🍪 An ode to the Pittsburgh wedding cookie table

Severe Weather Hits Western Pennsylvania

Cleanup is still ongoing after severe storms rolled through the Pittsburgh area Wednesday evening, including several tornadoes that caused property damage, downed trees, and power lines. The National Weather Service is working to fully assess the damage. [WKBN]

• Resource: What to do before, during, and after a tornado. [Hey Pittsburgh 📰]

‘Safety Net’ School Could Lose Charter

Pittsburgh Public Schools is in the process of revoking the charter for Passport Academy Charter School in Downtown. The school board cited charter agreement violations and poor student performance — only 5.7% of students met state English standards and none met math standards. Principal Joe Oliphant and alumni emphasized that the school, which only takes in high schoolers who have previously dropped out, needed more flexibility to succeed. [90.5 WESA]

• The school board must allow public comments for 30 days before it reaches a decision.
• Related: Why PPS sued Allegheny County earlier this year. [City Cast Pittsburgh 🎧]

The County is Not Making Enough Money

Allegheny County spent $23 million more than it took in last year, according to a finance report from county controller Cory O’Connor — the first time expenses outpaced revenue in 12 years. O’Connor warned that the county could face significant financial challenges unless it finds sustainable revenue solutions, adding that it should not rely on its $113 million “rainy-day fund.” [90.5 WESA]

Long Airport Lines, School Closures & Pittsburgh’s Ties to the American Flag

Pittsburgh Public is using the summer vacation to consider whether some schools have to close or consolidate. Plus, if you’ve got a flight coming up, you’re gonna have to get there pretty early. And we’re digging into the history of Pittsburgh’s ties to the American flag ahead of Independence Day.