Steelers Clinch Playoff Berth, Pitt Volleyball Advances, Postal Service Hiring, Mall Up for Sale

Good morning, this is Pittsburgh Local Pulse for Wednesday, December 18, 2024. We're starting with some breaking news from the past few days. The Steelers have officially clinched a playoff berth for the 2024-25 NFL playoffs, which is exciting news for local football fans. Meanwhile, Pitt swept Kentucky 3-0 on Saturday at the Petersen Events Center to punch their ticket to the semifinals in Louisville. On a different note, the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh held a "mega adoption event" this weekend to help pets find loving homes ahead of the holidays. Moving on to the job market, the United States Postal Service is hosting job fairs in western Pennsylvania to fill immediate openings. Positions include City Carrier PTF, City Carrier Assistants, Rural Carrier Associate, PSE Clerk, and Mail Handler Assistant, with hourly wages ranging from $18.62 to $22.18. These job fairs are happening at various locations, including the Glenshaw Post Office and the Pittsburgh Kilbuck Post Office, on December 20 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. In real estate news, the Monroeville Mall owner has put the shopping complex up for sale. This comes as another restaurant in Pittsburgh's Station Square, D&G Pizza, is closing its doors, with the final day of business set for Saturday, December 21. From city hall, the Allegheny County Council recently passed a 1.7 mill property tax hike by a narrow margin. This increase aims to address fiscal challenges inherited from the previous administration. Weather-wise, temperatures are expected to drop later in the week, so make sure to bundle up. Today, however, should be relatively mild, making it a good day to get out and enjoy some of the holiday events happening around the city. Speaking of events, there are plenty of holiday-themed activities to look forward to in the next few days. The Burgh Crafted Holiday Market is one such event that could provide some great gift ideas for your family and friends. Additionally, the Holiday Cookie Extravaganza is happening, where students bake cookies and sing for local seniors. In local school news, an updated report on the performance of the Pittsburgh Public Schools suggests that attendance has improved, but disparities and some pandemic-era learning loss difficulties persist. On a positive note, the Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh's mega adoption event is a heartwarming example of the community coming together to help those in need. In crime news, there was a shooting near the 7-Eleven convenience store and Exxon gas station along James Street. The Allegheny County Health Department also shut down Pittsburgh Popcorn Co.'s processing facility due to health concerns. Finally, in sports, Brady Tkachuk scored 1:46 into overtime, and the Ottawa Senators beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 for their first three-game winning streak of the season. 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.