Pittsburgh
Morning News
Wednesday, December 24th, 2025
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Plum High’s 25th Make-A-Wish telethon raised an all-time total of $1.25 million over a 12-hour, student-run broadcast on Monday and Tuesday, with teacher Rick Berrott noting the event supports wish-granting and gives students valuable production experience. The Tribune-Review
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Pittsburgh poet John Lambert hosts the monthly Poetry Atelier at The Space Upstairs — a free workshop where writers share drafts, snacks, and feedback — on the first Sunday of every month in the East End. NEXTpittsburgh
- ➤ The Heinz History Center announced Tuesday that it will rename the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum as the Franco Harris Sports Museum in honor of the Steelers legend, with the change set for 2026 (marking his key role in the museum's history). CBS Pittsburgh
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hempfield approved a $51,080 contract with Wooster and Associates to study speeding concerns on Westland Drive (covering Wendover and West Point neighborhoods). Public works director Austin Erhard said the study will take three to four months to assess 17 intersections and gather resident input. The Tribune-Review
- ➤ Allegheny County Parks Department will run its annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program from Dec. 26 to Jan. 18; residents can drop off trimmed trees (after removing lights and decorations) daily from 8 a.m. until dusk at designated parks such as Boyce and Deer Lakes for mulched reuse. WPXI
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Deer Lakes Middle School esports team, made up of 7th + 8th graders and coached by Alex Gigler, won the state championship in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at Harrisburg University on Dec. 17 by defeating Lionville Middle School, the two-time defending champion. The Tribune-Review
- ➤ Brandon Lowe, a two-time All-Star, was traded to the Pirates last week along with Jake Mangum and Mason Montgomery. He says the move sets up a deep playoff push in 2026 as he joins the revamped lineup at PNC Park + fresh talent bolsters the team. CBS Pittsburgh
- ➤ The Steelers had a strong ground game in Sunday's 29-24 win over the Lions, but a key player has now appeared on the injury report + details on his condition are pending review. WPXI
- ➤ Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said rising pass rusher Nick Herbig will return this week after a hamstring injury, and cornerback James Pierre worked out Tuesday despite calf issues. Guard Isaac Seumalo, receiver Calvin Austin III and slot corner Brandin Echols continue to battle soft tissue injuries. PennLive
- ➤ Coach Mike Tomlin said he is uncertain if T.J. Watt will return to practice this week after his procedure for a partially collapsed lung—Watt may update the media soon while his replacement, Nick Herbig, recovers from a hamstring strain before Sunday’s game. PennLive
- ➤ The Pirates signed free agent outfielder/first baseman Ryan O'Hearn (2-year, $29 million contract) three days after acquiring Brandon Lowe from the Rays as the club bolstered its roster before the holidays. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Three Steelers were named to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games through votes from fans, players and coaches. TJ Watt and Jalen Ramsey will start in their eighth Pro Bowl while Ben Skowronek makes his debut — the event airs on ESPN Tuesday, Feb. 3 in San Francisco at 6:30 p.m. WTAE
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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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Speed Dating for Singles in Pittsburgh
7-9 p.m. — Sunny Jim's Tavern est 1934 — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a friendly and effective speed dating 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
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