Tornadoes, crashes, housing costs, and Memorial Day plans - your Pittsburgh Local Pulse update.

Good morning, this is Pittsburgh Local Pulse for Friday, May 23rd, 2025. We wake up today following a week of wild weather. Two tornadoes touched down in Butler County during Wednesday's storms, leaving many of us cleaning up debris and checking on neighbors. As we look ahead, expect another round of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms later today. If you are headed out, keep an eye on the sky and watch for any flash flood warnings. The storms may impact outdoor Memorial Day plans, especially along the rivers and at the parks. Breaking overnight, a crash involving a limousine and a pickup truck in Darlington Township sent eight people to local hospitals. Traffic delays continue along Parkway West following another early morning accident. Authorities urge us to drive cautiously, as wet roads and storm debris are still an issue for many commutes. At City Hall, council this week shined a spotlight on housing affordability. Officials warn that Pittsburgh, while still more affordable than many cities, is seeing accelerated home price increases. Council members are calling for more incentives to keep housing within reach and are reviewing budget cuts that could impact street paving and services. On a positive note, the city declared this week as National Public Works Week, recognizing the crews who keep our roads, sanitation, and city services strong. In business news, Sheetz, with a major presence in western Pennsylvania, has just been named one of America’s most innovative companies by Fortune. Meanwhile, at Pittsburgh International Airport, the new terminal project is now ninety percent finished, promising a big upgrade for travelers by the end of 2027. Our real estate market continues to move quickly. While Pittsburgh homes remain more attainable than many national averages, realtors report that homes are selling faster and for higher prices than last year, putting pressure on first-time buyers. If you are looking for work, the local job market remains tight, but there are signs of hope: new listings are up in hospitality and tech, and several local manufacturers are seeking skilled trades. Keep an eye on career expos at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center this weekend. Memorial Day weekend is packed with events. The annual Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show is in full swing at the Convention Center, and Kennywood’s Steel Curtain roller coaster is back in action just in time for the holiday. You can also catch local bands at Market Square, or head to community parades in Squirrel Hill and Mount Washington. Sports fans, it has been a mixed week. The Pirates dropped a tough rain-delayed game to the Brewers, but young ace Paul Skenes is drawing national attention for his pitching skill, and management says he’s not for sale. In local high school news, congratulations to the Allderdice Dragons soccer team, who swept their section finals Thursday night. On the safety front, the Allegheny County Health Department is alerting residents after a l This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.