🗳️ The ultimate election guide for Pittsburgh

Point Park Addresses Teacher Shortage

Staffing has not rebounded since Pennsylvania lost more than 9,500 teachers during the 2022-23 school year, so Point Park University is introducing programs for staff to earn their teaching certificate while they work. The effort, in collaboration with Pittsburgh-based tech company BloomBoard, joins at least 21 other states who have adopted “grow your own” apprenticeship programs. [90.5 WESA]

• Why are so many teachers leaving the classroom? [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Fracking Is a Public Health Crisis

A collection of peer-reviewed and investigative reporting reveals “no evidence that fracking can be practiced in a manner that does not threaten human health directly or without imperiling climate stability upon which human health depends,” according to lead author Sandra Steingraber. The report finds risks of heart failure, cancer, asthma, and premature pregnancy near fracking sites. The risks are particularly clear when compared to New York, where there is a ban on fracking. [Allegheny Front]

Rental Protections for DV Victims

New legislation will allow domestic violence victims to end their leases early without penalty and will require landlords to change victims’ locks within five days after request. These are “crucial housing protections” so that victims don’t feel trapped, says attorney Jackie Perlow for the Women’s Law Project. [TribLIVE]

Let’s play a game! Tell me where you can find the photo above, then come back tomorrow to see the location in the weekly neighborhood guide. 👀

🌟 Shout out to the allstars who correctly guessed last week’s challenge: John C., Virginia C. A., Brett Y., Michelle W., Alexa F., Stacee S., Ellen S. H., Victoria L., Aparna B., Tiffany L, Lars O., Sarah S., Andy C., Lissa W., Jeff P., Dee S., Meghan L., Andrea A., Ashton C., Andrew H., Erin L., Dianne L., Barb P., Jane M., Paul M., Betsy, Emily L., Basia D., Heather V., and Larry G.

“They've had over-the-top Halloween decor for years. But this year is even bigger and better.” Dee S. said.

🎃 Halloween Costume Contest Run | Wednesday | 6 p.m.

Strut while you sprint with the Yinz Run Club, starting at Hop Farm Brewing Company. [free, Lawrenceville]

📸 Blawrenceville Photo Walk | Thursday | 4:30 p.m.

Meet at Bankrupt Bodega to take pictures around the neighborhood, then mingle with your new friends at Trace Brewing. [free, Bloomfield]

📣 The Future is Black | Thursday | 6-8:30 p.m.

Join Artist Talk Mental Health and Steel Smiling for Black Therapy 101 at 38A Gallery. [free, East Liberty]

🎨 Sober Paint & Sip | Friday | 7-9 p.m.

Sample Keystone Cultures’ kombucha while getting creative on a canvas at Atithi Studios. [$45, Sharpsburg]

The Tales and Truth Behind A Pittsburgh Haunted House

Folklorist and writer David Rotenstein breaks down the myths that gave one house in Pittsburgh the title of America’s most haunted house and shares what really happened at the site. Plus, Print editor and writer Jan Kurth investigates the unsolved mystery of who is actually buried in William Beck’s grave in Smithfield East End Cemetery.