It is a messy, slushy Saturday in Pittsburgh. If you stepped outside this morning, you probably dealt with that annoying inch or two of snow that’s now tapering off into a grey, biting afternoon. The wind is starting to kick up, and honestly, the "real feel" is going to tank into the 20s before the sun even thinks about setting. But while the weather is predictably "Pittsburgh winter," the actual vibe of the city today is anything but typical.
We are officially in the post-Tomlin era.
That sentence still feels weird to type. After 19 seasons, the search for the next Pittsburgh Steelers head coach is the only thing anyone is talking about at the bars in South Side or the coffee shops in Lawrenceville. Today, January 17, 2026, the news cycle is spinning fast. Between a high-profile coaching candidate officially bowing out and a city government undergoing a massive face-lift under a new mayor, the news in pittsburgh today isn't just about what's happening—it's about how much the city's identity is shifting in real-time.
The Steelers Head Coach Hunt: A Saturday Reality Check
Everyone had their hopes up for Curt Cignetti. The Indiana Hoosiers coach has been the "it" name for weeks, especially with the way he turned that program into a powerhouse. But today, the dream died. Cignetti made it crystal clear: he’s staying in the college game. He literally said he’s "not an NFL guy."
It’s a blow.
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With Mike Tomlin reportedly taking time away to "just be a dad" and his wife recently issuing a statement to give the family some space, the front office is under immense pressure. We know they did two interviews on Friday. We know the fans are desperate for an "offensive-minded" savior to fix a quarterback situation that has felt stagnant for years. But the Steelers don't usually chase the flashy hire. They go for stability. Right now, that stability is hard to find.
Mayor Corey O’Connor and the "Main and Main" Reality
While the sports world is in a frenzy, the city's actual leadership is moving into its second week of a new era. Mayor Corey O’Connor—who just took the oath on January 5—isn't wasting any time.
He’s pushing this "Main and Main" initiative. Basically, it’s a plan to fix the neighborhood business districts that have been struggling since the pandemic. He was just out in Homewood looking at the Gateway Project. It’s been stalled for years, but the city finally closed a funding gap to get 44 units of housing built—85% of which are supposed to be affordable.
People get this wrong all the time: they think Downtown is the only place in trouble.
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The truth is, the neighborhoods are where the real work is happening. Even marquee spots like Bakery Square are feeling the heat. Walnut Capital just admitted that their massive 1.5-million-square-foot office expansion isn't "feasible" anymore. The market for office space is dead. They’re pivoting to more residential units because, frankly, people need a place to live more than they need another cubicle in the East End.
What's Happening Tonight: From Hockey to History
If you're looking for something to do to distract yourself from the cold, there’s a lot moving.
- Penguins vs. Blue Jackets: The Pens are back at PPG Paints Arena tonight at 7:00 PM. Arturs Silovs is getting the start in net. It’s a big night for the young guys, too—Rutger McGroarty was cleared for contact and practiced this morning, though he’s still technically on IR.
- The Frick Winterfest: If you have kids, the Frick is doing their annual Winterfest today. There’s a hot chocolate bar and the South Hills Children’s Choir is performing. It’s one of those "classic Pittsburgh" family days that feels a lot more wholesome than arguing about coaching hires on Twitter.
- Comedy and Theater: Arcade Comedy Theater has Khairy Creek recording a stand-up special at 9:00 PM. If you’re into something more "demotivational," Self-help Singh (Masood Boomgaard) is at The Comedy Bar @ Remo’s.
Crime and Safety: A Rough Saturday in Brighton Heights
It hasn't been a quiet day for the police. Just before 2:00 PM, ShotSpotter alerts sent officers to the 1500 block of Antrim Street in Brighton Heights. An "altercation" ended with one woman shot and another stabbed. It’s a grim reminder that even on a quiet, snowy Saturday, the city has deep-seated issues that a new mayor and a "Main and Main" plan can't fix overnight.
The Logistics: Travel and Traffic Warnings
If you're driving, watch out. The I-79 northbound rest area in Mercer County is closing soon for maintenance, but the immediate threat is the I-78 corridor. There have been multiple multi-vehicle crashes today—one near Exit 49A that shut down all lanes earlier.
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The National Weather Service is also keeping a "Winter Weather Advisory" active. We’re expecting more snow squalls tonight, especially in the Laurel Highlands. These aren't huge storms, but they're those "whiteout for five minutes" squalls that cause massive pile-ups on the Parkway.
Actionable Next Steps for Pittsburghers Today
Don't let the grey skies keep you stagnant. Here is how to navigate the rest of this Saturday:
- Check the PennDOT 511 Map: Before you head to the Penguins game or a show Downtown, check the live feed. The slush is freezing over as the temperature drops, and the bridges will be slick.
- Monitor the Wind Chill: By tomorrow morning, we’re looking at wind chills in the single digits. If you haven't dripped your pipes or brought the pets inside for the night, do it before the sun goes down.
- Support Local Business Districts: With the "Main and Main" initiative launching, keep an eye on your local neighborhood council meetings. If you live in Homewood or the East End, your input on these downsized developments (like Bakery Square) actually matters now more than ever.
- Gear up for the NFL Draft Prep: It’s only January, but the city is already starting construction projects to prep for the 2026 NFL Draft in April. Expect detours near Point State Park to become a permanent fixture of your commute for the next few months.
Pittsburgh is a city in transition. We’re between mayors, between coaches, and between seasons. It’s a bit chaotic, but honestly, that’s when this city is at its most interesting.