We might be early (ish) on a national trend for once.

The intrigue: The region is embracing nonalcoholic beverages at a pace similar to bigger and hipper cities, Pittsburgh native and BERO co-founder and CEO John Herman tells Axios.

Context: Herman launched BERO with co-founder and actor Tom Holland in 2024.

• He wants the brand to grow in Pittsburgh and beyond, aiming to become the "defining brand of premium nonalcoholic beer."

What they're saying: Herman, who lives in Sewickley, acknowledges the well-trodded joke that Pittsburgh tends to see national trends 10-15 years late.

• But he notes the region has bucked this distinction for nonalcoholic drinks, citing the nonalcoholic pop-up SAD BAR, the drinks' prevalence at scores of restaurants and bars throughout the area, and Open Road, an exclusively nonalcoholic beverage store in Garfield.
• "Pittsburgh is very progressive and forward thinking in this area," he said.

The big picture: Alcoholic drink consumption has been falling, according to 2025 Gallup data.

• Last year, just over half (54%) of U.S. adults reported having alcoholic beverages on occasion. Between 1997 and 2023, it was about 60%.
• Drinking among young adults has been trending downward. Since 2023, the percentage of adults under 35 that reported drinking fell from 59% to 50%, reports Axios' Avery Lotz.

Where to drink: You can find BERO at Vivo in Sewickley, Monterey Bay Fish Grotto in Mount Washington, and area beer stores.

What's next

"Donald Trump's tariffs have been a disaster — wreaking havoc on Pennsylvania farmers, small business owners, and families who are just trying to make ends meet.

The Supreme Court got this one right — and the President would be wise to follow their ruling and drop this reckless approach to economic policy that has done nothing but screw over Americans."

Context: The Supreme Court on Friday struck down a suite of President Trump's tariffs in a 6-3 decision.

Flashback: Shapiro has long criticized Trump's tariffs, saying in March 2025 that a trade war with U.S. allies Canada and Mexico "makes America weaker."

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D-Swissvale) will give the progressive Working Families Party's response to President Trump's State of the Union tomorrow — a spot often given to lawmakers seen as rising stars on the left. Watch here. (Axios)

🎬 "Mayor of Kingstown" will film its final season in Pittsburgh. It's projected to fuel more than $107 million in direct spending in the region. (WPXI)

🏫 The Pittsburgh Public Schools board is restarting discussions on possible school closures. (Post-Gazette)

🛒 Michigan-based retailer Meijer is pursuing a second location in Butler County. (🔒 Business Times)

Billions of dollars may be up for grabs after the Supreme Court struck down a swath of President Trump's tariffs on Friday.

Why it matters: The tariffs likely made a variety of items more expensive as businesses passed higher costs onto everyday Americans, and the ruling now could lead to a chaotic refund process — but it's unclear who gets to pocket that cash.

• The Supreme Court ultimately left that question to the Trump administration in its ruling. Analysts are urging companies to start collecting receipts.

State of play: The overturned International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs mean that roughly $126 billion is in limbo across America, per economic research firm Trade Partnership Worldwide, based on trade from February to December 2025.

• Pennsylvania paid an estimated $4 billion in IEEPA tariffs last year, per the firm.

Stunning stat: IEEPA added $149 million in additional tariffs on medical and surgical equipment imports and $74 million in added tariffs on coffee imports in Pennsylvania.

The bottom line: Economists at TD Securities view the refund process as "highly unclear" and estimate it could take up to 18 months as cases make their way through the federal court system.

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Millions around the world, including in Pittsburgh, are still celebrating the Lunar New Year.

The big picture: 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse — which, in Chinese astrology, comes around once every 60 years.

The intrigue: Lunar New Year traditions include eating symbolic dishes such as dumplings and fish to usher in luck, wealth and prosperity.

Zoom in: Here are a few ways to celebrate in Pittsburgh.

• 🍜 Novo Asian Food Hall in the Strip District will host a Lunar New Year celebration and market Feb. 27-28 from 5pm-9pm featuring local vendors, food specials and performances.
• 🍚 The Parlor Dim Sum in Lawrenceville has a special Lunar New Year menu through March 3.
• 🥟 Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao in the SouthSide Works, a Michelin-recommended New York brand, has quickly earned acclaim for its savory, handmade soup dumplings.
• 😋 Chengdu Gourmet, with locations in Squirrel Hill and Ross Township, has earned James Beard recognition and serves both traditional Chinese and American Chinese favorites.

Read more

Four yinzers took home medals at the Winter Olympics in Italy!

The intrigue: With both men's and women's golds for Team USA in hockey, Ava McNaughton (North Hills), J.T. Miller (East Palestine/Moon) and Vincent Trocheck (Mt. Lebanon) became the first Pittsburgh-area natives to win gold medals in Winter Olympic history.

• Jasmine Jones, of Greensburg, took a home a bronze in two-women bobsled.