The Budget and Transit Funding
This week, the Senate finally returned to Harrisburg after six weeks — and immediately passed two deeply flawed Republican proposals: one on transit funding and another on the state budget.
The Senate Republican’s transit plan is not a fix for our transit crisis. Instead of providing the sustainable, recurring revenue our systems need, it raids the Public Transportation Trust Fund and strips capital dollars already committed to critical safety and infrastructure projects. This approach would hurt riders in all 67 counties, from seniors and people with disabilities who rely on rural ride-share programs to PRT and SEPTA. It even builds in fare increases every two years, a hidden tax on working families.
The budget plan fails on another critical front. It does not fulfill our constitutional duty to adequately and equitably fund public schools, nor does it invest in essential programs like mass transit. With a multi-billion-dollar surplus and real revenue-growth proposals on the table from the Governor, Senate Republicans have chosen delay and short-term thinking over progress.
House Democrats are deeply frustrated that neither Senate proposal is workable. We will continue working with the Governor and the Senate toward a responsible budget and a real, lasting transit solution that moves Pennsylvania forward.
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The Tragedy in Gaza from Inside Israel
My sister, Janina Frankel-Yoeli, is a citizen of Israel. In her Times of Israel blog this this week, she reflected on the profound human tragedy unfolding in Gaza — the suffering of civilians, the grief over hostages, and the political failures that have prolonged the conflict. Her words convey the heartbreak, urgency, and moral responsibility felt by many Israelis and American Jews who want both security and peace. In a time of so little nuance and grace, I am grateful to Janina for her thoughtful treatment of an agonizing situation.
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Community Events and Resources
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??????Expect Delays in Oakland as University Students Arrive??????
Student arrival activities at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, Point Park, and Chatham University will begin next week (August 17-22). Expect significant traffic delays near the universities’ campuses.
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Virtual Tour of the New Pittsburgh International Airport
Take a virtual look inside the newly transformed Pittsburgh International Airport. This tour highlights the state-of-the-art terminal, Multi-Modal Complex parking structure, and upgraded roadway system.
Take the virtual tour here.
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Little Italy Days
Now-Sunday, August 17 | Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield
The free four-day Italian culture festival will feature food, games, crafts, and live entertainment from over 30 acts on three stages.
Learn more here.
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Kindergarten, Here I Come!
Saturday, August 16, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
The Children’s Museum is hosting a kindergarten readiness event for rising kindergarteners and their families. Activities include arts and crafts, a school bus ride, and resources from local organizations.
Admission is free for each kindergartener and one caregiver. Additional family members can attend for $8.
Learn more here.
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Pittsburgh Vegfest
Saturday, August 16, 11 AM-5 PM | Allegheny Commons Park
Pittsburgh VegFest is an outdoor festival celebrating vegetable-based food in Pittsburgh. The festival will include music, shopping, speakers, food, yoga demonstrations, and family-friendly entertainment for all ages.
Learn more here.
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Outdoor Movie: Grease
Sunday, August 17, 7:30 PM | Bakery Square Courtyard
Bakery Square will host a free outdoor screening of Grease (PG). Guests can grab complimentary popcorn and relax with blankets or lawn chairs for a movie under the stars. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Free.
Learn more here.
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PPS Annual Back to School Event
Monday, August 18, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Gold Lot 1A, 792 W. General Robinson Street
Pittsburgh Public Schools Families are invited to participate in a drive through back-to-school giveaway, including backpacks, school supplies, sanitizing wipes, as well as food and drinks.
Registration for the in-person event at Acrisure has reached capacity – but the drive through portion is free and open to all PPS students while supplies last.
Learn more here.
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Colfax Back to School Night
Wednesday, August 20, 4-6 PM | PPS Colfax
PPS Colfax will host its annual Back to School Night, offering students and families the opportunity to explore the school building and meet teachers ahead of the new academic year. Specific questions or detailed information regarding individual students should be addressed during a scheduled meeting or communicated in writing, not during Back to School Night.
Free and open to PPS Colfax students and their families.
Learn more here.
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Allderdice High School Back to School Events
Wednesday, August 20, 4:00–6:00 p.m. | Allderdice High School Lawn
Students in grades 9–12 and their families are invited to Welcome Back Night on the Allderdice lawn to meet staff and connect with classmates before the school year begins.
Thursday, August 21, 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Virtual Orientation
Students in grades 10–12 can participate in a virtual orientation session to review important information for the upcoming year. Join the virtual orientation here.
Friday, August 22, 12:00–2:00 p.m. | Allderdice High School
Incoming 9th graders are encouraged to attend orientation to tour the building, meet teachers, and learn about school resources.
No RSVP is required for any event.
Free and open to Allderdice students and their families.
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Summer Sounds with Weather Permitting – Slavic Celebration
Friday, August 22, 6:00 PM| Hazelwood Green Plaza, Lytle St. & Eliza St.,15207
Hazelwood Local and Weather Permitting present a free outdoor concert featuring international artists performing Balkan, polka, and Macedonian wedding music. The lineup includes Black Bear Combo, Polkamaniacs, Turli Tava, and Gypsy Stringz. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a lawn spot and enjoy on-site vendors, including Kilimanjaro Flavour, Community Kitchen, and Dave’s Sno Cones. Free street and lot parking are available.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more here.
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Friended by Shakespeare
Fri. & Sat., August 22 & 23, 7:00 PM | 937 Liberty Ave, 15222
Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks presents “Friended by Shakespeare,” a witty, heartfelt one-man performance by Stoney Richards exploring the world of William Shakespeare. Proceeds support the company’s 2025 production of Macbeth and its mission to provide free, outdoor Shakespeare performances for the community.
Ticket prices: General Admission – $25; Student/Artist – $15; Royal Patron – $50 (includes name recognition in the Macbeth program, two snack vouchers, and a free dagger necklace).
Learn more and get tickets here.
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Greenfield Yard Sale and Neighborhood Block Party
Saturday, August 23, 8:00 AM | Greenfield
The annual Greenfield Yard Sale and Neighborhood Block Party returns with dozens of sellers and support from local businesses. Shoppers can explore a central sale area at Greenfield School and visit vendors on Coleman Street outside Alternate Histories, located at 517 Greenfield Ave. Maps, restrooms, and additional vendors will also be available at Alternate Histories. This community event offers an opportunity to shop, connect, and enjoy the neighborhood.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more here.
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Run Around the Square
Saturday, Aug. 23, 8:15 AM | Milton Ave., Regent Square
Run Around the Square is a charity 5K and 1.5-mile run/walk that takes participants through Regent Square and Frick Park, ending with a community picnic. Registered runners receive a T-shirt, and dogs get scarves.
Pre-race packet pickup will be Friday, Aug. 22, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. at the Wilkins School Community Center, 7604 Charleston Ave., Swissvale. Packets can also be picked up on race day starting at 7:00 AM Online registration is open through midnight, Thursday, Aug. 21.
Learn more and register here.
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Repairing Together: Naming Loss While Fueling Change
Wednesday, August 27, 6:15–8:30 PM | Anathan, 1620 Murray Ave. 15217
NCJW Pittsburgh is hosting an evening of connection and action to honor personal, systemic, and collective losses while fueling movements for change. The program features a guest speaker from the Women’s Law Project, who will share insights from her work supporting youth access to reproductive care and advocating for justice beyond the courtroom. The evening will include a meal, a collective care practice, and opportunities to connect and organize for a future rooted in truth and possibility. Childcare will be provided with limited capacity.
Free and open to the public. Registration is required.
Learn more and register here.
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Student and Citizen Police Academy
Student Police Academy: Register by September 26
Citizen Police Academy: Register by September 15
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police invites residents and high school students to participate in interactive training and learn about the Bureau’s roles and responsibilities. Participants will explore topics such as criminal law, patrol tactics, police accountability, crime scene processing, and more—all in a safe, educational environment.
Both academies are free, but space is limited.
Learn more and register here.
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Volunteer for Mission of Mercy
Friday & Saturday, October 24 & 25 | David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Mission of Mercy is seeking volunteers for its two-day clinic in October, which will provide free dental, vision, and hearing services to individuals regardless of insurance status or eligibility. Both clinical and non-clinical volunteers are needed to support event operations.
Learn more and sign up to volunteer 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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