Good morning, Pittsburgh.

On Friday, May 22, 2026, 250 Brentwood students joined the second annual Day of Giving at the Stewart Avenue Food Pantry.

They helped stock food, clean up local areas, and plant trees (a project that teaches young volunteers about community care) led by local educators.

More than 2 million drivers are expected to travel along the Pennsylvania Turnpike over Memorial Day weekend as holiday travel surges from families heading to local gatherings+ Transportation officials advise drivers to plan extra time due to projected heavier traffic.

Army Cpl. Charles Carroll Jr. was laid to rest Friday next to his mother after DNA tests identified his remains over 70 years after he was killed in the Korean War; his return to Pittsburgh included a full military honors ceremony and a public visitation at the Edward P Kanai Funeral Home.

Loews Hotels signed a letter of intent to build a 500-room hotel (a longtime goal) adjacent to the David L.

Lawrence Convention Center, officials announced last week in Harrisburg. The $418 million project, supported by state and local funds, will create 1,200 construction jobs and serve future events in Pittsburgh.

The Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival begins its 10th year, offering diverse local food trucks for residents to enjoy.

Team PTL's Daisy Jade is on site to explore the event.

Pittsburgh’s Attack Theater celebrated its 30 Ball on Friday as it marked 30 years of performing, drawing community members to a lively local cultural event (the anniversary highlights the theater’s longstanding role).

A pop-up gallery focused on manufacturing and art opened May 21 at SouthSide Works and will run through the summer.

It will complement an existing gallery at the Energy Innovation Center (in the Hill District).

Southwestern Pennsylvania's top public school districts were ranked by the Pittsburgh Business Times on May 22 based on state test scores, with data compiled by Ethan Lott (data editor).

The rankings spotlight the highest-performing districts in the region.

Senate Bill 1014, a proposal to ban cellphones in middle and high school classrooms, awaits House approval while Pittsburgh teachers and local parents push for quick action amid debates over amendments — they say current texting and social media use is harming learning.

A new analysis from the Group Against Smog and Pollution shows the Pennsylvania DEP delayed 15 air quality permits, leaving key local facilities in Allegheny County operating under outdated oversight.

The county Health Department is also behind on permit renewals, a delay that raises concerns about pollution control (GASP reports).

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission warns that default service electric rates will increase on June 1 with Duquesne Light rising from 13.75¢ to 14.14¢ and West Penn Power moving from 10.947¢ to 12.075¢.

Customers should review bills and compare suppliers to plan for higher summer costs.

Thomas Petropoulos will become the third executive director of the Allegheny County Bar Association and its foundation on July 1, succeeding David Blaner (who retired on June 30 after 25 years).

He has served as assistant director since January 2024 and worked with the Akron Bar Association.

June Bugs Restaurant & Bar in Sutersville was flagged for failing a May 20 state inspection that found several food items stored at unsafe temperatures—forcing their removal.

The restaurant can keep operating while a follow-up inspection is scheduled within nine days.

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.

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.

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.

lespecial: Tentacle Difficulties Concert

7-11 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — Ticket required — Experience an electrifying live performance by lespecial in Pittsburgh.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prince Daddy & The Hyena Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — Tickets available — Catch the energetic sounds of Prince Daddy and The Hyena live in Pittsburgh.