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Thursday, January 1st, 2026

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Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Pittsburghers celebrated New Year's Eve with optimism as they set resolutions for better health and stronger community ties. Some plan to join local initiatives like the Edgewood Borough council while overcoming challenges from last year.  CBS Pittsburgh
  • A recent report finds Pittsburgh is the oldest large metro with a median age of 42.8, ahead of Tampa & Miami. The study shows that while some large metros are aging, smaller areas display different trends that may affect community programs.  WPXI
  • Pittsburgh celebrated its 32nd annual First Night on Dec. 31 in the Cultural District with live music, ice carvings, and fireworks (kids’ show at 8:00 p.m. and a midnight finale), while city leaders advised parking on the North Shore or Station Square due to road closures.  CBS Pittsburgh

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Pittsburgh International Airport’s $1.7 billion terminal opened on Nov. 18 and will receive final touches throughout 2026; work on four terraces (designed to add green spaces) will enhance passenger experience.  WPXI
  • After 34 years in business, Pittsburgh City Paper closed on December 31, 2025, ending a long-running local news service that chronicled community events.  WPXI

CULTURE NEWS

  • Pittsburgh City Paper, an alt-weekly that began printing in 1991, has closed after 34 years + fewer than six employees remained on staff.  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • Carnegie Mellon’s Robotics Institute unveiled a robot that speeds up the disassembly of old electronics (like TVs) to recover valuable metals faster. The system will be sent to a facility in State College and could help lower future tech costs.  WPXI

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Lane and ramp restrictions on I-376 in Allegheny County start Monday and will last into the spring. The $100 million project will resurface the roadway from Commercial Street Bridge to Monroeville interchange and upgrade bridge safety.  WPXI

SPORTS NEWS

  • After placing injured reserve on tight end Darnell Washington after surgery, the Steelers signed offensive lineman Jack Driscoll and tight end and fullback Jaheim Bell to fill the roster gap and rely on players like Connor Heyward, Pat Freiermuth, and Jonnu Smith for support.  PennLive
  • Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen won the PFWA Chief Award for media cooperation while rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon earned the Greene Great Performance Award by a landslide vote, marking Queen’s first media honor in his two-year tenure.  PennLive
  • The Steelers signed former Patriots tight end Jaheim Bell to their practice squad following a tryout; his addition boosts depth after Darnell Washington was moved to injured reserve and will have surgery Tuesday for a fractured arm.  PennLive
  • ESPN insiders noted that coach Mike Tomlin might have a lucrative broadcasting offer waiting—however, the Steelers are set to renew his contract and keep him in Pittsburgh through 2027. Expert sources stressed that despite fan chatter, the organization remains committed to stability.  PennLive
  • Aaron Rodgers said he will talk with his wife about his NFL future after this season but did not confirm if he will return to the Steelers. He mentioned that another year could offer more continuity in a growing offense.  PennLive

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Liam Cullagh Standup Comedy Show

    7 p.m. — Sunken Bus Studios — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughter with standup comedian Liam Cullagh.

    Fri, 1/9/26

    View event
  • Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift

    8:45-10 p.m. — Omni William Penn Hotel — Get your tickets now to discover the music of Taylor Swift in a captivating candlelight setting.

    Sat, 1/10/26

    View event
  • Liam Cullagh Standup Comedy Show

    7-10 p.m. — Sunken Bus Studios — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Liam Cullagh, known for his viral sketches and engaging performances.

    Sun, 1/11/26

    View event
  • Speed Dating for Singles in Pittsburgh

    7-9 p.m. — Sunny Jim's Tavern est 1934 — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a friendly and effective speed dating atmosphere.

    Tue, 1/13/26

    View event
  • Nick Colletti Live Show

    7-10 p.m. — Pittsburgh Improv — Tickets available online — Enjoy a night of comedy with Nick Colletti in Homestead.

    Thu, 1/15/26

    View event
  • Lucas Zelnick Concert

    9:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. — Bottlerocket Social Hall — Ticket prices vary — Get ready to rock out with Lucas Zelnick for an unforgettable night of music.

    Fri, 1/16/26

    View event
  • TWSB 2026 Summer Intensive Audition - Pittsburgh

    4-6:30 p.m. — Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre — Audition fees apply — Showcase your dance skills for the TWSB Summer Intensive program.

    Sat, 1/17/26

    View event
  • Najee Live Concert

    6-11 p.m. — City Winery Pittsburgh — Check the event page for ticket prices — Experience an evening of Contemporary Jazz with Billboard #1 artist Najee and an all-star lineup.

    Thu, 1/22/26

    View event
  • Pittsburgh Speed Dating for Singles in Their 50s and 60s

    7-9 p.m. — Smiling Moose Brewing — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in an exciting, fast-paced dating environment.

    Tue, 1/27/26

    View event
  • Martha Graham Dance Company Performance

    7:30-9:30 p.m. — Byham Theater — Tickets available — Celebrate 100 years of groundbreaking modern dance with the iconic Martha Graham Dance Company.

    Wed, 1/28/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Welcome to the Pittsburgh Morning News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania community. If you like the Pittsburgh Morning News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Pittsburgh.

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