☕ Cozy Pittsburgh treats to get you in the fall spirit

Will Pittsburgh Protect Gender-Affirming Care?

States all across the country are proposing bills to criminalize gender-affirming care, and Pittsburgh City Council wants to keep that from happening here. A new group of bills introduced this week would protect providers and patients from out-of-state criminal or civil investigations. This bill could also stall the enforcement of a potential ban in Pennsylvania, something Counselor Barb Warwick says is “critical as trans health care becomes a political football nationwide.” [90.5 WESA]

• You should know: The Pennsylvania House and Senate have both passed bills restricting trans rights in recent years, but none have become law. Former Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed a bill that would have banned colleges from allowing transgender athletes to play sports that align with their gender identity.
• Here’s how to get a Pittsburgh “Protect Trans Kids” sign.

Could Bowhunting Help the Deer Problem?

There are around 51 deer per square mile in city parks, and there should be closer to 10, according to the USDA. Officials are proposing a controlled bowhunting pilot program in Frick and Riverview parks ahead of the fall hunting season. Overpopulation can spread Lyme disease, limit the forest’s ability to regenerate, and cause car crashes. [TribLIVE]

• How would it work? Participants need to have a license and pass additional qualifications. The parks would close for a designated hunting day. It’s not clear who would be responsible for the animal carcasses, but more info will be released soon.

County Will Create a Climate Action Plan

The county wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and they’re a little late to the game. The city and state both already have climate action plans. Speakers from the community and environmental orgs asked the county council to prioritize community engagement with an eye for our most vulnerable areas like the Mon Valley. [90.5 WESA]

• 🎧 Learn about how small towns like Sharpsburg are also developing plans to reduce emissions through the Local Climate Action Program. [City Cast Pittsburgh]

⚾ Pittsburgh’s Historical Ballparks | Thursday | 12-5 p.m.

See vintage photographs and other memorabilia from nine historic ballparks at the Photo Antiquities Museum. [$10, North Side]

🚲 Pittsburgh Underwear Ride | Thursday | 8 p.m.

Ride your bike and spread body positivity, starting at World War I Memorial Park. [free, Lawrenceville]

🍻 Farmers Market Beer Garden | Friday | 4-8 p.m.

Join Beers of the ‘Burgh for a variety of local brews and live music while shopping for your local produce at the farmers market in Allegheny Commons Park. [free, North Side]

🌙 Garfield Night Market | Friday | 5-10 p.m.

Enjoy live music and food trucks while shopping from local artists, craftspeople, and businesses. [free, Garfield]

Cozy Treats To Get You in the Fall Spirit

How do you mark the start of fall in Pittsburgh? The first crisp morning? The moment the leaves start to change? Or maybe even earlier than that: as soon as pumpkin spice lattes are back on the Starbucks menu and Halloween decorations hit store shelves. If you’re in the latter camp, then fall is already here! And the City Cast team is sharing some of our favorite local treats to get you into the autumnal spirit.