Pittsburgh
Morning News
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Dozens jumped into the 35-degree Monongahela River on Jan. 1 to celebrate a long-standing New Year tradition in Pittsburgh. Many took their first plunge while seasoned participants carried on the ritual, and T-shirt proceeds supported Project Bundle-Up. WTAE
- ➤ The Pittsburgh Polar Bear Club hosted its annual plunge in the Monongahela River on Thursday morning to ring in the new year. Donations went toward supplying jackets for people in need — participants dove into the icy water as they celebrated a charitable start. WPXI
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A water main break closed Library Road—between Phillippi Avenue and Berryman Avenue—in Bethel Park, with repairs expected by 12:30 a.m. today according to Pennsylvania American Water. WPXI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Last year saw several new restaurants open in the region—F&F Pizzeria in Mount Lebanon, Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings at SouthSide Works, Bridges & Bourbon's sister bar in the Cultural District, Nick's on Hilltop, and Rockaway Pizzeria at Regent Square. WPXI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Pittsburgh saw hearty cheers as residents and visitors gathered to ring in 2026 under steady snowfall during the annual First Night festivities. The event featured live music + dancing, art displays, and indoor activities across downtown for families and visitors. WTAE
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Pittsburgh Public Schools teacher Ashley Brady was chosen as WTAE Teacher of the Month for December after a 10-year-old student's handwritten notes praised her help with academics and basic needs at Arlington Elementary School — the award honors her dedication to students. WTAE
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A portion of Route 51 near the Old Century III mall and Denny's restaurant closed early Thursday morning in West Mifflin, and West Mifflin Police said all traffic lights were knocked down. They urged drivers to avoid the area while the closure duration remains unclear. WTAE
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Hellena was born at 12:16 a.m. on Thursday at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, making her the first baby of 2026; she was delivered to Fernando and Camila of West View and weighed 7 pounds and 3 ounces. WPXI
- ➤ Rachel and Tyler Solis welcomed their baby girl Marina at 12:19 a.m. on Jan. 1 at AHN’s Forbes Hospital in Monroeville. She is the network’s first New Year’s baby and gets a year’s free diapers (from the Western PA Diaper Bank). The Tribune-Review
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Roman Wilson played only nine snaps, including two routes, in the game with the Browns because the Steelers ran fewer plays, coach Mike Tomlin said. He explained the limited time was due to the team not converting enough third downs. PennLive
- ➤ Lamar Jackson is set to play against the Steelers on Sunday in a game that local fans await, reports say. WPXI
- ➤ Los Angeles Rams defensive back Quentin Lake, son of former Steelers safety and coach Carnell Lake, received a three-year, $42 million contract extension with over $25 million guaranteed. The deal solidifies his role as a key part of the team’s defense. PennLive
- ➤ Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin hinted T.J. Watt may return for the game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday after suffering a partially collapsed lung during a dry needling session three weeks ago. His return could boost the team’s defense as they prepare for the contest. PennLive
- ➤ After the Steelers' Dec. 7 game against the Ravens, head coach Mike Tomlin said he was determined to keep Aaron Rodgers from playing his final game, while Rodgers said he would decide about retirement with his wife after the season (his plans remain open). PennLive
- ➤ Former Steelers running back Raheem Blackshear joined the New York Jets practice squad and will try to earn a future contract during the season's final week. The Pennsylvania high school star played 41 NFL games with Carolina and Tennessee and aims to build on his proven speed & skill. PennLive
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Liam Cullagh Standup Comedy Show
7 p.m. — Sunken Bus Studios — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughter with standup comedian Liam Cullagh.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Nick Colletti Live Show
7-10 p.m. — Pittsburgh Improv — Tickets available online — Enjoy a night of comedy with Nick Colletti in Homestead.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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