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PNC return could boost Downtown Pittsburgh's daytime rebound

Thousands of PNC workers will return to Downtown later this spring.

News

Thousands of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PNC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/13/pnc-unveils-new-indy-car-design" data-vars-content-id="4f2520b0-204b-4009-b50e-15bf6485874f" data-vars-headline="PNC return could boost Downtown Pittsburgh&#x27;s daytime rebound" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/13/pnc-unveils-new-indy-car-design" target="_self">PNC</a> workers will return to Downtown later this spring, and the company&#x27;s Pittsburgh regional head says it could help jumpstart the neighborhood&#x27;s daytime rebound.Why it matters: Since the pandemic, Downtown has recovered in terms of restaurant, entertainment and sports visitors, but weekday office worker recovery has been slow.

Penn Hills' new retro tech museum opens for tours

Free tours feature early computers and an '80s living room.

Things to Do

Penn Hills&#x27; long-awaited retro tech museum is now open for limited-capacity tours.The big picture: After months of renovations and exhibit buildout, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bloop Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/06/16/tech-museum-penn-hills-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="daf095ad-da55-466c-9b93-44e8ef39fd0f" data-vars-headline="Penn Hills&#x27; new retro tech museum opens for tours" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/06/16/tech-museum-penn-hills-pittsburgh" target="_self">Bloop Museum</a> in the former Penn Hills Municipal Building is opening in phases — first debuting early computing displays and a re-created &#x27;80s living room (think plaid couches, a console TV and Atari 2600).

Pittsburgh's abolitionist history gains new spotlight

New exhibit highlights the city's role in the Underground Railroad and Black-led activism.

History

Pittsburgh&#x27;s deep history with the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement is still being uncovered.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s role in abolishing slavery hasn&#x27;t been widely taught, Museum of African American History at the Heinz History Center associate curator Alonna Carter-Donaldson told Axios.

Pa. travelers urged to take precautions in Mexico

Sen. Dave McCormick urges travelers to enroll in STEP and monitor flight updates.

Politics & Policy

U.S. Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dave McCormick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/28/mccormick-urges-review-of-research-grants" data-vars-content-id="e3a13e27-9aa3-4f7e-9f9e-b03ebb6b7c91" data-vars-headline="Pa. travelers urged to take precautions in Mexico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/28/mccormick-urges-review-of-research-grants" target="_self">Dave McCormick</a> is advising Pennsylvanians in Mexico to stay in close contact with the U.S. State Department.The big picture: Violence following the killing of a Mexican cartel leader has erupted in Mexico, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leaving some Americans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/chicagoans-caught-mexico-drug-violence-el-mencho-death" data-vars-content-id="e3a13e27-9aa3-4f7e-9f9e-b03ebb6b7c91" data-vars-headline="Pa. travelers urged to take precautions in Mexico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/chicagoans-caught-mexico-drug-violence-el-mencho-death" target="_self">leaving some Americans</a> — and potentially Pittsburghers — stuck in a tough situation.

The Johnstown Flood story lives on at these sites

These sites tell the human story behind a historic disaster near Pittsburgh.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Johnstown Flood National Memorial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nps.gov/jofl/index.htm" data-vars-content-id="cc0661d8-31f7-4aed-9b33-9ad38da36387" data-vars-headline="The Johnstown Flood story lives on at these sites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nps.gov/jofl/index.htm" target="_blank">Johnstown Flood National Memorial</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Johnstown Flood Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.heritagejohnstown.org/attractions/johnstown-flood-museum/" data-vars-content-id="cc0661d8-31f7-4aed-9b33-9ad38da36387" data-vars-headline="The Johnstown Flood story lives on at these sites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.heritagejohnstown.org/attractions/johnstown-flood-museum/" target="_blank">Johnstown Flood Museum</a> offer an immersive look at one of the state&#x27;s most harrowing chapters just 90 minutes from Pittsburgh.Why it matters: Johnstown isn&#x27;t usually top-of-mind for a weekend trip, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cambria County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cambriacountypa.gov/tourism/" data-vars-content-id="cc0661d8-31f7-4aed-9b33-9ad38da36387" data-vars-headline="The Johnstown Flood story lives on at these sites" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cambriacountypa.gov/tourism/" target="_blank">Cambria County</a> is loaded with history, recreation and space to slow down.

Pittsburgh lands direct flights to Dublin

The new route follows a $1.7 billion terminal upgrade at PIT and growing business ties with Ireland.

The Emerald Isle is calling.Why it matters: Less than a month after opening a massive <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.7 billion terminal upgrade" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/17/pittsburgh-airport-new-terminal-opens" data-vars-content-id="28e46778-4cd2-4274-9ce6-1f7d0c86aa3d" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh lands direct flights to Dublin" 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 upgrade</a>, Pittsburgh International Airport may already be reaping some of the benefits with a new route to Ireland.

Pittsburgh opens new welcome center

The city opened a new welcome center Thursday.

Travel

The city opened a new welcome center Thursday, another move to go all out in preparation for a momentous 2026.Why it matters: Pittsburgh is expecting hundreds of thousands of visitors next year for a slew of large events — including the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL Draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/22/pittsburgh-shapiro-downtown-revamp-nfl-draft" data-vars-content-id="ab532bb9-9d68-4fe6-9421-e32212a28071" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh opens new welcome center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/22/pittsburgh-shapiro-downtown-revamp-nfl-draft" target="_self">NFL Draft</a> — and leaders want to put their best foot forward.

How to park at PIT's new terminal

Travelers will find more parking and a faster route from their car to the concourse.

When Pittsburgh International Airport&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.7 billion landside terminal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/11/pittsburgh-airport-terminal-upgrade" data-vars-content-id="5288942e-f383-45fb-ac3f-e013d46c4749" data-vars-headline="How to park at 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/2025/10/11/pittsburgh-airport-terminal-upgrade" target="_self">$1.7 billion landside terminal</a> opens Tuesday, travelers will find <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more parking" data-vars-click-url="https://blueskypit.com/onsite-airport-parking-is-the-smart-travelers-choice/" data-vars-content-id="5288942e-f383-45fb-ac3f-e013d46c4749" data-vars-headline="How to park at PIT&#x27;s new terminal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blueskypit.com/onsite-airport-parking-is-the-smart-travelers-choice/" target="_blank">more parking</a> and a faster route from their cars to the concourse.The big picture: A new 3,300-space terminal garage and nearby surface lot — both about a five-minute walk from the terminal — add over 6,000 parking spaces.

First look: Pittsburgh's new $1.7 billion airport terminal

The $1.7B project cuts walking time, adds security lanes and new local food spots.

The $1.7 billion <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="landside terminal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/05/09/the-bridge-new-terminal-nearly-complete" data-vars-content-id="df3b25eb-12bc-4782-903c-afd404310884" data-vars-headline="First look: Pittsburgh&#x27;s new $1.7 billion airport terminal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/05/09/the-bridge-new-terminal-nearly-complete" target="_self">landside terminal</a> at Pittsburgh International Airport is nearly ready to open.Why it matters: Pittsburgh&#x27;s air travel is finally moving into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="21st century" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/03/11/1-gif-to-go-inside-pit-s-new-terminal" data-vars-content-id="df3b25eb-12bc-4782-903c-afd404310884" data-vars-headline="First look: Pittsburgh&#x27;s new $1.7 billion airport terminal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/03/11/1-gif-to-go-inside-pit-s-new-terminal" target="_self">21st century</a> after more than 33 years without a major upgrade.

Pa. will be the epicenter of sports in 2026

Pennsylvania's 2026 sports lineup is packed and primed for tourism.

<figure><img alt="James Hahn chipping onto the 16th green at the U.S. Open in Oakmont, Pa. on June 12, 2025" height="450" id="4f4d6a10-0032-41a7-ae8c-1f1fcd5c13d8" src="https://images.axios.com/oklX8ry4ZLNaUGtGmL1oRDNZ3Ic=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/06/12/1749757428938.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Pennsylvania is swinging for the fences for sports tourism, starting with this year&#x27;s U.S. Open. Image: Ryan Deto/Axios</figcaption></figure>Sports are already a big deal for Pennsylvanians, but they will become gargantuan next year and could attract millions of people and billions in economic impact for the Keystone State.Why it matters: Pennsylvania last year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highlighted the Great American Getaway" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/GovernorShapiro/status/1793681993051299846" data-vars-content-id="79851789-f88e-4fbe-8031-fd0f59fa3626" data-vars-headline="Pa. will be the epicenter of sports in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/GovernorShapiro/status/1793681993051299846" target="_blank">highlighted the Great American Getaway</a> as its tourism focus, saying it&#x27;s looking to attract the 72 million Americans who live within a four-hour drive of its borders, and live sporting events will be a big part of that.

Pittsburghers can cross bridges to buy legal weed

With no legal weed in Pa., Pittsburghers are heading to Ohio and Maryland for dispensary trips—just don't bring it back across state lines.

It&#x27;s nearly 4/20 — the unofficial high holiday for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cannabis culture" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/03/26/pennsylvania-cannabis-convention-launch-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="67b242c2-aee6-4be2-ad04-e293c59f9bf2" data-vars-headline="Pittsburghers can cross bridges to buy legal weed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/03/26/pennsylvania-cannabis-convention-launch-pittsburgh" target="_self">cannabis culture</a> — and Pennsylvanians may want to celebrate, but doing so legally is still out of reach without a medical card.Why it matters: As neighboring states like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohio" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/04/04/ohio-recreational-marijuana-weed-legalized-sales" data-vars-content-id="67b242c2-aee6-4be2-ad04-e293c59f9bf2" data-vars-headline="Pittsburghers can cross bridges to buy legal weed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2024/04/04/ohio-recreational-marijuana-weed-legalized-sales" target="_self">Ohio</a> and Maryland legalized recreational cannabis in the last two years, Pennsylvania&#x27;s progress on the front remains stalled. That hasn&#x27;t stopped Pittsburghers from heading out of state to stock up — and lawmakers know it.

This Pennsylvania farm lets you cuddle Highland cows

Hickory Hearth Highlands lets you snuggle and snap selfies with Scottish Highland cattle.

<figure><img alt="A Scottish highland cow" height="450" id="19d943e5-bb8e-4cbd-9b8d-d463ba597ddc" src="https://images.axios.com/DteSZKz5MAD59GJrfugrlCIGYFw=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/03/19/1742403176260.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Ellie, an outgoing Scottish Highland cow at Hickory Hearth Highlands. Visual: Chrissy Suttles/Axios</figcaption></figure>Need a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="break" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/16/self-care-pittsburgh-cat-cafe" data-vars-content-id="810b024b-c556-46e1-a40c-bbc407a43bfa" data-vars-headline="This Pennsylvania farm lets you cuddle Highland cows" 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/self-care-pittsburgh-cat-cafe" target="_self">break</a> from the chaos? Recharge with a cow hug.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hickory Hearth Highlands" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/hickoryhearthhighlands/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="810b024b-c556-46e1-a40c-bbc407a43bfa" data-vars-headline="This Pennsylvania farm lets you cuddle Highland cows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/hickoryhearthhighlands/?hl=en" target="_blank">Hickory Hearth Highlands</a> in Washington County lets you snuggle and snap selfies with a charismatic cast of fluffy Scottish Highland cattle, mini donkeys, pigs and farm cats.

DOGE cuts close popular Pennsylvania campground

DOGE's hiring freeze has forced the closure of three popular campgrounds.

Hundreds of public campsites at the largest lake located entirely within Pennsylvania will be closed indefinitely due to staffing shortages caused by a recent federal hiring freeze.Why it matters: Pennsylvanians have already started making reservations for their summer travels, and Raystown Lake is one of the most popular places to camp, boat, hike and hunt in the state.