Tag: Pittsburgh

2 Pittsburgh businesses robbed within hours overnight, police investigating

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police are investigating two separate robberies that happened at businesses early Friday.

According to investigators, the first incident was around 2 a.m. in North Oakland. Police said a man entered a store in the 100 block of North Craig Street, went behind the counter and smashed the register — stealing less than $100.

He ran from the store, and no one was injured. Officers are looking at surveillance video of the robbery, but no arrests have been made.

About three hours later in Banksville, police said a man went behind the counter at a store in the 2900 block of Banksville Road, grabbed a pair of scissors and demanded the store clerk give him money from the registers.

That man stole an “undetermined amount” of cash before running out of the store, police said.No one was hurt, and there is also surveillance footage being reviewed during the investigation.

These incidents are not related, and no information was released about possible suspects in each case.

Source: 2 Pittsburgh businesses robbed within hours overnight, police investigating

Increase of last-minute shoppers at Pittsburgh grocery stores

PITTSBURGH —Thanksgiving looks a little bit different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shoppers at Waterworks Market District in Pittsburgh grabbed turkey, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie filling, but they also got items such as toilet paper and paper towels that are in high demand.Giant Eagle workers said last-minute holiday shoppers, combined with what they call “panic shoppers” because of the COVID-19 pandemic, could create an increase of shoppers in grocery stores.

But they said workers are strictly following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, have put safety measures in place such as plexiglass shields, and are using alternate vendors to keep what shoppers need on hand.

“Going into these busy winter months, we were prepared, and we have everything our guests need to feel safe and secure and stocked up in their homes,” Giant Eagle spokesperson Jannah Jablonowski said.

Many people said they are having smaller turkey dinners because they are celebrating with just their immediate family to stop the spread of coronavirus.

“We tried to plan ahead for that. We figured we would get a lot of those smaller sized frozen and fresh turkeys, stock up on those breasts and just make sure we have a lot of options across the store,” said Jablonowski.

Other shoppers are changing the menu altogether.

“Doing something a little different. We’re going to have London broil for Thanksgiving dinner,” shopper Harvey Adams said.

Some shoppers are buying prepared meals for minimal work in the kitchen.

Giant Eagle said that, along with sanitizing carts between uses, the store is also hiring more workers, especially with its curbside service picking up because of the pandemic.

Source: Increase of last-minute shoppers at Pittsburgh grocery stores

Gunfire reported in downtown Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH —A bicyclist was shot by a driver following an altercation in downtown Pittsburgh on Tuesday afternoon, police confirmed.

Sky 4 video showed markers indicating shell casings on the ground near the corner of Fort Duquesne Boulevard and Seventh Street.

Officers responded to a report of a car crash at about 3:45 p.m. and learned that a shooting had occurred after some sort of dispute between the driver and a man on a bicycle, police spokesman Chris Togneri said.

The car drove onto the sidewalk, where it hit a Port Authority bus shelter, and the driver got out and shot at the bicyclist, who was struck in the leg, Togneri said.

The shooter was being questioned at police headquarters Tuesday evening. The bicyclist was taken to a hospital in stable condition.

The Port Authority tweeted that downtown bus service was being affected as police remained at the scene.

Source: Gunfire reported in downtown Pittsburgh

Mayor Peduto proposes 2021 Operating and Capital budgets – South Pittsburgh Reporter

Last week, Mayor William Peduto delivered his proposed 2021 Operating and Capital budgets to City Council, and delivered his annual State of the City address.

The $564 million operating budget does not include tax increases and works to avoid layoffs and furloughs of city personnel.

Due to COVID-19 the city has been forced to spend nearly all of the $120 fund balance the city built up through fiscal discipline the past seven years, and is joining cities nationwide seeking federal aid to help pay for the services and safety provided to residents through the ongoing pandemic.

“We made tough decisions to stop public events, close pools, senior centers and rec centers, but still watched as our coworkers and neighbors lost their livelihoods and too often their lives,” the Mayor said in his budget speech.

Source: Mayor Peduto proposes 2021 Operating and Capital budgets – South Pittsburgh Reporter

Downed Tree And Wires Close Thompson Run Road In Both Directions – CBS Pittsburgh

ROSS TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – Thompson Run Road is closed in both directions at Miller Road due to a downed tree and downed wires.

Photo Credit: KDKA Photojournalist Ian Smith

No cars were involved and no injuries have been reported.

Source: Downed Tree And Wires Close Thompson Run Road In Both Directions – CBS Pittsburgh

Minivan driver extricated, hospitalized after crashing into Port Authority Bus | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Rescue crews worked to free a man after he became trapped inside a minivan that crashed into a Port Authority bus Friday night in the Strip District. The driver was transported to the hospital in serious condition.

Pittsburgh police, fire and EMS responded to the crash scene in the 1600 block of Liberty Avenue around 6:30 p.m., Public Safety spokesperson Maurice Matthews said.

The bus operator and one passenger were inside the bus at the time, Mr. Matthews said. The passenger told responders they had a minor injury and was transported to a local hospital to be evaluated.

Police temporarily shut down Liberty Avenue in both directions. Port Authority Police are investigating.

Source: Minivan driver extricated, hospitalized after crashing into Port Authority Bus | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Two people hurt in early morning crash in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH —Two people were hurt in a crash early Thursday morning in Pittsburgh’s Lincoln Place neighborhood.

The crash happened shortly before 4 a.m. near the intersection of Plaport Street and Interboro Avenue.

Two people were taken to the hospital.

The extent of their injuries was unknown.

The cause of the crash has not been determined.

Source: Two people hurt in early morning crash in Pittsburgh

Woman found shot in head inside Pittsburgh home, police say

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police are investigating after a woman was found shot to death in East Liberty.

The deadly shooting happened around 11 a.m. Tuesday in the 5700 block of Rippey Street. When officers got to the scene, the victim — who has not yet been identified — was found inside a house with a gunshot wound to the head.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Source: Woman found shot in head inside Pittsburgh home, police say

VETERANS DAY: What’s closed for the Veterans Day holiday

PITTSBURGH —

Veterans Day is Nov. 11. All city, county, state and federal offices will be closed in observance of the holiday.

Courts will also be closed, along with PennDOT driver license and photo centers.

Most banks will be closed. Some banks inside supermarkets may have limited hours. Check with your local branch.

State liquor stores will be open. City garbage collection will continue as scheduled.

Port Authority public transit will run on regular weekday schedules.

Businesses and restaurants will celebrate veterans and active military personnel on Wednesday. Here is a list of some places that are offering free meals, and other discounts and specials.

Source: VETERANS DAY: What’s closed for the Veterans Day holiday

Pittsburgh Public Schools reopening school campuses, only 800 students returning

PITTSBURGH — We are learning how Pittsburgh Public Schools are preparing to reopen their school campuses.

On Monday, a select group of students will return – following weeks of virtual learning.

Since March, schools have been closed to in-person learning to keep students and staff safe due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the district, 800 students out of 23,000 will be welcomed back.Students with special needs and those who are considered medically fragile will be the first to return.

“Safety comes first. That’s what we have to go by right now. It’s unfortunate, but we are doing the best we can under the current circumstances. Please bear with us. Hopefully, we will get a vaccine soon, and we can go back to a bit of normalcy. But, if not – we are doing the best we can to educate our students,” said Dr. Anthony Hamlet, superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Source: PPS reopening school campuses, only 800 students returning