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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>.

Pa.'s first passive house debuts in Wilkinsburg

The 700-square-foot home meets rigorous energy standards and runs on all-electric utilities.

News

A home in Wilkinsburg practically powers itself.Why it matters: Known as the Wilkinsburg Residence, it is the first single-family home in the state to earn a Passive House EnerPHit certification, and it debuted last month.

Pittsburgh Water bills to rise in March

The average customer will see bills rise about $15 starting March 8.

Pittsburgh Water will raise bills by an average of 15% starting March 8 for tens of thousands of customers as it continues its decade-long <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pgh2o.com/residential-commercial-customers/rates/our-water-future" data-vars-content-id="5ab18278-3543-487b-a6fd-9863d1f41ac4" data-vars-headline="Pittsburgh Water bills to rise in March" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pgh2o.com/residential-commercial-customers/rates/our-water-future" target="_blank">overhaul</a> of the city&#x27;s aging water system.Why it matters: The increase is well below the utility&#x27;s initial proposal to hike rates 33% over two years. The higher rates help to modernize its water network, cover debt obligations and support operations.

All-door boarding coming to University Line

Riders can board through any door on the new rapid-transit line starting in 2027.

Transit

The city&#x27;s newest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rapid-transit bus line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/07/28/bus-rapid-transit-university-line-launch-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="5066ea8d-740a-4ded-99a6-2e936371ed69" data-vars-headline="All-door boarding coming to University Line" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/07/28/bus-rapid-transit-university-line-launch-pittsburgh" target="_self">rapid-transit bus line</a> will make boarding faster and easier.Why it matters: Pittsburgh Regional Transit will implement all-door boarding on all <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University Line buses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rideprt.org/inside-Pittsburgh-Regional-Transit/projects-and-programs/bus-rapid-transit/BRT-service/" data-vars-content-id="5066ea8d-740a-4ded-99a6-2e936371ed69" data-vars-headline="All-door boarding coming to University Line" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rideprt.org/inside-Pittsburgh-Regional-Transit/projects-and-programs/bus-rapid-transit/BRT-service/" target="_blank">University Line buses</a> starting in 2027, when the line is scheduled to be complete, aiming to make travel more efficient.

How Pittsburgh can cash in on biotech boom

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

<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.

Scoop: Lee questions ICE over detained Brentwood man

The Brentwood man was hospitalized while in ICE detention.

Immigration

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee (D-Swissvale) said in a Wednesday letter to ICE that the agency &quot;illegally detained&quot; a Brentwood immigrant with health issues who, his family says, is authorized to remain in the U.S.The big picture: The arrest of Maklim Gomez Escalante — an asylum seeker from El Salvador who lives with his family in Brentwood — is part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump administration shift" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/09/trump-immigration-shift-ice-detentions-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="6debe0dc-4c25-41a1-a37c-dac625410217" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Lee questions ICE over detained Brentwood man" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/09/trump-immigration-shift-ice-detentions-pittsburgh" target="_self">Trump administration shift</a> away from immigration policy that traditionally allowed asylum applicants to live and work in the U.S. while awaiting a decision.

Winter warmup will finally thaw Pittsburgh (a bit)

Temperatures will rise above freezing Tuesday, easing snow and ice across the region.

Rejoice! The temperature will rise above freezing for the first time in over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two weeks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/26/pittsburgh-road-conditions-winter-storm" data-vars-content-id="fbdcc6bb-9f75-4666-820b-afc6e1df6961" data-vars-headline="Winter warmup will finally thaw Pittsburgh (a bit)" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/26/pittsburgh-road-conditions-winter-storm" target="_self">two weeks</a>.Why it matters: A near-record-breaking snowstorm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dumped about a foot of powder" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/02/pittsburgh-snow-removal-delays-oconnor-response" data-vars-content-id="fbdcc6bb-9f75-4666-820b-afc6e1df6961" data-vars-headline="Winter warmup will finally thaw Pittsburgh (a bit)" 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-snow-removal-delays-oconnor-response" target="_self">dumped about a foot of powder</a> across Southwestern Pennsylvania, and the massive piles have not melted, making parking and walking a hassle.

Trump policy shift drives ICE detentions in Pittsburgh

A Trump immigration policy shift is hitting Pittsburgh — underscored by the stories of two local immigrants who were recently detained by ICE.

A shift in Trump-era immigration policy is reverberating through Pittsburgh, underscored by the stories of two local immigrants who were recently detained by ICE while awaiting asylum rulings.Why it matters: The cases of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="José Flores" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/04/deluzio-ice-oakmont-immigrant-detention" data-vars-content-id="c86136ff-dddf-4d5a-b72c-f14835283372" data-vars-headline="Trump policy shift drives ICE detentions in Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/04/deluzio-ice-oakmont-immigrant-detention" target="_self">José Flores</a> in Oakmont and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maklim Gomez Escalante" data-vars-click-url="https://triblive.com/local/salvadoran-family-in-brentwood-in-the-dark-as-father-languishes-in-ice-custody/" data-vars-content-id="c86136ff-dddf-4d5a-b72c-f14835283372" data-vars-headline="Trump policy shift drives ICE detentions in Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://triblive.com/local/salvadoran-family-in-brentwood-in-the-dark-as-father-languishes-in-ice-custody/" target="_blank">Maklim Gomez Escalante</a> in Brentwood — both asylum seekers with valid work permits and no criminal records — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rattled the region" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/03/oakmont-ban-ice-agreements-immigrant-detention" data-vars-content-id="c86136ff-dddf-4d5a-b72c-f14835283372" data-vars-headline="Trump policy shift drives ICE detentions in Pittsburgh" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/02/03/oakmont-ban-ice-agreements-immigrant-detention" target="_self">rattled the region</a> and raised questions about what it means to immigrate &quot;the right way&quot; in Trump 2.0.

Quote du jour: Shapiro backs SCOTUS tariff decision

Gov. Shapiro backs SCOTUS tariff decision

Pa. paid $4 billion in Trump's overturned tariffs

A choropleth map of the U.S. showing the estimated value of IEEPA tariffs paid by state from February through December 2025. A grand total of $125.8b is estimated to have been paid, with $26.2b coming from California and $11.4b from Texas.

News 🗞

Pa. travelers urged to take precautions in Mexico

Pittsburgh Water bills to rise in March

Gov. Shapiro backs SCOTUS tariff decision

Pa. paid $4 billion in Trump's overturned tariffs

Pittsburghers took home four medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics