Weekend Roundup: Robberies, Tech Growth, and Community Events in Pittsburgh

Good morning, this is Pittsburgh Local Pulse for Saturday, January 18, 2025. We're starting the weekend off with a look at what's happening in our city. First, let's talk about breaking news. Police have charged two teens in connection with a series of knifepoint robberies in the area. Additionally, a vehicle hit and injured a woman carrying a child in Oakland, prompting new safety measures to be implemented on Terrace Street after recent fatal wrecks. In job market news, Pittsburgh's tech scene is booming, with a 21% growth rate and over 18,000 new jobs created by giants like Google and Uber. The most in-demand tech jobs include AI and Machine Learning Engineers, Cloud Architects, and Cybersecurity Engineers, with starting salaries averaging around $70,000 and experienced IT professionals earning up to $150,000[2]. We also have some exciting developments in real estate. Grandview Heights, a development of luxury townhouses, is currently under construction on Grandview Avenue in Pittsburgh's Mt. Washington neighborhood. While we don't have the latest weekly median home prices and inventory levels, we encourage you to check local listings for the most current information. From city hall, Allegheny County Council has passed the 2025 budget, which includes a 1.7 millage increase and ensures no layoffs of county employees, no cuts to public safety departments or public works, and full funding for the Department of Human Services[3]. Weather-wise, it's a chilly morning, but we're expecting a partly sunny day with temperatures rising into the mid-40s. Perfect weather to enjoy some of the outdoor activities happening around the city. In new business activity, Cardinal Coffee has opened a new cafe in Jeannette, continuing the legacy of the owner's deceased son. Also, a mobile party staffing business has been a fixture in Pittsburgh for 35 years, offering unique event services. Looking ahead to community events, there are plenty of activities to enjoy this weekend. The South Park and North Park ice rinks are open from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM today and next Saturday. Additionally, Christmas tree recycling is available at all county parks until Sunday, January 19[3]. In local school achievements, Woodland Hills School District has named a new superintendent. And in sports, the Penguins are back in action, with Evgeni Malkin's stolen Stanley Cup championship rings recently recovered. For a feel-good community story, we have the Highlands community mourning the loss of No. 1 fan Eddie Teorsky, a testament to the strong community spirit in our area. In today's crime report, police are investigating the theft from Evgeni Malkin's home, which is not believed to be part of an organized burglary network. Also, a man has been sentenced to 15 to 40 years for shooting a Pittsburgh police officer. 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.