Thursday, August 28, 2025
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My office will close tomorrow, August 29 at 12:00 PM and will reopen on Tuesday, September 2 at 9:00 AM in observance of Labor Day. Happy Labor Day!
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Protecting Medicaid Patients
Earlier this month, I discussed my proposed legislation, the Protect Pennsylvanians’ Medicaid Access Act, which would help shield Pennsylvanians from the harms of new federal Medicaid rules. A recent article on the federal Budget Reconciliation Law's impact in Pennsylvania makes clear just how devastating those challenges will be. The federal policies slash billions from Medicaid, Medicare, and marketplace coverage, creating barriers like work reporting requirements that will push countless Pennsylvanians off their health care. Families caring for loved ones with disabilities, patients in nursing homes, and workers juggling multiple jobs are all at risk. With nearly one in four Pennsylvanians depending on Medicaid, these cuts will leave hospitals, providers, and communities reeling. My bill can help limit the damage by supporting enrollment assistance, requiring proactive outreach, and cutting through red tape so eligible residents don’t lose coverage they should have. But let’s be clear: no state action can fully undo this harm, and the stakes for our neighbors remain enormous.
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Mass Shooting in Minnesota
My heart is with the children, families, teachers, and parishioners of Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota. An attack on a place of worship carries a unique kind of pain — one we in Pittsburgh know too well.
But we also know that thoughts and prayers alone are not enough. The Pennsylvania House passed multiple bills designed to keep deadly firearms out of the hands of those who should not have them since Democrats won the majority in 2022, and Senate Republicans have refused to take up any of them. As co-chair of the House Safe Caucus, I will continue to push for gun violence prevention measures to protect children, adults and communities from the horrors we’ve seen in houses of worship, schools, grocery stores, night clubs and on our streets.
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Community Events and Resources
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Fall and Winter Programs at Magee Recreation Center
Magee Recreation Center in Greenfield is offering a wide variety of free programs for children, teens, and adults this fall and winter. Activities include after-school programs, youth sports clinics, archery, ultimate frisbee, chess, fall crafts, and more. The center also provides programs for families, including Tiny Tots playtime and craft nights, as well as adult recreation opportunities such as archery, pickleball, and pickup basketball.
Registration is required for most activities and must be completed in person at the center. Space is limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
All programs are free. Learn more by calling 412-422-6546 or visiting Magee Recreation Center.
Learn more here.
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Pittsburgh Soul Food Festival
Today-Sunday, Aug. 29- 31 | Downtown Pittsburgh, Stanwix Street and Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh's Soul Food Fest is a celebration of Pittsburgh's culinary, butchery, and Black food businesses. The festival features over 100 small business vendors and some of Pittsburgh’s top soul food restaurants.
Learn more here.
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Kickoff and Rib Festival
Today -Monday, September 1 | Acrisure Stadium
Acrisure Stadium (Heinz Field) and Stage AE are hosting a weekend-long festival, complete with music, entertainment, and ribs. Highlights of the events include a 5k run & walk, a post-Pitt Game Street party, and a free concert by The Clarks.
Learn more here.
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Parks on Tap Beer Garden – Final Fridays
Today, August 29, 3:00–9:00 PM | Schenley Park Visitors Center
Enjoy cold local beer, food trucks, and scenic trails at this monthly pop-up beer garden from Eleventh Hour Brewing. Held under the tent at Schenley Park Visitors Center, this event features a limited-edition Summer in the Parks Lager and supports local parks. No registration required.
Free to attend; food and drink available for purchase.
Learn more here.
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Summer Fridays at the Frick
Today, August 29, 5:00–9:00 PM | The Frick Pittsburgh
The Frick will host an evening of live music, food trucks, artmaking, and family activities on their lawns. Music begins at 6:30 PM. The Museum Store and Grable Visitor Center will remain open until 8:00 PM.
Please note: the Frick Art Museum and Car and Carriage Museum will be closed during these events.
For safety, visitors are asked not to bring pets, ride bikes or scooters, or engage in rough play.
Free admission.
Learn more here.
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Archives & Special Collections Treasures: Tattoo Edition
Saturday, August 30, 2–4 PM | CLP–Main (Oakland)
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will showcase floral and nature-inspired tattoo designs from its Archives and Special Collections. Drawn from works such as An Essay towards a Natural History of Serpents and Episodes of Insect Life, the program offers inspiration for artists and clients alike.
Free and open to adults.
Learn more here.
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Almost Perfect Press Book Launch + Reading + Film Screening
Saturday, August 30, 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Bottom Feeder Books, 415 Gettysburg St., 15206
Almost Perfect Press will host an evening celebrating the release of two new books: What is Your Work? by Catherine Gammon, a collection of hybrid and experimental fictions, and My Dreams by Brent Nakamoto, featuring stories and reflections on dreams. Attendees will also find other titles available for purchase, including a new chapbook edition of The Thirty-Two Physical Characteristics of the Buddha. The program will include short readings by Ari Moline, Brent Nakamoto, Catherine Gammon, Jenna Peng, and Varun Ravindran, as well as a short film screening by David Bernabo.
Free admission.
Learn more here.
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Creative Reuse in the Park
Sunday, August 31, 12-4 PM| Westinghouse Park
The Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse invites neighbors to gather at Westinghouse Park for an afternoon of community, creativity, and connection. This free outdoor event will feature a hands-on crafting activity for all ages, a treasure hunt through tables of free creative materials, and an art swap for new-to-you artwork. Guests are also welcome to participate in a fabric and fiber arts swap by bringing up to two bags of clean, gently used materials to exchange.
Free admission.
Learn more here.
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Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade
Monday, Sept. 1, 10 AM | Downtown Pittsburgh
Join Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council for one of the country’s largest and oldest Labor Day parades. The parade will begin at PPG Paints Arena, down Fifth Ave. to Grant Street, then turn down the Boulevard of the Allies.
Learn more here.
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The Britsburgh Festival
September 1-7 | Various Locations Across Greater Pittsburgh
The annual Britsburgh Festival returns this September with a week-long celebration of British culture throughout Pittsburgh. The festival features a wide variety of events, including historical talks, literary gatherings, concerts, pub nights, theatre performances, and the annual cask tap of Britsburgh Ale.
The festival is open to the public, with ticket prices varying by event.
Learn more and see the full schedule here.
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2025 Be A Good Neighbor Block Parties
The University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Engagement and Community Affairs will host the annual Be A Good Neighbor Block Parties throughout Oakland. Residents and members of the Pitt community are invited to enjoy food, music, prizes, and the opportunity to connect with neighbors and community partners.
All events are free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Schedule of Events
- Tuesday, Sept. 2 | 5–7 PM— North Oakland: Gallagher Lawn, 234 North Dithridge Street
- Tuesday, Sept. 9 | 5–7 PM — Oakland Square: Oakland Square Greenspace, Dawson Street at Oakland Square
- Tuesday, Sept. 16 | 5–7 PM — Oakcliffe: Oakcliffe Playground, Craft Avenue and Niagara Street
- Saturday, Sept. 20 | 12–2 PM — South Oakland: Dan Marino Field, 3716 Frazier Street
- Tuesday, Sept. 23 | 5–7 PM — West Oakland: Dunseith Street and Allequippa Street (outside of Trees Hall)
Learn more here.
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Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures “Words & Pictures” – Robin Wall Kimmerer
Wednesday, September 3, 6–7:30 PM| CLP–Main (Oakland)
Robin Wall Kimmerer, Indigenous ecologist and author of the New York Times bestseller Braiding Sweetgrass, will present her first picture book Bud Finds Her Gift. The event will feature discussion of the book’s themes of gratitude, reciprocity, and connection to the natural world.
Attendees may register to attend in person or online. Burgh Bites Food Truck will be on site from 4–6 p.m. prior to the program.
Tickets are free and required.
Learn more and get tickets here.
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Pittsburgh Plein Air Collective Exhibition Opening
Thursday, September 4, 5:30 – 7:30 PM | Frick Environmental Center
The Pittsburgh Plein Air Collective will open its exhibition at the Frick Environmental Center. The group, made up of watercolor, acrylic, and pen and ink painters, has been capturing scenes from Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, parks, and gathering spaces. This exhibition highlights their work inspired by Frick Park and its surroundings.
The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
Learn more and register here.
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Pittsburgh Irish Festival
Friday-Sunday, Sept 5-7 | Carrie Blast Furnace
The Pittsburgh Irish Festival returns this fall with three days of music, dance, food, and cultural programming. The annual celebration highlights the history and traditions of Ireland and Irish-American culture.
Tickets are required and date-specific.
Learn more and get tickets here.
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Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks: Macbeth
Fridays-Sundays, September 5-October 12 | Various Locations
Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks will present free outdoor performances of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Residents are invited to enjoy high-quality, accessible theater while celebrating Pittsburgh’s public parks and green spaces.
Schedule of Performances
- Sept. 5–7 — Frick Park
- Sept. 12–14 — Riverview Park (Observatory Hill)
- Sept. 19–21 — Hazelwood Green
- Sept. 26–28 & Oct. 3–5 — Highland Park
- Oct. 10–12 — Westinghouse Park
Showtimes: Fridays at 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
All performances are free and open to the public.
Learn more here.
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A Fair in the Park
Friday, September 5 – Sunday, September 7 | Mellon Park, Pittsburgh
This annual fine art and fine craft festival will feature more than 85 regional and national artists working in clay, fiber, wood, jewelry, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, and two-dimensional art. Visitors can also enjoy food and live music.
The event is free and open to the public, held rain or shine.
Learn more here.
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Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics
Saturday, September 13, 10 AM –12 PM
The Garbage Olympics is Pittsburgh’s annual neighborhood vs. neighborhood competition to see who can pick up the most trash. Teams of volunteers from across the city will take to the streets to clean up their communities, followed by a closing ceremony at Velum Fermentation. Anyone interested can register a new neighborhood team or join an existing one.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, September 27, 8:30 AM–3:30 PM | North Park Lake, Allison Park
The Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team hosts its annual Dragon Boat Festival at North Park Lake. The event features dragon boat races with community teams, sport teams, youth teams, para-paddlers, and breast cancer survivor teams. Teams of 20–24 paddlers are welcome to participate; practice sessions and all equipment are provided. Paddlers must be at least 12 years old.
The festival also includes cultural performances, family-friendly activities, vendor booths, and food trucks. All proceeds benefit Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel, a nonprofit that empowers breast cancer survivors through dragon boating.
Registration is still open for join or make a team.
Register and learn more here.
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Applications Open for the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program
Applications are due by November 3, 2025.
Applications are now open for the 2026–27 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) high school program. This fully funded exchange gives American students the opportunity to spend an academic year in Germany, living with a host family and attending a local school.
The program is open to U.S. citizens ages 15 to 18½ as of August 1, 2026. No prior knowledge of the German language is required.
Learn more here.
In addition, the program is looking for host families in the United States.
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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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