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 financial struggles, and consolidating can help provide cheaper and more efficient services, Duquesne University political science professor Lew Irwin tells Axios.

What they're saying: But he says that's not really the Pittsburgh area's style. The area is home to hundreds of municipalities, and they rarely merge.

• "It's highly unlikely to happen," Irwin says.

Stunning stat: Allegheny County has 130 municipalities, the second most of any county in the U.S. and just behind Cook County in Illinois.

Zoom in: A proposal is advancing in Washington County to split West Alexander borough from Donegal Township, 17 years after the two municipalities merged.

• West Alexander merged because it was facing financial woes in the late 2000s, but residents now believe it can sustain itself again, according to the Observer-Reporter. Township officials oppose the move.
• Officials in Penn Borough considered merging with Penn Township in Westmoreland County, citing the potential to improve services like snow removal, but then voted against the proposal at a meeting this month.

State of play: Irwin says Pittsburgh's continual rejection of municipal consolidation means the region is losing an opportunity to achieve economies of scale.

• Hermitage and Wheatland in Mercer County merged in 2024, and a year later both communities reported increased business activity, investment and lower taxes for some residents, per the Business Journal.

Between the lines: Municipalities merge or consolidate services typically only when a town's tax base gets so small it can't afford to pay for its own police or fire department, says Irwin.

The bottom line: Irwin says broadly there isn't enough political will to start a widespread merger or consolidation effort in Pennsylvania, which has over 2,550 local governing bodies, the third most of any U.S. state.

• And that's because voters tend to reject merging efforts.
• "I don't see any politicians out there that are willing to champion this issue because of the political blowback that will come with it," Irwin says.

The other side

The Steel City has one of the highest percentages of dogs biting mail carriers of any U.S. city.

Why it matters: We don't live in a cartoon. Dog bites are dangerous.

By the numbers: There were 21 dog attack incidents involving mail carriers in Pittsburgh in 2025, according to new USPS data.

Zoom in: That's nearly seven incidents per 100,000 residents, the sixth-highest rate of any city studied by USPS.

Zoom out: Dayton, Ohio, had 13.8 incidents per 100,000 residents, the highest rate of any city.

• Los Angeles had the most incidents, with 70.
• Philadelphia had 20 incidents and the lowest rate of any city with just 1.25 per 100,000 residents.

The big picture: Nationwide, postal workers dealt with over 5,200 dog attacks last year.

• Dog attacks can leave pet owners liable for thousands of dollars to compensate for lost wages, medical expenses and other costs.

The bottom line: USPS' new dog bite awareness campaign began this month.

• USPS safety manager Leeann Theriault said in a statement: "Preventing dog-related incidents requires constant, shared vigilance."

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⚾ A new Pirates memorabilia display and event space called Legacy Hall is open at PNC Park near the left-field entrance on Federal Street at the Willie Stargell statue. It's open to all ticketed fans on game days when not reserved for private events. (MLB.com)

🕍 The Allegheny County Industrial Development Authority authorized up to $18 million in financing for Tree of Life redevelopment in Squirrel Hill. The project is expected to cost about $60 million. (TribLive)

🍕 Rockaway Pizzeria in Regent Square will be closed for "at least a few months" as owner Josh Sickels recovers from an injury. (Post-Gazette)

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This week, Market Square is hosting several events in the run-up to July Fourth and the nation's 250th birthday.

Zoom in: The RCB Brass Quintet plays 5pm-7pm today.

• Paint & Sip Night runs from 5:30pm-7pm tomorrow. Paint a special July Fourth-inspired masterpiece. $33.85.
• Trivia Night, Americana edition is on Wednesday starting at 5:15pm.
• Thursday holds a strawberry pretzel eating contest at 12:15pm and Buffalo Rose show from 4pm-6pm.
• A silent disco hits the square from 6pm-9pm on Friday.
• Mini-golf and other kid-friendly activities are available in Market Square starting Friday and running through Sunday.

Go deeper: See full list of events here.

Pittsburgh celebrated America's 250th birthday early with a free America250PA concert at Point State Park on Saturday featuring Nelly and Third Eye Blind.

The vibe: Aside from Third Eye Blind accidentally greeting "Philadelphia" (cue boos) and long lines for a Declaration Lager early in the evening, rain couldn't dampen the crowd, and Nelly kept the energy high.

What's next: The city's biggest party is still on deck. Pittsburgh's Independence Day celebration this weekend brings fireworks, more live entertainment and a Ferris wheel.