Community Corner
🌱 Police Locate Missing Teen + Fungal Infection + New Kennywood Rides
The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Pittsburgh.
Hi all. It's me, Rachel Tasker, your host of the Patch newsletter. Follow along to find out everything you need to know about what's happening around town, including updates on:
- Pittsburgh police locate missing teen.
- Pittsburgh doctor speaks on deadly fungal infections across U.S.
- Kennywood offering sleek new ride, park enhancements for 2023 season.
But first, today's weather: Rain and a t-storm; breezy. High: 67 Low: 40.
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Here are the top stories today in Pittsburgh:
1) A missing teen reported in Pittsburgh has been found. 13-year-old Jayna O'Malley was last seen on Sunday, March 19. She was described as 5 feet 4 inches tall and 135 pounds, with shoulder length, curly red hair and blue eyes. After asking for community support with tips for information, Pittsburgh Police are glad to announce that O'Malley has located and is reportedly in a safe condition.
2) CDC concerns about the potentially deadly fungal infection 'Candida auris' are growing. There have been 33 cases of this fungus in the state of Pennsylvania in the last 12 months, though none are currently reported as being in Allegheny County. "This type of fungus preys on people with multiple co-morbidities who are chronically ill and that's why it's so dangerous," local infectious disease doctor Amesh Adalja said. "The main symptoms of a candida auris infection are a fever and chills that don't go away with an antibiotic."
3) Pittsburgh police have teamed up with the Office of Community Health and Safety for a pilot program that connects law enforcement with social workers. For a month now, the two professionals have been working together to address cases that deal with mental health. Community social workers involved in the program say they are able to assist police officers by utilizing their specialized skillset, like being able to de-escalate situations. "I think it's something that's definitely much needed in our community," said Anmol Baxi, a community social worker at OCH&S. "I think police officers bring a set of skills that I don't have as a social worker, and I think I bring a set of skills that officers may not have."
4) A Houston-based fact casual Mexican restaurant is opening a local establishment. Fajita Pete's will open its first Pennsylvania location in The Block Northway in Ross this fall. Guests of the new restaurant can expect handmade Tex-Mex favorites, like made-to-order flame-grilled beef, chicken, shrimp, and veggies in a tangy, citrusy mixture, fresh tortillas and fresh flautas, and made from scratch sides including rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, and queso. "Hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday."
5) As Kennywood celebrates its 125th season this year, it plans to provide new offerings to amusement park guests. On Wednesday, the local entertainment venue gave details on their new thrill ride, the alien-themed Area 412, a new coffee shop, a renovation of the popular Pizza Warehouse and a series of special events. The new ride, 'Spinvasion,' will be a first of its kind in the U.S. The multi-action spin ride is set to open this spring. "Kennywood continues to elevate the guest experience with even more thrills and excitement in what is sure to be the biggest and best season yet," Kennywood Assistant General Manager Rick Spicuzza said.
Today in Pittsburgh:
- Prime Rib Night (4 PM)
- Taps & Apps Happy Hour (5 PM)
- Pittsburgh Public Theater presents "STEEL MAGNOLIAS" (8 PM)
- PBR Mashup Thursdays (8 PM)
From my notebook:
- Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium: "Join us as we celebrate the five species of rhinos with a 21+ fiesta! This event will include rhino enrichment, entertainment, tasty tacos, delicious drinks, and more. Buy tickets ➡ https://bit.ly/3JczMHz" (Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium via Facebook)
- US National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA: "Over the next several days, we are forecast to see 1.50 to 2.00 inches of rain across the area, with the majority of rainfall occurring to our southwest." (US National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA via Facebook)
- The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: "Steve Martin and Martin Short's 'You Won't Believe What They Look Like Today!' comes to the Benedum Center on Sept. 15 & 16. Get tickets before they go on sale to the public with code TITANS. Presale ends Friday, March 24 at 9:59." (The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust via Facebook)
- Pittsburgh Regional Transit: "Light-rail service from the South Hills to downtown Pittsburgh & the North Shore will be disrupted from 8 p.m. Friday, March 24 until start of service on Monday, March 27." (Pittsburgh Regional Transit via Facebook)
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: "The end of our online native plant sale is fast approaching!" (Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens via Facebook)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with your next update!
— Rachel Tasker
About me: Rachel is a native Pennsylvanian with stops in Erie and State College before making Pittsburgh her home in 2020. She's got a background in a little bit of everything... from working in media newsrooms and public health to the 2016 Presidential election in Washington, D.C. and the 2019 Super Bowl where (surprise!) Tom Brady won... AGAIN. She loves good coffee, bad reality T.V., attending local events and trying new food in the 412. She resides in the South Hills.
Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Pittsburgh Patch newsletter? Contact me at pittsburgh@patch.com
