Jeff Goldblum, the Pittsburgh-area native who has elevated the arts as an internationally acclaimed actor and musician, will give the new terminal at Pittsburgh International Airport a star-studded lift-off.

He’s coming home to perform with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, as well as his own jazz ensemble, the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, at an Oct. 3 gala that will celebrate the terminal’s opening.

Known for his roles in movie blockbusters like the “Jurassic Park” series and “Independence Day,” he most recently starred as The Wizard in the movie version of “Wicked” and its sequel.

“I’m more than thrilled and delighted to be part of this glorious event back in my beloved hometown. What a jazzy dream come true — there’s no place like home!” Goldblum told Blue Sky News, the news service for the Allegheny County Airport Authority.

An opening date for the new $1.7 billion landside terminal, which has been under construction since October 2021, has not been announced, but it will take place this fall. Before the opening, 10,000 members of the public will get a chance to see the new terminal at a community open house on Oct. 11.

“The opening of Pittsburgh’s new terminal is an opportunity for this region to showcase its best assets on a global stage across all business sectors. From global Fortune 500 companies to tech start-ups, this region is a business and arts powerhouse, and the new terminal is the front door to that story,” Christina Cassotis, CEO of Pittsburgh International Airport, said in a statement. “We’re proud to have both the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Jeff Goldblum perform at the gala as part of our opening series of events.”

Goldblum, who originally is from the Mon Valley, launched the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra 30 years ago; it’s named for a family friend who played bridge with his parents. With this orchestra (he plays the piano), he performs contemporary arrangements of classic jazz and American songs.

The actor returns to Pittsburgh from time to time to perform with his orchestra and to make other appearances. He was last here to perform in June 2024.

The entertainment is just the latest example of the airport trying to amplify the arts in the region. In a recent media tour, Cassotis showed off not only the mobile by Alexander Calder called “Pittsburgh,” which has just been installed in the atrium area of the new terminal, but also the works of 15 artists — 80% of whom are local — that will be showcased around the airport.

Several Jewish organizations in the Pittsburgh area say they received threatening letters in the mail, which are now being investigated.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh says while there is no imminent danger stemming from the threats, the community’s safety and security is of top concern.

In a statement to KDKA, the Jewish Federation said they are in close contact with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and law enforcement partners, who are actively investigating the threats.

“Our Federation’s security team continues to monitor the situation closely and is working to ensure that all Jewish institutions remain protected.”

Officials didn’t detail the specific nature of the threats or which organizations specifically received the letters. 

As West Nile virus continues to be a concern in the Pittsburgh area, wildlife rehabbers are seeing an uptick in sick birds.

Within the last few weeks, Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center has been seeing a lot of birds showing signs of West Nile virus, including birds of prey and even a crow.

“The common ones of red-tailed hawks, we got in quite a few of them. A few great horned owls that were symptomatic. We did even get an American kestrel, all very young, seemingly young birds that were coming in,” said Katie Kefalos, director of wildlife rehabilitation for HARP. 

Kefalos said young birds don’t have a strong immune system, so it’s hard for them to fight the virus.

“We do see a lot of neurological symptoms, lethargy, they come in really thin. And most of the time, they do have parasites,” she said.

Mosquitos become infected with West Nile when they bite infected birds. West Nile is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Kefalos said there’s no treatment for the virus, so they provide full-on supportive care.

“Heat support if they’re really emaciated, fluids, most of the time they’re pretty dehydrated,” she said.

They’re trying their best to help the birds recover so they can fly free again in the wild. She says some kick the virus, but many don’t.

“We have seen quite a few pass from what we are assuming is West Nile virus,” said Kefalos.

So, what can we do to help protect wildlife and humans from the West Nile virus? Use safe mosquito repellents and, most importantly, get rid of standing water.

“It’s really simple, you know, making sure you don’t have any stagnant water just lying around,” she said.

That includes bird baths.

“They are a potential for a breeding site for mosquitoes, and there are a few songbird species that are affected, and they can be transmitters,” she said.

HARP sends the dead birds to the Wildlife Futures Program at the University of Pennsylvania, which conducts testing and research. If you find a sick or dead bird, reach out to HARP’s wildlife center at 412-345-7300 or your local wildlife center for advice.

You can also report dead birds to the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 833-742-4868.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there’s no evidence that a person can get infected from handling infected birds.