Hospital Merger Oversight Bill Back in Motion
I’m encouraged to see growing interest in the Senate on legislation to address Pennsylvania’s ongoing hospital closure crisis. Earlier this year, the House passed Rep. Borowski’s Health System Protection Act with bipartisan support, recognizing the need for stronger oversight of health care mergers that too often leave communities without reliable local care. As the bill now awaits further consideration, I’m glad to see more lawmakers acknowledging the urgency of this issue.
Hospital closures following private-equity or for-profit takeovers have devastated patients, workers, and entire regions. Without meaningful review of these transactions, we will continue to see health systems stripped for parts, prices rise, and medical deserts expand across the Commonwealth.
I remain committed to getting this bill to Governor Shapiro’s desk. Pennsylvanians deserve a health care system built around their needs, not the financial strategies of outside investors.
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Commercial Street Bridge Replacement Project
PennDOT’s reconstruction of the Commercial Street Bridge on I-376 is underway, and several local closures are already in place. Commercial Street, Forward Avenue, and the Nine Mile Run Trail are closed through February 6, 2026. The Parkway East will remain open during this period, though occasional lane restrictions will continue.
Looking ahead, PennDOT plans to have a 25-day full closure of I-376 from the Squirrel Hill Tunnel to the Edgewood/Swissvale Exit from July 10 through August 3, 2026.
Learn more here.
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Community Events and Resources
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Pittsburgh Holiday Pop-Up Bars
Visit Pittsburgh made a handy list of all the holiday pop-up bars in Pittsburgh.
Find the list here.
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Holiday Lights Guide
Kidsburgh put together a handy guide for Pittsburgh’s holiday light enthusiasts to find the best displays in the Greater Pittsburgh Area.
Check out their list here.
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Hazelwood Light Up First Friday
Today, December 5, 5:00–9:00 PM | 4944 Second Ave, 15207
Hazelwood Local is inviting neighbors to enjoy an evening of free, family-friendly holiday activities as part of the 2026 Hazelwood Light Up First Friday. Businesses and community organizations along Second Avenue and nearby streets will host music, food, arts programming, and activities for all ages.
Free to attend.
Learn more here.
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Pittsburgh Krampuslauf
Friday, December 5, 5:30 PM | Cultural District, Pittsburgh
Krampuslauf or “Krampus Parade” is a traditional Austrian parade of the folkloric creature Krampus. Parade-goers dress up as Krampus and march downtown, in a fun, lighthearted twist on Holiday traditions. The parade begins at 7th and Penn and will travel through all three sites of the Holiday Village, offering plenty of opportunities for photos with both children and adults.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Greenfield Holiday Parade
Today, December 5, 7 PM | Greenfield
Greenfield’s annual Holiday Parade will feature food trucks, fireworks, and holiday cheer. The parade will form in Squirrel Hill Plaza at Hazelwood and Murray Avenue intersection and proceed down the Murray Avenue business district to Greenfield Avenue, ending at Lydia Street.
In addition, parade-goers are invited to get a picture with Santa outside the Edward P. Kanai Funeral Home (500 Greenfield Ave). Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate.
Below is the parade route.
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Birding Pittsburgh’s Parks – Schenley Park
Saturday, December 6, 8:00–9:30 AM | Schenley Park
Join Naturalist Educator Stephen Bucklin for a morning bird walk through Schenley Park. Beginners are welcome, and binoculars will be available to borrow. The group will meet at the Schenley Park Visitor Center.
$10 per person.
Learn more here.
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The Frick Pittsburgh Presents: Gilded Age Holiday Traditions
Saturday, December 6, 1:00–3:00 PM | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland)
Learn how 19th-century families celebrated the holidays in this engaging program from The Frick Pittsburgh. Guests will explore the origins of Gilded Age holiday traditions, from the first Christmas cards to the precautions people took when lighting their trees. The program will be held in the South Wing Reading Room on the library’s second floor.
Free admission.
Learn more here.
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Winter Giftwrapping Party
Saturday, December 6, 2:00–3:30 PM | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland)
Teens, ages 13 and up are invited to “wrap up” their holiday preparations at the Library’s Winter Giftwrapping Party. Participants can enjoy festive music, card-making, and cozy vibes while using the library’s supplies and tutorials to create beautifully wrapped gifts. The event will take place in the Director’s Office Conference Room on the first floor.
Free admission.
Learn more here.
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TubaChristmas Concert and Holiday Pop-Up Market
Saturday, December 6, 3:30–4:30 PM | Schenley Plaza
Join dozens of tuba and euphonium players of all ages and skill levels as they perform festive holiday music at Schenley Plaza. Guests can also enjoy a winter holiday market, with proceeds supporting the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
Free admission.
Learn more here.
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Light Up Point Breeze!
Saturday, December 6, 5-7 PM | Reynolds Street, between Gettysburg and Hastings Streets
Join the Point Breeze Organization for a winter celebration featuring food trucks, local businesses, and family-friendly fun.
The event is free and open to all.
Learn more here.
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Holiday Open House 2025
Sunday, December 7, 12:00 – 4:00 PM | Cathedral of Learning Commons
The 34th Nationality and Intercultural Exchange Programs Holiday Open House invites guests to explore the Nationality and Heritage Rooms, decorated for the season. Enjoy traditional crafts, cultural demonstrations, music, and holiday treats while shopping for handcrafted and cultural wares that highlight the diversity of the rooms and their communities.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more here.
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Holocaust Education Girl Scouts Patch Program Launch
Sunday, December 7, 5-6 pm | Chatham University, Mellon Board Room
The Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh and local Girl Scout Lily Sassani will host a public launch of the new Holocaust Education Girl Scout Patch. The program will include a short video on the development of the patch, an overview of the stories it highlights, and a Q&A. Supported by the Jewish Women’s Foundation of Greater Pittsburgh, the project aims to educate Scouts about the Holocaust, the role of Girl Guides during World War II, and the importance of standing against discrimination.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Why Isn’t Mr. Darcy a Lord? and Other Questions of Etiquette, Inheritance, and Money in Jane Austen’s Time
Tuesday, December 9 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP)
Presented by the Jane Austen Society of North America’s Pittsburgh Region, this program explores the rules of inheritance, nobility, marriage, and divorce in the Regency era—offering insight into the social structures that shaped Jane Austen’s world.
Free admission.
Learn more here.
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Mellon Park Pathways & Lighting Project Update Meeting
Wednesday, December 10, 6-7 PM | Virtual
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy will hold a virtual update meeting on the next phase of improvements planned for Mellon Park. Staff will share an overview of the project, the preferred design for new pathways, lighting, and entrance upgrades, and take questions from attendees.
Free.
Learn more here.
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2025 Lawrenceville Cookie Tour
Saturday & Sunday, December 13-14 | Lawrenceville Business District
Explore local restaurants, shops, coffee houses, bars, and service businesses while enjoying homemade cookies, festive activities, and free gift-wrapping stations. Maps—both printed and digital—will guide you through participating stops, and free shuttle service and parking will be available. This event celebrates small businesses and invites the entire community to join in the holiday spirit.
Free to attend.
Learn more here.
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Uncover Squirrel Hill Holiday Wine Walk
Saturday, December 13, 4–7 PM | 5884 Forbes Ave.
Uncover Squirrel Hill will host its annual Holiday Wine Walk, a self-paced tasting event through the Squirrel Hill Business District. Attendees can sample wines at participating shops along Forbes and Murray Avenues while enjoying exclusive discounts from local merchants. Proceeds support Uncover Squirrel Hill’s work to maintain a thriving and welcoming neighborhood business corridor.
$40 per person.
Learn more and get tickets here.
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City of Pittsburgh’s Annual Skate with Santa
Sunday, December 21, 1:30–3:00 PM | Schenley Park Skating Rink
The City of Pittsburgh and CitiParks will hold their annual Skate with Santa during the afternoon public skating session. Attendees may skate during regular session hours, listen to seasonal music, and take photos with Santa.
Adult admission is $5, youth admission is $3, senior and veteran admission is $4, and skate rentals are $3.
Learn more 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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