Pennsylvania's expansion of EV charging stations could face setbacks following the Trump administration's decision to halt a nationwide $5 billion program for the effort.

The big picture: The number of public electric vehicle chargers nationwide has more than doubled in the past four years, driven by a combination of increased private investment and a surge in government funding under former President Biden.

• But the U.S. is still far short of the 1.2 million public chargers estimated to be needed by 2030 to support anticipated EV sales.

By the numbers: The Keystone State had $171.5 million earmarked in federal funding for EV charging stations between fiscal years 2022-2026, per the U.S. Department of Transportation. That's the funding Trump shelved earlier this month.

• New Jersey was slated to get $104 million and Delaware $17.6 million.

Zoom in: In Pittsburgh, EV drivers can access 469 public charging stations within a 25-mile radius of Downtown.

• The freeze would stop $4.1 million in funding for Allegheny County, according to U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D-Swissvale).

What they're saying: "While Pittsburgh families face some of the worst air quality in the nation, Donald Trump and Republicans are stalling $5 billion in EV charging infrastructure, including $4.1M right here in our city — blocking the healthier communities, and economic opportunities our region deserves," Lee told Axios.

• "Our communities deserve better. Pittsburgh's future cannot be held hostage by politicians who put the profits of polluters over the health of our people."

State of play: The city of Pittsburgh was looking to place more than a dozen charging stations at parks and other public locales before uncertainty for the funding freeze started.

• Allegheny County spokesperson Abigail Gardner said the county's EV charger implementation is currently on hold until questions about the funding freeze are resolved.

Caveat: Gov. Josh Shapiro announced yesterday that $2.1 billion in federal funding to Pennsylvania has been restored following the governor's lawsuit against the Trump administration.

• It was not immediately clear if that funding is related to the EV charging station funding.

Between the lines

Get ready to use your Terrible Towel to dry off after a refreshing dip in an ocean liner's pool, because the official Steelers fan cruise has arrived.

Why it matters: Steelers Nation is a global economic machine, and now it's expanding into the rapidly growing cruise industry.

Driving the news: An official Steelers Fan Cruise was announced yesterday, offering a six-day, five-night Caribbean cruise with former players aboard the Norwegian Escape ship.

Between the lines: The cruise departs from Miami and stops in Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico.

• Four former Steelers have signed up so far: Hall of Fame center Dermontti Dawson, defensive end Keith Gary, wide receiver Louis Lipps and running back Walter Abercrombie.
• More Steelers greats are expected to sign up.

Zoom in: Prices range from $1,800 to $8,000, depending on the size of the cabin and party.

• Fans can book their spot now at Seaside Events Concierge Booking Service's website.

Yes, but: Fans will have to be patient. The inaugural Steelers Fan Cruise won't set sail until May 2026.

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🦉 Duolingo's mascot Duo the owl is back from the dead after he was reportedly hit by a Tesla Cybertruck earlier this month.

• It was all a ruse to encourage people to complete their lessons on the Pittsburgh-based language learning app, and it apparently worked. (Duolingo)

🗳️ A ballot question seeking to restrict the city from doing business with firms tied to Israel could appear on the May 20 primary ballot after a local pro-Palestinian group gathered enough signatures. (WESA)

🥃 The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has opened its rare whiskey lottery for limited-edition Buffalo Trace Antique Collection and Van Winkle spirits. Lottery closes on Friday. (Fine Wine & Good Spirits)

Pittsburgh is getting easily outpaced by New York City, Washington, D.C., and Dallas as the hottest destinations for college-educated Americans leaving their home county, per the latest census data.

Why it matters: White-collar workers tend to go where they think the jobs are, and cities are constantly competing to attract well-paid professionals — and the tax revenue they often bring.

By the numbers: Among Americans age 25 and up with a bachelor's degree or higher who moved to a new county in 2023, 6.1% went to NYC, 3.5% to D.C. and 3.2% to Dallas.

• Only 0.5% went to Pittsburgh.
• Even Rust Belt contemporaries Baltimore (1.06%), Detroit (0.9%) and Cincinnati (0.66%) are attracting more young, college-educated residents.

Context: Pittsburgh has long been obsessed with attracting and retaining college-educated workers. See the short-lived "Border Guard Bob" ad campaign of 1999, which advocated for college graduates to stay in Pittsburgh instead of decamping for more popular cities.

How it works

Girl Scout cookie season is here, and we want to know Western Pennsylvania's favorite.

How it works: Click here to cast your vote by 8pm Thursday.

• We'll announce the winner on Monday.

What to know: This year's Girl Scout Cookie Program runs through March 23.

• Booth sales start Friday.
• Find cookies from your local troop here.

Pro tip: It's easier than ever to get your favorites shipped to your house ($6 a box).

Cast a cookie ballot