Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
Good morning, Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Pirates will close the Roberto Clemente Bridge for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge Happy Hour from noon today until 8 p.m. tomorrow.
The Department of Public Works issued the permit as a public service announcement.
Modern Action, a Pennsylvania startup led by Duquesne alum Colum O’Brien (with board advisor Samir Lakhani from Pittsburgh), uses AI to link local news to active legislation so users can send personalized messages to lawmakers.
The free platform has 30 users today and plans future updates including a Chrome extension.
Roberto Clemente Bridge will close at noon today for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge Happy Hour and remain closed through Friday (a two-day event) to support the celebration.
Drivers should plan alternate routes during the closure.
A survey released earlier this week by the American Customer Satisfaction Index shows Trader Joe’s leading with an 86, while Giant Eagle’s rating slipped to 73 (ratings for Sam’s Club, Aldi, Costco, and Whole Foods hovered around 81–82).
Pittsburgh offers a full weekend of events, from tonight’s Brew House Arts exhibition on the South Side to a run of 'Beauty and the Beast' at the Benedum Center plus Gallery Crawl, horror con, and a pickleball tournament.
Check local listings to plan your weekend.
Unionized Pitt service workers rallied at the corner of Bigelow Boulevard and Forbes Avenue in snowy conditions to demand higher wages and better healthcare benefits amid contract negotiations that began in early February — union leaders critiqued a 1% raise as insufficient to cover rising living costs.
Allegheny County Health Department warns pet owners that Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health recalled IMRAB 3TF rabies vaccine vials because they contained sterile water instead of vaccine.
Pets vaccinated after Sept. 29, 2025 should have certificates reviewed and owners must call their veterinarian to schedule a revaccination — keeping pets protected.
The Steelers are eyeing Packers quarterback Malik Willis, who is expected to earn at least $30 million a year, if Aaron Rodgers does not return (other teams including the Browns and Dolphins are also said to be interested).
Pittsburgh is monitoring the free-agent market closely.
Gerry Dulac led a Steelers chat on Feb.
25, answering fan questions and sharing insights on the team’s performance ahead of upcoming games.
Sports experts note Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Konnor Griffin is building buzz during Grapefruit League practices — his unique play style draws local fans eager to see him in upcoming games.
Six Pirates prospects learned they were added to the 40-man roster in unique ways, with one waiting for his call during PlayStation time and another receiving pitching lessons (including Ryan Harbin, who shared his personal moment).
Their varied experiences show the human side of the team's update.
The Steelers are looking to keep Kenneth Gainwell after he led the team in catches and rushes last season.
GM Omar Khan said the team is talking with his representatives — deals may not be finalized soon.
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will miss at least four weeks as the team prepares for NHL play later this week (the announcement came from team officials).
The Steelers held a formal meeting with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, a top college football prospect who transferred from Alabama and earned two All-American honors with the Buckeyes.
The team may need a trade-up if they decide to draft him.
Beatles Vs. Dead
7-11 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — $20.17 — Experience the psychedelic tribute to The Beatles and Grateful Dead by local favorites Eleanor Walrus and Fungus.
Pittsburgh Winter Wine Festival
12-10 p.m. — PPG PLACE 1 WINTERGARDENS Pittsburgh — Tickets on sale now — Sip, swirl, and savor the best wines of the season at Pittsburgh's premier winter celebration.
Bryce Vine Concert
7-9 p.m. — Spirit Hall — $54 — Experience a night with Bryce Vine at one of Pittsburgh's favorite venues.
Artikal Sound System Concert
7-11 p.m. — Club Cafe — Ticket info available — Experience the vibrant sounds of Artikal Sound System live in Pittsburgh.
Resume and Cover Letter Workshop
12:30-1:30 p.m. — Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Downtown — Free entry — Learn how to craft a compelling resume and cover letter to impress potential employers.
Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show 2026
March 6-15 — The Westin Pittsburgh — Admission details not provided — Explore home improvement ideas and garden inspiration at one of the largest home events in the area.
14th Annual Seed Swap Celebration
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Main — Free entry — Exchange seeds, attend workshops, and share gardening stories at this community seed swap event.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra - Ax Plays Brahms
2:30-5:30 p.m. — Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts — Ticketed event — Experience a captivating performance featuring Brahms, led by renowned pianist Emanuel Ax.
California Guitar Trio
7:30-9 p.m. — City Winery Pittsburgh — Check venue for pricing — Experience the genre-defying sounds of The California Guitar Trio that have captivated audiences since 1991.
2026 SAS Annual Conference
8 PM – 8 PM — The Westin Pittsburgh — Check official website for pricing — Engage in cutting-edge discussions on affective science in a vibrant city hub.
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