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The global fiscal reckoning is here

The epic shifts in global bond markets mostly reflect economic fundamentals, but the distruptions could grow into a broader crisis.

Economy

The good news about the epic shifts in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="global bond markets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/global-rates-japan-britain" data-vars-content-id="826e1649-ada2-4e7d-8aaf-06d581de35ef" data-vars-headline="The global fiscal reckoning is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/global-rates-japan-britain" target="_self">global bond markets</a> is that they mostly reflect economic fundamentals, not the kinds of panicky swings seen in a crisis.<ul><li>The bad news is that there&#x27;s a risk the disruptions metastasize into a broader crisis in an era of fractured politics across major democracies.</li></ul>The big picture: Turmoil in the streets this week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in France" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/france-debt-yields-politics" data-vars-content-id="826e1649-ada2-4e7d-8aaf-06d581de35ef" data-vars-headline="The global fiscal reckoning is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/05/france-debt-yields-politics" target="_self">in France</a> is the latest sign of hazards that await elected leaders who try to address yawning fiscal deficits head-on.<ul><li>They are squeezed between voters who want to maintain public benefit levels and tax levels and a bond market that is resetting long-term interest rates higher — meaning that carrying on with wide deficits will come at a greater and greater cost to service debt.</li><li>That&#x27;s why even what has been a relatively orderly repricing so far carries risks that are bigger than just high mortgage or corporate borrowing rates.</li></ul>Driving the news: The relentless upward march of bond yields continued Wednesday morning. The French 10-year yield soared 0.18 percentage point, to 4.93%.<ul><li>French yields are also surging relative to other countries that use the euro, especially Germany — the kind of fragmentation seen in the eurozone debt crisis of the early 2010s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="that originated in Greece" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2018/08/14/europe-moves-on-from-financial-crisis-but-greece-is-still-recovering-bailout" data-vars-content-id="826e1649-ada2-4e7d-8aaf-06d581de35ef" data-vars-headline="The global fiscal reckoning is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2018/08/14/europe-moves-on-from-financial-crisis-but-greece-is-still-recovering-bailout" target="_self">that originated in Greece</a>.</li><li>But France is not alone. U.K. 10-year yields are up 0.12 point, to 5.49%, while the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield is up 0.08 point Wednesday morning, reaching 5.36%, the highest since 2002.</li></ul>Reality check: These are massive moves in markets that form the bedrock of global financial markets. And yet they don&#x27;t appear to be driven by the kind of crisis dynamics and forced selling that fueled bond market volatility in the 2008 crisis, the 2014 Treasury flash crash and the March 2020 pandemic.<ul><li>Rather, they&#x27;ve been driven by bottomless demand for capital from AI hyperscalers and deficit-running sovereign governments, exacerbated by surging energy prices that increase inflation risk.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;When you look at outright yield levels and/or spreads, a lot of this is still quite rational, and within the realm of what fair valuation should be, just given where nominal growth is and where we are in the cycle,&quot; Kunal Shah, the co-CEO of Goldman Sachs International, tells Axios.<ul><li>&quot;At this point, I still wouldn&#x27;t say that we&#x27;re anywhere close to the point of this being a broad financial stability risk or issue,&quot; says Shah, who is also co-head of fixed income, currency and commodities.</li><li>&quot;What policymakers in Europe have shown us, though, is that when there&#x27;s broader issues on contagion and/or disorderly functioning markets, that&#x27;s when they can be quick to respond.&quot; </li><li>&quot;Whilst the move in spreads has been very quick and sharp, in the broader context, we&#x27;re still nowhere close to where we had got to in that previous European crisis,&quot; he says. &quot;Financial conditions are tightening, but it&#x27;s still not, I&#x27;d say, flashing red to the point that you need a backstop from the policymakers.&quot;</li></ul>Yes, but: The European Central Bank has more powerful tools than it did in 2010 to address imbalances between European countries, and has shown willingness to use them. But it can&#x27;t do much about the fundamentals of governments spending consistently far more than they raise in taxes.<ul><li>And the global nature of the yield surge shows the common fiscal challenge across major economies.</li></ul>State of play: In France, there have been violent clashes with police as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="teachers and students protest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/10/06/world/france-protests-students-schools" data-vars-content-id="826e1649-ada2-4e7d-8aaf-06d581de35ef" data-vars-headline="The global fiscal reckoning is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/10/06/world/france-protests-students-schools" target="_blank">teachers and students protest</a> proposed wage freezes and school funding cuts.<ul><li>In the U.K., a central political dispute is over the future of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the &quot;triple lock&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://ifs.org.uk/articles/what-do-you-need-know-about-triple-lock" data-vars-content-id="826e1649-ada2-4e7d-8aaf-06d581de35ef" data-vars-headline="The global fiscal reckoning is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ifs.org.uk/articles/what-do-you-need-know-about-triple-lock" target="_blank">the &quot;triple lock&quot;</a> pension adjustment mechanism, which all but guarantees pension costs will grow faster than the overall economy.</li><li>The U.S. Social Security trust fund is on track <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to be exhausted in 2032" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/09/social-security-trust-fund-medicare" data-vars-content-id="826e1649-ada2-4e7d-8aaf-06d581de35ef" data-vars-headline="The global fiscal reckoning is here" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/09/social-security-trust-fund-medicare" target="_self">to be exhausted in 2032</a>.</li><li>The rate adjustment of the last several weeks will increase already-onerous debt service costs for all advanced countries.</li></ul>Of note: Those forces can create destabilizing effects for business even apart from the impact on rates. Shah, for example, says that U.K. governments lurching from budget to budget has made it hard for businesses making long-term decisions.<ul><li>&quot;I hope that at some point we&#x27;ll be able to break out of this cycle, because it does stifle confidence and it just makes planning for the long term very hard,&quot; Shah says.</li></ul>

Exclusive: Paxton privately blames woes on Iran war, gas prices

The GOP Senate candidate told donors he doesn't "know what was behind some of the decisions."

Politics & Policy

Texas Republican Senate nominee <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ken Paxton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/texas-senate-paxton-funding-talarico" data-vars-content-id="1964f327-e792-4974-824e-4302f2361ac9" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Paxton privately blames woes on Iran war, gas prices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/01/texas-senate-paxton-funding-talarico" target="_self">Ken Paxton</a> privately lamented the impact of the Iran war and gas prices on his campaign in a meeting last month, telling a group of donors and lobbyists, &quot;I don&#x27;t make the decisions,&quot; according to audio obtained by Axios.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a candid admission from a close Trump ally about the challenging environment Republicans face this cycle.

Raskin seeks to preserve Trump's D.C. "propaganda" in Smithsonian

The measure is unlikely to advance under GOP control.

Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jamie Raskin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/trump-epstein-files-jamie-raskin-unredacted" data-vars-content-id="88b2df7c-fa2e-4d43-9ec6-9e361cf24400" data-vars-headline="Raskin seeks to preserve Trump&#x27;s D.C. &quot;propaganda&quot; in Smithsonian" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/trump-epstein-files-jamie-raskin-unredacted" target="_self">Jamie Raskin</a> (D-Md.) introduced legislation Wednesday that would direct the Smithsonian to preserve and display artifacts he said reflect the rise of &quot;governmental propaganda&quot; under <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="88b2df7c-fa2e-4d43-9ec6-9e361cf24400" data-vars-headline="Raskin seeks to preserve Trump&#x27;s D.C. &quot;propaganda&quot; in Smithsonian" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump</a>.Why it matters: The bill will almost certainly fail in a Republican-controlled Congress. But it could preview how Democrats would scrutinize the president&#x27;s use of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taxpayer dollars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/06/trump-super-pac-taxpayer-funded-ads-reimbursement" data-vars-content-id="88b2df7c-fa2e-4d43-9ec6-9e361cf24400" data-vars-headline="Raskin seeks to preserve Trump&#x27;s D.C. &quot;propaganda&quot; in Smithsonian" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/10/06/trump-super-pac-taxpayer-funded-ads-reimbursement" target="_self">taxpayer dollars</a> to promote his image if they regain control in November.

Tariff price increases can take a year to fully show up, New York Fed says

Tariff inflation can arrive in waves, with domestic price effects emerging months later.

Tariff inflation has a long tail. Higher import costs can ripple through U.S. supply chains, with effects on domestically produced goods emerging as much as a year later, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Federal Reserve Bank of New York researchers" data-vars-click-url="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2026/10/how-fast-do-tariffs-pass-through-into-consumer-prices/" data-vars-content-id="e58d2e82-911f-4699-9c29-a2e5b2418cd2" data-vars-headline="Tariff price increases can take a year to fully show up, New York Fed says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org/2026/10/how-fast-do-tariffs-pass-through-into-consumer-prices/" target="_blank">Federal Reserve Bank of New York researchers</a>.Why it matters: The inflation hit from 2025 tariffs is fading, but newer levies are still feeding through to prices as inflation is already too high for policymakers&#x27; comfort.

3 years later, Netanyahu faces reckoning over Oct. 7 in Israeli election

He blames the deep state. The opposition blames him.

World

Israel is marking the third anniversary of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oct. 7" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/oct-7-two-years-war-gaza-how-changed-world" data-vars-content-id="96af3fd6-d8e8-442c-9e45-2717c918e4ff" data-vars-headline="3 years later, Netanyahu faces reckoning over Oct. 7 in Israeli election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/07/oct-7-two-years-war-gaza-how-changed-world" target="_self">Oct. 7</a> terror attacks three weeks before an election where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#x27;s personal culpability for the country&#x27;s worst-ever security failure will be a central issue.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Netanyahu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/trump-netanyahu-israel-election-endorsement" data-vars-content-id="96af3fd6-d8e8-442c-9e45-2717c918e4ff" data-vars-headline="3 years later, Netanyahu faces reckoning over Oct. 7 in Israeli election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/14/trump-netanyahu-israel-election-endorsement" target="_self">Netanyahu</a> has never looked more politically vulnerable than in the weeks after Oct. 7, but he has defied expectations by keeping his government afloat — presiding over simultaneous wars and an atmosphere of perpetual emergency. Though the polls are tight, they leave a clear path for the ultimate political survivor to hang on yet again.

CMU gets $3 billion, expanding to Miami

The gift will also invest $1 billion directly in expanding Pittsburgh's CMU campus.

News

Carnegie Mellon University is getting a $3 billion gift from billionaire Ken Griffin, billed as the largest individual donation in higher education history.Why it matters: The donation will pour $1 billion into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CMU&#x27;s Pittsburgh campus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/09/12/bny-10m-ai-lab-carnegie-mellon" data-vars-content-id="6d4df6ab-9072-4611-be07-c00902c580db" data-vars-headline="CMU gets $3 billion, expanding to Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/09/12/bny-10m-ai-lab-carnegie-mellon" target="_self">CMU&#x27;s Pittsburgh campus</a> while financing an ambitious expansion into Miami.

More Pittsburgh Amtrak service starts Nov. 18

The new service gives Pittsburgh two daily trains to Harrisburg, Philadelphia and NYC.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second daily train" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/04/amtrak-second-pittsburgh-nyc-train" data-vars-content-id="ad28d0ba-977c-4bef-8055-328865e5ecd7" data-vars-headline="More Pittsburgh Amtrak service starts Nov. 18" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/04/amtrak-second-pittsburgh-nyc-train" target="_self">second daily train</a> between Pittsburgh and New York City via Harrisburg and Philadelphia will start Nov. 18, PennDOT announced Tuesday. Why it matters: This is the first time in decades that Pittsburgh is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="adding passenger train service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/24/second-daily-amtrak-pennsylvanian-november-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="ad28d0ba-977c-4bef-8055-328865e5ecd7" data-vars-headline="More Pittsburgh Amtrak service starts Nov. 18" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/24/second-daily-amtrak-pennsylvanian-november-pittsburgh" target="_self">adding passenger train service</a>.

New exhibit brings Fred Rogers' lessons to life

A new Children's Museum exhibit turns kindness, bravery and patience into play.

Culture

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Children&#x27;s Museum of Pittsburgh" data-vars-click-url="https://pittsburghkids.org/" data-vars-content-id="74c573cc-5780-4d81-bc75-9c76a725fc2e" data-vars-headline="New exhibit brings Fred Rogers&#x27; lessons to life" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pittsburghkids.org/" target="_blank">Children&#x27;s Museum of Pittsburgh</a> is debuting a new Fred Rogers-inspired exhibit that will tour the country.Why it matters: Rogers&#x27; ideas about childhood still influence the museum&#x27;s exhibits, including his belief that play should honor children as whole people and speak to the child in all of us.

Nearly 1,000 Duquesne Light workers go on strike

The utility says service will continue, while the union warns outages could last longer.

Nearly 1,000 Duquesne Light workers who repair power lines, troubleshoot outages and assist customers are on strike after their union and the utility failed to reach a new contract Thursday morning.Why it matters: Duquesne Light says service will continue uninterrupted with non-union employees and outside contractors, while leaders with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 29 say the strike could slow power restoration during severe weather.<ul><li>The utility serves more than half a million customers across Allegheny and Beaver counties.</li></ul>

Six noodle dishes worth slurping

Celebrate National Noodle Day with these 6 dishes

Food and Drink

The weather is cooling off, so it&#x27;s time to warm up with a delicious cup, bowl or plate of noodles.The intrigue: It&#x27;s National Noodle Day, and Pittsburgh has scores of starchy ribbons to sample across several different international cuisines.

Pens debut a monster Pittsburgh sandwich, and more

Pierogies, mozzarella sticks and waffle fries all land on one massive sandwich.

Pittsburgh&#x27;s favorite foods have been stuffed into one ridiculously massive sandwich — and you can eat it at a Penguins game.The intrigue: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Pens season is upon us" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/09/30/penguins-season-preview" data-vars-content-id="03cf818c-13cc-4266-8278-8010480b7f4a" data-vars-headline="Pens debut a monster Pittsburgh sandwich, and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/09/30/penguins-season-preview" target="_self">new Pens season is upon us</a>, and that means new treats at PPG Paints Arena.

Sarris opens scoop shop in Pittsburgh grocery store

The candy maker is expanding its ice cream offerings beyond Canonsburg for the first time.

Sarris Candies is opening an ice cream shop Thursday inside one of Pittsburgh&#x27;s newest grocery stores. The intrigue: The popular local candy company is expanding its scoops <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="beyond its Canonsburg headquarters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/21/sarris-candies-factory-tours-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="3b0dd1ac-e444-4293-9555-f6e1b539d1aa" data-vars-headline="Sarris opens scoop shop in Pittsburgh grocery store" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/21/sarris-candies-factory-tours-pittsburgh" target="_self">beyond its Canonsburg headquarters</a> for the first time.

Acrisure adds new Steelers game-day food

Acrisure Stadium's new menu goes big on kielbasa, waffles, hot dogs and fries.

This year&#x27;s menu at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Acrisure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/09/11/acrisure-stadium-2025-food-pierogi-sliders" data-vars-content-id="32c660e9-613d-4be2-bc62-27d7798c1fe1" data-vars-headline="Acrisure adds new Steelers game-day food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/09/11/acrisure-stadium-2025-food-pierogi-sliders" target="_self">Acrisure</a> Stadium includes pierogi-stuffed wraps, fry-filled chicken and waffles and more.🍽️ Dig in: Local specialties have become a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bigger part of Pittsburgh stadium menus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/18/pirates-new-pnc-park-food-2026-season" data-vars-content-id="32c660e9-613d-4be2-bc62-27d7798c1fe1" data-vars-headline="Acrisure adds new Steelers game-day food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/03/18/pirates-new-pnc-park-food-2026-season" target="_self">bigger part of Pittsburgh stadium menus</a>.

Local data centers test if there's a "right way" to build

Opposition is still strong to local data centers despite on-site power and community benefits.

Western Pennsylvania&#x27;s two biggest data center projects are making strides to mitigate opposition, but it might not be working.The big picture: As backlash against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hyperscale data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/18/pennsylvania-data-center-expansion" data-vars-content-id="ab5670ec-29c6-43a2-8e2f-fcd914b325f4" data-vars-headline="Local data centers test if there&#x27;s a &quot;right way&quot; to build" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/18/pennsylvania-data-center-expansion" target="_self">hyperscale data centers</a> grows, some Pennsylvania companies are responding by generating their own power and water and choosing sites that previously housed dirtier industry.

Mapped: Pennsylvania's data center pipeline

Pennsylvania has roughly 88 projects proposed for after 2026, per the company.

Development

Pennsylvania could have more than 100 large data centers in the coming years if all planned projects are built, increasing the state&#x27;s capacity 40-fold to 22,000 megawatts, per an analysis by market intelligence company Cleanview.By the numbers: Pennsylvania has roughly 88 projects proposed for after 2026, per the company.

Hazelwood Green redevelopment takes off

New housing, research facilities and public spaces are transforming the former steel mill site.

After a slow start, redevelopment at Hazelwood Green — the former site of Pittburgh&#x27;s largest steel mill — is finally taking off.Why it matters: Civic leaders planned for decades the redevelopment of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive brownfield site" data-vars-click-url="https://benedum.org/hazelwood-green-transforming-a-brownfield/" data-vars-content-id="dae58c48-bdd8-4aa3-86c7-88fa8211c883" data-vars-headline="Hazelwood Green redevelopment takes off" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://benedum.org/hazelwood-green-transforming-a-brownfield/" target="_blank">massive brownfield site</a> along the Monongahela River in Hazelwood, and it wasn&#x27;t certain it would come together with new office space, light industry, multi-unit housing, retail and parks.

Pittsburgh renters are paying more for less

New apartments lost 142 square feet over a decade while inflation-adjusted rents rose.

The average new Pittsburgh apartment shrunk by 15% in the past decade, per a new survey from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="RentCafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/national-average-apartment-size/" data-vars-content-id="72d3e5a6-9504-411c-b1bb-31c47954daa5" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh renters are paying more for less" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/market-snapshots/national-average-apartment-size/" target="_blank">RentCafe</a>.Why it matters: Despite shrinking square footage, Pittsburgh renters are paying more — even accounting for a 39% rise in inflation.

Where to vote early in the midterm elections

Learn about the county's early voting locations, dates, times and rules

Voting has started in Allegheny County for the upcoming midterm elections.Why it matters: Pennsylvania has made it easier to cast your ballot before Election Day on Nov. 3 and Allegheny County has several options.

Sheetz wins over the Midwest

The Pennsylvania-born chain scored higher in the Midwest than it did nationally.

It&#x27;s debatable whether Southwestern Pennsylvania is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="part of the Midwest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/28/pittsburgh-midwest-appalachia" data-vars-content-id="c23ea9b5-8df2-43fe-8781-84f508c271a0" data-vars-headline="Sheetz wins over the Midwest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/28/pittsburgh-midwest-appalachia" target="_self">part of the Midwest</a>, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our popular convenience store chain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/09/04/sheetz-first-we-feast-show-youtube" data-vars-content-id="c23ea9b5-8df2-43fe-8781-84f508c271a0" data-vars-headline="Sheetz wins over the Midwest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/09/04/sheetz-first-we-feast-show-youtube" target="_self">our popular convenience store chain</a> is staking a claim there anyway.The big picture: The Sheetz empire has been expanding from its Altoona base, and customers in the Midwest are embracing it over its competitors, according to a new American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="survey" data-vars-click-url="https://theacsi.com/news-and-resources/press-releases/2026/10/06/press-release-convenience-store-study-2026/" data-vars-content-id="c23ea9b5-8df2-43fe-8781-84f508c271a0" data-vars-headline="Sheetz wins over the Midwest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theacsi.com/news-and-resources/press-releases/2026/10/06/press-release-convenience-store-study-2026/" target="_blank">survey</a>.

Summer Lee wants a data center pause

The congresswoman says communities need safeguards as AI infrastructure expands.

<blockquote>&quot;Leading on AI doesn&#x27;t mean building more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/09/25/data-centers-local-opposition-western-pennsylvania" data-vars-content-id="e2508a50-9f2d-45f1-8ea2-6cadc83b8b92" data-vars-headline="Summer Lee wants a data center pause" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/09/25/data-centers-local-opposition-western-pennsylvania" target="_self">data centers</a> at any cost or racing toward superintelligence without considering the consequences. It means making sure that AI actually improves life for all of us, not just the CEOs or oligarchs.&quot;</blockquote><cite>— <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rep. Summer Lee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/12/summer-lee-ice-detention-brentwood-asylum-seeker" data-vars-content-id="e2508a50-9f2d-45f1-8ea2-6cadc83b8b92" data-vars-headline="Summer Lee wants a data center pause" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/12/summer-lee-ice-detention-brentwood-asylum-seeker" target="_self">Rep. Summer Lee</a> (D-Swissvale) said last week during Carnegie Mellon University&#x27;s Community-Centered AI Infrastructure Summit</cite>

Problem gambling rises in Pennsylvania

Nearly 9,700 Pennsylvanians were on the state's self-exclusion list last year.

The number of Pennsylvanians seeking help for gambling problems has increased significantly over the last year, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new data" data-vars-click-url="https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/117300%20PGCB%20Annual%20Report%20Final.pdf" data-vars-content-id="f422115e-72a9-4ce6-bf02-8bb94fc16913" data-vars-headline="Problem gambling rises in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov/sites/default/files/2026-09/117300%20PGCB%20Annual%20Report%20Final.pdf" target="_blank">new data</a> from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s gambling addiction hotline<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" saw record-high calls last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/17/pennsylvania-problem-gambling-hotline-calls-soar-in-2025" data-vars-content-id="f422115e-72a9-4ce6-bf02-8bb94fc16913" data-vars-headline="Problem gambling rises in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/17/pennsylvania-problem-gambling-hotline-calls-soar-in-2025" target="_self"> saw record-high calls last year</a>, and problem gambling is continuing to increase as online betting, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="skill games" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/09/22/skill-games-pennsylvania-gambling-deadline-ban" data-vars-content-id="f422115e-72a9-4ce6-bf02-8bb94fc16913" data-vars-headline="Problem gambling rises in Pennsylvania" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/09/22/skill-games-pennsylvania-gambling-deadline-ban" target="_self">skill games</a> and sports betting proliferate.

Creator regrets (some of) "Star Wars" machine stunt

The creator says he should have been clearer that the viral heist was all in jest.

Content creator Braeden Days tells Axios he regrets how he communicated his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="influencer stunt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/09/01/star-wars-vending-machine-stunt-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="e3809788-b68a-4bc5-98fe-93ec2be9eec5" data-vars-headline="Creator regrets (some of) &quot;Star Wars&quot; machine stunt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/09/01/star-wars-vending-machine-stunt-pittsburgh" target="_self">influencer stunt</a> with Pittsburgh&#x27;s beloved &quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine.The big picture: In August, Days swapped out Mt. Washington&#x27;s 1999 &quot;Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace&quot; Pepsi machine with an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="artistic rendition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/27/star-wars-vending-machine-replaced-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="e3809788-b68a-4bc5-98fe-93ec2be9eec5" data-vars-headline="Creator regrets (some of) &quot;Star Wars&quot; machine stunt" 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">artistic rendition</a>.

Flock cameras divide candidates in District 44 race

Hadley Haas backs a ban, while Valerie Gaydos favors leaving more authority to municipalities.

Automated license plate readers like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/21/flock-cameras-license-plate-reader-backlash" data-vars-content-id="18d54dfd-4429-486f-b21a-473851263391" data-vars-headline="Flock cameras divide candidates in District 44 race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/21/flock-cameras-license-plate-reader-backlash" target="_self">Flock</a> have quickly become political fodder for a swing House district in Allegheny County.Why it matters: Democrats hold a tiny one-seat majority in the state House, and the balance could come down to how candidates in District 44 can connect most with voters on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="trending issues like Flock cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_dead1e76-7358-412d-8597-4f8efd271d4f.html" data-vars-content-id="18d54dfd-4429-486f-b21a-473851263391" data-vars-headline="Flock cameras divide candidates in District 44 race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania/article_dead1e76-7358-412d-8597-4f8efd271d4f.html" target="_blank">trending issues like Flock cameras</a>.

New Pa. lawmaker pushes statewide Flock ban

Brandon Dukes is backing one of Harrisburg's strictest proposals for license plate readers.

Fresh off an upset win in Butler County, state Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brandon Dukes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/19/brandon-dukes-cranberry-special-election-upset" data-vars-content-id="ef58b98e-f95c-402e-b480-bb2c8c4a6669" data-vars-headline="New Pa. lawmaker pushes statewide Flock ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/19/brandon-dukes-cranberry-special-election-upset" target="_self">Brandon Dukes</a> (D-Cranberry) will soon introduce a bill banning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/21/flock-cameras-license-plate-reader-backlash" data-vars-content-id="ef58b98e-f95c-402e-b480-bb2c8c4a6669" data-vars-headline="New Pa. lawmaker pushes statewide Flock ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/21/flock-cameras-license-plate-reader-backlash" target="_self">Flock</a> and most other <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="automated license plate readers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/09/15/flock-cameras-license-plate-readers-privacy-allegheny-county" data-vars-content-id="ef58b98e-f95c-402e-b480-bb2c8c4a6669" data-vars-headline="New Pa. lawmaker pushes statewide Flock ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/09/15/flock-cameras-license-plate-readers-privacy-allegheny-county" target="_self">automated license plate readers</a> in Pennsylvania.Why it matters: Flock cameras and other ALPRs are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="facing several other bans and restriction proposals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/09/pennsylvania-flock-camera-legislation-ban-regulations-shapiro-capitol/" data-vars-content-id="ef58b98e-f95c-402e-b480-bb2c8c4a6669" data-vars-headline="New Pa. lawmaker pushes statewide Flock ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/09/pennsylvania-flock-camera-legislation-ban-regulations-shapiro-capitol/" target="_blank">facing several other bans and restriction proposals</a> in the state Legislature, and Dukes&#x27; is one of the strictest.

Best Day Ever in Pittsburgh: Illustrator Laura Garvin 

For the latest installment of our Best Day Ever series, we asked her to map out her ideal day.

Laura Garvin is a Pittsburgh-based illustrator, designer and self-proclaimed daydreamer whose whimsical and colorful artwork has been featured at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heinz History Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPbr3SSDkc0/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="af8b0a30-c0e4-4335-b9ce-a783d4b23d66" data-vars-headline="Best Day Ever in Pittsburgh: Illustrator Laura Garvin " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DPbr3SSDkc0/?img_index=1" target="_blank">Heinz History Center</a> and on the cover of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="City Paper" data-vars-click-url="https://www.snailberryart.com/pgh-city-paper" data-vars-content-id="af8b0a30-c0e4-4335-b9ce-a783d4b23d66" data-vars-headline="Best Day Ever in Pittsburgh: Illustrator Laura Garvin " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.snailberryart.com/pgh-city-paper" target="_blank">City Paper</a>.Zoom in: She most recently collaborated with Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to bring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alice&#x27;s Adventures in Wonderland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/calendar/detail/Summer-Flower-Show-Alices-Adventures-in-Wonderland" data-vars-content-id="af8b0a30-c0e4-4335-b9ce-a783d4b23d66" data-vars-headline="Best Day Ever in Pittsburgh: Illustrator Laura Garvin " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phipps.conservatory.org/calendar/detail/Summer-Flower-Show-Alices-Adventures-in-Wonderland" target="_blank">Alice&#x27;s Adventures in Wonderland</a> to life for its summer and fall shows.

Our picks for must-see shows at The Wylie

From Modest Mouse to Boyz II Men, here are the shows on our calendars.

Music

There&#x27;s plenty to love about our newest music venue, but you still need a ticket to get in.The intrigue: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Citizens Live at The Wylie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/07/28/citizens-at-the-wylie-tour-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="c46733a1-4bdc-4c2a-bec2-64fc2e0891fe" data-vars-headline="Our picks for must-see shows at The Wylie" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/07/28/citizens-at-the-wylie-tour-pittsburgh" target="_self">Citizens Live at The Wylie</a> has lined up dozens of acts with big names like Styx, Wiz Khalifa, Little Big Town and Chance the Rapper.

Citizens Live at The Wylie opens

Citizens Live at The Wylie holds 4,300 people next to PPG Paints Arena in the Hill District

Pittsburgh&#x27;s newest entertainment venue opens this week in the Hill District. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Citizens Live at The Wylie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/07/28/citizens-at-the-wylie-tour-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="d87cef82-b668-467f-b8b6-8d98062cac2b" data-vars-headline="Citizens Live at The Wylie opens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/07/28/citizens-at-the-wylie-tour-pittsburgh" target="_self">Citizens Live at The Wylie</a> adds another piece to the Lower Hill&#x27;s redevelopment, decades after the neighborhood was demolished in the name of urban renewal.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Pittsburgh

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="670e1606-2f15-40e2-9336-d4981b23d6dd" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in Pittsburgh&#x27;s Lawrenceville neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

A toddler rave is coming to Pittsburgh

Australian DJ Lenny Pearce's "Toddler Rave" is coming to Pittsburgh on Nov. 19 at Stage AE.

Picture this: A concert venue filled with glow sticks, dance beats, and tiny hands in the air.Why it matters: Australian DJ Lenny Pearce&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Toddler Rave&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://promowestlive.com/pittsburgh/stage-ae/2026/11/lenny-pearce-toddler-rave-world-tour" data-vars-content-id="25ea7283-4193-4a81-aff9-2d3a20cb9b21" data-vars-headline="A toddler rave is coming to Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://promowestlive.com/pittsburgh/stage-ae/2026/11/lenny-pearce-toddler-rave-world-tour" target="_blank">&quot;Toddler Rave&quot;</a> is coming to Pittsburgh on Nov. 19 at Stage AE.

Does Pittsburgh say pop or soda?

Cast your vote in one of Pittsburgh's fizziest linguistic debates.

It&#x27;s time to settle the soda score, to finish the pop prizefight.Why it matters: Pittsburgh lies at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the intersection of many different regions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/28/pittsburgh-midwest-appalachia" data-vars-content-id="8014b018-633e-4a36-912b-58300f89a2e4" data-vars-headline="Does Pittsburgh say pop or soda?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/28/pittsburgh-midwest-appalachia" target="_self">the intersection of many different regions</a>, and we want to know if the boundaries are shifting in the soft drink name war.

"Star Wars" vending machine visits Los Angeles

The Mt. Washington landmark traveled more than 2,400 miles for a museum opening.

<figure><img alt="A stormtropper next to a Star Wars vending machine moving on a flat bed truck with red bleachers in the background. " height="664" id="5712fc88-e446-4ebf-8711-1be28fbef1e1" src="https://images.axios.com/Z1GVw_Oz3G2SBghwz8t1RAhglPU=/2026/09/22/1790111527825.gif" width="1180"/><figcaption>Our &quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine guarded by a stormtrooper. Screenshot: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Braeden Days on Instagram" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DdmgEi5BxgW/" data-vars-content-id="ccdb4350-9ef6-49e3-9949-74e36eb1afb5" data-vars-headline="&quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine visits Los Angeles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DdmgEi5BxgW/" target="_blank">Braeden Days on Instagram</a></figcaption></figure>Pittsburgh&#x27;s beloved &quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine was spotted over 2,400 miles away. The intrigue: Los Angeles-based content creator Braeden Days brought Mt. Washington&#x27;s 1999 &quot;Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace&quot; Pepsi machine to Los Angeles for the grand opening of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lucas Museum of Narrative Art," data-vars-click-url="https://lucasmuseum.org/press/lucas-museum-of-narrative-art-opens-to-the-public-on-september-22-2026" data-vars-content-id="ccdb4350-9ef6-49e3-9949-74e36eb1afb5" data-vars-headline="&quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine visits Los Angeles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lucasmuseum.org/press/lucas-museum-of-narrative-art-opens-to-the-public-on-september-22-2026" target="_blank">Lucas Museum of Narrative Art,</a> Days <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="posted Tuesday on Instagram" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DdmgEi5BxgW/" data-vars-content-id="ccdb4350-9ef6-49e3-9949-74e36eb1afb5" data-vars-headline="&quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine visits Los Angeles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DdmgEi5BxgW/" target="_blank">posted Tuesday on Instagram</a>.

Vote: How early is too early for Halloween decor?

Tell us when the pumpkins, skeletons and cobwebs should come out.

Fall is still weeks away, but skeletons are already crawling out of closets and onto Pittsburgh porches.Why it matters: Halloween is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive" data-vars-click-url="https://news.bryant.edu/business-fright-dive-halloweens-multibillion-dollar-industry" data-vars-content-id="67e422e6-5e47-46ac-90eb-2cd8ad31bc48" data-vars-headline="Vote: How early is too early for Halloween decor?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.bryant.edu/business-fright-dive-halloweens-multibillion-dollar-industry" target="_blank">massive</a> retail engine, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elaborate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/31/plum-halloween-yard-decorations-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="67e422e6-5e47-46ac-90eb-2cd8ad31bc48" data-vars-headline="Vote: How early is too early for Halloween decor?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/10/31/plum-halloween-yard-decorations-pittsburgh" target="_self">elaborate</a> decorations are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="creeping up earlier each year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/29/halloween-decorations-michaels-costco-home-depot-summerween" data-vars-content-id="67e422e6-5e47-46ac-90eb-2cd8ad31bc48" data-vars-headline="Vote: How early is too early for Halloween decor?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/29/halloween-decorations-michaels-costco-home-depot-summerween" target="_self">creeping up earlier each year</a>.

Sheetz goes over-the-top on YouTube

First We Feast is giving Sheetz the full food-show treatment with three outrageous dishes.

The channel that brought you the popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Hot Ones&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/09/19/best-day-ever-hot-ones-host-sean-evans" data-vars-content-id="fbf2f0cc-3b27-4e25-b5f3-f5107bd63347" data-vars-headline="Sheetz goes over-the-top on YouTube" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/09/19/best-day-ever-hot-ones-host-sean-evans" target="_self">&quot;Hot Ones&quot;</a> is debuting a new miniseries Friday that features the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sheetz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/28/sheetz-first-pittsburgh-store-banksville" data-vars-content-id="fbf2f0cc-3b27-4e25-b5f3-f5107bd63347" data-vars-headline="Sheetz goes over-the-top on YouTube" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/28/sheetz-first-pittsburgh-store-banksville" target="_self">Sheetz</a> menu. The intrigue: The new &quot;Fuel Stop Feast&quot; YouTube show will feature two chefs battling it out to create over-the -top creations for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sheetz Freakz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/23/paul-skenes-sheetz-big-glizzy-hot-dog" data-vars-content-id="fbf2f0cc-3b27-4e25-b5f3-f5107bd63347" data-vars-headline="Sheetz goes over-the-top on YouTube" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/23/paul-skenes-sheetz-big-glizzy-hot-dog" target="_self">Sheetz Freakz</a>. Some of the new items will then be available for purchase at Sheetz.

"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.

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.

Dolly Parton corn maze opens near Pittsburgh

The fall attraction benefits Parton's Imagination Library.

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dolly Parton-inspired corn maze" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dce_UTbOwP5/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="034c6c87-e024-487a-bd90-fceee5c8b1ff" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton corn maze opens near Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Dce_UTbOwP5/?hl=en" target="_blank">Dolly Parton-inspired corn maze</a> an hour from Pittsburgh opens Friday, celebrating the country music legend and 31 years of her<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Imagination Library" data-vars-click-url="https://imaginationlibrary.com/" data-vars-content-id="034c6c87-e024-487a-bd90-fceee5c8b1ff" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton corn maze opens near Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://imaginationlibrary.com/" target="_blank"> Imagination Library</a>.The big picture: Irons Mill Farmstead in New Wilmington, near the Lawrence-Mercer County line, joins a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1547704596579471" data-vars-content-id="034c6c87-e024-487a-bd90-fceee5c8b1ff" data-vars-headline="Dolly Parton corn maze opens near Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1547704596579471" target="_blank">national</a> corn maze initiative celebrating Parton&#x27;s literacy program.

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