❄️ Your guide to Pittsburgh in January

Steelers Squeak Into the Playoffs

The stars aligned to give the 10-7 Steelers a chance at the postseason. The comeback kids were led by long-time third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph, who suited up against Baltimore on Saturday even after starter Kenny Pickett got a clean bill of health. But continued success will be an uphill climb: the Steelers haven't played more than one playoff game since the 2016 season, and they last won the Super Bowl in February 2009.

• What turned things around? Firing an offensive coordinator so contentious even Giant Eagle got involved. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Pay Raise For County Employees

On her first day as chief executive, Sara Innamorato raised the minimum wage for non-unionized Allegheny County employees. Full-time employees now get $18 an hour, with future increases, and part-time employees get $15 an hour. They also got vacation time increases from five days to at least three weeks. Plus, there’s no more pre-employment drug tests (except for positions where it’s legally required like law enforcement). [TribLIVE / WESA]

• ➡️ We got the inside scoop on Innamorato’s inauguration. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Pennsylvania Toll Hikes

The Turnpike Commission just raised toll fees another 5%. Drivers who use an E-ZPass get a cost break compared to those who use the Toll-By-Plate system, where the commission photographs their license plate and mails them a bill. Find the updated rates here. [Pittsburgh Union Progress]

Pitt Research Supports Opioid Treatment Access

New research by the University of Pittsburgh's Dr. Paul Joudrey finds that The Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act — legislation that would allow people to get medication for addiction from pharmacies — “would expand methadone access from 49% of US Census tracts to 63% of tracts,” and prevent overdose-related deaths. [90.5 WESA]

The holiday lights are coming down and Pittsburgh feels even more gray than usual. So we’ve thought up a few fun ways to ease into the new year that will have you trying new things, reconnecting with old pastimes, and moving gently into Pittsburgh’s dreariest season.

Get Crafty

Want to be a part of a creative group? All month long, the Fun A Day project is encouraging people to experiment with their art skills and create something new – culminating in an art show next month in Millvale.

The Carnegie Library is hosting free knitting and crocheting events, and its Library Lounge series is free and casual, so folks with curiosity or experience can come together and build community. Needlework not your thing? Check out their adult coloring days, “crafternoons,” or tabletop games.

City Cast Pittsburgh’s Sophia Lo is planning to attend a woodworking class with Workshop PGH to add another bookshelf to her abode. The full roster is up through February, including introductions to sewing, embroidery, and rug making.

Move Yourself

Sometimes it’s hard to exercise by yourself. Find camaraderie with running groups like Yinz Run Club, City of Bridges Run Club, Pittsburgh Rogue Runners and Walkers, or Fleet Feet; Ascend climbing clubs like Women on Walls and Queer Scouts; and hiking groups like 3 Rivers Outdoor Co.’s headlamp hikes. Personally, I’m looking forward to joining some virtual, Pittsburgh-based yoga classes like InSpirit and All Bodies Welcome.

Eat Well

From Pittsburgh Restaurant Week (January 15-21) to Pittsburgh Beerfest (January 26-17), there is a lot to taste this month.

But the post-holiday “blahs” is a good time to start eating more veggies, too. Visit Vegan Pittsburgh for plant-based food recommendations and events. Some of my personal favorites are Shado Beni, Allegro Bakery, and EYV.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated, too! Get a boost with cleanses from the Pittsburgh Juice Company or Live Fresh Juicery, or sip something warm from Bantha Tea Bar, Gryphon’s Tea, or Abeille Voyante Tea.

Keep Celebrating

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is on January 15, and there are many ways to celebrate his continued impact on both the civil rights movement and local Black excellence.

Music & Memories

Celebrate African-American musical trailblazers at Park Place AME Church in Homestead on Saturday, Jan. 13. It starts at 10 a.m. and admission is a suggested donation of $25.

MLK Brunch & Celebration

On Monday, Jan. 15, enjoy a delicious soul food brunch alongside MLK bingo, live jazz and poetry, and a film screening at Spartan Community Center in Hazelwood from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Admission is free.

Justice In Action

Celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Kelly Strayhorn Theater from 12 to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15 with family-friendly activities and theater performances. Pay what moves you. And come back that night for more!

Your Guide to January in Pittsburgh

Eat more veggies, see more art, maybe even build something — whatever your New Year’s intention, we’re here to help. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are sharing their 2024 wishes, upcoming events, and ways to celebrate a few upcoming holidays, both real and imagined.