Pittsburgh
Morning News
Friday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ KDKA Free Care Fund Telethon raised nearly $2 million on Thursday at UPMC Children's Hospital; the fundraiser helped support the Free Care Fund (established in 1890) to ensure children receive care regardless of their families’ ability to pay. CBS Pittsburgh
- ➤ A GoFundMe fundraiser was launched Tuesday to help Paula Clever after a fatal fire in Tarentum killed her son at 912 Corbet St - more than $2,200 was raised as of Wednesday, with a goal of $3,500 to cover funeral costs and relocation expenses. The Tribune-Review
- ➤ On Dec. 15, the Chabad Jewish Center of Monroeville held its 10th annual Light Up the Night event in Community Park West with an ice sculpture menorah, arts, crafts and holiday activities as the community gathered in solidarity following a recent tragedy abroad. The Tribune-Review
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Pittsburgh-based Vocelli Pizza is set to expand by opening three new stores in Dalton, GA, Rockville, MD, and Katy, TX, with plans for 11 new locations in 2026 and an October opening in Grand Junction while the brand now has over 15 locations locally since its first store in 1988. KDKA
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Pittsburgh's UPMC Rink at PPG Place was named North America's most beautiful ice rink and ranked ninth in a Premier Inn study that compared 56 rinks using eye-tracking software — the rink is 67% larger than Rockefeller Center's facility. The Tribune-Review
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students from Gateway High School’s Chick-fil-A Leader Academy set up an angel tree — a Do Good December project — to brighten the holidays for selected families by collecting 25 staff-donated gifts. They met on Dec. 12 to shop at Five Below, wrap presents and share lunch. The Tribune-Review
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System will cut nearly 10% of its allocated 4,551 positions as part of a nationwide reduction after staff were notified on Monday, and employees will get more details at town halls planned for early January. The Tribune-Review
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Letters are being sent to thousands of Allegheny County residents today to notify them that their medical debts have been paid, thanks to the fundraising efforts of over 100 churches (Pittsburgh Presbytery). CBS Pittsburgh
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Nine new restaurants bring fresh dining options to Pittsburgh this December. From a Sichuan restaurant in suburban Pittsburgh + a bagel shop in Bloomfield to new coffee spots downtown and in Moon Township, local diners have diverse flavors to explore as the year ends. NEXTpittsburgh
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf said on a podcast that he is frustrated with NFL fines for hard hits after playing a key role in the win over the Ravens. He said the fines make the game seem soft and hurt the team’s hardworking style. PennLive
- ➤ Christopher Carter graded the Steelers after reviewing the All-22 film from their latest contest (where Dylan Cook earned top marks for facing zero pressure) and his evaluation underscores the standout performance. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Steelers center Zach Frazier will play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday despite missing Thursday's practice due to an injury scare — his status is under close watch to ensure he recovers enough for the game. The team may rely on backups if his condition does not improve in time. PennLive
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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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Liam Cullagh Standup Comedy Show
7 p.m. — Sunken Bus Studios — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughter with standup comedian Liam Cullagh.
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
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
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