🎁 Holiday markets for last-minute shopping

Can Lawmakers Finish the Budget Before The House Closes?

State lawmakers return to Harrisburg next week with a big agenda item, resolving the partisan deadlock over stalled budget bills that have left funding for libraries, colleges, and nonprofits in limbo. Both chambers have scheduled three days of voting, but this could be the last voting day until mid-March because the House chamber will be closed for three months this winter while repairs are made to a severe water leak in the chamber's ceiling. [Spotlight PA]

Pittsburgh’s Christmas Lunar Launch Could Be Delayed

The owner of the rocket taking Pittsburgh’s payloads to the moon ran into a few minor ground equipment issues in their dress rehearsal this weekend. The launch was originally scheduled for Christmas Eve. The next launch window opens on Jan. 8. [Space News]

• Is Pittsburgh on the moon? Learn more about our aerospace history and how Astrobotic, CMU, and others are participating in the Peregrine project. [🎧City Cast Pittsburgh]

Vote for PA’s 2024 River of the Year

Which river is Pennsylvania’s best? The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources wants you to decide between the Allegheny, Lackawaxen, or Youghiogheny for 2024. The winning river will get a $10,000 grant for conservation and recreation. Don’t delay, vote for your favorite before Jan. 19. [90.5 WESA]

Top 10 Holiday Light Displays in the ‘Burgh

Tis the season for fun and holiday-themed outings. The nights are longer, and Pittsburgh is decked in its finest, dazzling displays. Whether you want to stroll through Oakland or play a game of mini golf, you’ve got options. Check out these places that are sure to amaze you. [Next Pittsburgh]

Let’s play a game! Where can you find the photo above? 👀

🌟 Shout out to Jennifer Q., Maureen D., Loren S., Janis M., Carla C., and Andy C. who correctly guessed last week’s challenge:

“Anytime I'm stuck on a gift for someone, I know I'll always find something different and fun there,” reader Lauren S. says.

➕ Related: The Best Pittsburgh Holiday Cards

Don’t know what to get your favorite Pittsburgher this holiday season? Start by checking out a few last-minute local markets.

🎁 Don’t forget: Francesca is sharing a new present pick in each newsletter leading up to the holiday. Check out the list so far.

For the Book Worm in the ‘Burgh

“Nothing. Everything.” is a fictional story of a young adult author forced to face the secrets of her past before finishing her second novel. Author Virginia Montanez is a friend of the pod! She helped us round up some of the funniest and most creative insults lobbed at Pittsburgh over two centuries on a recent episode 🎧

Where Officially is the Steel City?

Is Pittsburgh the Midwest? The East Coast? The Mid-Atlantic? Or Appalachia? Today on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast, we’ve got two guests who each feel passionately that they know the answer. Think you do, too? Call or text us at 412-212-8893!