🚨 Mike Tomlin steps down

Mike Tomlin Steps Down After 19 Years

The longtime Steelers coach told players he’s leaving at a team meeting on Tuesday. He’s clocked 200 career wins and never recorded a losing season, but the Steelers have failed to win a playoff game under his leadership since 2016. Tomlin’s replacement will be just our fourth head coach since 1969. [ESPN]

Police Chief Interview Coming Soon

In its first meeting of the new year, City Council finalized several of Mayor Corey O’Connor’s cabinet appointments, but not public safety director Sheldon Williams, police chief Jason Lando, and a few others. Council actions included:

• Introducing renewed legislation to cancel the remainder of Pittsburgh’s $6 million 2050 plan, which some say is far too expensive for the services rendered. The city could recoup about $1 million. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Proposing a new Fleet Vehicle Fund and a five-year purchasing plan to buy and maintain city vehicles through the city controller’s office. [WESA]
• Proposing a tweak to the home rule charter to allow advertisements of public meetings in places other than a newspaper, since Pittsburgh won’t have a paper of record by May. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Voting to interview Lando, who stands to inherit a bureau struggling with mission and morale, especially as ICE continues enforcing Trump administration policies. [TribLive]

Sen. McCormick’s Wife Named Meta President

Finance executive Dina Powell McCormick is the new president and vice chairman of Meta, the parent company of Facebook. She previously served as a national security adviser to President Donald Trump; she was also on the Meta board of directors. [PennLive]

PA Holds Rare Whiskey Lottery

Want to get your hands on some limited-edition spirits? Pennsylvanians 21 and older can enter lotteries online for a shot at purchasing special bourbons and whiskeys. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. Friday. [Fine Wine & Good Spirits]

• Learn about Western PA’s liquor legacy on these distillery tours. [📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Let’s play a game! Where in Pittsburgh can you find these neighborhood flags?

🌟 Congrats to Allison K., Ron G., Emily K., Monina R., Em D., Allison E.B., Patrick L., Christina B., Caitlyn C., Sam B., Lisa H., Melissa M., Jenny J., Sam H., Dan E., Linda W., Abby P., Michael B., Tomar P., Sam L., Courtney S., Carye B., and Casey G., who correctly guessed the last “Where Is It?” challenge! ⬇️

Have you ever crossed over into the sketchbook zone? Find these shelves of mixed-media notebooks at Artist & Craftsman Supply in Squirrel Hill. The shop has everything for all of your creative needs: paints, drawing materials, pottery tools, canvases, and more.

Heads up: The store recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Staff tells me that they’re operating as normal, but their stock may change. Support them if you can! It’s an employee-owned company.

Find more inspiration at other local arts and crafts stores, such as Firecracker Fabrics in Morningside, Moon & Yarn Craft Room in Bellevue, and Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse in Point Breeze. Or, check out the Craft Supply Swap at C.C. Mellor Memorial Library in Edgewood on Jan. 17.

Not sure where to begin? Take a class in sewing, punch needle, hand dying, and more at WorkshopPGH in Wilkinsburg.

Looking for more things to see and do?

• ❄️ Find the best things to do in January.
• 🎉 Plan your next birthday in the Burgh.
• 🎟️ Get free museum tickets with RAD Pass.
• 🍕 Grab a slice at these new pizza spots.
• ⛸️ Get outside with these winter activities.
• 👖 Snag some cool gems at local thrift shops.
• 📚 Get free perks with your library card.
• 💡 Try our new Pittsburgh crossword puzzle.