Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The South Side is working to launch a funded business district for the East Carson Street corridor at 24th and East Carson, as announced yesterday to boost local business efforts. WPXI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Heinz has reintroduced its classic glass ketchup bottle — not seen in nearly a decade — available for a limited time exclusively at Walmart as part of its '157 Years of Being Food’s Best Friend' campaign. WPXI
- ➤ The Disney Store returns to Ross Park Mall on Saturday at 10 a.m. + a child will unlock its doors to reopen a cherished retail spot after a 15-year absence. It will operate through the holidays, with long-term plans still undecided. CBS Pittsburgh
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Heinz Endowments shifted its arts funding strategy after nearly a decade of granting around $186 million to over 280 arts organizations – the change was announced May 21 to better support local culture. WPXI
- ➤ This weekend, Lawrenceville will host the annual Pittsburgh Pizza Olympics—top local pizza makers will compete for the best slice. Badamo's representatives discussed their planned offerings for the festive event. CBS Pittsburgh
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Quaker Valley School District approved the budget for next school year on May 20 with no cuts to programs and a 3.5% increase in real estate taxes. Property owners of a $200,000 property will see taxes rise from about $4,415 to roughly $4,569 as the district uses reserve funds + closes a $180,000 gap. The Tribune-Review
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Laurel Caverns State Park, Pennsylvania's largest cave system now managed by DCNR under park manager Corie Eckman, offers visitors a look at geologic history through its 4-mile underground tour. Located 50 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, the park features educational displays and is set to join the DCNR GeoTrail. NEXTpittsburgh
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ During NFL Draft week in April, Pittsburgh Regional Transit saw 51% more riders than usual, with 485,000 riders using bus, train & river services. Transit officials noted that increased service frequency helped manage record crowds. The Tribune-Review
- ➤ The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission unveiled two parking spots for veterans at each of its 17 service plazas + the Pennsylvania American Legion covered signage costs. The initiative, launched after Armed Forces Day, honors military service and supports veterans traveling along the 565-mile highway. WPXI
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Sandcastle Water Park opens this weekend at 11 a.m. and will operate on select days until Sept. 7, offering free Memorial Day admission for veterans and free June entry for educators. The season features patriotic celebrations, DJ Decades weekends, Kennywood character takeovers, and season pass discounts. The Tribune-Review
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Pirates will give away a Dr. Robby bobblehead on Saturday, July 25 at PNC Park during Yinzerpalooza weekend as part of a collaboration with HBO Max & The Pitt to celebrate healthcare workers; the first 20,000 fans will receive the collectible when the Pirates host the Chicago Cubs. CBS Pittsburgh
- ➤ Steeler players will report to camp at Saint Vincent College on July 28 with an open practice on July 29 and additional sessions on August 3 and 6. The camp is notable for welcoming new head coach Mike McCarthy after Mike Tomlin’s departure. CBS Pittsburgh
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Don Toliver Live Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — PPG Paints Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying performance by the renowned rapper Don Toliver.
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Thank You Scientist Live Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — Spirit — Fee-free, cash-only tickets available — Experience a night of progressive rock with Thank You Scientist and Wired Tae The Moon.
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Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
6:40-7:10 p.m. — PNC Park — Special ticket event for Grogu Bobblehead — Celebrate Star Wars Night with the Pirates while enjoying a thrilling baseball game.
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Austin Nasso Live Comedy Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Pittsburgh Improv — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughter with Austin Nasso's comedic performance.
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lespecial: Tentacle Difficulties Concert
7-11 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — Ticket required — Experience an electrifying live performance by lespecial in Pittsburgh.
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The Hell Club Live Performance
8:00 – 11:59 PM — Spirit Lodge — $20-$40 — Experience the debut live show of The Hell Club with support from Vireo in a night of soulful indie rock and eco-folk sounds.
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Acoustic Evening with Citizen Soldier
7-10 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — $42.73 to $53.78 — Experience an intimate performance tackling mental health themes through powerful music.
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Pirates vs. Twins Game and Pitch for Hope Clinic
1:35 PM — PNC Park — $25-$75 — Participate in a special baseball clinic and enjoy the Pirates taking on the Twins while supporting breast cancer awareness.
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Taking Back Sunday Live Performance
7-9 p.m. — Stage AE — VIP packages available — Enjoy an exclusive experience with meet & greet and personal photography with Taking Back Sunday.
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St. Vincent with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
7:30-9 p.m. — Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts — Tickets required — Experience St. Vincent’s innovative music reimagined through orchestral arrangements alongside the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
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