Pittsburgh
Morning News
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A formerly quiet park in Oakland’s Panther Hollow has become a colorful skate park intended to foster community belonging (local residents have raised concerns over noise and legal status). Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Twin Pines Family Services in Hopwood reported an urgent need for foster homes as many children lacked placements last year — the agency will hold an info session at the bakery From Scratch in Uniontown on Jan. 30. CBS Pittsburgh
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Jerome Bettis has launched the CyberBus initiative to bridge the digital divide as local schools and community centers gain improved digital access during challenges revealed by the COVID-19 pivot to virtual learning — a project set to empower many in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Pittsburgh Public Schools received state approval to launch an educator apprenticeship program to address staff shortages in SPED and ELD; the program is funded with over $360K from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and will begin in the 2026-27 school year as details are released. WPXI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Property taxes have risen in over a dozen towns due to inflation, pandemic recovery, and past delays. Officials say the changes took effect with the new year to help pay for higher costs and keep budgets in balance. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ The State House Transportation Committee is considering a bill from Representative Aerion Abney to rename the Fort Duquesne Bridge in honor of Franco Harris, who is also celebrated at the newly renamed Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. The bill, with 24 bipartisan co-sponsors, aims for the renaming before April’s NFL Draft. KDKA
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Allegheny Valley Hospital in Harrison opened a $6.2 million tech-forward rehab facility Thursday that is the region’s only center for stroke and surgery recovery. The center now has 29 beds and adds 40 employees to boost local health care in the Alle-Kiski Valley. The Tribune-Review
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Pitt basketball bounced back with a dominant win at Georgia Tech on Wednesday night in Atlanta (after a slow ACC start). The Panthers used strong defense and timely scoring to control play and build momentum for upcoming contests. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Joe Lafko retired in June after 35 years as a social studies teacher and is now coming back to coach Knoch. His team is excited to start working with him again. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Jack McGregor, a young state senator with a big-league vision, helped bring NHL hockey to Pittsburgh by pushing for a major league team that forever changed the city’s sports scene. His legacy continues to shape local pride. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Former RMU basketball player Markeese Hastings was charged in a federal indictment for an alleged point-shaving scheme that deliberately affected first-half play in NCAA contests, including games played by Duquesne, and fixers reportedly placed large bets on the outcomes. WPXI
- ➤ The Steelers plan to interview Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero as one of six head coaching candidates following Mike Tomlin's departure. Evero has received interview requests from the Raiders + Falcons and is recognized for his rapid NFL rise. PennLive
- ➤ Oregon quarterback Dante Moore is returning to school, which leaves fewer top quarterback options for the Steelers as they pick 21 in the NFL Draft. Pittsburgh must now look to other talent to fill its future QB role. PennLive
- ➤ Season statistics through Jan. 11 show the top boys basketball scorers in the WPIAL and City League 2025-26. The list reflects strong local competition + offers insight into standout performances. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Gautier Capuçon with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of exquisite chamber music with world-class cellist Gautier Capuçon and Pittsburgh Symphony musicians.
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