Pittsburgh News Update: St. Patrick's Day, Whooping Cough Spike, and Retail Changes

Good morning, this is Pittsburgh Local Pulse for March 14, 2025. We're waking up to a chilly morning in the Steel City, with temperatures hovering around 40 degrees. Bundle up if you're heading out early, but expect a warmer afternoon with highs reaching the mid-60s. Perfect weather for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations this weekend. Speaking of which, the city is gearing up for one of its biggest events of the year. The Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade is set to draw between 200,000 and 350,000 people downtown tomorrow. Public Safety officials have announced road closures starting at 7 AM, affecting Grant Street and the Boulevard of the Allies. If you're planning to join the festivities, remember to be responsible and take advantage of public transportation options. In other news, we're sad to report the passing of Jon Burnett, a beloved retired host and weather forecaster from KDKA-TV. Burnett died from complications of suspected CTE, leaving behind an incredible legacy in Pittsburgh broadcasting. On the education front, there's been a significant development at the University of Pittsburgh. The school has implemented a hiring freeze amid uncertainty surrounding federal funding for research grants. This decision highlights the ongoing challenges faced by higher education institutions in our current economic climate. In sports, the Pittsburgh Pirates' newest star, Paul Skenes, is making headlines as he navigates his rising fame. Meanwhile, Penn State football fans will notice a change at Beaver Stadium this season. The field will now be called West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium, with naming rights secured through 2039. We've got a bit of concerning health news to share. Cases of whooping cough have spiked dramatically across Allegheny County, with a reported 47,000% increase. Health officials are urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date. On a lighter note, the annual Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show kicked off last week at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. It's a great opportunity to get inspired for your spring home improvement projects. In business news, we're seeing some changes in the local retail landscape. Another store in Shadyside has announced its closure, continuing a trend we've been observing in the neighborhood. Looking ahead to the weekend, don't forget that Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour before bed on Saturday night. Lastly, a quick reminder for Pennsylvanians: we're now just 57 days away from the start of REAL ID enforcement. Make sure you're prepared if you plan to use your ID for air travel or entering federal facilities. This has been Pittsburgh Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.