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Pa. travelers urged to take precautions in Mexico

Sen. Dave McCormick urges travelers to enroll in STEP and monitor flight updates.

Politics & Policy

U.S. Sen. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dave McCormick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/28/mccormick-urges-review-of-research-grants" data-vars-content-id="e3a13e27-9aa3-4f7e-9f9e-b03ebb6b7c91" data-vars-headline="Pa. travelers urged to take precautions in Mexico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/28/mccormick-urges-review-of-research-grants" target="_self">Dave McCormick</a> is advising Pennsylvanians in Mexico to stay in close contact with the U.S. State Department.The big picture: Violence following the killing of a Mexican cartel leader has erupted in Mexico, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leaving some Americans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/chicagoans-caught-mexico-drug-violence-el-mencho-death" data-vars-content-id="e3a13e27-9aa3-4f7e-9f9e-b03ebb6b7c91" data-vars-headline="Pa. travelers urged to take precautions in Mexico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/chicagoans-caught-mexico-drug-violence-el-mencho-death" target="_self">leaving some Americans</a> — and potentially Pittsburghers — stuck in a tough situation.

Climate pressures hit Pittsburgh farms and tables

Farmers and restaurant owners say extreme weather is raising costs and risks.

Climate

Small <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/13/pittsburgh-restaurant-survival-doordash-2025" data-vars-content-id="2b4dfdb3-36cb-462e-ab7d-3b25f32dd1d6" data-vars-headline="Climate pressures hit Pittsburgh farms and tables" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/13/pittsburgh-restaurant-survival-doordash-2025" target="_self">restaurant</a> owners and farmers in Western Pennsylvania are bracing for escalating climate change disruptions that could further strain their bottom lines.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Record heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/30/pittsburgh-breaks-heat-record-2024" data-vars-content-id="2b4dfdb3-36cb-462e-ab7d-3b25f32dd1d6" data-vars-headline="Climate pressures hit Pittsburgh farms and tables" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/01/30/pittsburgh-breaks-heat-record-2024" target="_self">Record heat</a>, sharp temperature swings, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extreme weather" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/30/severe-storms-kill-3-cut-power-pennsylvania" data-vars-content-id="2b4dfdb3-36cb-462e-ab7d-3b25f32dd1d6" data-vars-headline="Climate pressures hit Pittsburgh farms and tables" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/30/severe-storms-kill-3-cut-power-pennsylvania" target="_self">extreme weather</a> hit small agricultural producers and businesses hard, as many operate on razor-thin margins.

Pittsburgh homebuyers score big discounts

Nearly 62% of homes sold under asking, with average discounts outpacing the national rate.

Real Estate

It&#x27;s a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="good time to buy a home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/02/pittsburgh-homebuyers-down-payment-time" data-vars-content-id="6dae687f-dafc-4761-8fe6-b72556aa7095" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh homebuyers score big discounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/02/pittsburgh-homebuyers-down-payment-time" target="_self">good time to buy a home</a> in Pittsburgh.Why it matters: Though high mortgage rates are still <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sidelining many buyers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="6dae687f-dafc-4761-8fe6-b72556aa7095" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh homebuyers score big discounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" target="_self">sidelining many buyers</a>, Pittsburgh home sales have one of the biggest discounts in the nation, according to a new Redfin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" data-vars-content-id="6dae687f-dafc-4761-8fe6-b72556aa7095" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh homebuyers score big discounts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" target="_blank">report</a>.

How Pittsburgh can cash in on biotech boom

Federal leaders say the region is well positioned to compete for billions in biotech investment.

News

<figure><img alt="A robotic arm placing a plastic dish into place inside a lab" height="450" id="7b6040e2-9247-408b-a2b4-97671c0980a0" src="https://images.axios.com/M92SOVmlS4CXYKcxvtkT1pm1A-o=/2026/02/19/1771533898807.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A robot at work inside CMU&#x27;s Biological and Chemical Innovation Cloud Lab. GIF: Ryan Deto/Axios</figcaption></figure>Pittsburgh&#x27;s biotech industry is ahead of the curve, according to the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB).Why it matters: The commission was created by Congress in 2022 to see how biotechnology can improve national security, and Pittsburgh&#x27;s biotech sector wants to show it&#x27;s worth federal investment and attention.

Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns

Developers keep building data centers in Pa. despite noise, energy and pollution concerns.

A tide is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="forming against data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/11/ai-economy-data-centers-pennsylvania-poll" data-vars-content-id="a493a517-c4ff-45be-a9fd-db52e23c81be" data-vars-headline="Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/12/11/ai-economy-data-centers-pennsylvania-poll" target="_self">forming against data centers</a>, but Pennsylvania is holding it back — for now.Why it matters: Data centers are attracting more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pushback from locals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/24/springdale-residents-oppose-ai-data-center-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="a493a517-c4ff-45be-a9fd-db52e23c81be" data-vars-headline="Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/24/springdale-residents-oppose-ai-data-center-pittsburgh" target="_self">pushback from locals</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric grid monitors" data-vars-click-url="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/12/03/watchdog-for-electric-grid-in-ohio-other-states-wants-a-pause-on-data-centers/" data-vars-content-id="a493a517-c4ff-45be-a9fd-db52e23c81be" data-vars-headline="Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/12/03/watchdog-for-electric-grid-in-ohio-other-states-wants-a-pause-on-data-centers/" target="_blank">electric grid monitors</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="politicians" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/17/democrats-data-centers-ai-fight" data-vars-content-id="a493a517-c4ff-45be-a9fd-db52e23c81be" data-vars-headline="Pa. data center development powering through rising concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/17/democrats-data-centers-ai-fight" target="_self">politicians</a>, but it doesn&#x27;t appear to be slowing them down much in the Keystone State.

How to cut your power bill while keeping your holiday lights

Switching to LEDs and setting a timer can keep your holiday electric bill low.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lighting up the night" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/21/light-up-night-guide-trees-fireworks-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="b0606357-c9ad-42c1-8b75-7c3cf519fef7" data-vars-headline="How to cut your power bill while keeping your holiday lights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/11/21/light-up-night-guide-trees-fireworks-pittsburgh" target="_self">Lighting up the night</a> might not be the wisest decision.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rising energy prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/09/30/data-centers-grid-electricity-costs-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="b0606357-c9ad-42c1-8b75-7c3cf519fef7" data-vars-headline="How to cut your power bill while keeping your holiday lights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/09/30/data-centers-grid-electricity-costs-pittsburgh" target="_self">Rising energy prices</a> during the holidays have Americans second-guessing if they should scale back on decorations.

Springdale residents oppose AI data center proposal

Locals say the project risks pollution, noise and high water use.

Residents of Springdale Borough are fighting back against a proposed 565,000-square-foot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/16/ai-natural-gas-data-centers-pennsylvania" data-vars-content-id="f66ba298-776e-4fea-8fb9-7cfef6840f89" data-vars-headline="Springdale residents oppose AI data center proposal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/16/ai-natural-gas-data-centers-pennsylvania" target="_self">data center</a> that could soon be built near their homes.Why it matters: Springdale&#x27;s ordinances do not include provisions for data centers, leaving room for violations surrounding pollution, noise, electricity and water usage, according to advocates from the environmental group Protect PT.

Pennsylvania's "Grand Canyon" is worth the trip

This 50-mile gorge is one of the East Coast's most dramatic natural wonders.

Things to Do

The Keystone State has more than 2,500 municipalities, and a lot of them have something worth visiting. So you&#x27;ll need to make a bucket list to keep track.The intrigue: Welcome to our PA Bucket List series, where we highlight the state&#x27;s must-visit destinations, spanning natural beauty, historical monuments, cultural attractions, and can&#x27;t-miss experiences.

A guide to viewing Pennsylvania's elk

The start of fall is the best time to view Pennsylvania's roaming elk herd.

Most Pennsylvanians appreciate the fall cooldown, but none more so than our storied elk.Why it matters: The original Keystone State elk population was wiped out in the late 19th century, but the descendants of Rocky Mountain elk reintroduced here over 100 years ago now thrive in North Central Pennsylvania and have become a major tourist draw.

Plastics maker to pay $2.6 million for nurdle pollution

Owners of an idled Pittsburgh-area plastics plant have agreed to pay $2.6 million to settle a citizen-led lawsuit accusing the company of polluting local waterways with microplastics.

Owners of an idled Pittsburgh-area plastics plant have agreed to pay $2.6 million to settle a citizen-led lawsuit accusing the company of polluting local waterways with microplastics.Why it matters: The deal &quot;demonstrates the crucial role that citizen lawsuits play in the enforcement of our core environmental laws,&quot; says Matthew Donohue, the National Environmental Law Center attorney who represented the plaintiffs.

Gas valve failure caused deadly Clairton blast, U.S. Steel says

U.S. Steel says gas valve failure caused blast that killed two, injured 10 at Clairton Coke Works.

A gas valve failure caused the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="explosion at Clairton Coke Works" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/11/us-steel-explosion-clairton-coke-works" data-vars-content-id="fa5cb26b-6242-4ade-8e05-fb85123362d4" data-vars-headline="Gas valve failure caused deadly Clairton blast, U.S. Steel says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/11/us-steel-explosion-clairton-coke-works" target="_self">explosion at Clairton Coke Works</a> on Monday morning that killed two people, U.S. Steel said Friday.Why it matters: The massive Mon Valley facility — one of the largest coke plants in the world — has a long history of environmental and safety violations. The latest explosion is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fueling renewed scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/13/clairton-coke-works-explosion-safety-scrutiny" data-vars-content-id="fa5cb26b-6242-4ade-8e05-fb85123362d4" data-vars-headline="Gas valve failure caused deadly Clairton blast, U.S. Steel says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/13/clairton-coke-works-explosion-safety-scrutiny" target="_self">fueling renewed scrutiny</a> from regulators and the public over U.S. Steel&#x27;s operations and transparency.

U.S. Steel Clairton plant under scrutiny after deadly blast

The plant has experienced multiple explosions and other safety issues in recent years.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Steel&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/18/us-steel-trump-nippon-takeover" data-vars-content-id="a36b2f8b-b9b2-46f0-a0a0-c4d360a4e363" data-vars-headline="U.S. Steel Clairton plant under scrutiny after deadly blast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/18/us-steel-trump-nippon-takeover" target="_self">U.S. Steel&#x27;s</a> Clairton Coke Works is under fresh scrutiny after an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="explosion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/11/us-steel-explosion-clairton-coke-works" data-vars-content-id="a36b2f8b-b9b2-46f0-a0a0-c4d360a4e363" data-vars-headline="U.S. Steel Clairton plant under scrutiny after deadly blast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/11/us-steel-explosion-clairton-coke-works" target="_self">explosion</a> killed two workers this week.The big picture: Once a defining part of the Pittsburgh region&#x27;s economy, the nearly 400-acre facility is increasingly criticized for its environmental impacts and past safety incidents.

Ohiopyle named best affordable state park option in U.S.

The Pennsylvania gem earned top honors as an affordable nature getaway.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohiopyle State Park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/ohiopyle-state-park" data-vars-content-id="203ff618-4058-419a-a753-4a20eca60e4f" data-vars-headline="Ohiopyle named best affordable state park option in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/ohiopyle-state-park" target="_blank">Ohiopyle State Park</a> is the most affordable option for a quality state park in the country, per vacation rental company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="HomeToGo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hometogo.com/?hl=en_US&amp;adword=google%2Fus%2Fkwd-301212238526%2Fct%3Dbgs%3Bd%3Da%3Btc%3DUS%3Bln%3Den%3Bmt%3De%3Bcid%3D762df1b82e2b4fd9%2Fn-a%2Fn-a%2Fn-a%2F643652095364%2Fhometogo&amp;mktasp=acid%3D2693559900%3Bcpid%3D1455840191%3Bagid%3D62141830928%3Badid%3D643652095364%3Bdvce%3Dc%3Bkwrd%3Dhometogo%3B&amp;wbraid=CkwKCQjwtMHEBhD2ARI7ANew2hGfSc6wLPhLynipNH9Ytenvl3hgdI5yLJo-W6s4Wut2uE4jRU8rzEDCwhss6f_IzDZI7oRzUH0aAp9-&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADj-DCSsxBXn0_oR3LK_hytD0NyLJ&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=1455840191&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwtMHEBhC-ARIsABua5iRHkDjERUCb5wX-wkIGalUqwOW2bGTzR6yzf-PLFhDRJYZ_NtO6acEaAtU-EALw_wcB" data-vars-content-id="203ff618-4058-419a-a753-4a20eca60e4f" data-vars-headline="Ohiopyle named best affordable state park option in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hometogo.com/?hl=en_US&amp;adword=google%2Fus%2Fkwd-301212238526%2Fct%3Dbgs%3Bd%3Da%3Btc%3DUS%3Bln%3Den%3Bmt%3De%3Bcid%3D762df1b82e2b4fd9%2Fn-a%2Fn-a%2Fn-a%2F643652095364%2Fhometogo&amp;mktasp=acid%3D2693559900%3Bcpid%3D1455840191%3Bagid%3D62141830928%3Badid%3D643652095364%3Bdvce%3Dc%3Bkwrd%3Dhometogo%3B&amp;wbraid=CkwKCQjwtMHEBhD2ARI7ANew2hGfSc6wLPhLynipNH9Ytenvl3hgdI5yLJo-W6s4Wut2uE4jRU8rzEDCwhss6f_IzDZI7oRzUH0aAp9-&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADj-DCSsxBXn0_oR3LK_hytD0NyLJ&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=1455840191&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwtMHEBhC-ARIsABua5iRHkDjERUCb5wX-wkIGalUqwOW2bGTzR6yzf-PLFhDRJYZ_NtO6acEaAtU-EALw_wcB" target="_blank">HomeToGo</a>.The big picture: The company&#x27;s 2025 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State Park Index" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hometogo.com/united-states/state-parks/#state-park-index-methodology" data-vars-content-id="203ff618-4058-419a-a753-4a20eca60e4f" data-vars-headline="Ohiopyle named best affordable state park option in U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hometogo.com/united-states/state-parks/#state-park-index-methodology" target="_blank">State Park Index</a> ranks America&#x27;s best state parks for great-value stays according to factors like size, trails, wildlife, solitude and scenic views.

Wind farm's boost could help with AI energy needs

Upgrades in Western Pa. aim to power data centers with more wind energy.

Wind farms, solar plants and other green energy projects will help power the growing energy demand from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI data centers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/16/ai-natural-gas-data-centers-pennsylvania" data-vars-content-id="73900dbb-5c1b-478e-a9df-827da3201cad" data-vars-headline="Wind farm&#x27;s boost could help with AI energy needs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/16/ai-natural-gas-data-centers-pennsylvania" target="_self">AI data centers</a>, a renewable energy CEO tells Axios.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electrical grid is being strained" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/16/data-centers-test-limits-grid" data-vars-content-id="73900dbb-5c1b-478e-a9df-827da3201cad" data-vars-headline="Wind farm&#x27;s boost could help with AI energy needs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/04/16/data-centers-test-limits-grid" target="_self">electrical grid is being strained</a> by higher energy consumption, necessitating more power generation.

Our climate risk, mapped

Billions worth of Pittsburgh properties at risk of flood damage

Three U.S. maps show the share of homes at severe or extreme climate risks among the 100 largest U.S. metro areas as of August 2025. The charts show risks from flooding, wildfire and extreme heat. Metros in the Southwest and mountain range have the highest fire risk, while cities in the Southeast and Gulf Coast have the highest flood and wind risk.