City Cast Pittsburgh

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

Buying a house for the first time can be stressful and overwhelming. How and when do you start the search? Should you line up the financial help first? How do you know what you qualify for? Anne Schwan, a homeownership counselor at NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania, is here to walk you through what you need to know before you start browsing Zillow and what kind of financial support is available for first-time homebuyers in our region. Plus, she explains how a Pittsburgher started a national housing movement. Check out NeighborWorks' resources for homebuyers and homeowners. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 21st 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

President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick promised more than $90 billion in private sector investments for PA to become a hub for energy and AI at a CMU summit this week. We talk about potential projects like data centers, power plant upgrades, and natural gas pipelines — and how much of that cash is likely to affect us in Western Pennsylvania. Outside the summit, CMU students and environmental activists protested the visit, and at least a few were met with pepper spray and campus censorship. Meanwhile, someone recently went rogue on Rialto Street in Troy Hill, and the city had to cover up their mark. Plus, we share a few wins of the week, like Emmy nominations for “The Pitt” and an overhaul of our city streetlights — and losses, like the Kraft-Heinz breakup and PNC Park's big spending to make up for the Bucco Bricks disaster. Notes and references from today's show: Energy/Innovation Summit: An overview the $90B plus in investments announced Tuesday [Pittsburgh Business-Times] Trump promotes energy and tech investments at a summit in Pennsylvania [Associated Press] Dave McCormick, Donald Trump announce billions in AI and energy investments in Pa. at innovation summit [Philadelphia Inquirer] Trump pledges more power to match AI investments in Pennsylvania [Axios] Pittsburgh police use pepper spray on energy summit protesters [TribLive] Fence fight: CMU orders students' anti-Trump message painted over ahead of president's visit [TribLive] CMU community pushes back on AI summit with paint, petitions, and protests [90.5 WESA] Pittsburgh Leads While Demanding Better from Washington [City of Pittsburgh] Mike Rowe warns of a ‘will gap' as millions of men abandon workforce — here's why [Yahoo Finance] Trump and the energy industry are eager to power AI with fossil fuels [Wired] Google career certificates and AI courses [Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh] What's next for Pittsburgh after big-time summit? [Pittsburgh Business-Times] Trump administration taking new steps to block wind and solar projects, undisclosed memo says [Politico] TRIVIA: How well do you know Pittsburgh's ice cream history? [City Cast Pittsburgh] When and how did Rialto get a divider line? [Reddit] Climb Pittsburgh's 900+ City Steps [City Cast Pittsburgh] Safer city, brighter future [Pgh LED] Pittsburgh's Best Gift Shops for Any Occasion [City Cast Pittsburgh] ‘The Pitt' receives 13 Emmy nominations [New York Times] What ‘The Pitt' Gets Right About Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh] Big buzz for zero-proof [Pittsburgh Business Times] Pirates release plans for permanent display at PNC Park with the Bucco Bricks messages [KDKA] Pittsburgh City Council gives thumbs down to historic designation for Donny's Place [90.5 WESA] Kraft Heinz to split, report says [TribLive] Independents ask Pa. Supreme Court to let them vote in closed, partisan primaries [SpotlightPA] Big-dollar donors are helping fund fixes at the governor's mansion [SpotlightPA] Learn more about the sponsors of this July 18th episode: Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Cultural Trust 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 regulations around alcohol are complicated, but Trump's tariffs are adding another hurdle for all the good folks selling us our drinks. There's an especially enormous figure getting thrown around when it comes to European wine – a 200% tariff! While a hike that big might not come to pass, bottle shops are already navigating some higher prices. Freelance journalist Aakanksha Agarwal joins us to explain how local sellers are dealing with tariffs and how we can continue to support our small wine shops.  Learn more about the sponsors of this July 17th episode: Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Cultural Trust 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 has the most public staircases in the U.S., but cataloging and preserving them is a relatively new priority. The City Cast Pittsburgh team headed up into the hills with three authors of a new book, City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide, to get a fresh perspective on our city's first form of mass transit and the rundown on which of the hundreds of city steps should be on the shortlist for a visit. Thanks to Laura Zurowski, Matthew Jacob, and Charles Succop for taking us on the field trip! Learn more about the sponsors of this July 16th episode: Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Cultural Trust 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

If you were trying to convince someone to invest in Pittsburgh — say, move their company here or build something new in our city — how would you make the pitch? That's what Stefani Pashman thinks about all the time. She's CEO of Allegheny Conference, one of the biggest economic groups in the Pittsburgh area, and describes her job as growing, selling, and fixing the region. She joins us to talk about courting power players, what it's like to market a city that's actively redefining itself, and why business leaders do — and don't — want to invest in Pittsburgh's brand. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15th episode: Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Cultural Trust 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ICE arrests in Western PA have more than doubled since this time last year, and most of the people being detained have never been charged with or convicted of a crime. From a high-profile raid at Tepache Mexican Kitchen & Bar to arrests outside of courtrooms, ICE enforcement is causing fear and confusion in Pittsburgh's immigrant communities. Meanwhile, several local law enforcement agencies are signing up to partner with ICE, which is slated to receive an additional $75 billion under President Trump's "big, beautiful bill." With all of this underway, we're bringing back our conversation with Vanessa Stine, senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Pennsylvania. She joins us to explain what happens during an ICE stop or raid, what rights immigrants have regardless of their legal status, and how bystanders can help during an ICE encounter.  Read or listen to a summary of this conversation in Spanish. **This episode originally published on April 2, 2025. Looking for more help and resources?  The ACLU of Pennsylvania has Know Your Rights guides available in English and Spanish. If you believe you've witnessed ICE activity in the Pittsburgh area or have any other concerns, you can call the main line at Casa San José: 412-343-3111. If you are experiencing ICE detention, you can call their emergency response line: 412-736-7167. Find the latest data on ICE arrests and removals at TRAC. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 14th episode: Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Cultural Trust The Frick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anthrocon smashed records over the weekend, while Picklesburgh's in hot (or briny) water over using AI for its artwork. City Council squashed a proposal to let neighborhoods decide whether they want inclusionary zoning, and Pittsburgh International Airport is looking for volunteers to test out the new terminal. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk dive into these stories, plus share some of Pittsburgh's recent wins (national recognition!) and losses (the return of spotted lanternflies). Sign up here to test drive the new airport terminal, and report spotted lanternfly sightings here. Notes and references from today's show: Anthrocon 2025 breaks records as furries take over Downtown [WESA] Anthrocon's "no-skin" rule stirs furry backlash [Axios Pittsburgh] Be the First to Sign Up To Test Pittsburgh's New Airport Terminal [Pittsburgh Magazine] Local firm TEN tapped for massive LED upgrade at Pittsburgh International Airport [Pittsburgh Business Times] Pittsburgh International Airport service workers urge unionization amid low wages and demanding conditions [Pittsburgh Business Times] Allegheny County Airport Authority approves settlement with Hyatt Regency as new terminal nears completion [Pittsburgh Business Times] What Will the New Pittsburgh International Airport Look Like? [Hey Pittsburgh] The 50 best airports in America, ranked [Washington Post] How to Book a Cheap Flight Out of Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh] Pittsburgh council rejects 1 of 2 competing zoning reform bills [TribLIVE] Can Inclusionary Zoning Fix Pittsburgh's Housing Crisis? [City Cast Pittsburgh] How Lawrenceville's Solving Its Affordability Problem [City Cast Pittsburgh] New city controller report on inclusionary zoning cites lack of data to measure program's success [Pittsburgh Business Times] Housing market shift: Pittsburgh home seller profits drop as national margins decline [Pittsburgh Business Times] Pittsburgh home prices are up, but still affordable [Axios Pittsburgh] Clemente, Warhol, and Carson bridges up for historic site status consideration [NEXTpittsburgh] Time picks the 100 Most Influential Companies in the World, 2 are based in Pittsburgh [Pittsburgh Business Times] Fortune 500 Pittsburgh market caps Pittsburgh Business Times Steele says bill to repeal Sunday hunting ban rooted in environmentalism [WESA] Stomp till they drop: Lanternflies return [Axios Pittsburgh] Allegheny County is home to the first electric street sweeper in the U.S. [NEXTpittsburgh] Federal court ruling could reactivate funds for electric vehicle charging stations [Union Progress] Why Trump's budget bill could mean 'America's electric vehicle surrender' [Allegheny Front] Learn more about the sponsors of this July 11th episode: Heinz History Center Bike PGH VisAbility The Frick Pittsburgh Crossover Colosseum - Use code: DIECAST for a 25% discount 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

If you live in Allegheny County, your taxes went up — slightly — this year, to help pay for all the services we rely on. But the extra money isn't going to be enough. A recent controller report found our finances are "unsustainable" long term, especially with looming budget cuts from the federal government. Host Megan Harris is sitting down with our top official, County Executive Sara Innamorato, to ask what it's been like to plan around the chaos, discuss her biggest achievements over the past year — including affordable housing and financial help for first-time homebuyers — and one idea she spotted in Wisconsin that she really wants to bring to the Burgh. If you enjoyed today's interview with Heinz History Center's Anne Madarasz, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 10th episode: Heinz History Center Bike PGH VisAbility The Frick Pittsburgh Crossover Colosseum - Use code: DIECAST for a 25% discount 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's got its fair share of quirks and unwritten rules. Like why is someone turning left instead of yielding at a green light? And why do you neighbors keep putting out old folding chairs in front of their houses? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is running through all the essential rules for surviving and thriving here in the city.  **This episode originally aired on March 12, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 9th episode: Heinz History Center Bike PGH VisAbility The Frick Pittsburgh Crossover Colosseum - Use code: DIECAST for a 25% discount 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's got so many new restaurants, and the summer is the perfect time to explore them all. Enjoy some Thai iced tea and lobster pad thai at a patio in East Liberty, or load up on grilled meats at all-you-can-eat Korean barbeque on the South Side. There's even a new café where you can bring your dog, and they've got a menu just for your furry friend. Producers Mallory Falk and Sophia Lo run through these new spots and more.  Plus, stay up-to-date on all these new openings with our running list of Pittsburgh's tastiest bites. Is there another new restaurant we should know about? Call or text our MUNCHIES HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 8th episode: Heinz History Center Bike PGH VisAbility The Frick Pittsburgh Crossover Colosseum - Use code: DIECAST for a 25% discount 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

Still mourning the fate of Century III? The mall scene is Pittsburgh's in a weird space. We've got our fair share of dead malls, but Ross Park Mall's still bringing in luxury brands, and Walmart bought Monroeville Mall for a whopping $34 million. Meanwhile, we're watching Pittsburgh Mills hang on by a thread — while its owners are quietly looking to sell the property. To make sense of our mall landscape, host Megan Harris is talking with Matt Newton, who wrote the book Shopping Mall. He reminisces about the peak of Pittsburgh malls, explains whether local malls are in their flop era, and shares ideas for how our current shopping centers could still thrive. He also writes a weekly newsletter called Homesick about place, identity, and the complicated nature of home. Check out our previous episodes about the rise and fall of Century III Mall and what's next for the former home of Westinghouse Electric. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 7th episode: Heinz History Center Bike PGH VisAbility The Frick 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Megan Harris and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, DC, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Portland, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that's been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country's best farmers market,' pickle festivals to Elvis impersonators driving pink convertibles, our hosts are bringing the best of the best of what their city has to offer. Did your city win? Take our interactive quiz to see which city best fits YOUR vibe! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're about to celebrate the 4th of July, and we all know that the US gets repped with stars, stripes and soaring bald eagles. But how well do you know Pennsylvania's own state symbols? Over the years, we've adopted all sorts of plants, animals, and even a drink to represent our Commonwealth, but not all of these symbols and the stories behind them are common knowledge. Producer (and game czar) Sophia Lo is putting the City Cast Pittsburgh team to the test, and we want you to play along! **This episode originally published on July 9, 2024. Learn more about the sponsor of this July 2nd episode: The Frick 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July is the season for fireworks, furries, and a giant pickle festival. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing our favorite ways to explore the city this month, from regular hits like Anthrocon and Picklesburgh to newer fare like an international moustache competition. And if you're looking for a sweet treat this summer, don't miss our episode about the best ice cream shops around 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 July in Pittsburgh, check out Hey Pittsburgh's take on what to do this month.  City Cast Pittsburgh's Guide to July is made possible by our awesome sponsor: The Frick Pittsburgh. 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

July is National Ice Cream Month, but we're starting our celebrations early. Contributor Meg St-Esprit has tried ice cream all over the city, and she's  sharing which ice cream shops have the best soft serve, custard, hard scoops, and more. Plus, she makes the case for why it's worth standing in line in Page's – even if the bridge is drippy. Learn more about the sponsor of this June 30th episode: 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 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

UPMC is ending gender-affirming care for young people, and a lot of staffers and city officials aren't happy about it. We explain how providers and City Council members are pushing back against the health care giant. Plus, we're sharing tips for staying cool and not overtaxing our power grid as the weather heats up and highlight some Pittsburgh wins and losses from the past week — including local love in a new Netflix hit and (potentially?) good news for raising our state minimum wage. Do you know where trans youth can access safe medical care? Call or text the I WILL AID AND ABET TRANS HEALTH CARE HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Want to learn more about UPMC staffers' calls to reinstate gender-affirming care? Find their open letter to UPMC here and their rally supply wishlist here. Think you've experienced discrimination? The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations has been around since before the Civil Rights Act, and their investigations yield enforceable results. Submit an inquiry on the PghCHR portal, call their office at 412-255-2600, or email human.relations@pittsburghpa.gov Notes and references from today's show: Sign up for sewer overflow advisories [ALCOSAN] How to stay safe in extreme heat [National Weather Service] What is Code Red? [Allegheny County] Pittsburgh cooling centers [City of Pittsburgh] Check or report a power outage [Duquesne Light] Lifeguard staffing shortage prompts planned, unplanned closures of Derry Community Pool [TribLive] Therapists, doctors urge UPMC to ‘fight back,' reinstate gender-affirming care for trans youth [WESA] Proposed Pittsburgh bills aim to shield LGBTQ+ residents, reduce penalties for sex workers [TribLive] Pittsburgh City Council to consider new protections for the LGBTQ community [WESA] Shortage of new teachers is hurting Pa. kids' academic prospects, report says [SpotlightPA] Minimum wage would be $15 in big counties, $12 in smaller ones under novel bill passed by Pa. House [SpotlightPA] 14 arrested during ICE operation at Tepache Mexican Restaurant in Allegheny County [WTAE] Learn more about the sponsors of this June 27th episode: Heinz History Center Bike PGH VisAbility 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

Pittsburgh Regional Transit and other public transit systems across the state are in big financial trouble. The state budget is due on Monday, and lawmakers are considering a few proposals to boost transportation funding — including taxing Uber and Lyft rides — but it seems likely PRT won't get what it needs to avoid service cuts. Laura Chu Wiens, the executive director of Pittsburghers for Public Transit, is here to explain what's on the table, what's at stake, and what she thinks could be done to build a more robust, financially stable transit system. Want to learn more about the statewide campaign to improve our transit system? Check out Transit for All PA. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 26th episode: Heinz History Center Bike PGH VisAbility 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 Carnegie Museums have an extensive collection, but there are plenty of other museums and hidden gems in and around the city that are free or donation-based. Discover the Burgh's Jeremy Jones and SpotlightPA's Asha Prihar are here to talk about their favorites (including where you might be able to see a singing tumor!), what's on their summer bucket list, and how to make the most of a free experience.  Notes and references from today's show: Free museums abound in Pa. Find the one for you with this guide. [SpotlightPA] Visit Pa.'s best festivals, parks, and ice cream shops with this curated summer guide and bingo sheet [SpotlightPA] 27 Unusual Pittsburgh Museums You Must Check Out [Discover the Burgh] 10 of the Best Free Pittsburgh Experiences Not to Miss [Discover the Burgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25th episode: Heinz History Center Bike PGH VisAbility 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

If you've been on Pittsburgh TikTok lately, you may have seen a whole bunch of videos about how yinzers pronounce the word "cookie." (Apparently we do something different with our vowels.) In honor of this semi-viral trend, we're revisiting our episode all about the Pittsburgh accent. Actor, voice coach and speech teacher Don Wadsworth joins us to explain what makes our dialect so distinct, and give host Megan Harris a master class in speaking Pittsburghese.**This episode originally published on November 7, 2023. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 24th episode: Heinz History Center Bike PGH VisAbility 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 hillsides are sorta trashy. There's the usual culprits like beer cans and single-use plastics, but these impromptu “dumpsites” also have tires, doll heads, and even big ticket items like flat screen TVs. Caily Grube, executive director of Allegheny CleanWays, shares how they approach community cleanups, why it's so important to take responsibility for our shared spaces, and how existential questions like “what is litter?” help her frame her work in Pittsburgh. Plus, learn about new ways to plug in, including regular meetups, earning badges as an Eco Scout, and the city's Garbage Olympics in September. Not sure how you stack up? Double check the city's trash and recycling rules! Learn more about the sponsors of this June 23rd episode: Heinz History Center Bike PGH VisAbility 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

City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what's happening in our communities. So Megan Harris and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 20th episode: Heinz History Center Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pittsburgh International Airport isn't a hub, it's still under construction, and it's not on a coast – we're not often the cheapest place to catch a flight to a desirable destination. But if you're a little creative and very patient, there are lots of deals to be found! City Cast Pittsburgh's Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are sharing the best strategies for finding a cheap flight, which sites and services to use, and a few interesting cities you can book right now. Want more direct options? Check out our bonus episode with a ton of recommendations about all the fun places you can travel to from Pittsburgh this summer. If you enjoyed today's interview with Heinz History Center's Chief Historian, Anne Madarasz, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 18th episode: Heinz History Center 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Itching to travel but not sure where to go? If you love a deal, City Cast Pittsburgh's Sophia Lo and Megan Harris are back with a bonus episode and talking about more international options, the shocking number of cities you can get to in Florida, the cheapest tickets out of town right now, plus where we would go right now if someone wanted to gift us our next great trip!  Don't sleep on the main episode! We're sharing the best websites and listserves to check before you book, plus how to approach the ticket-buying process when saving money is your top priority. 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's Independence Day celebration may have moved from Point State Park to the North Shore, but you can still expect some really big booms — and the company in charge this year is from Western Pennsylvania. But they're not the only game in town! City Cast Pittsburgh's Megan Harris and Mallory Falk are talking about the birthplace and backstories of Zambelli, Pyrotecnico, and Starfire — and how our region became a hotbed for three of the largest U.S. fireworks makers in the world. **This episode originally aired July 2, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 17th episode: Heinz History Center 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's opening day for 16 Pittsburgh public pools — that's more than we've had open since 2019! To help you make the most of them this summer, we're bringing back local pool expert Jill Terner. Every year, she visits all of them and assigns rankings and superlatives, and today she's here to tell us what's new this summer, what she's looking forward to, and which pools you should visit depending on the experience you're looking for. These are the pools open this summer and their operating hours, plus prices for a season or daily pass. You can find Jill's full rankings from last summer in Pittsburgh City Paper. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 16th episode: Heinz History Center Bike PGH 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pittsburghers are bookending the week with Downtown protests, from an anti-ICE rally to "No Kings" gatherings. In honor of the U.S. Open, we're digging into the history of Oakmont's golf course. It's a notoriously hard course – and the owner designed it to punish a bad shot. Plus, we're excited about a new bridge, and we're sharing your thoughts on increasing paid sick leave for employees in the city and why our county health department's stacked with air quality workers.  Notes and references from today's show: Joining Los Angeles protesters and others, Pittsburgh union members and officials rail against ICE actions [PublicSource] Pittsburgh-area agencies officially helping ICE [Axios Pittsburgh] What Actually Happens During an ICE Raid? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Lo que realmente ocurre durante una redada de ICE [City Cast Pittsburgh] Pittsburgh Police Policies and Procedures: "Unbiased Policing" [City of Pittsburgh] Mayor Gainey speaking at the rally Downtown [Twitter] Casa San José Resources; phone number: 412-736-7167 [Casa San José] Pittsburgh to join nationwide anti-Trump protests [Axios Pittsburgh] Pittsburgh's Paid Sick Leave Bill, Explained [City Cast Pittsburgh] The road to the Clean Air Act passes through Pittsburgh [WESA] A Brief History of Oakmont Country Club [Pittsburgh Magazine] Änna Bencivenga's posts about the U.S. Open [LinkedIn here and here] Golf with Us program [Youth on Course] Not on Our Dime responds to a Jewish Federation lawsuit seeking over $80k in legal fees [City Paper] Carnegie Mellon Alumnae Earn 2 2025 Tony Awards [Carnegie Mellon] New Pittsburgh Pedestrian Bridge Opens Between Brighton Heights and Riverview Park [Pittsburgh Magazine] Park & Playground Improvements [City of Pittsburgh] Pittsburgh Celebrates Juneteenth 2025 with Monthlong Events [City of Pittsburgh] Pittsburgh preparing for month of Juneteenth events; independent celebration still awaiting permit [TribLive] The Frick Pittsburgh's Clayton mansion—now a Nationally Registered Historic Place—undergoes $10 million preservation effort [The Frick] Learn more about the sponsors of this June 13th episode: Bike PGH Tree 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past few years, the pizza scene has totally transformed. We've got New York slices, more pop-ups, and even a pie topped with carrot purée. Pizza journalist and returning guest Dan Tallarico is chronicling all the pizza joints in the city, and he's here with host Megan Harris to dish on the highs, the lows, the trends, and the pies you absolutely need to be eating right now. Plus, we hear from listeners about some of their favorite pizza spots.  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.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 12th episode: Bike PGH Tree 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is summer Pittsburgh's hungry season? City Cast's Megan Harris and Francesca Dabecco are talking about the region's summer food and drink festivals you don't want to miss, their tips for what to taste, and what to check out while you're there. From beloved staples like Picklesburgh, Barrel and Flow, and Veg Fest to new offerings like Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Week and a Caribbean Carnival, we've got more than two dozen ideas to keep you busy ‘til September.  Learn more about the sponsors of this June 11th episode: Bike PGH Tree 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Someone's Amazon return could be your next cheap find, but don't skip reading the fine print! Pittsburghers love a good deal, and thanks to Mac.Bid, you can buy anything from appliances to Legos for a fraction of the price. City Cast's Elizabeth Kauma and Megan Harris are talking about how these warehouses got here, what you need to know so you don't buy something broken, and whether it's even worth the risk to be placing bids. **This episode originally published March 18, 2024. Notes and references from today's show: 2022 Retail Returns Rate Remains Flat at $816 Billion [National Retail Federation] M@C Discount Business Profile [Better Business Bureau] Inside the booming business of reselling returned merchandise [Marketplace] This Is What Happens to All the Stuff You Don't Want [The Atlantic] Learn more about the sponsors of this June 10th episode: Bike PGH Tree 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of us have had to choose between going to work sick or losing out on our paycheck. Although Pittsburgh has a paid sick leave policy, some advocates say it's not enough. City Council's expected to have their final vote tomorrow to increase sick time, so Host Megan Harris is checking in with 32BJ SEIU's Sam Williamson who's sharing more about how we got here and why he thinks City Council should vote yes.  If you think your employer isn't giving you appropriate time off, check in with the Pittsburgh Commission of Human Relations. We talked to them about how you can tap into their free resources or file a complaint. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 9th episode: Bike PGH Centre County Highway Revolt Tree 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices