegheny-county-clean-tech-manufacturing-plan" data-vars-content-id="d69f05e6-26b5-4914-a6b9-00962ffcd884" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh tourism campaign goes to Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/05/allegheny-county-clean-tech-manufacturing-plan" target="_self">attract investment</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/25/pittsburgh-newcomers-drive-growth" data-vars-content-id="d69f05e6-26b5-4914-a6b9-00962ffcd884" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh tourism campaign goes to Washington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/25/pittsburgh-newcomers-drive-growth" target="_self">new residents</a>, and more consistent tourism.

Best Day Ever: "100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh" co-author Francesca Dabecco

We asked "100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh Before You Die" co-author Francesca Dabecco to describe her perfect day.

Pittsburghers who think they&#x27;ve seen it all may want to crack open the latest copy of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh Before You Die." data-vars-click-url="https://www.100thingspittsburgh.com/" data-vars-content-id="b99cef17-90f6-40b4-9780-20afd3a0204e" data-vars-headline="Best Day Ever: &quot;100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh&quot; co-author Francesca Dabecco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.100thingspittsburgh.com/" target="_blank">100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh Before You Die.</a>&quot;Why it matters: Co-authors and journalists <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rossilynne Culgan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rossilynne.com/" data-vars-content-id="b99cef17-90f6-40b4-9780-20afd3a0204e" data-vars-headline="Best Day Ever: &quot;100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh&quot; co-author Francesca Dabecco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rossilynne.com/" target="_blank">Rossilynne Culgan</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Francesca Dabecco" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/francesca_dabecco" data-vars-content-id="b99cef17-90f6-40b4-9780-20afd3a0204e" data-vars-headline="Best Day Ever: &quot;100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh&quot; co-author Francesca Dabecco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/francesca_dabecco" target="_blank">Francesca Dabecco</a> make a compelling case for being a tourist in your own city.

We timed PIT's new terminal

Most travelers can reach their gate in 20 minutes or less.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="people mover" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/05/07/where-is-nebby" data-vars-content-id="59bb8e81-196f-4c80-80f1-c819d3dd12ff" data-vars-headline="We timed PIT&#x27;s new terminal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/05/07/where-is-nebby" target="_self">people mover</a> is gone and security is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="streamlined" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/11/18/tsa-opens-new-state-art-security-checkpoint-pittsburgh-international" data-vars-content-id="59bb8e81-196f-4c80-80f1-c819d3dd12ff" data-vars-headline="We timed PIT&#x27;s new terminal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/11/18/tsa-opens-new-state-art-security-checkpoint-pittsburgh-international" target="_blank">streamlined</a>, but how fast can you actually get through Pittsburgh International Airport&#x27;s new terminal? We timed it.Why it matters: PIT opened its new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.7 billion terminal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/17/pittsburgh-airport-new-terminal-opens" data-vars-content-id="59bb8e81-196f-4c80-80f1-c819d3dd12ff" data-vars-headline="We timed PIT&#x27;s new terminal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/17/pittsburgh-airport-new-terminal-opens" target="_self">$1.7 billion terminal</a> late last year, promising to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="slash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1091784939105174" data-vars-content-id="59bb8e81-196f-4c80-80f1-c819d3dd12ff" data-vars-headline="We timed PIT&#x27;s new terminal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1091784939105174" target="_blank">slash</a> curb-to-gate times for many travelers.

By the numbers: NFL draft

Fans traveled far and spent big as the draft set records across the region.

Visit Pittsburgh released a slew of statistics about the city hosting the draft over three days in late April.The intrigue: Pittsburgh broke <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attendance records for the NFL draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/04/27/nfl-draft-pittsburgh-record-crowd" data-vars-content-id="fc8c2249-6fae-4043-884f-b6bbeb0d63c4" data-vars-headline="By the numbers: 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/2026/04/27/nfl-draft-pittsburgh-record-crowd" target="_self">attendance records for the NFL draft</a>, but the numbers go beyond that.

Unplug at a tiny cabin near Pittsburgh

Tiny cabins just an hour away deliver a low-lift retreat into the woods.

Dozens of tiny cabins just an hour from Pittsburgh deliver a low-lift retreat. Why it matters: You won&#x27;t need to burn PTO to stay at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Postcard Cabins&#x27; Beaver Creek" data-vars-click-url="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pitbc-postcard-cabins-beaver-creek-outdoor-collection-bonvoy/overview/?nst=paid&amp;cid=PAI_GLB0004YXD_GLE000BIM5_GLF000OETA&amp;ppc=ppc&amp;pId=ustbppc&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=1658413582&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADilnid27axJa_eyQbROEyK_4bKnF&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw4a3OBhCHARIsAChaqJO6_FEIY1D8rzED7ayCI7bSyPF7_lrsigSlkJwaQ45yKm0dPwY2AMgaAhTIEALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="5c54d54b-ff02-4a4c-961f-c1bbc7522ad3" data-vars-headline="Unplug at a tiny cabin near Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pitbc-postcard-cabins-beaver-creek-outdoor-collection-bonvoy/overview/?nst=paid&amp;cid=PAI_GLB0004YXD_GLE000BIM5_GLF000OETA&amp;ppc=ppc&amp;pId=ustbppc&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=1658413582&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADilnid27axJa_eyQbROEyK_4bKnF&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw4a3OBhCHARIsAChaqJO6_FEIY1D8rzED7ayCI7bSyPF7_lrsigSlkJwaQ45yKm0dPwY2AMgaAhTIEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Postcard Cabins&#x27; Beaver Creek</a> outpost.<ul><li>Plus, there are free s&#x27;mores.</li></ul>

Why Irish airline Aer Lingus chose Pittsburgh

Corporate ties, tourism and Irish heritage helped land the new route.

Pittsburgh and Ireland are close, but they are about to get a lot closer.The big picture: Pittsburgh International Airport <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="will get new direct flights to Dublin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/11/nonstop-dublin-flights-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="16044df5-f3fa-4831-b818-f831073e4b94" data-vars-headline="Why Irish airline Aer Lingus chose Pittsburgh" 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/nonstop-dublin-flights-pittsburgh" target="_self">will get new direct flights to Dublin</a> in a couple of months, and Aer Lingus is making a push to boost the connection.

Autonomous shuttles could come to PIT airport

PIT may add driverless shuttles linking parking, hotel and terminals.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pittsburgh International Airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/17/pittsburgh-airport-new-terminal-opens" data-vars-content-id="6ce439a7-e724-4131-8314-775b7ca6d70f" data-vars-headline="Autonomous shuttles could come to PIT airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/17/pittsburgh-airport-new-terminal-opens" target="_self">Pittsburgh International Airport</a> is looking to use autonomous shuttles to help move passengers between its new terminal, parking structures and on-site hotel.Why it matters: The new $1.7 billion landside terminal abuts the airside terminal, making the old parking lots and on-site hotel out of walking distance from the new terminal.

Charter flights open to Pennsylvanians in Middle East

The U.S. is arranging charter flights for Americans as the conflict disrupts travel.

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) told Pennsylvanians in the Middle East that the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State Department" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/iran-us-embassy-riyadh-saudi-arabia-drones" data-vars-content-id="529963d5-e5d4-45ae-bf8d-63de42bdc161" data-vars-headline="Charter flights open to Pennsylvanians in Middle East" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/iran-us-embassy-riyadh-saudi-arabia-drones" target="_self">State Department</a> is arranging charter flights to help <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American citizens" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/iran-us-israel-strikes-travelers-stranded-middle-east-alerts" data-vars-content-id="529963d5-e5d4-45ae-bf8d-63de42bdc161" data-vars-headline="Charter flights open to Pennsylvanians in Middle East" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/iran-us-israel-strikes-travelers-stranded-middle-east-alerts" target="_self">American citizens</a> leave as the Iran war intensifies and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snarls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/iran-us-israel-strikes-travelers-stranded-middle-east-alerts" data-vars-content-id="529963d5-e5d4-45ae-bf8d-63de42bdc161" data-vars-headline="Charter flights open to Pennsylvanians in Middle East" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/02/iran-us-israel-strikes-travelers-stranded-middle-east-alerts" target="_self">snarls</a> global air travel.Zoom in: The State Department <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said Tuesday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/state-department-iran-trump-flights-middle-east-americans" data-vars-content-id="529963d5-e5d4-45ae-bf8d-63de42bdc161" data-vars-headline="Charter flights open to Pennsylvanians in Middle East" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/03/state-department-iran-trump-flights-middle-east-americans" target="_self">said Tuesday</a> it&#x27;s facilitating flights from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan to bring home Americans who can&#x27;t access commercial flights.