Pittsburgh
Morning News
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 21st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Block Communications shut down the longstanding City Paper on Dec. 31 (after 34 years) and announced the Post-Gazette will close on May 3, leaving a gap in local news that Pittsburgh media workers are working to fill. The Pitt News
- ➤ Local Venezuelans in Pittsburgh felt both relief and worry on Jan. 3 when news from Venezuela prompted family check-ins and gatherings at Tu y Yo Café — a sign that many here need community support as uncertainty continues. NEXTpittsburgh
- ➤ Today, as bitter cold and sub-zero wind chills grip western Pennsylvania, the Super 8 by Wyndham near Uniontown is offering free rooms to families without heat—residents in South Union Township with valid ID may book one of about 30 rooms on a first-come, first-served basis while the cold persists. KDKA
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Jan. 20, Matthews International Corp reached a deal with activist shareholder Barington Capital & avoided a second consecutive proxy battle at this year’s annual meeting. WPXI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Wicked, which premiered at the Benedum Center on Jan.14 as part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s PNC Broadway Series, featured high-flying theatrics and musical numbers that told the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West — reviewers praised its technical effects and performances. The Pitt News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ PennWest officials proposed adjusting academic programs to streamline coursework and meet workforce needs, reducing bachelor's majors from 47 to 43 and converting many minors into certificates, with a review scheduled for spring and implementation in fall. The Tribune-Review
- ➤ Local Pitt students and professors have raised concerns that new federal student loan rules (set effective Dec. 2025 and updated for programs starting July 1, 2026) classify only 11 fields as 'professional,' excluding nursing, social work, and related study, which may reduce funding and job prospects for future grads. The Pitt News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ KDKA's John Shumway met with a local mechanic for advice on protecting vehicles during Pittsburgh’s extreme cold (sub-zero wind chills). The mechanic suggests careful engine warming and fluid checks to help drivers stay safe amid harsh weather. CBS Pittsburgh
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ PennDOT plans rolling closures on Interstate 70 in Rostraver this week for beam placement on the new Crawford Lane Bridge. Closures last 15 minutes from 7 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday, weather permitting, and are part of an $89 million project at the Arnold City interchange. The Tribune-Review
- ➤ Yesterday, Pittsburgh Regional Transit launched a new tool that lets deaf and hard-of-hearing riders connect instantly with a live ASL interpreter using the Aira ASL app. The service works anywhere on the network without needing advance scheduling (a first for public transit). WPXI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania has temporarily changed service schedules at three locations amid nursing shortages and political pressures on reproductive health. The Downtown Pittsburgh center reduced services on Jan. 16 and in-person care at Bridgeville and Greensburg is on hold for 3-6 months (Johnstown remains open with telehealth options). The Pitt News
- ➤ Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor visited a warming center at the Market House Healthy Active Living Senior Center (in the South Side) as extreme cold arrived. He said the city is converting recreation centers into shelters for those without homes, supported by outreach workers and emergency services. CBS Pittsburgh
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Steelers finished the 2025-26 season with a record of ten to seven and clinched the AFC North but lost their home playoff game—marking a season of ups and downs. With Coach Tomlin stepping down and staff changes underway, the team faces a future of transition and renewed strategy. The Pitt News
- ➤ The Pittsburgh Steelers signed offensive lineman Lorenzo Thompson and cornerback Doneiko Slaughter to futures contracts as part of their 2026 roster building. Thompson, who played with the Browns, and Slaughter, who spent his last season with the Jaguars, add versatile depth to the team. PennLive
- ➤ The Penguins will honor the 2016 Stanley Cup Champion team on Jan. 31 at PPG Paints Arena before the game against the Rangers when fans will receive a commemorative championship ring. WPXI
-
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.
-
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.
-
Speed Dating for Singles in Their 30s and 40s
7-9 p.m. — Smiling Moose Brewing — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
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
Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.
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