🔥 Pittsburgh’s best BBQ

City Allocates ‘Stop the Violence’ Funds

Mayor Ed Gainey authorized $1.75 million in funding for 39 community organizations that do on-the-ground work to reduce violence. According to the city, there’s been a three-year decline in violence, and homicide rates are at an eight-year low. [90.5 WESA]

Driver Arrested for Crashing Into FBI Office

Pittsburgh’s FBI arrested a man who crashed a white sedan into the gate outside the South Side field office Wednesday morning. The man is known to officials, and the FBI says it was targeted. [TribLive]

Food Banks Prepare for Strain Under SNAP Cuts

Nearly 30,000 people in Southwestern PA, including almost 14,000 in Allegheny County, are expected to lose government food assistance under federal changes to work requirements. [Next Generation Newsroom]

• The Trump administration is threatening to withhold $460 million food stamp funding if PA doesn’t share personal data on recipients. [WESA]
• Here’s how to help your neighbors and fight food insecurity. [📝 Hey Pittsburgh]

New Hot Sauce Festival To Bring the Heat

Pittsburgh's Rivers of Fire will feature small-batch vendors, a pepper eating contest, a 10-wing challenge, and “Pittsburgh Hot Talk” based on the podcast “Hot Ones.” Check out Velem Fermentation on Oct. 4. [Rivers of Fire]

• We’re getting in the mood for all of the heat, flavor, and fun on today’s City Cast Pittsburgh podcast by talking about the best BBQ in the Burgh 🔥 [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

🍏 Make core memories this fall by picking apples, sipping fresh cider, and tasting treats at these Pittsburgh-area farms and festivities.

Triple B Farms

Head to Monongahela for a day of pumpkins, mums, and more fun at Triple B Farms. Apple picking is on Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check their website ahead of time to see which of their 15 varieties are ready for picking. There’s something for everyone — crisp, sweet, tart, and apples perfect for baking. Be sure to pick up some homemade apple butter!

• Tip: Page’s Dairy Mart’s seasonal menu has a soft serve flavor made with Triple B’s apple butter.

Simmons Farm

Apple and flower picking is open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Simmons Farm in McMurray. It’s peaceful and picturesque, nestled among rolling hills with patches of flowers and rows of orchard trees. Call ahead to see which varieties are available, or enjoy a sweet surprise.

• Tip: Drive past the market parking lot to weave down to the zinnia patch. You won’t want to miss a stroll through its bright pink, orange, and yellow hues.

Shenot Farm

This Wexford farm is home to a 15-acre orchard growing 25 different varieties. Browse their list to see which apples are ripe right now and even varieties that ripen well into November. Check Shenot Farm’s Instagram or Facebook for upcoming pick-your-own events.

• Tip: Stop by the coffee shop Station No. 5 just a few minutes down the way to try an Apple Earl — half apple cider from Shenot Farm and half Earl Grey tea with a splash of cranberry.

Soergel Orchards

Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 26, visit the farm for apple picking, or dig into some goodies like a warm apple cider donut or an apple walnut pie. Their handy apple chart tells you what’s in season and what certain varieties are good for, like snacking, baking, or salads.

• Tip: If you visit on a sunny day during the Fall Festival, cool down with a frozen apple cider slushie!