Cybersecurity Boom, Card Skimmers, Snowy Weather - Pittsburgh Local Pulse January 17, 2025

Good morning, this is Pittsburgh Local Pulse for January 17, 2025. We're starting the day with some breaking news. Pittsburgh Police are investigating a report of a card skimmer found at an Exxon gas station and 7-Eleven convenience store in the Brookline neighborhood. The alleged victim reported that their transaction was declined, but funds were still withdrawn from their account. Police are asking anyone who suspects illegal activity to report it to their local police zone or call 911[1]. Moving on to the job market, we have some promising news. Pittsburgh's cybersecurity job market is set to thrive in 2025, with over 1,500 unfilled positions predicted and a projected 40% job growth. Major companies like PNC Financial Services and UPMC are investing in cybersecurity to offset the average $4 million breach costs. Entry-level positions in network security, information security analysis, and threat assessment are popping up everywhere, offering salaries over $120,000 annually[2]. In real estate news, we have some exciting developments. Grandview Heights, a development of luxury townhouses, is currently under construction on Grandview Avenue in Pittsburgh's Mt. Washington neighborhood. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a brand-new home with a grand view. From city hall, we have some updates that affect daily life. The Highmark First Night Pittsburgh celebration took place on New Year's Eve, featuring fireworks and festivities across the city. Acting Police Chief Chris Ragland ensured the event was safe, with dozens of officers patrolling the Downtown area. Weather-wise, we're in the peak of winter, and Friday morning brought quite a bit of snow to Western Pennsylvania. The National Weather Service predicts 2 to 5 inches of snowfall over a 24-hour period starting early today. So, if you're planning on heading out, make sure to check the latest updates and plan accordingly. In business news, a grocery store in Carnegie was ordered to shut down after an inspector reported finding roaches that numbered "too many to count." On a more positive note, nominations are open for Pittsburgh's Walk of Fame. Looking ahead to community events, First Day Hikes are scheduled in three area state parks, including Point State Park in downtown Pittsburgh, Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset County, and Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County. These guided hikes are a great way to kick off the new year with some outdoor activity. In local sports, the Pittsburgh Steelers are sending four players to the Pro Bowl Games. And in education, we have some achievements to highlight, but we'll save those for another day. On a somber note, our crime report includes a few significant incidents. A 2-year-old girl tragically died in an apartment fire in Pittsburgh's East Hills neighborhood. Additionally, a 14-year-old boy was shot in the ankle in the city's Terrace Village neighborhood. Pittsburgh police are investigating both incidents. Finally, a feel-good communi This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.