Federal Shutdown Affects Food and Heating Assistance
President Trump and Republicans in Washington have now kept the federal government closed for 24 days, and the resulting disruptions are increasingly affecting essential programs that millions of Americans depend on — including SNAP and LIHEAP. These aren’t luxuries; they are lifelines that help families put food on the table and keep their homes warm.
Food Resources
The United States Department of Agriculture has notified the states that November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits will not be paid until the shutdown ends. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is working to alert recipients and will continue to process applications and renewals, although payments cannot be issued.
If you or someone you know needs immediate food assistance, help is available at:
LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
The first day of LIHEAP’s application period has been pushed back to December 3, 2025. This could change if the shutdown continues. Applicants in need of immediate heating help should call 211 or visit pa-navigate.org/.
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Tree Planting in Mellon Park Honoring Rebeca Frankel
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy honored my mom, Rebeca Frankel, with the planting of a beautiful Redbud tree in Mellon Park. She would have loved it — placed right between the hill where she watched her kids and grandkids sled and The Ellis School, where she so joyfully taught Spanish. I’m deeply grateful to the Parks Conservancy for helping create such a meaningful tribute to her life.
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Community Events and Resources
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Be Money $mart Activity Book Cover Contest
Deadline: Thursday, October 31, 2025 | Online Submission
The Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General is inviting students in kindergarten through 12th grade to design the cover for the new Be Money $mart activity book. The winning design will be featured on the front cover of the book, which will debut at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show and be distributed statewide through libraries, YMCAs, and other community organizations.
The winner will also receive a personal visit and special recognition from Auditor General Tim DeFoor in their local community.
Submissions must be original artwork created on the official contest template (5.5″ x 8.5″). Students may also mail entries to the Department of the Auditor General in Harrisburg.
Learn more and submit designs here.
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Fall Fest 2025
Now – Sunday, October 26 | Pittsburgh Playhouse & Forbes Avenue
The second annual Fall Fest brings a downtown celebration for all ages! Enjoy food and drinks, games, local vendors, arts and crafts, and live performances of Boo’s Halloween House Party. Explore activities throughout the Playhouse and along Forbes Avenue.
Fall Fest is free, and tickets for Boo’s Halloween House Party are $20.
Learn more and get tickets here.
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University of Pittsburgh’s Homecoming
Today–Saturday, October 24–25 | University of Pittsburgh Main Campus
Pitt is hosting its homecoming celebrations with alumni events, a tailgate, an outdoor concert at the William Pitt Union, a laser and fireworks show, and much more. All undergraduate and graduate students, as well as alumni, are welcome to attend.
Learn more here.
?????? University of Pittsburgh Homecoming Street Closures???? ??
As Oakland celebrates Pitt’s Homecoming weekend there will be street closures:
- Bigelow Boulevard will be closed between Fifth and Forbes Avenue in Oakland during the University of Pittsburgh Homecoming events.
- Parking and loading will be prohibited around Schenley Plaza and Mazeroski Field after 6 p.m. on Saturday due to the fireworks and laser show.
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Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh 2025
Today & Saturday, October 24 & 25 | David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh is a free, two-day dental clinic serving underserved residents of Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. All services are provided at no cost by local dental professionals, assisted by a team of volunteers.
For patients, doors open at 6:00 AM, and the clinic begins at 7:00 AM. Services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and will conclude once capacity is reached, depending on patient needs and volunteer availability.
Learn more here.
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Spooky Shrinky-Dink Drop-In
Saturday, October 25, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | The Frick Pittsburgh
Visitors are invited to attend in costume or a favorite seasonal sweater for a drop-in program celebrating the spooky season. Guests can create their own Shrinky-dink keychain creatures and enjoy lawn games. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Free admission.
Learn more here.
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“Keeping Warm” Museum Tour
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Carnegie Museum of Art
Join artist Charles Harlan for a walking tour through the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art, and the surrounding Oakland neighborhood. Harlan will share insights into his work Chimney and explore how viewers can experience art through everyday objects in the world around them. The tour begins at the base of the Grand Staircase.
Free admission; registration required.
Learn more here.
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2025 Fall Festival Market
Saturday, October 25, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | The Terminal
Celebrate the season at the final Saturday Market of the year! Browse a curated collection of local artisans, enjoy music from DJ Breis Gordan, and take part in special seasonal activities and features. A fun day for the whole community!
Free to attend.
Learn more here.
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Bike or Treat
Saturday, October 25, 1–5 PM | After Party at Aslin Beer Co, Strip District
Bike or Treat is a fun, inclusive, scavenger-hunt-style ride celebrating all things Halloween. Participants can start anywhere, ride at their own pace, and collect tickets at six checkpoints around the city for a chance to win raffle prizes at the afterparty. Costumes are encouraged, and riders can use a POGOH bike or bring their own. The event concludes with music, games, and a prize raffle at Aslin Beer Co.
Tickets: $10; food and beverages available for purchase.
Learn more and get tickets here.
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Local History Day: The Gilded Age
Sunday, October 26 | 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM | CLP–Main
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s annual Local History Day highlights Pittsburgh life from the 1870s through World War I. This year’s focus on the Gilded Age features presentations on architecture, digital archives, and the creation of The Pittsburgh Tarot: A Gilded Age Deck, as well as a panel with the producer of HBO’s The Gilded Age. Local historical societies, museums, and archives will also be on hand to share their work.
Free admission.
Learn more here.
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Commemoration Ceremony of the October 27, 2018, Synagogue Shooting
Monday, October 27, 6:30–7:30 PM | JCC Pittsburgh
The 10.27 Healing Partnership will host a public commemoration ceremony honoring the lives lost in the October 27, 2018, attack on the congregations of Tree of Life, Dor Hadash, and New Light.
Learn more here.
If you are seeking emotional support or counseling during this challenging time, please reach out to the 10.27 Healing Partnership.
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Halloween Party at Magee Recreation Center
Wednesday, October 29 | 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Magee Recreation Center
Families are invited to celebrate Halloween at Magee Recreation Center with gym games, snacks, a center-wide scavenger hunt, and spooky crafts. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged for both kids and parents. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Free admission.
Learn more here.
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Yoga in the Park with 3 Rivers Outdoor Co.
Thursday, October 30, 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Schenley Plaza
Unwind with an evening yoga session led by experienced instructors in the heart of Schenley Plaza. Free and open to all, participants are encouraged to bring their own mat. This event is organized by 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. in partnership with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
Free admission.
Learn more here.
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City of Pittsburgh Trick or Treat
Friday, October 31, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Trick-or-treating hours for this year’s Halloween will be from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Trick-or-treaters are encouraged to carry a flashlight or wear costumes that glow or reflect light. Motorists are asked to be especially vigilant on Halloween night by driving slowly and watching for children and families.
In addition, the Squirrel Hill Business District will be open for trick-or-treating. Trick-or-treaters are welcome to explore Murray and Forbes Avenues for extra candy!
Have a safe and fun Halloween!
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A Nightmare on Greenfield Ave: Neighborhood 80s Halloween Party
Friday, October 31, 6:00 – 10:00 PM | Mondays Brewing, Greenfield
The Greenfield Community Association and Alternate Histories are hosting a free neighborhood 1980s-themed Halloween party. Families can enjoy trick-or-treating for kids, while adults can take part in a special beer-and-candy pairing. The evening will also feature food from Smashed N’ Fried, music by DJ MB, a costume contest, and local vendors offering unique items for sale.
Neighbors are invited to stop by after trick-or-treating to celebrate together and keep the Halloween fun going. Costumes are encouraged for all ages.
Free to attend.
Learn more here.
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Heinz Chapel Halloween Concert
Friday, October 31, 8:00 – 9:00 PM | Heinz Memorial Chapel
Celebrate Halloween with a spooktacular evening of organ music at Heinz Chapel. Organist Jon Tyillian, joined by singers Sarah Nadler and Logan Newman, will perform frightful favorites, including selections from Phantom of the Opera, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and Bach’s Toccata and Fugue. Costumes are welcome, and the candlelit chapel adds to the eerie atmosphere.
$12 general admission.
Learn more here.
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Voting Resources – 2025 General Election
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Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Sample Ballots Sample ballots for the 2025 General Election are now available. To view your ballot, you’ll need to know your municipality, ward, and district. This information is on your voter registration card or can be found using the PA Voter Services tool.
Check Your Voter Registration
Registered voters can verify their registration online via the Pennsylvania Department of State portal. The portal provides:
- Election Day polling places
- Mail-in/absentee ballot status
- Contact info for County Boards of Elections
Voting with a Criminal Conviction
Individuals with misdemeanor or felony convictions are eligible to vote in Pennsylvania.
Voting eligibility includes jail/prison (misdemeanor), house arrest, probation/parole, halfway house, or pretrial detention.
Some voters may require absentee ballots.
No action needed to regain voting rights after completing a felony sentence.
College Students
Can vote at college or home address (one location only).
Can register at home and request a mail-in/absentee ballot to school.
Mailing address does not need to match home address.
Mail-in / Absentee Ballots
Application Deadline: October 28
Track your ballot here.
Satellite Voting Offices
Vote, register, or request a mail-in ballot in one trip.
Open Saturday & Sunday, October 25 & 26, 10 AM- 2 PM
- CCAC Homewood, 701 N. Homewood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
- North Park Ice Rink, 1200 Pearce Mill Road, Wexford, PA 15090
- South Park Ice Rink, 300 Corrigan Drive, Bethel Park, PA 15102
- County Office Building Lobby (Ross Street entrance), 436 Grant St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Allegheny County Ballot Return Sites
Voters that applied for a mail-in or absentee ballot can return only their own ballot here, instead of mailing it.
Open:
- Friday, October 31, 11 AM- 7 PM
- Saturday, November 1, 9 AM- 5 PM
- Sunday, November 2, 9 AM- 5 PM
- Monday, November 3, 11 AM- 7 PM
Locations:
- Allegheny County Emergency Servies Building, 150 Hookstown Grade Rd, Moon Township, PA 15108
- Avalon Public Library, 317 S Home Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15202
- Boyce Park Four Season Lodge, 901 Centerview Dr, Plum, PA 15239
- Carnegie Library Squirrel Hill, 5801 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
- CCAC Homewood, 701 N Homewood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208
- County Office Building, 542 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- Dormont Pool, 1801 Dormont Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
- Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, 1 N Linden St, Duquesne, PA 15110
- North Park Ice Rink, 1200 Pearce Mill Rd, Wexford, PA 15090
- South Park Ice Rink, 300 Corrigan Dr, Bethel Park, PA 15102
Accessible Voting
All polling places must have at least one accessible voting system.
Check accessibility before Election Day.
Permanent absentee ballots are available for voters with permanent disabilities.
Poll Workers Wanted
Earn $150-175 on Election Day.
Apply online.
Voter Education Toolkit
Provides tools to educate voters about:
- Election deadlines
- How to vote
- Secure voting systems in PA
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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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