Pittsburgh
Morning News
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Iron City Distilling will open its doors on Dec. 22 and Dec. 23 for free holiday tours at its Pittsburgh facility — a chance for visitors to enjoy a complete tour experience. The Tribune-Review
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Murray Avenue Grill (Squirrel Hill) announced it will close on Sunday, Dec. 28 after nearly 40 years of service; owner Brian Allenbaugh said post-pandemic economic challenges drove the decision. KDKA
- ➤ Three businesses opened downtown Tuesday including Ruckus Café’s second location on Liberty Avenue, Origin Story Coffee from Asheville, and the Confleurtti flower shop. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership hosted a ribbon-cutting tour to welcome new owners and celebrate downtown growth, County Executive Sara Innamorato said. WTAE
- ➤ Iron City Distilling will release its first rye whiskey, Bessemer Rye, at 10 a.m. Friday at its Creighton bottle shop; only 176 bottles will be available to showcase the region’s historic rye heritage. WPXI
- ➤ Chipotle is planning its first Habanero-model restaurant in Irwin at the former Denny’s site on Route 30. Irwin council is expected to vote in January, & site prep will begin in February with a fall 2026 opening that will employ about 30 people. The Tribune-Review
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Pittsburgh's long-standing cookie culture unites families through traditional treats like the wedding cookie table and smiley cookie that often make a guest's day. Local bakers honor generations of recipes — a sweet reminder of home and community. WTAE
- ➤ AI deepfakes of local icon Fred Rogers are upsetting community members who value his gentle legacy. Fred Rogers Productions has asked OpenAI to block his likeness while local institutions (like the Children’s Museum and Heinz History Center) work to preserve his genuine story. PublicSource
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Pittsburgh Regional Transit said light rail service is disrupted Tuesday when a broken rail requires immediate repair and bus shuttles are running between Station Square and South Hills Junction while service between Station Square and Allegheny Station continues. WTAE
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Two-year-old Maeve Krieger from Bethel Park is cancer-free after a lengthy leukemia treatment at UPMC Children's Hospital; her family credited careful medical support and community care provided by the Free Care Fund (which has raised over $15,000) for turning her life around. CBS Pittsburgh
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The former Rite Aid at 109 Allegheny River Boulevard in Oakmont will reopen as a Dollar General store early next year after being leased in April. The change adds to a series of retail transformations in the area. KDKA
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kenneth Gainwell, signed on a one-year deal, is playing a larger role for the Steelers as he gained over 100 scrimmage yards Monday and now leads the team in receptions. He may soon enter free agency, and head coach Mike Tomlin (and teammates) praise his play. PennLive
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Christmastime with Trisha Yearwood
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the season with Trisha Yearwood and the Pittsburgh Symphony in a night of festive music.
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It's a Wonderful Life
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Margaret Partee Performing Arts Center — Tickets vary — Experience the classic holiday tale of George Bailey and the impact of one life on a community.
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Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra - Highmark Holiday Pops
2:30-4 p.m. — Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the season with captivating holiday music performed by the renowned Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
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Montreal Canadiens vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
7:00 – 8:30 PM — PPG Paints Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling matchup as the Canadiens face off against the Penguins in NHL action.
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Dazzling Nights® Pittsburgh
5:15-8:15 p.m. — Pittsburgh Botanic Garden — Cost info not provided — Experience stunning holiday lights and new immersive displays under a 50-foot tall tree.
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Dazzling Nights® Pittsburgh
5-8 p.m. — Pittsburgh Botanic Garden — Cost TBD — Experience epic holiday displays under a 50 foot tall tree at Dazzling Nights.
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Dazzling Nights in Pittsburgh
8:45-11:45 PM — Pittsburgh Botanic Garden — Cost varies — Immerse yourself in magical holiday lighting displays and festivities under a stunning 50-foot tree.
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Dazzling Nights Pittsburgh
5-8 p.m. — Pittsburgh Botanic Garden — Ticket info not provided — Experience enchanting holiday lighting displays beneath a 50-foot tree.
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Dazzling Nights® Pittsburgh
6:45-9:45 p.m. — Pittsburgh Botanic Garden — Ticket prices vary — Immerse yourself in enchanting holiday lights and experiences under a magnificent 50-foot tree.
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Carolina Hurricanes vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
7-8:30 p.m. — PPG Paints Arena — Tickets available — Catch the thrilling matchup between the Hurricanes and Penguins in this exciting NHL showdown.
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