Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The iconic Hemingway’s bar on Forbes Avenue in Oakland will close in May after over 40 years serving the Pitt campus. Customers are invited to stop by soon to sip a shot pitcher and check out limited merchandise before the closure. KDKA
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Post-Gazette will cease publication in early May as Block Communications reported over $350 million in losses and unsustainable labor costs — about 500 employees will lose their jobs when the long-time paper shuts down. Pittsburgh will face a gap in its historic local news record. KDKA
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gateway Middle School launched a drama club led by Diane Milowicki that hosted over 50 students at its sample meeting on Nov. 12. The club will stage two back-to-back performances of 'The Music Man: Kids' on May 6 at Robert A. Read Performing Arts Center at Gateway High School. The Tribune-Review
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ At Penn Forest Natural Burial Park in Penn Hills, families are choosing green burials that use biodegradable wooden caskets to help restore the earth. The park also offers public trails and nature walks—bringing a natural space for both remembrance and living. NEXTpittsburgh
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Allegheny County Sewer Authority collects untreated wastewater every Sunday and Wednesday to test for fentanyl, xylazine and other substances in the region. Officials use the data to track drug trends across western Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Allegheny CleanWays announced The Immaculate Collection — a campaign to keep Pittsburgh tidy for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft — to prepare for increased visitor traffic. The initiative will ensure public areas are ready when fans arrive. CBS Pittsburgh
- ➤ Alle-Kiski Valley officials approved tax hikes for 2026, meaning local homeowners in Arnold, Buffalo Township, Harmar, Verona, Brackenridge and Lower Burrell will pay higher property and school taxes. Residents will also face increased fees for water, sewage and related services due to necessary infrastructure upgrades. The Tribune-Review
- ➤ A PA Lottery $20 "Jackpot" ticket worth $1 million was sold at a Walmart on Mills Drive in North Huntingdon, and winners must sign their ticket and call 1-800-692-7481 to start the claim process. KDKA
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Pirates reached an agreement on 2026 contracts with Oneil Cruz, Joey Bart, Dennis Santana and Justin Lawrence—meaning they will not face arbitration this winter. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Titans have requested to interview Steelers OC Arthur Smith for their head coach job. Smith, who coached the Titans' offense in 2019-2020, is a strong candidate given his close ties with the organization & his proven record in developing top offenses. PennLive
- ➤ Aaron Rodgers defended head coach Mike Tomlin amid media rumors, pointing to the team’s four wins in five games that have quieted any chatter about a coaching change. Tomlin said he stays focused on football and values the weekly challenges his role brings. PennLive
- ➤ Yesterday, the Pittsburgh Penguins secured a sixth straight win with a rowdy third-period comeback + backup play led by Stu on home ice. WPXI
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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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Tell Me Lies – The Fleetwood Mac Experience
8-11 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — $25.84 to $43.32 — Experience the timeless hits of Fleetwood Mac performed with authenticity and energy by Tell Me Lies.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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