New Distracted Driving Law Takes Effect June 5
Beginning next week, Pennsylvania drivers will be prohibited from using hand-held cell phones while behind the wheel. Act 18 of 2024, known as Paul Miller’s Law, goes into effect on Wednesday, June 5, and is designed to curb the dangerous and often deadly consequences of distracted driving.
Under the new law, drivers may not use hand-held devices while their vehicle is in motion or temporarily stopped—such as at red lights or in traffic. Hands-free technology may still be used to make calls, use GPS, or listen to music, and emergency calls are permitted.
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Senior Farmers Market Vouchers
Due to the Trump administration’s reckless cuts in federal funding, Pennsylvania’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program was forced to scale back for the 2025 season.
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced that senior agencies will receive only about three-quarters of the vouchers they requested. In Allegheny County alone, that means 90,255 checks instead of the 120,000 our seniors need and deserve. Deliveries will also be delayed by about two weeks, due in part to a lack of clarity from Washington about the program.
I share in the anger and frustration of everyone impacted, and I remain committed to fighting for food access, dignity, and basic decency for our most vulnerable neighbors—no matter how dysfunctional things get in D.C.
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Community Events and Resources
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Volunteer for the JCC Maccabi Campus Games
August 3-8 | Pittsburgh
The JCC Maccabi Campus Games is seeking over 1,500 volunteers to support this celebration of youth, community, and identity. Volunteer roles range from event logistics to hospitality, with flexible opportunities available both in the lead-up to the games and during the event itself. Volunteers must be 18 years or older (21 years or older for evening shifts) and complete background clearances. All faiths are welcome.
Sign up to volunteer here.
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Parks on Tap Beer Garden
Friday, May 30, 3:00–9:00 p.m. | Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center
Parks on Tap returns with a monthly beer garden series at the Schenley Park Visitor Center. In partnership with Eleventh Hour Brewing, the event features a rotating lineup of food trucks, local brews—including the limited-edition “Summer in the Parks” lager—and access to nearby wooded trails. Held on the final Friday of each month through September.
Learn more here.
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Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland)
Celebrate Pittsburgh’s literary spirit at this free, all-ages festival featuring nationally recognized and local authors, live readings, children’s activities, poets, entertainment, booksellers, publishers, and more. Hosted at CLP – Main, the Festival honors the city’s thriving literary community and its love of books.
Free to attend.
Learn more here.
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District 4 Drop-In Office Hours on PPS Restructuring Plan
Saturday, May 31, 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.| Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Squirrel Hill Branch
District 4 Pittsburgh Public Schools Director Yael Silk will host drop-in office hours at the Squirrel Hill Library to hear from constituents about the updated Pittsburgh Public Schools restructuring plan. These sessions are open to the public, and all are welcome to share their questions, concerns, and ideas.
Future Drop-in office hours include Wednesday, June 4, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 8, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
No registration required.
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Greenfield Block Party at Mondays
Saturday, May 31, 2025, 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Mondays on Greenfield
Celebrate summer at the Greenfield Block Party, hosted by Mondays Brewing Taproom in collaboration with East End Brewing and Smashed N’ Fried. Enjoy the debut of “Greenfield Lager,” live music from DJ Drew, local food trucks, family-friendly activities, and pop-ups from Pittsburgh makers. The party will take place outdoors on Nantasket Street, which will be closed to traffic for the event.
Free to attend.
Learn more here.
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Greenfield Glide 5K
Sunday, June 1, 8:30 a.m. | Schenley Park Oval (1 Overlook Drive, 15217)
The annual Greenfield Glide is a 5k cross-country race through Schenley Park.
Day-of registration is $30.
Learn more and register here.
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Neighborhood Flea: Schenley Plaza
Sunday, June 1, 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Schenley Plaza
New this year, the Neighborhood Flea is launching a monthly market at Schenley Plaza. Held on the first Sunday of each month from June through October, the event features vintage goods, handmade items, food vendors, and more. Presented in partnership with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, this open-air market takes place rain or shine and offers free parking in Oakland on Sundays.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Pittsburgh Pride Weekend 2025
The Emerald City Kiki Ball
Saturday, May 30, 10 p.m.- Sunday, June 1, 2:00 a.m. | QMNTY Center, 525 E Ohio Street, 15212
The Emerald City Kiki Ball is an evening filled with drag performances, dancing, and much more. The Ball will include contests for attendees, including a lip sync battle and a fashion competition.
Free
Learn more here.
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Pittsburgh Pride March
Sunday, June 1 | Parade Kicks off at 12:00 PM
Pittsburgh Pride’s March is a LGBTQIA+ community event open to all. The parade will travel from the Strip District, through the Cultural District, and will end in a festival in Allegheny Commons West Park with live performances, food and drink vendors, and much more.
Free
Learn more here.
Parade Route:
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Cinema in the Park
Sunday, June 1 & Wednesday, June 4, dusk (roughly 8:45 p.m.)
The City of Pittsburgh hosts free movie nights. Participants are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets to make themselves comfortable on the lawn. The movies will begin at dusk throughout the summer, so start times will vary slightly from day to day.
Sunday, June 1—Schenley Plaza—Despicable Me 4 (PG)
Wednesday, June 54– Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park— Casino Royal (PG-13)
Learn more here.
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A Night of Jewish Learning: Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Sunday, June 1, 2025, 10:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. | Squirrel Hill JCC
The community is invited to gather for a late night of Jewish learning led by local rabbis and thinkers. This in-person event includes cheesecake and coffee, with dietary laws observed.
Free and open to the public. No registration required.
Learn more here.
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Frankel & Costa Satellite Office Hours
Wednesdays, 12:00-4:00 p.m. | CLP, Squirrel Hill
Senator Costa’s office and mine will be hosting joint satellite office hours to provide assistance with a range of services, including notary needs, help with property tax and rent rebate forms, applications for senior bus passes, and more. Please come by and say hello!
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Simple Gifts Folk Concert
Friday, June 6, 2025, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Schenley Plaza
Enjoy an evening of vibrant, multicultural folk music as Simple Gifts performs under the tent at Schenley Plaza. This award-winning duo brings a global flair to their performance, featuring Irish jigs, American reels, Klezmer, and Gypsy melodies on a dozen instruments. Limited seating is available; lawn chairs and blankets are welcome.
Free to attend.
Learn more here.
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Yard Registration Now Open for the Annual Greenfield Neighborhood Yard Sale & Celebration
Saturday, August 23, 2025, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Greenfield
Residents can now sign up to participate in this year’s Greenfield Yard Sale and Neighborhood Celebration. Register your own yard sale or reserve a spot at the central location at Greenfield School. This beloved annual event will take place rain or shine and includes shopping, food, and fun for the whole community.
Register your yard here.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
152 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202023
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875
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District Office
2345 Murray Avenue
Suite 205
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 422-1774
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