Pittsburgh All Local

A Butler County farmer says local produce is safe as health officials investigate 11 cases of cyclosporiasis. The Allegheny County Health Department has confirmed 11 cases of sye-clo-spor-eye-uh-sis and is investigating whether they're connected. The illness is linked to contaminated food or water and is not spread from person to person. Sorgel's Orchard's Adam Voll, a sixth-generation Butler County farmer, tells the Big K Morning Show consumers shouldn't be afraid to buy fresh, locally grown produce. Health officials say anyone experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider, while Voll reminds shoppers to thoroughly wash fresh produce before eating or preparing it.

Even with temperatures in the mid 90s, PennDOT says work on the Commercial Street Bridge replacement is moving ahead as planned. District 11 Executive Jason Zang says he's concerned about the safety of crews working in the high temperatures, but says there are no plans to slow or stop the project. Zang says it takes committed men and women to do this kind of work, adding he's proud of the crews for pushing forward while making safety the top priority.

This morning, we saw the full extent of the Parkway East shutdown on morning drive traffic. Many expected Oakland would see a lot of detour congestion, but on the Big K Morning Show, Michael Bartley told PennDOT's Jason Zang is wasn't much of a problem. The demolition of the Commercial Street Bridge will take place this week.

Tonight's the night when PennDOT closes the Parkway East between Squirrel Hill and Edgewood-Swissvale. To deal with detours and delays, motorists can use a page at 511PA dot com to see real-time traffic conditions and plan their commutes. The closure is expected to last 25 days while the Commercial Street Bridge is demolished and replaced.

With the Parkway East closing Friday night PennDOT is offering a new tool on 511PA to help drivers deal with detours and delays. District 11 Executive Jason Zang says the tool allows drivers to see the recommended detours before getting behind the wheel. The website at 511PA is available now and a link to the tool is on KDKA Radio dot com.

Mars Borough and Adams Township are a step closer to a merger. On Monday, Mars Council voted 6-1 to approve an agreement with Adams. Russ Ford, Chair of the Adams Township Board of Supervisors says people are asking good questions about the proposed merger. On the Big K Morning Show, Ford said taxes haven't been raised in Adams since 1994. The referendum will be on the November ballot and if a majority of voters in both communities approve the merger the new name will be Mars Township.

American law enforcement is trying to wrap its arms around the nationwide phenomenon of teen takeovers. There was another takeover in East Liberty over the weekend. Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando says he's looking for a solution, but told KDKA's Marty Griffin policing alone can't solve the problem. On a positive note, Chief Lando said this was the best 4th of July in Downtown Pittsburgh in 5 years with no injuries and no large fights.

A massive nationwide event begins in Pittsburgh...to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The movement Light to Unite is a symbolic call for national unity. Cities, businesses, and citizens across all 50 states are encouraged to ignite a spectacular, collective patriotic display. It's being organized by the National Flag Foundation, headquartered in Pittsburgh. The synchronized display begins in Pittsburgh at 9:00 Saturday night, as the city's iconic bridges and skyline will be lit up in red, white and blue.

Breaking this morning... Kroger plans to acquire Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle in a $1.65 billion deal. The agreement would bring Giant Eagle's nearly 200 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies under Kroger's ownership, expanding Kroger's footprint across western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana. Kroger says it may have to sell a limited number of Giant Eagle stores as part of the regulatory approval process. The acquisition is expected to close in 2027, pending regulatory approval and other customary conditions.

A pedestrian killed overnight in Homewood. It happened at the border with East Hills around 1130 last night. Police say an SUV struck a man at Bennett Street and Oakwood Street...and as the driver checked on the victim....the pedestrian was hit by a Toyota Prius. Police say the SUV driver did stay on the scene but the driver of the Prius did not.