Forbes Ave. Changes, Spring Blooms, and Hometown Hires - Pittsburgh Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Pittsburgh Local Pulse for Thursday, April 17, 2025. As we get our day started, we want to let drivers know about big changes near Forbes Avenue and Braddock Avenue. Beginning this morning, the city is rolling out a new traffic pattern at this busy intersection. Inbound lanes on Forbes will be reduced to one as outbound lanes shift north. There are now upgraded traffic signals, a dedicated bus lane, and extended bike paths, all part of a larger effort to improve safety for all of us who use this route every day. So, if you travel through that area, give yourself a few extra minutes and pay attention to the new setup. Turning to the weather, it’s a beautiful morning with temperatures headed for the mid-60s. Skies will be bright with just a few passing clouds, making it perfect for getting outside or checking out events around town. The nice stretch of weather should hold through the weekend. In city news, the overtime budgets for several city departments are running thin earlier than expected this year, which could mean reduced availability for some non-essential services as spring rolls on. City Hall is working on solutions, but we may see some changes in service hours or response times. For a taste of tradition, today is the grand reopening of Gus and YiaYia’s ice ball stand in Allegheny Commons Park. Mike Spanos is keeping the legacy alive after the passing of longtime owner Gus Kalaris. The orange cart will be serving from 11:30 to 6, and the Parks Conservancy is planting a tree nearby to honor Gus’s contributions to the North Side community. On the real estate front, more homeowners are turning to local companies to sell quickly and avoid foreclosure, with hundreds helped just this year. If you’re looking to make a move, keep an eye out for some creative solutions in our market. For those seeking work, several area employers are actively hiring this week as spring brings new opportunities. From service industry roles downtown to openings at local healthcare providers and tech firms, job seekers are finding more options than in recent months. Let’s take a look at community happenings. This weekend, there’s a full lineup on the cultural calendar. The musical “Some Like It Hot” is drawing crowds, a Bowie tribute is set for Friday, and the Phipps spring flower show wraps up Sunday. For families, there’s an Eggcellent Celebration, and the Pittsburgh Gun Show returns to the Monroeville Convention Center next weekend. On the sports front, the Avonworth baseball team continues its hot streak, racking up impressive double-digit wins. Also, Penguins defenseman Kris Letang underwent a successful procedure and is expected back next season. In public safety, police responded to gunshots fired into a home in Marshall-Shadeland overnight. No injuries were reported, and the investigation is ongoing. At the airport, TSA stopped a Sewickley man carrying a loaded handgun and 30 rounds in his bag. He faces a stiff penalty and a rem This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.