Skimmer alert, cybersecurity jobs boom, winter weather, and community events – Pittsburgh Local Pulse

Good morning, this is Pittsburgh Local Pulse for January 17, 2025. We're starting the day with a look at what's happening in our city. First, let's talk about breaking news. Pittsburgh Police are investigating a report of a card skimmer found at a Brookline gas station. This is a reminder to always be vigilant when using ATMs or gas pumps, and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities[3]. Moving on to the job market, we have some exciting developments. The Pittsburgh 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. This means there are plenty of opportunities for newcomers to jump into the field, especially in areas like cloud security and quantum computing[2]. In real estate news, we have some updates on new development projects. 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 today is expected to be quite chilly. 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 community story: Paul Werder, a retired banker, is recovering from an August shooting in Pittsburgh. Despite the challenges, h This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.