Remembering a Hero, Sick Leave Expansions, Heatwave Hits Pittsburgh | Local News & Updates

Good morning, this is Pittsburgh Local Pulse for Sunday, July 13th, 2025. We’re starting off with a look back and a heartfelt tribute in Butler County, where family and neighbors gathered Saturday to honor Corey Comperatore, the volunteer firefighter who lost his life last year during the shooting at the Trump rally in Butler. The parade and memorials brought out hundreds, reflecting how deeply Corey’s bravery touched our region. A year later, the city continues to reflect and heal after that day, with law enforcement emphasizing the need for unity and vigilance in the face of senseless violence. Turning to City Hall, the Pittsburgh City Council recently updated our local paid sick leave ordinance. Starting next January, workers will now earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. For larger businesses, employees can use up to 72 hours a year, and for smaller companies, it’s up to 48 hours. Council members say the change is meant to give peace of mind to working families and better protect public health. Weather is the hot topic in town—literally. The ongoing heatwave continues today, with highs in the mid-90s and that humidity making it feel even warmer. City pools are open with extended hours, and cooling centers remain available across neighborhoods, including Homewood, Oakland, and the Hill District. A quick heads-up, the 911 outage that affected some areas yesterday evening has now been resolved, so emergency services are fully restored. On the business front, Pittsburgh is buzzing as industry leaders gather for the Artificial Intelligence and Energy Summit at Carnegie Mellon University. The event puts our city’s innovation in the national spotlight, though some folks are voicing concerns over high-profile guests. Meanwhile, the City is already preparing for the upcoming holiday season, launching the annual search for a 40-foot evergreen to serve as downtown’s official Christmas tree. If you have a candidate in your yard, the Department of Public Works wants to hear from you. In community news, Anthrocon wrapped up at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This year’s furry convention raised over $89,000 for the Nose 2 Tail Cat Rescue in McDonald. Attendees from all over the globe pitched in and even lined up to cuddle kittens, creating a feel-good story that shows Pittsburgh’s generous spirit is alive and well. Real estate and jobs continue to see steady, if cautious, movement. New federal immigration rules mean local employers are facing more frequent audits and stricter I-9 checks, which could affect hiring in some sectors. The local job boards still show about 14,000 positions open across Allegheny County, with healthcare, tech, and logistics leading demand. In housing, the median list price for city homes is holding just under $260,000. In sports, the Pirates are hoping to turn things around as they take on the Minnesota Twins at PNC Park today. After a rough stretch, they’re looking for a win to build momentum. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.