❄️ Winter fun in Pittsburgh

Pitt Volleyball Heads To Final Four

For their fifth straight year, the Panthers are playing in the National Semifinals. The top-ranking team defeated Purdue on Saturday to earn their slot in the Final Four. Catch their next game on Thursday evening. [Panthers]

Police Chief Pick Tied To Criminal Investigation

Mayor-elect Corey O’Connor’s pick for police chief, Jason Lando, was involved in a criminal investigation during his time as chief in Frederick, Md. Investigators found Lando was linked to burner phones used to send "expletive-laced" texts to a retired fellow officer who he had “bad blood” with. Lando wasn’t charged, and the case was closed. O’Connor says he stands by Lando. [TribLIVE]

Municipalities End ICE Agreements

Three police departments in Allegheny County agreed to cooperate with ICE in November by deputizing local officers to operate as immigration agents. But after a Public Source investigation, Munhall and Stowe terminated their agreements; Springdale's police chief and mayor didn’t respond to requests for comment. Senior officials in all three municipalities said they were unaware of the agreements. [Public Source]

Pittsburrrgh is Prime for Winter Activities

If the snow has you feeling inspired to get out and play, there are lots of great options, from snowshoeing through our city parks to ice skating under the stars. Marcus Shoffner, founder of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, shares his favorite spots for winter activities, plus tips for staying warm and finding cheap gear. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Con Alma Asks for Community Support

The Downtown jazz bar known for its live entertainment, craft cocktails, and Latin-inspired cuisine needs a boost from the community to stay open. Owners say they haven’t recovered from the pandemic or the financial challenges of expanding to a new location. (Their original Shadyside location closed in 2023). [Go Fund Me / 📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Let’s play a game! Where in Pittsburgh can you find this pop art-inspired gallery wall?

🌟 Congrats to Jennifer K., Josh S., Kaitlin R., Kate F., Neil D., Laura Z., Sam L., Annetra T., Bob S., Alex L. Nina H. Fritz H., Meli R., Emily G. Corey E., Holly B., Natalie H. Lauren B., Gloria G., Eric A., Anna R., Todd W., Casey G., Adam L., Nikolaus S., Tiffany L., Lauren B., Carye B., Katie P., Joann A., Amy M., and Kristyn B., who correctly guessed the last “Where Is It?” challenge! ⬇️

Find this cozy bar at Bantha Tea Bar on Penn Avenue in Bloomfield. It almost feels like stepping inside a Star Wars cantina. There’s sand-colored stucco walls, comfy corners, and mosaics — plus lots of seating for events like live music, comedy shows, and artist meetups. (Check the calendar by the front door to see what’s on the lineup.)

There's tea for every taste on the menu. Choose a loose leaf, or get the “Bantha Fodder,” a combo of “any and ALL of Bantha’s teas.” On my last visit, I tried the “de-flame,” a blend of willow, meadowsweet, ginger, skullcap, chamomile, nettle, cayenne, cinnamon, and cloves. The spice was perfect on a cold day.

If you need to chill out and warm up, try these other tea houses and shops.

Looking for more things to see and do?

• ❄️ Finish the month with our guide to December.
• 🥂 Make dinner plans for New Year's Eve.
• 🍿 Watch a Pittsburgh(ish) holiday movie.
• 🌟 Test your knowledge of local holiday history.
• 🎁 Finish shopping with our small biz gift guide.
• 🎄 See the best holiday lights and displays.
• 🍕 Try these new Pittsburgh pizza spots
• 💡 Try our new Pittsburgh crossword puzzle.
• 📚 Get free perks with your library card.

We’re back with recommendations from City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors 📣 This is a weekly spot in the newsletter where members get to shine a light on their favorite local businesses, organizations, and events.

• 🩰 Megan M. thinks Nutcracker season is the perfect time to shout out the community dance and fitness program at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater. “The classes are so joyful, people can take ballet, jazz, contemporary, pilates, etc. Learning more about dance from them as an adult has been really meaningful.”
• 🎨 Dana B. wants everyone to know about Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, a secondhand craft supply shop in Point Breeze. “Great peeps, great goods, great mission. Hit them up for some holiday gifts!”

Want to share your own shoutout? 🌟