City Cast Pittsburgh

There's a lot of debate about where Pittsburgh is part of the East Coast, Midwest, or Appalachia, but one thing we can say for sure: Pittsburgh is not part of the South. And for some people, that means that our barbecue scene can be lacking. While we might not live up to the pitmasters in the Carolinas or Texas, we promise that if you're willing to look, you'll still find tender meats, tasty sauces, and great sides. City Paper's Colin Williams is here to tell Host (and born-and-bred Southerner!) Megan Harris where to satisfy your barbecue cravings. Plus, if you love spice and heat, check out the city's first hot sauce festival at Velum Fermentation on October 4. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 18th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Fist Ascent City Theatre The Frick Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

Pittsburgh has seen its share of catastrophe — from unexpected weather bringing flooding and brutal windstorms to man-made calamities like devastating fires, explosions, and even escaped monkeys. (Seriously. That's happened here a surprising number of times.) As our nation's leaders consider doing away with things like federal emergency response, we're taking stock of all the times it would've been really great to have more help, not less. Host Megan Harris is with writer and author Virginia Montanez to talk about some of Pittsburgh's biggest disasters and the important lessons we've learned along the way.   Learn more about the sponsors of this September 17th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Fist Ascent City Theatre The Frick Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

President Trump's been sending — or threatening to send — National Guard troops to major cities all over the country, and it got us wondering where Pittsburgh might be on his long list. Should Pittsburgh (or Philadelphia) be worried? City Cast Pittsburgh's Megan Harris and Mallory Falk talk about what's happening, what's legal, and whether Gov. Josh Shapiro's big talk about being “prepared” could make us more of a target. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 16th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Fist Ascent City Theatre The Frick Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

Pittsburgh's getting all glammed up before the NFL Draft next year. But shiny renovation projects (like a new-and-improved Market Square) can only go so far if our hillsides are covered in trash. The city, county and a bunch of local groups just launched a big cleanup campaign called "Immaculate Collection" to redd up our region before company comes over. But why does our city get so dirty in the first place, and what can we do about it? We're revisiting our conversation with Caily Grube, executive director of Allegheny CleanWays, about tackling Pittsburgh's trash problem. Allegheny CleanWays is one of the partners behind Immaculate Collection. Learn more about the campaign and their cleanup events here. **This episode originally aired on June 23, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 15th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Fist Ascent City Theatre The Frick Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.

Earlier this week, we talked about a city council proposal to regulate Airbnbs and other short term rentals — and our listeners had a lot to say! Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and producer Sophia Lo are opening the mailbag to share your perspectives. Plus, we discuss how PA's budget impasse is starting to hurt everyday people and why Uber decided to enter the chat. We also run through some local wins and losses, from the Squirrel Hill fire to Poulet Bleu's return. Notes and references from today's show: Every state in the nation has some form of a budget in place — except Pennsylvania and Michigan [Pennsylvania Capital-Star] Why PA's (Probably) Punting on Cannabis & Late With Our Budget [City Cast Pittsburgh] 10 Pa. lawmakers refuse pay during budget standoff [P-G] Pittsburgh Public Schools could drain its reserves by mid-October if state budget impasse persists [WESA] PA budget impasse is underway for libraries, foster care, and more as Pa. budget sits unfinished [Spotlight PA] No Kings movement announces new wave of protests in Pittsburgh [TribLive] Philadelphia transit agency will use project reserves to avoid cuts. Pittsburgh's might do the same thing [AP] Uber says it has a solution to Pa.'s public transit funding problem. There's a big catch [Spotlight PA] Can Taxing Uber Rides Save Public Transit? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Chronic Pa. budget failures prompt talk of smaller Legislature, pay suspensions, 2-year planning [P-G] Pennsylvania is a top pumpkin producer [Axios Pittsburgh] Acrisure ranks 3rd-worst stadium in the NFL for game-day traffic [TribLive] Large fire in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood causes collapse at apartment building [KDKA] City Seeks Partners to Help Illuminate 250th Independence Day Celeb [City of Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this September 12th episode: Fulton Commons AIDS Free Pittsburgh Huel - Get 15% off with code PITTSBURGH Heinz History Center Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

Conor Lamb lost his 2022 Senate primary to John Fetterman, but a lot of Pennsylvanians have buyers' remorse. (Have you seen all the public apologies? Even AOC wrote one.) With Lamb now holding town halls all over the state, can the former Congressman make a comeback? Does he even want to? Lamb joins City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris and City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri to share his take on what's happening in Washington, plus his plans for 2026 and beyond. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. For more on PA's judicial elections, check out Spotlight PA: Pa. election 2025: A complete guide to candidates for Commonwealth and Superior Courts Municipal Elections 101: Judge of elections and other key voting positions on Pa.'s November ballot  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 11th episode: Fulton Commons AIDS Free Pittsburgh Huel - Get 15% off with code PITTSBURGH Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

In 2012, Shell received a $1.65 billion dollar tax credit from Pennsylvania for their plastics plant in Beaver County. Along with state lawmakers, Shell promised that this facility would bring thousands of jobs to the region and revitalize the local economy — but less than three years after opening the plant, the company's already trying to sell it off. Inside Climate News reporter Kiley Bense joins host Megan Harris to explain why Shell already wants out, and why one analyst called this project "a terrible investment of taxpayer money."  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 10th episode: Fulton Commons AIDS Free Pittsburgh Huel - Get 15% off with code PITTSBURGH Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

Nearly everyone has an opinion on where to find the best pizza in Pittsburgh, and the debate's expanded far beyond choosing between Aiello's and Mineo's. We have shops specializing in everything from sourdough pie to New York thin crust, and some of our local spots even won awards in the World Pizza Games. Pizza journalist and returning guest Dan Tallarico joins host Megan Harris to dish on which pies you absolutely need to be eating right now.  Plus, we asked you, our listeners, to send in your favorite slices, and Dan's recommending similar pizzas you might also enjoy.  Check out Dan's book, "Pizza Walk: Pittsburgh," subscribe to his newsletter on substack, and listen to our earlier conversation with Dan with even more pizza recs. Thanks to our City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors and listeners for sending in their recommendations. The clip of Councilman Anthony Coghill came from a Pro-Housing Pittsburgh candidate housing forum in April.  **This episode originally aired on June 12, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 9th episode: Fulton Commons AIDS Free Pittsburgh Huel - Get 15% off with code PITTSBURGH Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

Pittsburgh has lots of Airbnbs and other short-term rentals, but the rules about who owns these spaces and how they're maintained are relatively lax. City Councilor Deb Gross proposed legislation to regulate these properties, but the plan has divided both housing advocates and short-term rental owners. PublicSource's Femi Horrall joins us to break down the proposal and Pittsburghers' reactions. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 8th episode: Fulton Commons AIDS Free Pittsburgh Huel - Get 15% off with code PITTSBURGH Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

A funicular in Portugal crashed, so some Pittsburghers are worried about our own inclines. After all, they're about the same age as the one in Portugal, and the Mon's been closed multiple times in recent years. We're sharing what we know so far, along with explaining how you can book an appointment for your new COVID-19 booster and flu shot this season. Plus, find out how you can get free museum tickets all year-round and our recommendations to celebrate Grandparents' Day in Pittsburgh this weekend. Who runs the best bingo game in Pittsburgh? Call or text our BINGO HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Notes and references from today's show: What we know about Lisbon's deadly funicular crash [BBC] Pittsburgh is the king of inclines, but can it keep its crown? [TribLive] The Duquesne Incline [Duquesne Incline] The Monongahela Incline: A Pittsburgh Icon [Monongahela Incline] How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [City Cast Pittsburgh] What Tariffs Mean for Pittsburgh Wine [City Cast Pittsburgh] Allegheny County's RAD Pass Is Extended Year-Round [Pittsburgh Magazine] RAD Pass: Year-Round Fun for Everyone! [RAD Pass] Pennsylvania pharmacy regulators vote to expand COVID-19 vaccine access [WESA] Kraft Heinz splits, but Heinz brand stays strong [Axios Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this September 5th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Family House Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Goodbye popsicles and pools, hello hayrides and pumpkin beer! We're heading into fall festival season this weekend, so City Cast Pittsburgh's Megan Harris and Francesca Dabecco are running through some of their favorite spots for apple picking, corn mazes, and more. Plus, we're previewing a few frights to get you in the spooky spirit.  Can't keep track of all the fun? Find a full list of fall festivals on our website. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 4th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Family House Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

The Steelers kick off their regular season this weekend, and if you go to a home game, you'll likely hear Styx's 1979 hit "Renegade" between the 3rd and 4th quarters. What started as your average in-game timeout song in 2002 became a good luck charm in the minds of Pittsburgh fans all over the world. But does the song produce tangible results or is it all just superstition? Researchers at Point Park University crunched the data to bring us a definitive answer. **This episode originally aired on September 1, 2022. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 3rd episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Family House Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

The beginning of fall in Pittsburgh doesn't just mean cozy drinks and county fairs. It's also the season for milk-chugging contests and parallel parking competitions. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing some of our favorite ways to experience our city this September, from a party on the Roberto Clemente Bridge to a creepy book club. And if you're looking for more fun, check out our episode about why Pittsburgh's becoming a comedy destination and learn where you can catch a great show. If you're new here, welcome! We've put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Pittsburgh community.  For even more tips on how to make the most of September in Pittsburgh, check out Hey Pittsburgh's take on what to do this month.  City Cast Pittsburgh's Guide to September is made possible by our awesome sponsors: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Family House. And City Cast Pittsburgh is also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at pittsburgh@citycast.fm.

Good news, bad news: three major cultural institutions — Pittsburgh Public Theater, City Theatre, and Pittsburgh CLO — are considering a merger to stay open and the historic Hollywood Theater in Dormont is about to reopen. U.S. Rep. Summer Lee was turned away from our region's largest ICE detention center even though it's literally part of her job, and we're talking about Pittsburgh wins and losses, from new life for a closed RiteAid to the satirical outlet The Onion taking aim at the Pirates. Notes and references from today's show: Does @joemanganiello have the hottest hot take of all time???? [Instagram] Three venerable Pittsburgh theater troupes explore joining forces to survive [WESA] An unmatched contribution to the culture, obviously. [TikTok] US Rep Summer Lee denied access to ICE detention center at Moshannon [TribLive] How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [City Cast Pittsburgh] A dozen Democrats sue ICE for preventing detention center oversight visits [Los Angeles Times] Immigrant detentions surge at Pa. center accused of abuse as Trump crackdown intensifies [Spotlight PA] ICE arrests rise across Pittsburgh region [Axios Pittsburgh] ICE denies U.S. Rep Mary Gay Scanlon entry to region's largest detention center [WHYY] Hundreds from across PA. protest in Philipsburg against the Moshannon Valley Processing Center [WPSU] ICE Arrests in Pittsburgh Are Up. Here's What To Know [City Cast Pittsburgh] Lo que realmente ocurre durante una redada de ICE [City Cast Pittsburgh] U.S. Steel: Gas-valve failure likely cause of deadly explosion at Clairton Coke Works [WESA] Gas valve that failed ahead of U.S. Steel plant explosion was "significantly overpressurized" by workers, union VP says [KDKA] White House plans to shut down board probing deadly steel mill blast [E&E News] Pirates Under Fire For Directly Marketing Team To Children [The Onion] Why Pirates Fans Want Bob Nutting To Sell the Team [City Cast Pittsburgh] Millvale Hardee's — chain's only location in Pittsburgh region — closes [TribLive] Sheetz is officially building their first Pittsburgh city limits location [WTAE] What's your favorite burger in the city? Call or text our BURGER HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 29th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Family House Overlook Maps TurboTenant Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

A brewery is taking over an old Missile Command Center in Oakdale, the South Side's got a new showstopping patio on top of a six-story distillery, and cigar bars seem like they're having a moment in Pittsburgh. Host Megan Harris is with City Cast team members Francesca Dabecco and Zack Durkin to talk about new restaurant openings, a new Sunday Supper series, and a festival celebrating a divisive fruit.  What's your favorite burger in the Burgh? Tell us your favorite meat and veggie options! Call or text us our BURGER HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 28th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Family House Overlook Maps TurboTenant Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

PA has millions of acres of state and local parkland, but none of them have that coveted national park status. Why doesn't Pennsylvania have a national park? And where should we go instead? Host Megan Harris brought these questions to PA's director of outdoor recreation, Nathan Reigner, who's part of a new department all about championing our outdoor spaces. He shares a few of his favorites, including national forests, trails, state parks, and more — plus his pitch for why everyone should get outside as often as they can. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 27th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Family House Overlook Maps TurboTenant Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

Upright Citizens Brigade — the world-renowned comedy group — just opened a full-scale training center in Pittsburgh, in partnership with Bottlerocket Social Hall. It's UCB's first location outside New York and LA, which has us asking whether the Steel City is the next big comedy hotspot. We're taking the question to Chris Copen, partner and owner at Bottlerocket. He explains how Pittsburgh became a destination for big name comedians and why UCB decided our city was the perfect place to expand. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 26th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Family House Overlook Maps TurboTenant Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

We've heard that driving in Pittsburgh is like driving on "hard mode," and people have been complaining about our streets for decades. In the 1930s, renowned journalist Erine Pyle wrote, "Pittsburgh is the cockeyedest city in the United States. Physically it is absolutely irrational. It must have been laid out by a mountain goat.” That still rings true today, and we're joined by friend of the pod and former Uber driver Jakob Lazzaro  to talk about why the streets are like this, share some very important rules for navigating our narrow, hilly streets, and – of course – debate the efficacy of the Pittsburgh Left.  Want to dive deeper into the history behind our city's quirky layout and driving rules? Check out WESA's reporting on our mismatched streets, frustrating on-ramps and Beltway System. Pittsburgh City Paper also has a great look at our Beltway. And don't miss the 99% Invisible episode about trying to create a GPS that speaks Pittsburghese. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 25th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Family House Overlook Maps TurboTenant Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

The Carnegie Museum of Art is in the spotlight for breaking its own rules about hosting political events. We explain why the $5,000-per-plate dinner with U.S. Senator Dave McCormick is back in the news. Plus, we talk about the first candidate to officially challenge Governor Josh Shapiro's reelection bid: Republican Stacy Garrity, Pennsylvania's two-term state treasurer. And we share some (potential) good news for Pittsburgh soccer and hockey fans. Vote for us for Best Podcast every day through midnight tonight. We're in the People & Places category. Notes and references from today's show: $5,000-per-plate dinner with McCormick at Carnegie museum spurs backlash [TribLive] Carnegie Museums Updating Rental Policies After Controversial Event [Pittsburgh Magazine] $5,000-Per-Plate Dinner Tests Museum Ban on Political Fund-Raisers [New York Times] How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [City Cast Pittsburgh] Republican Stacy Garrity seeks to challenge Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's reelection bid [AP] Stacy Garrity launches bid to unseat Shapiro [Axios Pittsburgh] Bizzarro criticizes Garrity for endorsing Trump as she demands apology for ‘insurrectionist Barbie' post [Penn Capital-Star] Why PA's (Probably) Punting On Cannabis & Late With Our Budget [City Cast Pittsburgh] PRT Needs Millions. Will PA Step Up? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Building on strong attendance, the Riverhounds plan to triple Highmark's capacity [City Paper] Pittsburgh Airport Dog Named Steeler is Contender in Cutest Canine Contest [Pittsburgh Magazine] Top 50 Stadiums for Game-Day Eats [Yelp] Report: Lemieux-Burkle bid for Penguins falls short of Fenway's expectations [Pittsburgh Business Times] What's your favorite burger in Pittsburgh? Call or text our BURGER HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsor of this August 22nd episode: Family House Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

Feeling snacky? The next time you're grocery shopping, pick up one of the many potato chips made right here in Pennsylvania! The City Cast Pittsburgh crew is crunching it up with our friends at City Cast Philly to taste test as many PA-made potato chips as we can find, explore how the commonwealth became the "potato chip capital of the world," and crown the tastiest snack in the first ever (maybe?) Chippy Awards. **This episode originally aired on March 13, 2025. Vote for us for Best Podcast every day through Aug. 22. We're in the People & Places category. If you enjoyed today's interview with Ohio Wine's Executive Director, Christy Eckstein, and Director of Agriculture, Brian Baldridge, learn more here. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

Pittsburgh knows its way around a natural disaster — snow and ice, tornadoes, landslides, sinkholes, and even the outer rings of hurricanes. But our No. 1 most frequent disaster? Flooding. And you don't need to live near a body of water to be at risk. We're with Penn State's Ben Reppert, a lecturer on meteorology and emergency management, to talk about what's at stake and whether any of us are really prepared.  Vote for us for Best Podcast every day through Aug. 22. We're in the People & Places category. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Smoothie King and Heinz's ketchup smoothie collaboration is now available in Pittsburgh! We're trying it today, along with City Cast friends across the country. Plus, we're talking about all the upgrades at our museums, cultural institutions, and outdoor spaces. Pittsburgh's bringing in new zoo animals, swapping out Andrew Carnegie's name to honor modern-day philanthropists, and looking forward to more bike rentals and POGOH stations. Vote for us for Best Podcast every day through Aug. 22. We're in the People & Places category. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Notes and references from today's show: A Baker's Dozen of New Humboldt Penguins Arrives at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium [Pittsburgh Magazine] Pittsburgh Zoo Announces $10 Million ‘Transformative' Gift [Pittsburgh Magazine] Carnegie Science Center to relaunch as Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center [WTAE] Architects give first look at Heinz History Center expansion design [WESA] The Frick Pittsburgh's new leader looks ahead to its ‘people-focused' future [Next Pittsburgh] Get in Touch With Nature on Frick Park's New Sensory Trail [City Cast Pittsburgh] How to Rent Accessible Bicycles and Tricycles from POGOH [City Cast Pittsburgh] Heinz drops ketchup smoothie in Pittsburgh [Axios Pittsburgh]  Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Pittsburgh City Council is sitting on 168 acres of land that they bought for $1 from the federal government, and their plan is to build a training facility for police, fire, and EMS. But their proposal has been put on pause. Host Megan Harris is with PublicSource's Ember Duke, who explains what's at stake with this facility, why Pittsburghers have reservations about it, and what to look out for when City Council returns from summer recess. Vote for us for Best Podcast every day through Aug. 22. We're in the People & Places category. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

If it feels like the grossest summer in city history, you're not wrong. And that could affect air quality in the Mon Valley after the explosion at Clairton Coke Works. Incoming college freshman will be moving in next week – to Oakland and also Downtown – and a lot of them will find themselves in hotels instead of dorms. And we're talking about a bunch of wins for Pittsburgh this week, like an impromptu All-American Rejects concert at Sheetz, the return of the beloved Terrible Trolley, and megastar chef Thomas Keller noshing at Casbah – plus registration is open for the 2026 Pittsburgh Marathon and the Garbage Olympics this September. Vote for us for Best Podcast in City Paper's Best of the Burgh contest every day through Aug. 22. We're in the People & Places category. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Notes and references from today's show: Is this really the muggiest summer in Pittsburgh history? Here's the data. [PublicSource] How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [Hey Pittsburgh] Point Park University will move students into Wyndham Grand Hotel because of influx of freshman [WPXI] Pitt freshmen living in off-campus hotel frustrated about cost, distance [P-G] College move-in 2025: Dates, traffic plans at high-traffic Pittsburgh schools [P-G] Millvale Community Library's Back to School Bash [Instagram] Pittsburgh Public School's Back to School Bash [Early Learning Resource Center] Pittsburgh Brewing Takes Over Branding of Landmark South Side Clock [Pittsburgh Magazine] Pittsburgh's Trash Problem [City Cast Pittsburgh] John Wells Has Produced Four Decades of TV Hits, Including ‘The Pitt.' He Has Some Advice for Hollywood [Hollywood Reporter] Does 'The Pitt Get Pittsburgh Right? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Do you have a flooding horror story or a hack to keep all your stuff safe? Call or text our FLOOD HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 15th episode: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Overlook Maps Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Pittsburgh has so many beautiful parks — 176 to be exact! — and each one offers something a little different. If you're looking for the perfect spot to soak up the last few weeks of summer, we've got you covered. City Cast producer Sophia Lo is with Matthew Hileman, the director of operations and visitor engagement at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, to talk about the best parks for gorgeous views, a romantic date night, birdwatching, and more. **This episode originally aired April 17, 2025. Vote for City Cast Pittsburgh for "Best Podcast" in City Paper's Best of PGH contest! You can vote for us every day through August 22nd. Find us under the "people and places" category.  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 11th episode: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Overlook Maps Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It's Restaurant Week! When places all over the city offer special menus with three or four delicious courses. But choosing where to go can be tough – this week and any week, really – because there are so many great options. So we're tapping in food writer Emily Catalano, who's tried more than 80 spots for Pittsburgh Magazine, to share her personal favorites – most surprising, most perfect, where the chefs go, most splurge-worthy, best bang for your buck, and more! We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 13th episode: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Overlook Maps Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

An explosion at Clairton Coke Works in the Mon Valley killed and injured workers yesterday. We're talking about what we know and what questions still remain. Plus, we're sharing ways to support your neighbors as ICE raids pick up in the region and celebrating something we think Pittsburgh does surprisingly well. Notes and references from today's show: Explosion at U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works leaves one dead, one missing, 10 hurt [PublicSource] ICE Arrests in Pittsburgh Are Up. Here's What To Know [City Cast Pittsburgh] Spanish-language version available here ICE Returns to Emiliano's restaurants, detains 16 workers after aborted June sting [PublicSource] On the ground with volunteers tracking ICE across the Pittsburgh region [PublicSource] Help Emiliano's Reopen and Support Staff [GoFundMe] Support Tepache Staff [GoFundMe] A Love Letter to Music Listings [The Atlantic] Vote for City Cast Pittsburgh for "Best Podcast" in City Paper's Best of PGH contest! You can vote for us every day through August 22nd. Find us under the "people and places" category.  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 11th episode: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Overlook Maps Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

If you're at a Pirates game, the highlights are taking in the gorgeous view, eating some hot dogs, and cheering on your favorite pierogi. But most of us aren't actually expecting the Pirates to win. After all, it's been 45 years since we fielded a team that could make it past a single playoff series, and some Pittsburghers contend that it's all because of Bob Nutting. You've seen the billboards calling for Bob to abandon ship and maybe even heard the chants at PNC Park yourself. Host Megan Harris is sitting down with a few of the rabble-rousers behind Our Team, Not His who say the time is now to convince Pirates owner Bob Nutting to sell the team. Not just for fans, but for taxpayers and anyone else who wants to see the whole city succeed. Thanks to our guests Gabe Mazefsky, Marc Datz, and Canyon Swartz. **This episode originally aired on April 3, 2025. Notes and references from today's show: Dear Bob Nutting, please bring Dad and me a World Series — or sell to someone who can [PublicSource] Sister Sledge - We Are Family (Official Music Video) [Rhino/YouTube] David Rubenstein looks back on his first year as owner of the Baltimore Orioles [NPR]  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 11th episode: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Overlook Maps Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Downtown is in flux — a high and growing office vacancy rate, but also big goals for building conversions, more residential housing (market and affordable!!), and stunning new art. Your household bills like water and electricity are likely to rise soon, but it's not too late to invest in solar. And a bunch of companies headquartered here in Pittsburgh have found themselves in the news, from THAT American Eagle Sydney Sweeney ad to PNC making Project Runway more “boring.” Plus, some celebrities were spotted at Kennywood! City Cast's Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are talking about some of the biggest stories of the week. Can someone please get their hands on this Heinz x Smoothie King ketchup smoothie collab and tell us how it tastes??! Leave us a voicemail on the KETCHUP SMOOTHIE HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Notes and references from today's show: Best of Pgh 2025 [City Paper] Pittsburgh's Downtown Office Vacancy Still High at More than 18% [Pittsburgh Magazine] Downtown offices continue to empty, but efforts to reimagine them take hold [WESA] First round of artists named for Pittsburgh civic space Arts Landing [WESA] Market Square businesses are stable three months into construction, but brace for winter [Next Pittsburgh] Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership details "encouraging shift" in downtown office market [Pittsburgh Business Times]  Barrage of weekend violence not a bellwether for Pittsburgh or region, officials say [TribLive] How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [City Cast Pittsburgh] Why Pennsylvanians may see higher electric bills this summer — and next [SpotlightPA] PA Power Switch  ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act' casts shade over Pennsylvania's solar boom [Allegheny Front] Public Input Meetings [Pittsburgh Water]  Health insurance in Pennsylvania may see biggest hike in years [WESA] Giant Eagle Pharmacy joins Mark Cuban's Cost Plus Drugs discount program [WESA] Heinz Just Launched a Ketchup Smoothie and It Might Actually Be Good [Food & Wine] Pete Davidson spotted hitting the rides at Kennywood [TribLive] PNC's marketing strategy takes center stage on 'Project Runway' [Pittsburgh Business Times] American Eagle stock soars after Trump hails Sydney Sweeney ad [Axios] Learn more about the sponsors of this August 8th episode: Fulton Commons Overlook Maps Barrel & Flow Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Pittsburgh's the birthplace of American whiskey, and hundreds of years later, our local distilleries have branched out to make all kinds of spirits. While you can enjoy local brands at bars all over the city, you can also go directly to the sources themselves for samples and tours. Host Megan Harris is joined by City Cast team member Zack Durkin, who is sharing more about Pittsburgh's distilleries tours, from the big multi-million dollar facilities to the small mom-and-pop operations. Still feeling thirsty? The PLCB's running a lottery for the chance to buy top-shelf whiskey.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 7th episode: Fulton Commons Overlook Maps Barrel & Flow Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Can a city truly go broke? City Controller Rachael Heisler has been sounding the alarm on Pittsburgh's “unsustainable” budget for months. Too much overtime. No more savings. It's happened before: In the early 2000s, City Council voted to let the state take over our budget through a process called Act 47, and it took us 15 years to crawl our way out. Are we headed there again? Heisler's here to talk about what's gone wrong and what that means for everyone who lives here. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 6th episode: Fulton Commons Overlook Maps Barrel & Flow Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will Pittsburgh sweep the Emmys this year? This year's hottest new medical drama, "The Pitt" is up for 13 Emmy nominations, and Season 2 started filming this summer. While the City Cast Pittsburgh team doesn't get a say in the awards process, we can judge the show on how well it captures our city. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing our favorite local homages and Easter eggs, guessing which neighborhoods the characters might live in, and discussing the authenticity of nurse Dana's yinzer accent. Plus, a local healthcare worker tells us whether the show feels true to life. **This episode originally aired on April 24, 2025.  Notes and references from today's show: How Real Doctors Brought 'The Pitt' To Life [Science Friday] Learn more about the sponsors of this August 5th episode: Fulton Commons Overlook Maps Barrel & Flow Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pittsburgh backyards aren't exactly known for being spacious, but there's still room to plant a bountiful garden, raise some animals, or build a deck. But there's a lot of rules about how many animals you can have, whether you can build, and what exactly requires a permit if you want to upgrade your home. Host Megan Harris is with newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco and prize-winning gardener Kaydi Gratzer to run through what's allowed and what's off limits in your Pittsburgh backyard. Need a refresh? We've put our do's and don'ts up on our website, and head over to OneStopPGH to apply for a permit for your next DIY.  Learn more about the sponsors of this August 4th episode: Fulton Commons Overlook Maps Barrel & Flow Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The owners of Pittsburgh Mills are getting some fresh comeuppance with nearly $2 million in new fines, and boat owners clogging up the North Shore have yet to face any consequences. The first group of notable Pittsburghers are getting their due on the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame, and we're sharing what you need to know about your water bill probably going up. Plus, y'all have had a lot of thoughts about Cleveburgh. Should we start a Fetterman book club? Call or text the UNFETTERED hotline at 412-212-8893. Notes and references from today's show: City of Pittsburgh honors Gus and Yiayia's with ceremonial street renaming [KDKA] 1st inductees named to Pittsburgh Walk of Fame [TribLive] Row House Cinema reopening Hollywood Theater this fall with help from design team behind ScareHouse [Pittsburgh Business Times] Pittsburgh Mills owners ordered to pay nearly $2M in fines; more citations to be heard [TribLive] Ethics panel says Rep. Mike Kelly violated code of conduct during investigation into wife's stock trades [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Tensions remain as long-term docking of boats on North Shore continues [KDKA] Abandoned boats haunt Pittsburgh rivers — a new law could help remove them faster [WESA] Steeler's Training Camp Tickets [Steelers] Pittsburgh Steelers Reprise 1933 Throwback Uniforms With New Gold Helmets [Sports Logos] 2025 Hall of Honor inductees [Steelers] Next up for Hazelwood Green: An athletic field with stands for 3,000 fans, coming next summer [WESA] Former Pittsburgh Steeler mentioned in note found on Manhattan shooter, police say [WTAE] Steelers 2025 Season Schedule [Steelers] Pittsburgh Pirates legend Dave Parker inducted into National Baseball Hall of Fame [KDKA] Why a Pittsburgher Just Officially Became Baseball's Best Hitter [City Cast Pittsburgh] Morning Roundup: Police accuse man of reckless driving in Mt. Washington; Pittsburgh Water rate hikes considered [TribLive] Public Input Hearing Regarding Pittsburgh Water's Proposed Rate Filing [Pittsburgh Water] Pittsburgh Symphony 25/26 Schooltime Call for Scores from Pennsylvania Composers [American Composer Forum] Better Maid Donuts Closing [Instagram] Who Makes the Best Donuts in Pittsburgh? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Unfettered [Penguin Random House] Radical Tenderness [Penguin Random House] Learn more about the sponsors of this August 1st episode: Downtown Cleveland Ohio Wines Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't let the heat stop you from experiencing all that Pittsburgh has to offer this month! August is time for some of the city's most beloved food festivals, and there's also a music festival benefiting our immigrant and refugee communities. Plus, if you're trying to squeeze in one more vacation before summer's over, check out these quick day trips that are no more than two hours away from Pittsburgh. If you're new here, welcome! We've put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Pittsburgh community.  For even more tips on how to make the most of August in Pittsburgh, check out Hey Pittsburgh's take on what to do this month.  City Cast Pittsburgh's Guide to August is made possible by our awesome sponsors: Downtown Cleveland, Ohio Wines and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. If you enjoyed today's interview with Ohio Wine's Executive Director, Christy Eckstein, and Director of Agriculture, Brian Baldridge, learn more here. And City Cast Pittsburgh is also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at pittsburgh@citycast.fm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pittsburgh is a beer destination, and it has a lot in common with Cleveland's scene! If you're tired of drinking the same brews over the same views here at home, Aadam Soorma from Trace Brewing and City Cast's own Owen Gabbey have some great suggestions for breweries worth the drive in Ohio.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 30th episode: Downtown Cleveland Ohio Wines Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're all about weekend getaways, and we're making the case for why your next vacation should be in Cleveland. Host Megan Harris is chatting with City Paper's Colin Williams and City Cast Pittsburgh contributor Meg St-Esprit about all the sights the 'Land has to offer, plus sharing listener recommendations for how to best experience the City of Trees. We're talking about adventures in a national park, giant pastrami sandwiches, and why one Pittsburgher might be a Browns fan this fall.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 29th episode: Downtown Cleveland Ohio Wines Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sure, the age-old Steelers-Browns rivalry makes us think we should hate on Cleveland, but the Mistake on the Lake has its champions, including a few who think it's in both our best interests to join forces. Chris Briem, a regional economist at the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Social and Urban Research, is here to pitch his vision for Cleveburgh: one combined metro region living in harmony. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 28th episode: Downtown Cleveland Ohio Wines Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the statistics say crime is going down in the South Side, a few weekends of unruly crowds have leaders talking about a potential curfew for East Carson Street. After decades without a grocery store, Downtown's getting a full-service market with fresh and organic produce, a florist, and even a juice bar. Plus, we're talking about the tools our city has to check on the status of all those closed bridges — and see what construction's in the pipeline.  Notes and references from today's show: East Carson Street closure and checkpoints could be coming to South Side amid rowdy crowds crackdown [KDKA] 11 Investigates Exclusive: Pittsburgh considering closing East Carson Street on weekend nights [WPXI] South Side's late-night revelry prompts fresh scrutiny and familiar fears [TribLive] Pittsburgh Monthly Incident Dataset 2024 [Pittsburgh Police] Pittsburgh Monthly Criminal Activity Dashboard [Pittsburgh Police] How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [City Cast Pittsburgh] Why does Pittsburgh have so many glass block windows? [WESA] More Pittsburgh bridges rated ‘poor' than before Fern Hollow collapse [PublicSource] City Bridge Projects [City of Pittsburgh] Bridges Dashboard [City of Pittsburgh] One in five Pittsburgh area roads rated poor for roughness; Route 228 tops the list [WTAE] New grocery store to open in Downtown Pittsburgh [WTAE] U.S. House subcommittee backs Rep. Summer Lee's effort to subpoena Epstein files [WESA] Pennsylvania 911 outage was caused by operating system issue, not cyberattack, preliminary report says [CBS News Philadelphia] Have thoughts about a potential curfew on East Carson Street? Call or text the SOUTH SIDE HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 25th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Bike PGH Quantum Theatre Overlook Maps TurboTenant Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pennsylvania's state budget is late — for the fourth year in a row! And all the transit agencies, school districts, and local governments waiting for state funding are left in limbo. We're teaming up with City Cast Philly and Spotlight PA Capitol reporter Stephen Caruso to talk about why we're always running behind and when it's time to push the panic button. Plus, how the battle over legalizing cannabis fits into budget negotiations.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Bike PGH Quantum Theatre Overlook Maps TurboTenant Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In January, the City Cast Pittsburgh team made a list of restaurants we wanted to try in 2025. Now that we're halfway through the year, the team's checking in to see where we've eaten, what we'd order again, and what new spots we want to try next.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 23rd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Bike PGH Quantum Theatre Overlook Maps TurboTenant Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Looking to get away from Pittsburgh? Whether it's just a day trip or an overnight stay, there are so many spots to choose from all within two hours. You don't need to spend big on a flight to find museums, great food, and more fun. We're with City Paper's Colin Williams to get his take on the most underrated day trip destinations in the area. If you enjoyed today's interview with VisAbility's President & CEO, Erika Petach, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 22nd episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Bike PGH Quantum Theatre Overlook Maps TurboTenant Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices