Pittsburgh
Morning News
Friday, December 26th, 2025
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Organizers of a local holiday gift drive intended to collect about 50 gifts for seniors instead received nearly 700 donations — a result highlighted on the Bubba Show on Star 100.7 earlier this month. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ A local nonprofit launched an AI platform to help new residents answer common relocation questions (including affordable housing queries). The tool, inspired by Jeff Bell’s own move, will guide newcomers as they settle into Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Students from Plum and Fox Chapel high schools raised thousands for local organizations this week; school officials confirmed that the funds will help support community programs and services. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ Pittsburgh organizations fed the community on Christmas Day; Shuman’s in Homewood offered free breakfast and Pitt in Oakland served over 750 people+ a gesture that brought warmth to many locals. WTAE
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A Pittsburgh-area couple is competing on a popular TV baking show as they try to win the championship with their creative recipes. The contest spotlights their skills in the kitchen and passion for baking. CBS Pittsburgh
- ➤ At St. Paul Cathedral on Christmas Eve, Bishop Mark Eckman celebrated his first Christmas as bishop of Pittsburgh, drawing families like the Thrash family to join a special Mass. Eckman said he will focus on charity work and increasing vocations, with parish visits beginning Jan. 6. WTAE
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gary Griwatz, a BC3 graduate and energy executive, donated $100,000 to create 125 scholarships for the academic year 2026 to 2027, supporting former dual-enrollment students and other applicants. WPXI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ PennDOT and Turnpike crews are pretreating roads today ahead of an all-day storm that will bring freezing rain, sleet, and ice, so drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary travel. Tier 3 restrictions will begin at 10 a.m. on major routes (including Interstate 81 south of I-83). WTAE
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Therapy dogs dressed in holiday outfits visited UPMC Washington on Tuesday and brightened the lobby with patients while newborns wearing gingerbread hats enjoyed a festive photo shoot — a hit that spread smiles throughout the community. WPXI
- ➤ A historic $5 million investment in neurodegenerative research was announced at the University of Pittsburgh as part of Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 budget to speed up cure searches and support affected families (grant applications begin early 2026). WPXI
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Pittsburgh offers a guide to local events after Christmas, with family-friendly activities planned throughout the weekend (including performances, markets, and community gatherings) for residents to enjoy. The curated list provides times and locations so locals can plan their holiday weekend outings. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Cassie Sauer, a power forward at Shady Side Academy, is carrying on her late father's legacy with strong play on the court. Thirteen years after first standing at center court during a packed game at Mellon Gymnasium, she continues to inspire teammates (and fans) with her determination. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- ➤ A Pittsburgh Penguin was named to represent Team Canada in the upcoming 2026 World Junior Championship — the decision was made on Dec. 25 and sets the stage for international play next year. WPXI
- ➤ Steeler cornerback Jalen Ramsey missed practice on Thursday due to illness, which is unusual for him. He is expected to play against the Browns, with D’Shawn Jamison ready as backup since Brandin Echols has missed practice due to a groin injury. PennLive
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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.
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Nick Colletti Live Show
7-10 p.m. — Pittsburgh Improv — Tickets available online — Enjoy a night of comedy with Nick Colletti in Homestead.
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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