Pittsburgh
Morning News
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ TribLive compiled its 25 most-read local stories of 2025, spanning a Pirates game injury, college visa setbacks, and shifts in local business and civic affairs. The list reflects diverse community interest that shaped local conversation throughout the year. The Tribune-Review
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A family escaped an overnight fire in Marshall-Shadeland that displaced 10 people from their home along Woods Run Avenue (reported by local officials). CBS Pittsburgh
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Clue, the funny stage play based on the well-known film, opens tonight at the Benedum Center presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust — it will run through January 4. CBS Pittsburgh
- ➤ Later tonight, the nearly 1,000-pound Future of Pittsburgh Ball will rise from an 80-ft pole atop Penn Avenue Place during Highmark First Night. Refurbished by Clear Story, the energy-efficient ball will shine with dynamic colors and display 2026 at midnight. The Tribune-Review
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Westmoreland Land Trust's new executive director—Leanna Bird, a Plum native with over 10 years of nonprofit experience—took over on Dec. 1. She aims to grow the trust’s mission of protecting over 700 acres and improving public access in Westmoreland County. The Tribune-Review
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ An Idaho-based company recalled 2,855 pounds of grass-fed ground beef (labeled Forward Farms) after routine testing detected E. coli O26 on Saturday, Dec. 30. The recalled product, distributed in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington, has not been linked to any illnesses. CBS Pittsburgh
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Pittsburgh Brewing Co. in East Deer will host free football watch parties on Jan. 1, starting with the Orange Bowl at 11 a.m., followed by the Rose Bowl at 4 p.m. and a Steelers vs. Ravens game on Sunday, with drinks+non-alcoholic options available for all ages. The Tribune-Review
- ➤ The Steelers will host the Ravens on Sunday Night Football at 8:20 p.m. while coach Tomlin stays optimistic about T.J. Watt—injured from a partially collapsed lung—returning if practice goes well, though injured tight end Darnell Washington likely remains sidelined. CBS Pittsburgh
- ➤ Larry Fitzgerald (a former Pitt star) advanced as the only finalist among semifinalists when the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee announced 15 modern-era player names; the committee will choose four to eight finalists for the Class of 2026 enshrinement by February. WPXI
- ➤ The Penguins outscored the first-place Carolina Hurricanes 5-1 at PPG Paints Arena. Bryan Rust nearly scored off the early rush — prompting dominant play led by wingers Justin Brazeau and Anthony Mantha. WPXI
- ➤ After losing 13-6 to the Browns on Dec. 21 at Ford Field, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin now faces a record 0-4-1 streak in matchups against teams below .500. The team will try to change its fortunes with a home game against the Ravens on Sunday. PennLive
- ➤ Coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers may see T.J. Watt return for Sunday's game against the Ravens after lung surgery, as they need a win or tie to clinch the AFC North. Tight end Darnell Washington remains out indefinitely after arm surgery. WTAE
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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.
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Lucas Zelnick Concert
9:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. — Bottlerocket Social Hall — Ticket prices vary — Get ready to rock out with Lucas Zelnick for an unforgettable night of music.
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TWSB 2026 Summer Intensive Audition - Pittsburgh
4-6:30 p.m. — Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre — Audition fees apply — Showcase your dance skills for the TWSB Summer Intensive program.
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Najee Live Concert
6-11 p.m. — City Winery Pittsburgh — Check the event page for ticket prices — Experience an evening of Contemporary Jazz with Billboard #1 artist Najee and an all-star lineup.
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Pittsburgh Speed Dating for Singles in Their 50s and 60s
7-9 p.m. — Smiling Moose Brewing — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in an exciting, fast-paced dating environment.
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Martha Graham Dance Company Performance
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Byham Theater — Tickets available — Celebrate 100 years of groundbreaking modern dance with the iconic Martha Graham Dance Company.
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
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
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