Pittsburgh
Morning News
Sunday, December 21st, 2025
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 21st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Salvation Army centers in Latrobe, Greensburg (and surrounding areas) are short on donations and volunteer bell-ringers as they work to meet red kettle goals by Christmas Eve. Leaders urge local groups to help raise funds for food, rent, and utility support. The Tribune-Review
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Nippon Steel's purchase of U.S. Steel has injected new investment in the Mon Valley, with planned upgrades including a slag recycler + hot strip mill at Edgar Thomson Works in Braddock. Local leaders remain optimistic that these projects will spark a steelmaking comeback. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Plum Senior High School students are preparing for the 25th annual Make-A-Wish telethon (to build on 240 granted wishes) with a classroom countdown and green screen displays that set the stage for the event. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Central Catholic High School has launched a $55 million capital campaign for campus improvements in time for its 100th anniversary, building on a completed renovation of the Brothers' House. The school will break ground on a new student center (102,000 sqft) and later update the main building to boost accessibility. CBS Pittsburgh
- ➤ Central Catholic has launched a Centennial Campaign (Rooted In Tradition, Building For Our Future) to raise $55 million ahead of its 100th anniversary, supporting future plans and strengthening the school community. CBS Pittsburgh
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Nearly 100,000 Pennsylvanians are receiving Money Match checks from the Treasury, which total over $22 million and automatically return unclaimed property up to $500. Treasurer Garrity urges recipients to deposit them promptly as part of this inaugural program that returned over $50 million. WPXI
- ➤ PennDOT announced Paint the Plow contest winners linking safe winter driving with local student art. Public votes picked Keystone, New Brighton, and Yough Senior High Schools while judges honored the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and Central Westmoreland CTC with their plow designs to hit state highways this winter. WPXI
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A nurse at Presby signed up to donate her kidney during a quiet night shift and is now being evaluated by her transplant team (details pending). Her decision has sparked local interest in living organ donations. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Penguins are under new ownership for the second time in four years, and team leaders plan to set new directions soon. Fans can watch for fresh updates as the team works on its next steps. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Former Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker signed with the New York Jets practice squad after a tryout with the Steelers in Pittsburgh (he was released by both the Lions and Panthers earlier). PennLive
- ➤ Pitt volleyball ended its season with a familiar Final Four finish after losing four All-Americans during the offseason, yet the team looks to rebuild for next season. Coaches plan to strengthen performance as they adjust to the changes. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Pitt coach Stephen Thompson said his team has much to gain in the upcoming Military Bowl, even as East Carolina has struggled recently + he expects the game to offer a chance for Pitt to build momentum. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Patrick Queen, in his second season with the Steelers, is driving a defensive turnaround by relaying play calls from Teryl Austin (his on-field guide). His evolving role marks notable growth for the team. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ The Steelers have ruled out three starters for their Lions game as T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig, and James Pierre are sidelined with injuries. Replacement plans include rookie Jack Sawyer and midseason addition Asante Samuel Jr. stepping in for their roles. PennLive
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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.
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Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
8:45-10 p.m. — Omni William Penn Hotel — Get your tickets now to discover the music of Taylor Swift in a captivating candlelight setting.
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Liam Cullagh Standup Comedy Show
7-10 p.m. — Sunken Bus Studios — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Liam Cullagh, known for his viral sketches and engaging performances.
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