Good morning, Pittsburgh.

On Friday, the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium kept visitors and animals cool with frozen treats and swims; Snowflake the polar bear swam in a pool kept at 58 degrees (with an air-conditioned den on standby), while an extreme heat warning extended through Saturday evening kept the zoo open for all.

Oakmont officials finalized a timeline on Thursday for lighting the Riverside Park field so it will be ready for the Riverview Raiders’ first home game.

The update comes after community members long awaited the project + signals progress toward a brighter field.

At 9:00 p.m. tonight, Pittsburgh's iconic bridges and skyline will light up red, white and blue as part of Light to Unite (a nationwide call for unity organized by the National Flag Foundation to celebrate America’s 250th birthday).

A flag ceremony at Flag Plaza Scout Center marked the final leg of Old Glory’s patriotic pilgrimage on Friday, featuring 13 events linked to the original colonies and participation from local Scouts as the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office escorted the flag before it heads to Washington.

The Pittsburgh BBQ & Bands Fest returns bigger at the Monroeville Convention Center with nearly 50 vendors and cover bands, featuring fireworks & a parade on the Fourth, running through Sunday with Saturday events from noon until 10 p.m. and Sunday events from noon until 5 p.m.

Yesterday, a volunteer group rescued a gosling at North Park after noticing it following people instead of staying with its flock.

The group brought the bird to Wildlife Works in Youngwood to rehabilitate it and educate locals on proper wildlife care.

PennDOT will restrict access on Parkway East between the Squirrel Hill Tunnel and Exit 77 starting at 9 p.m. on July 10, with full closure expected about an hour later until Aug.

3. Drivers can follow detours (primarily via Penn and Fifth Avenues) to avoid the affected area.

Duquesne Light Company will close bypass ramps on West Carson Street overnight weeknights from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. next week for cable replacement from Corliss to Riverside—closures will continue through mid-July as drivers are advised to follow detour routes and allow extra travel time.

PennDOT urges drivers to use 511PA for detour information ahead of the Parkway East closure scheduled to begin next Friday and last 25 days, as the app provides real-time updates and 24/7 assistance is available at 1-800-FIX-ROAD (mentioning the Commercial Street Bridge for detailed help).

Experts warn that tick bites are up near homes this summer; Dr. Nicole Chinnici from the Tick Research Lab of Pennsylvania noted that warmer weather, heavy snowpack last winter, and abundant local wildlife are increasing tick activity while free testing options are available.

City officials announced that Formula One powerboat racing will return to Pittsburgh waters during the 2027 Fourth of July celebration (bringing high-speed racing to local fans) as the city strengthens its reputation for world-class sporting events.

Former Pirates star Andrew McCutchen signed a minor-league deal with the Atlanta Braves—his seventh MLB team—after a brief stint with the Texas Rangers where he hit .192 in 37 games.

The 39-year-old, who played nine seasons in Pittsburgh, now seeks to continue his career with the Braves.

Speed Dating for Singles in Pittsburgh

7-9 p.m. — Smiling Moose Brewing — $30 ticket — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

WILLIS Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — Entry for 18+ or with guardians — Experience the evolving sound of indie rock with WILLIS and The Booyah! Kids.

Love in the Club

8:30 – 11:59 PM — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — $27.84 — A vibrant night of 2000s R&B and hip hop dance hits awaits.

MK Fullerton / LOWREV Album Release Show

6-10 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — $29.39 to $51.37 — Catch MK Fullerton and LOWREV as they celebrate their album release with special guests Jaxon and Kid Tigrrr.

Brewers vs. Pirates with Postgame Concert

12:15 p.m. — PNC Park — Game ticket required — Enjoy an exciting MLB game followed by a concert from Jordan Davis.

Congress The Band Concert

8 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — Ticket availability varies — Enjoy an evening of live music with Congress The Band in a vibrant venue.

Congress The Band Live

8:00 – 11:00 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant sounds of Congress The Band in a lively setting.

Pittsburgh Speed Dating for Singles Age 30s/40s

7-9 p.m. — The Dog Penn — Check website for ticket price — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and friendly speed dating event.

Ax and the Hatchetmen Concert

8-11 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — General Admission Tickets available — Experience an indie rock night featuring the energetic Ax and the Hatchetmen with special guest John-Robert.

Captain Mike & The Shipwrecked Tribute

8 p.m. — Crafthouse Stage & Grill — Ticket options available — Celebrate the music of Jimmy Buffett with Captain Mike and The Shipwrecked at this lively tribute event.