Pittsburgh
Morning News
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Heinz Family Foundation announced Monday that the Heinz Awards will end on Dec. 31 after 30 years of honoring local achievements, paving the way for next-generation philanthropic efforts. WPXI
- ➤ Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin returned to his hometown in McKees Rocks to host his foundation’s sixth annual toy drive at Sto-Rox High School on Dec. 17, providing toys and bikes to local children. He said he felt a deep responsibility to give back to the community. WTAE
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Three new businesses opened in Downtown Pittsburgh Tuesday. Ruckus Cafe (625 Liberty Avenue), Origin Story Coffee (309 Smithfield Street), and Confleurtti (208 Fifth Avenue) mark a positive step in the area’s growth, officials said. WPXI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The UPMC Rink at PPG Place was named North America's most beautiful ice rink by Premier Inn in a study ranking it 9th worldwide. Operating since 2001, it remains a cherished holiday tradition and will be open until late February. KDKA
- ➤ Local musicians and venues defined 2025 by rocking Pittsburgh with unforgettable shows that united the community and celebrated the city's vibrant music scene; a retrospective highlights lively performances, memorable tributes, and cultural milestones that made the year special. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Pittsburgh Public Schools' Board of Public Education voted Wednesday to ban cell phones during school hours on district property (except for health and emergency reasons) to maintain safe and focused learning environments. WTAE
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Newborn babies at a Pittsburgh hospital are dressed in matching onesies and handmade hats to show holiday cheer. Hospital staff arranged the outfits to add festive spirit for families. CBS Pittsburgh
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Coach Mike Tomlin’s aggressive fourth down strategy boosted the Steelers’ players’ morale in practice today — fans now watch to see if the bold tactic will hold in future tight games. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Pitt volleyball looks to reach its first National Championship game when it faces Texas A&M tonight at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN, with Bayless, Pezelj, and Kelley leading the effort. The Pitt News
- ➤ The Pittsburgh Steelers released wide receiver and quarterback John Rhys Plumlee to clear roster space after using him as a quarterback simulator during training camp. He had joined as an undrafted free agent from UCF and played various roles before his release. PennLive
- ➤ Three Pitt Panthers volleyball players earned AVCA All-American honors Wednesday—Olivia Babcock earned First Team for the third time, Brooke Mosher secured Second Team and Bre Kelley received Honorable Mention. Their awards highlight impressive season stats and strengthen the team’s regional reputation. WPXI
- ➤ Fenway Sports Group has reportedly agreed in principle to sell the Penguins to the Hoffmann Family of Companies from Chicago, sources said on Dec. 17. A spokesperson said no formal agreement is in place yet. WTAE
- ➤ The Steelers re-signed running back Trey Sermon to their practice squad Wednesday after he played in three preseason games. He is expected to bolster the offense during current injuries. PennLive
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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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New Year's Eve Tasting Menu
N/A — Wed, Dec 31st — Eleven — $95 per person — Indulge in a four-course tasting menu crafted by Chef Eli to celebrate the New Year.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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