Pittsburgh
Morning News
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On New Year's Day, 9-year-old Shivansh averted a fire at his Mount Lebanon home by calling 911 and ensuring all evacuated after his mom's alarm, following fire safety training from the Mount Lebanon Fire Department. The department honored his heroic actions with a ceremony and a golden truck last Tuesday. WTAE
- ➤ The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will cease publication on May 3, leaving the community without a daily newspaper. Local foundation leaders and Press Forward are discussing online journalism models to fill the void in the coming months. CBS Pittsburgh
- ➤ Trib Total Media will launch the Pittsburgh edition of the Tribune-Review on Saturday, May 9 — a weekend print and digital publication — to replace the Post-Gazette, which closed on May 3 — ensuring local reporting continues by mail and at newsstands. The Tribune-Review
- ➤ Harrison Hills Park in Harrison will be upgraded this year with new walkways, safe play equipment, landscaping, and accessibility features using a ($250,000) state grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; the park also will host a Guided Hike with Park Rangers on Feb. 7. The Tribune-Review
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Cava will open its second location in East Liberty on Friday, Jan. 16 at 151 Shady Ave in The Meridian development (its first opened in Oakland in Aug. 2025), aiming to deliver heart, health and humanity to its guests. WPXI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bill Powers is the new director at Pittsburgh Opera, bringing 14 years with the company and experience from Juilliard and the Metropolitan Opera. He will lead upcoming productions like The Summer King, an opera about Negro League baseball star Josh Gibson, while working to grow audiences amid rising costs. WTAE
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Plum’s O’Block Elementary will get a new addition & renovations costing $25 million, including updated classrooms, special education rooms, music areas and safety systems; students will move into the new wing next school year while exterior work finishes by summer 2027. The Tribune-Review
- ➤ New Kensington-Arnold School District and its teachers union agreed on an early-bird five-year contract for next school year that raises starting teacher salaries (increasing from $52,153 to $53,969) with a 3.5% annual raise and gradual healthcare premium hikes; board members noted it is the first such agreement since 1984. The Tribune-Review
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A Pennsylvania judge advanced the Nonhuman Rights Project’s petition that claims the Pittsburgh Zoo harms five African elephants through its confinement practices, and set a hearing for Jan. 28 to consider the zoo’s motion to dismiss— a full hearing may follow on March 2 if the motion is denied. WPXI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UPMC Children’s Hospital’s Dream Big Studio celebrated six years on air yesterday. The closed-circuit TV and radio studio (part of the hospital’s Creative and Expressive Arts Therapy program) gives kids a chance to host live shows, learn production and connect with fellow patients, having welcomed local sports stars. WTAE
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Pittsburgh is preparing for the NFL draft set for April 23-25 as the city completes upgrades in Market Square, Arts Landing, and Point State Park + finalizes plans around the stadium and downtown to attract 500,000 visitors. Organizers plan a 5K on the final day to boost athletic engagement. WTAE
- ➤ Tickets for Pirates' 2026 regular season games will go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m. via online, by phone, and at PNC Park ticket windows, with Opening Weekend starting April 3 and a seven-game homestand scheduled from April 13 to April 19. WPXI
- ➤ Mike Tomlin stepped down as head coach of the Steelers after 19 seasons on Jan. 13 following recent playoff losses — Pittsburgh fans now face an offseason full of changes as a new coach is sought and the NFL Draft approaches. The Pitt News
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Ultimate Sport Show - Pittsburgh 2026
11 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Monroeville Convention Center — Admission price varies — Explore the latest in outdoor gear and experience unique attractions at this premier sports exhibition.
-
The Regal Sweet
7-11 p.m. — Thunderbird Café & Music Hall — $20.17 — Enjoy an evening of live music with Guitar Zack and The Ragged Co. at this vibrant venue.
-
Ottawa Senators at Pittsburgh Penguins
7-9 p.m. — PPG Paints Arena — $39 — Catch the exciting matchup as the Penguins take on their rival Senators in a thrilling hockey showdown.
-
Pittsburgh Speed Dating for Singles Age 20s/30s
7-9 p.m. — Sunny Jim's Tavern — Check the ticket price — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and exciting speed dating setting.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Pittsburgh Morning News
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Pittsburgh Morning News
A free Pittsburgh community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://pittsburghmorning.com/sitemap