🤑 A Sheetz setback

More PA Voters Registering as Independents

As of this month, nearly 17% of PA voters are registered under a third party or no party — up from about 13% in April 2016. The bummer? Our state has a closed primary system, meaning only registered Republicans and Democrats can vote in spring primaries. [SpotlightPA]

• Election Day is a week away! Here’s what you need to know before you vote. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Sheetz Enters Zoning Dispute With the City

The chain is facing some zoning challenges for its redevelopment of a former Rite Aid site on Banksville Road. Technically, a gas station can’t operate within 150 feet of a residential district, but Sheetz is arguing that it qualifies as a convenience store, not a gas station. This would be the first Sheetz location within Pittsburgh city limits. [Business Times]

Pittsburgh Mills Owners Go to Trial

The Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills has dealt with a string of legal issues over the past year due to pothole problems on the property, and owners are now headed for a criminal trial. The Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office charged owners with one misdemeanor count of creating a public nuisance in April 2025; they could’ve avoided a trial if adequate property fixes had been made. [TribLive]

• Can Pittsburgh Mills avoid Century III’s fate? [City Cast Pittsburgh]

New Record Stores Set Up Shop

Ever see the Sports World Specialties shop on Smithfield Street in Downtown? There’s a new store on the second floor; The House of Vinyl buys and sells records, CDs, music memorabilia, band t-shirts, and more. In Dormont, there’s a new shop from the folks at Preserving Vinyl. Stop by on a day of exploring in the business district.

• Want more record-hunting tips? Here are some of our favorite spots. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Let’s play a game! Where can you find this painted flower fence?

🌟 Shout out to Antoinette H.M., Bob S., Carye B., Jo A., Lori K., Emma R., and Elena A., for correctly guessing last week’s photo challenge ⬇️

Find this ode-to-Garfield-the-cat mural on Penn Avenue in (of course) the Garfield neighborhood — just a skip from Soju, an awesome Korean American restaurant, and Bantha Tea Bar, one of my favorite places to sip on something herbal and refreshing.

Penn Avenue is filled with public art like this, interesting galleries, and creative events. Here’s what I have my eyes on:

• 🪄 Wish at Bunker Projects: A solo exhibit of creative wands by Fred Blauth
• 🧶 Fiber Studio classes at WorkshopPGH: sewing and crochet
• ⭐ Brighter Days Gallery: A new paper art studio, gallery, and shop
• 🥖 Classes at Third Space Bakery: sourdough bread, garden-fresh dinner, and more
• 🖼️ Exhibit at Irma Freeman Center: quilts, mosaics, sculpture, and more
• 🛍️ Garfield Night Market and Unblurred: The first Friday art crawl on Penn Avenue

Looking for more things to see and do? Check out my guide to the top 10 things to do in May.