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Community Corner

🌱 South Park Fire + Police Protection Measures + St. Patrick's Day

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Pittsburgh.

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Hey, everybody! Rachel Tasker here with your fresh copy of the Pittsburgh Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Including updates on...

  • One person killed in South Park fire
  • Pennsylvania to consider adopting significant police protection measures
  • Pittsburgh St. Patrick's Day Parade 2023: Parade route, parking, street closures

But first, today's weather: Partly sunny. High: 59 Low: 36.

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Here are the top stories today in Pittsburgh:

1) A home fire that broke out in South Park has left at least one person dead. The deadly fire occurred at the 5800 block of Curry Road on Tuesday night. "Firefighters say at this point it does not appear to be suspicious; however, the Allegheny County Fire Marshal has not yet released a cause for the initial spark." There is currently no information available on the age or name of the deceased. The fire chief on the scene believes the home did not have working smoke detectors or fire alarm systems.

(WTAE Pittsburgh)

2) Runners will join together in Aspinwall and race '...for the Hill of It' on April 30. The annual Run for the Hill of It fundraiser takes place on one of the region's steepest hills — Center Avenue. The 1-mile run/walk sponsored by UPMC St. Margaret will benefit Foxwall EMS and the Aspinwall Volunteer Fire Department. "'The purpose is for the community to get to know the local first responders and for the local first responders to get to know the community, while also trying to raise some funds in the process,' event coordinator Rob Tenenini said."

(TribLIVE)

3) A North Hills junior has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for her efforts toward student diversity, focusing on cross-cultural communication — particularly IDEA: inclusion, diversity, equity, and access — for immigrant and refugee students at Baldwin High School. Similar to the Eagle Scout accolade in Boy Scouts, the Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. Ella Niemi, a Ross Township resident and North Hills High School junior, organized a full-day, student-led event providing a platform for English as a Second Language (ESL) students to share insights and information about their cultural heritage to more than 200 students. "More than 200 10th grade students from Baldwin's World Cultures classes attended. Based on questionnaires they filled out, Ella said the students enjoyed the experience."

(TribLIVE)

4) Following the deaths of three Pennsylvania police officers killed in the line of duty already in 2023, the state will consider adopting more significant police protection measures. "Rep. Amen Brown, a Philadelphia Democrat, is proposing four bills that he contends would make for a safer environment for police and the communities that they serve." The legislative package takes the name of "Fitzgerald's Law," honoring Temple University police officer Christopher Fitzgerald, 31. who was killed on Feb. 18 while attempting to intervene in a carjacking. The bill includes policy changes such as requiring officers be accompanied by a partner whenever working in a critical crime area; requiring that all officers be issued level IIIA body armor while on duty; and authorizing the use of technology that facilitates the review of video data.

(Pittsburgh Patch)

5) Pittsburgh's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held on March 11, with a start time of 10 a.m. Attendees can expect the traditional marching bands, dance troupes and floats. The official route will begin outside the Greyhound bus station at Liberty Avenue and 11th Street, and will proceed to Grant Street, then to the Boulevard of the Allies, and finally turning right and heading toward the end of the route at Commonwealth Place. "Several roads will be closed Downtown along the parade route, which includes Liberty Avenue, Grant Street, the Boulevard of the Allies and Stanwix Street. More information will be posted as it is released by the city."

(WTAE Pittsburgh)

Today in Pittsburgh:

  • Tween/Teen Night — Plum Community Library (6 PM)
  • Zumba — Plum Community Library (6:30 PM)
  • Screening of Harlan County, USA — Mount Lebanon Public Library (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

  • US National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA: "If you've been thinking this has been a warm and snowless winter, you're right! Do we have some stats for you! ❄️ February 2023 was the least snowy February on record with just 0.2 inches of snowfall and the fourth warmest February on record." (US National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA via Facebook)
  • Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium: "Join us for Sip & Swirl: Moscato Under the Moonlight on Friday, March 24! Come stroll around the Aquarium and Water's Edge while you sample spirits from local wineries and distilleries. 🍷 Buy tickets ➡ https://bit.ly/3R9Es2f" (Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium via Facebook)
  • The Andy Warhol Museum: "Today is the last day to apply! Teens: Are you interested in trends, fashion, and/or design? Apply to attend our Teen Fashion Workshops!" (The Andy Warhol Museum via Facebook)
  • The Andy Warhol Museum: ""FAME: Andy Warhol in AlUla" is on view at AlUla through May 16. https://bit.ly/3Z8UltO" (The Andy Warhol Museum via Facebook)
  • Visit Pittsburgh: "The sunshine today tastes like a refreshing cocktail that you can take home and enjoy. 😋🍹 Try one of Goodlander Cocktail Brewery's super fresh and bubbly cocktails on tap during CBX, March 31-April 2!" (Visit Pittsburgh via Facebook)
  • City of Pittsburgh: "Mayor Ed Gainey is hiring an infrastructure engagement specialist. Applications are due March 16 at bit.ly/PGHInfrastructure" (City of Pittsburgh via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— 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

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