Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 7th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Residents in East Vincent Township recently opposed a proposed data center for AI and cloud computing at a municipal board meeting (part of a growing trend of local communities pushing back on similar projects), prompting developers to rethink their plans. WTAE
- ➤ Waymo is set to begin testing its driverless taxi service in Pittsburgh soon, as the company prepares to adapt its technology to the local grid. Company representatives say the project will focus on safety & efficiency amid the city's unique challenges. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mayor of Kingstown is returning to Pittsburgh for its fifth and final season, and eight final episodes will start filming soon. Production will take place in the Pittsburgh area with lead actor Jeremy Renner and creators Taylor Sheridan and Hug Dillon. KDKA
- ➤ Nominations are open for the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame class of 2026 until Jan. 30 at 5 p.m. Nominees must be Pittsburghers born or raised in the 10-county region (Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland) whose work has made a national impact. KDKA
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Small business owners are planning ahead for the Steelers home playoff game against the Houston Texans Monday night at Acrisure Stadium. Visit Pittsburgh estimates the game could boost local sales and add up to $30 million to the regional economy (local shops, eateries, and rideshare drivers expect increased business). WTAE
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Shady Side Academy opened its new Rockwell Middle School on Tuesday, Jan. 6 for 240 students in a $26 million, nearly 50,000 sqft, tech-forward facility. The former building (Benedum Hall) will be converted into a National Aviary surgical center. CBS Pittsburgh
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ A $1 million winning ticket from the New Year's Millionaire Raffle was sold at a CVS on Route 819 in East Huntingdon Township during Saturday's drawing, Pennsylvania Lottery officials said (other winners include $100,000 prizes from locations in Pittsburgh's Westwood and Redstone Township). WTAE
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A new list of the 10 best new restaurants of 2025 was published, showcasing innovative spots as reviewers highlighted unique, diverse menus. Local food lovers can explore these notable picks (from last year’s dining scene) to find new favorites. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Tuesday morning, Pennsylvania State Police landed a helicopter at Point State Park — a pre-draft exercise for spring NFL Draft preparations — as officials gear up for an event set to draw up to 1 million visitors downtown and at local sports venues. The Tribune-Review
- ➤ Paul Zeise said the Steelers look set to challenge the Texans in their next game — his analysis points to Pittsburgh’s potential to overcome Houston’s top defense if the team remains focused. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ New grades from Pro Football Focus show the Steelers' pass blocking has improved while Calvin Austin III displayed strong on-field chemistry with Aaron Rodgers during recent practice + these ratings boost expectations for the team's next game. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Ray Fittipaldo hosted his Steelers chat on Tuesday, Jan. 6, offering local fans insights into the team’s recent performance and strategy. The discussion provided a clear look at the club and set the stage for future conversations about Pittsburgh football. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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