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Hybrid homeschooling programs are on the rise in the Pittsburgh region ([link removed]) . Blurring the line between homeschooling and traditional school, they offer one to three days a week of instruction in several subjects, charge tuition and are mostly staffed by students’ parents.

The region’s largest programs have hundreds of enrollees. A dispute between one program, Roots Learning Academy, and the state could change the landscape, though: the Department of Human Services determined earlier this year that the programs are childcare providers ([link removed]) and should be regulated as such. Roots appealed that decision.

Read more about this local education news here ([link removed]) .

✍️ Newsletter written by Charlie Wolfson,

Public Source local government reporter & newsletter editor


** OUR TOP STORY
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** Data center proves a tough sell at Elizabeth Township town hall ([link removed])
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Fall is a great time to ride around Pittsburgh. From Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, first-time annual members can save $50 on a POGOH membership ([link removed]) , making it easier and more affordable to get where you’re going all season long.


** MORE STORIES
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Homeschool program challenges cease-and-desist order as hybrid options grow around Pittsburgh ([link removed]) — Hybrid homeschooling options touting a blend of flexibility and structure have gained ground locally since the pandemic. But when does a program become a school – or even a daycare center – and when should the state get involved?

Springdale’s data center proposal enters Allegheny County’s public process ([link removed]) — A virtual meeting last night, called a SALDO, will be followed by an in-person hearing and written comment process. Here’s what the county has flagged so far.

Voter guide 2026: Where candidates stand on ICE, war and data centers ([link removed]) — There are 17 contested legislative races in Allegheny County this year. Here’s what the candidates said on the issues you flagged.

Sponsored: Become a poll worker in the general election on Nov. 3. ([link removed])
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** IN OTHER NEWS
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→ Breeze Airways to fly out of Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, replacing defunct Spirit Airlines ([link removed]) (TribLive)

→ Skill games are now illegal in Pennsylvania, but supporters hope industry's luck will turn ([link removed]) (WESA)

→ Civil rights advocates plan to send thousands of observers to midterm polling places ([link removed]) (NPR)

$15ish PITTSBURGH MEAL MAP 📍

🍔 $15ish meal: Griddled onions, moon sauce and an $8 smashburger at Moonlit Burgers ([link removed])


** TODAY IN HISTORY 📅
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Today is Oct. 15.

17 years ago, 2009: TV viewers watched for hours as a helium balloon said to be carrying a helpless 6-year-old boy floated thousands of feet above Colorado; it was a false alarm and the boy was hiding in an attic. (Washington Post)

23 years ago, 2003: Standard & Poor's dropped Pittsburgh’s credit rating to junk bond status, giving it the lowest rating of any city in America. (Post-Gazette)

211 years ago, 1815: Napoleon Bonaparte, the deposed French emperor, arrived on the British-ruled South Atlantic island of St. Helena, where he spent the last 5 1/2 years of his life in exile.


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It’s a Beautiful Day to Be You: Inspired by Mister Rogers, Daniel Tiger & Donkey Hodie. Exhibit open at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh from Oct. 3 to Jan. 3. Get advance tickets at pittsburghkids.org ([link removed]) .


** LOCAL EVENTS
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🎻 Romantic Rachmaninoff ([link removed]) Oct. 16-18 Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Heinz Hall, Downtown

🎞️ Month of horror movies ([link removed]) Row House Cinema, Lawrenceville and Dormont

🧛 Nosferatu (1922) with live score ([link removed]) 7 p.m. Oct. 29 Harris Theater, Downtown

🎃 Punkin Chunkin ([link removed]) 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday | Hartwood Acres Amphitheater

👋 Thanks for reading today’s newsletter! I hope you feel more informed about Pittsburgh and your community. For any questions or comments, feel free to email me at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
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