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In the latest episode of Working People, we go back to the picket line to get a critical update on the longest ongoing strike in the United States. In October 2022, over 100 workers represented by five labor unions—including production, distribution, advertising, and accounts receivable staff—walked off the job on an unfair labor practice strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PPG). The strike began after the newspaper's management, Block Communications, which is owned by the Block family, cut off health insurance for employees on Oct. 1 of that year. After more than 2.5 years on strike, with other unions reaching contracts or taking buyouts and dissolving their units, workers represented by the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh are the last remaining strikers holding the line. We speak with a panel of union officers for the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh about how they've managed to stay on strike so long and about recent legal updates that have given them hope that an acceptable end to the strike may be on the horizon. Panelists include: Ed Blazina, striking transportation writer at the PPG and one of the Vice Presidents of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh; Erin Hebert, also one of the Vice Presidents of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh and a striking copy-editor and page designer at PPG; Emily Matthews, photographer on strike and treasurer for the Post-Gazette Unit of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh. Additional links/info: Pittsburgh Union Progress website, Facebook page, X page, and Instagram Donate to Support Striking Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Workers Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh website Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “TRNN wins 2025 Izzy Award for coverage of East Palestine, OH, trainwreck & chemical disaster” Bob Batz Jr., Pittsburgh Union Progress, “The strike is over for 3 Pittsburgh news production unions, but the journalists' strike continues” Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital Star, “The strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is now the longest in the nation. And it's not over” Mel Buer, Working People / The Real News Network, “Two years into a strike, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette workers aren't ready to give up” Bob Batz Jr. & Steve Mellon, Pittsburgh Union Progress, “A start to the end of the strike? Feds file for temporary injunction to return Pittsburgh news unions to work” Brett Wilkins, Common Dreams / The Real News Network, “‘AI will not scab us': Post-Gazette newsroom decries use of artificial intelligence” Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “(Livestream) After months of striking, media workers aren't backing down” Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “(Livestream) Strikes at Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, University of Michigan, and more” Maximillian Alvarez, Working People / The Real News Network, “The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's half-year strike” Permanent links below… Leave us a voicemail and we might play it on the show! Labor Radio / Podcast Network website, Facebook page, and Twitter page In These Times website, Facebook page, and Twitter page The Real News Network website, YouTube channel, podcast feeds, Facebook page, and Twitter page Featured Music… Jules Taylor, “Working People” Theme Song Audio Post-Production: Jules Taylor

In the latest episode of Working People, we go back to the picket line to get a critical update on the longest ongoing strike in the United States. In October 2022, over 100 workers represented by five labor unions—including production, distribution, advertising, and accounts receivable staff—walked off the job on an unfair labor practice strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PPG). The strike began after the newspaper's management, Block Communications, which is owned by the Block family, cut off health insurance for employees on Oct. 1. After more than 2.5 years on strike, with other unions reaching contracts or taking buyouts and dissolving their units, workers represented by the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh are the last remaining strikers holding the line. We speak with a panel of union officers for the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh about how they've managed to stay on strike so long and about recent legal updates that have given them hope that an acceptable end to the strike may be on the horizon. Panelists include: Ed Blazina, striking transportation writer at the PPG and one of the Vice Presidents of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh; Erin Hebert, also one of the Vice Presidents of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh and a striking copy-editor and page designer at PPG; Emily Matthews, photographer on strike and treasurer for the Post-Gazette Unit of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh. Additional links/info: Pittsburgh Union Progress website, Facebook page, X page, and InstagramDonate to Support Striking Pittsburgh Post-Gazette WorkersMaximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “TRNN wins 2025 Izzy Award for coverage of East Palestine, OH, trainwreck & chemical disaster”Bob Batz Jr., Pittsburgh Union Progress, “The strike is over for 3 Pittsburgh news production unions, but the journalists' strike continues”Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital Star, “The strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is now the longest in the nation. And it's not over”Mel Buer, Working People / The Real News Network, “Two years into a strike, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette workers aren't ready to give up”Bob Batz Jr. & Steve Mellon, Pittsburgh Union Progress, “A start to the end of the strike? Feds file for temporary injunction to return Pittsburgh news unions to work”Brett Wilkins, Common Dreams / The Real News Network, “‘AI will not scab us': Post-Gazette newsroom decries use of artificial intelligence”Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “(Livestream) After months of striking, media workers aren't backing down”Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, “(Livestream) Strikes at Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, University of Michigan, and more”Maximillian Alvarez, Working People / The Real News Network, “The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's half-year strike”Permanent links below…Leave us a voicemail and we might play it on the show!Labor Radio / Podcast Network website, Facebook page, and Twitter pageIn These Times website, Facebook page, and Twitter pageThe Real News Network website, YouTube channel, podcast feeds, Facebook page, and Twitter pageFeatured Music…Jules Taylor, “Working People” Theme SongAudio Post-Production: Jules TaylorHelp us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletterLike us on FacebookFollow us on TwitterDonate to support this podcast

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He weighs in on the increasingly frenzied national discourse surrounding Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph and the Steelers' QB situation. Do GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin deserve the criticism they're getting from Terry Bradshaw and others? Or are people making too much of OTAs and optional practices in late May, with the season still several months away? Paul welcomes Mike DeCourcy of the Sporting News to break it all down; get Mike's thoughts on College Football Playoff expansion and changes related to the NCAA's House settlement; and talk some Pirates after a win in Arizona on Tuesday night.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Should the Steelers really be looking at Kirk Cousins as a Plan B to Aaron Rodgers, as reporting from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggests? Would the veteran quarterback's production be worth his hefty price tag for general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin? Or are they better off looking internally at options like Mason Rudolph and Will Howard? And what other storylines is Paul monitoring at Steelers OTAs, from the new-look receivers room with DK Metcalf and Robert Woods joining Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III to the battle at tackle highlighting Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu? Paul tackles those topics, then recaps a busy weekend for the Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers and the start of their West Coast road trip against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Post-Gazette's Adam Bittner and Jason Mackey react to a busy week of Pittsburgh sports news. Should OTAs be a red line for Steelers GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin in their pursuit of QB Aaron Rodgers? How important is the offseason program to his success, given that it didn't seem to matter much for Russell Wilson and Justin Fields? And how much worse off would the Steelers be with Mason Rudolph as their starter instead? Is the national media bashing he's received fair? Our duo tackles those questions; the difference between George Pickens and DK Metcalf as WR1; and the team's biggest remaining weakness after adding Derrick Harmon and Kaleb Johnson in the NFL draft. Later, the guys discuss the Penguins coaching search. Why does Mitch Love continue to make a lot of sense as a frontrunner? How much say should Sidney Crosby have in the hiring process? And how cool is it to watch Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury play together one last time at the IIHF world championships? Then in the third segment, airing on the PG's Pirates YouTube channel, our duo ponders Ben Cherington's options as the season continues to slip away. Is there a trade he can make to salvage his job? Is that a move he should be allowed to make, given his track record? Would firing him have a bigger practical or psychological impact? And what should we make of the Paul Skenes trade chatter, initiated this past week by ESPN's Jeff Passan? Adam and Jason give their thoughts, then analyze the catching situation with Henry Davis and Joey Bart. And Alexander Canario's recent hot streak.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. What should we make of Steelers owner Art Rooney II saying he's willing to wait a "little while longer" on Aaron Rodgers at QB following the NFL owners meetings? Did Rodgers add any context to his delay in making a decision in his appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast? And what is a reasonable timeline for signing with OTAs and minicamp fast approaching? And Mason Rudolph and Will Howard poised to get top reps? Paul tackles those questions and looks ahead to the Pirates' four-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Colin Beazley recap the Pirates' series victory over the Reds at PNC Park. Before their recap begins, the duo discusses the injury news pertaining to right-hander Jared Jones, who will miss the next 10-12 months after getting surgery to repair a UCL injury in his right elbow. The discussion then pivots to the Pirates pitching staff, which, with names like Mitch Keller, Paul Skenes, Bailey Falter and Andrew Heaney, has been nothing short of dominant under new manager Don Kelly. But for as good as the pitching has been, the bats have struggled, tying an MLB record for 26 straight games with four or less runs scored. The video is concluded with a quick look at the team's upcoming series against the Brewers, which includes a first big-league start from right-hander Mike Burrows on Thursday evening.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He weighs in on a report from MMQB's Albert Breer that the Steelers inquired about trading for New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave earlier in the offseason. Were they right to make their move for DK Metcalf instead? Should general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin mount another attempt to acquire Olave as a No. 2 after sending George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys? And how much confidence should we have in the current receivers room that includes names like Robert Woods, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson? Paul weighs in on those question, the NFL's decision not the ban the "tush push" popularized by the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles; and the conclusion of the Pirates' three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Are the Pirates heading toward yet another five-year rebuild following the firing of Derek Shelton as manager and the continued lack of results from general manager Ben Cherington? Or should owner Bob Nutting consider other options if he makes front-office changes at some point in the coming weeks and months? Could a rebuild lead to a trade of star pitcher Paul Skenes sooner rather than later as national MLB insiders including ESPN's Jeff Passan have speculated recently? Or should they keep him in their rotation alongside names like Mitch Keller for as long as possible? And when will it finally be time for the team to promote star pitching prospect Bubba Chandler? Paul ponders those questions and more.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Will Aaron Rodgers sign with the Steelers before OTAs, scheduled for next week? How much will it hurt preparation for coach Mike Tomlin's team if he doesn't? What could it mean for quarterbacks already under contract, including Mason Rudolph and Will Howard, or the chemistry with wide receivers including DK Metcalf, Robert Woods, Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson? And what should we make of comments Rodgers' biographer made last week? Paul tackles those questions, then gives his thoughts on a disastrous Pirates weekend series that included a brilliant Paul Skenes start wasted by a lack of offense.

On his weekly Saturday Conversations podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes former Pirates first-round draft pick Cole Tucker to get his perspective on the Pirates' managerial change from Derek Shelton to Don Kelly. What does Tucker remember about playing for Kelly? Why does he believe the club and former teammates including Ke'Bryan Hayes, Bryan Reynolds and Jack Suwinski are struggling so mightily? And what does he remember about his promotion to MLB that included a home run? Then later, our duo discusses Tucker's transition into broadcasting and how he hopes to use his gregarious personality to make TV gold.

Host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Maceky to react to a busy week in Pittsburgh sports news, which included the release of the Steelers' schedule on Wednesday night. Is the NFL signaling that it expects Aaron Rodgers will ultimately sign with the team by creating a Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets, his former squad? How intrigued should we be by an early meeting with former Steelers QB Justin Fields? And is it a good thing or a bad thing that coach Mike Tomlin and Co. will face another late-season gauntlet with games against the Super Bowl-contending Bills, Ravens and Lions? Our duo tackles those questions, plus Jason's reaction to what we saw from names including Derrick Harmon, Will Howad, Kaleb Johnson and Jack Sawyer at rookie minicamp. Then on other fronts, they discuss the Penguins coaching search and College Football Playoff expansion. Is Washington Capitals assistant Mitch Love a name that should be high on fans' list? And is the ACC right in fighting the Big Ten and SEC proposals for how the playoff will look moving forward? Then in the third segment, airing on the PG's Pirates YouTube channel, Adam and Jason react to Jason's interview with Pirates owner Bob Nutting following the firing of manager Derek Shelton last week. Does Nutting have any actual power to improve the Pirates' economic disadvantage against teams like the Dodgers, Mets and Yankees? Why did he fire Shelton but not GM Ben Cherington, who's also struggled in his role? Has Nutting oversold the impact of injuries to names like Spencer Horwitz and Jared Jones on the team's slow start? What can be done to get names like Bryan Reynolds back on track? And is it past time that Bubba Chandler was promoted to the big leagues?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Has the hype for Steelers sixth-round pick Will Howard gotten a bit out of control? How valid are the comparisons between his game and that of Ben Roethlisberger? And what are proper expectations for him in a quarterback room with Mason Rudolph and — possibly — Aaron Rodgers? Paul tackles those questions and more. What should we make of the Steelers' Week 4 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings, now announced as their Ireland game? Is Don Kelly making a difference as manager for the Pirates or is his impact overstated? And what should Penguins fans be learning from the NHL playoffs?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. What should we make of George Pickens appearing to call the Steelers a "cheap organization" in the comments of an Instagram post — and his subsequent attempts to walk it back? Is there some validity to his statements? Or is this just another example of why general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin were willing to trade him to the Dallas Cowboys last week? Paul answers those questions; gives thoughts on what we saw from names like Derrick Harmon, Kaleb Johnson, Jack Sawyer and Will Howard at rookie minicamp; and weighs in on the Pirates' weekend series against the Atlanta Braves, in which new manager Don Kelly guided to them to a pair of victories.

The best conversations from The Fan Morning Show, The Pomp and Joe Show, and The PM Team with Poni Mueller during the week of May 5-9. Reacting to two major stories in Pittsburgh stories: the Steelers trading wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, and the Pirates dismissing manager Derek Shelton. Ray Fittipaldo says Pickens was a "cancer" in the Steelers locker room,, and the trade should have no bearing on whether Aaron Rodgers signs with the team. Pomp says he would have kept Pickens and waited for him to mature. Noah Hiles of the Post-Gazette tells the morning show that Bucs GM Ben Cherington is likely to be back for 2026, despite Shelton's firing. All that and more!

The best conversations from The Fan Morning Show, The Pomp and Joe Show, and The PM Team with Poni Mueller during the week of May 5-9. Reacting to two major stories in Pittsburgh stories: the Steelers trading wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, and the Pirates dismissing manager Derek Shelton. Ray Fittipaldo says Pickens was a "cancer" in the Steelers locker room,, and the trade should have no bearing on whether Aaron Rodgers signs with the team. Pomp says he would have kept Pickens and waited for him to mature. Noah Hiles of the Post-Gazette tells the morning show that Bucs GM Ben Cherington is likely to be back for 2026, despite Shelton's firing. All that and more!

The best conversations from The Fan Morning Show, The Pomp and Joe Show, and The PM Team with Poni Mueller during the week of May 5-9. Reacting to two major stories in Pittsburgh stories: the Steelers trading wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, and the Pirates dismissing manager Derek Shelton. Ray Fittipaldo says Pickens was a "cancer" in the Steelers locker room,, and the trade should have no bearing on whether Aaron Rodgers signs with the team. Pomp says he would have kept Pickens and waited for him to mature. Noah Hiles of the Post-Gazette tells the morning show that Bucs GM Ben Cherington is likely to be back for 2026, despite Shelton's firing. All that and more!

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner to react to a busy week of Pittsburgh sports news. Are GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin signaling an intention to punt on the 2025 season after trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys? And allowing names like Najee Harris, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields to leave via NFL free agency in exchange for compensatory picks for the 2026 NFL draft? Or are they still serious about winning if they're keeping T.J. Watt in Pittsburgh and pursuing QB Aaron Rodgers on the open market? And how smart would it be to position for 2026 and its loaded QB class that includes names like Arch Manning, Drew Allar, Nico Iamaleava and LaNorris Sellers? Our duo tackles those questions, then talks Penguins and Penn State football. Should GM Kyle Dubas regret the team's winning ways to end the season? Which resulted in the 11th overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft? Who are the candidates Jason is mostly looking toward to replace Mike Sullivan as coach? And did Nittany Lions coach James Franklin accomplish what he needed to in the transfer portal this offseason? Adding names like Syracuse WR Trebor Pena and North Carolina linebacker Amare Campbell to a team that hopes to compete for a College Football Playoff national title?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Should GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin consider dealing star pass rusher T.J. Watt following the George Pickens trade to the Dallas Cowboys? Does it make sense to continue bolstering their NFL draft capital with an eye toward selecting from the loaded 2026 QB class that includes Arch Manning, Drew Allar, Nico Iamaleava and LaNorris Sellers? Or is Watt still worth extending into his 30s as a leader of a team that hopes to be competing for playoff wins? Paul tackles those topics, then weighs in on the Pirates after they announced Thursday that they'd fired manager Derek Shelton and replaced him with bench coach Don Kelly.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern, primarily the Steelers' decision to trade George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a third-round pick in next year's NFL draft. How does this move fit into a confusing offseason so far, one that's included big additions in DK Metcalf, Kenneth Gainwell and Darius Slay Jr; big subtractions in the form of Najee Harris, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields; plus a protracted pursuit of quarterback Aaron Rodgers? Are general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin serious about competing this year? Or are they looking toward the 2026 NFL draft, in which they now have a basket of picks to pursue a quarterback like Arch Manning, Drew Allar, Nico Iamaleava and LaNorris Sellers? Paul tackles those questions and more on the football front, then talks Pirates and manager Derek Shelton's future after another series loss vs. the St. Louis Cardinals.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. He welcomes Washington Wild Things general manager Tony Buselli to analyze the Pirates' most recent losing funk, which included a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night. Is this team fixable around stars like Paul Skenes, Oneil Cruz and Andrew McCutchen? Does manager Derek Shelton have the right answers? Or could his time in the dugout be running short? And what should general manager Ben Cherington do with struggling hitters like Tommy Pham, Jack Suwinski and Jared Triolo?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Is former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger underrated compared to names like Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and others as former Baltimore Ravens rival Terrell Suggs suggested on a podcast recently? Or does he get his just due around the league? Paul offers thoughts on that topic, plus the continuing fallout from the NFL draft and general manager Omar Khan's selection of names like Derrick Harmon, Kaleb Johnson, Jack Sawyer and Will Howard. Then later, Paul reacts to the Pirates' weekend sweep at the hands of the San Diego Padres and ponders the future of manager Derek Shelton. Should he be coaching for his job over the next couple of weeks? Will Oneil Cruz, Andrew McCutchen and the offense ever catch up to Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller and the pitching? And is there any hope left for this season with the team already more than 10 games under the .500 mark?

On his weekly Saturday Conversations podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes SportsNet Pittsburgh analyst and former Pirates pitcher Steven Brault to discuss the team's slow start. What it an MLB clubhouse like when a team gets off on the wrong foot? Where do the Pirates most need to improve under manager Derek Shelton? And what can they learn from the evolution of Oneil Cruz into a dangerous hitter. And the maturity Paul Skenes has shown in leading the pitching staff? Our duo tackles those topics, then Jason learns how Brault got started in broadcasting and what his hopes are for his career in that field.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Should Steelers general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin consider Titans quarterback Will Levis as a potential alternative should their NFL free agency pursuit of Aaron Rodgers fall through now that Levis appears poised to be displaced by No. 1 overall NFL draft pick Cam Ward in Nashville? Or are Mason Rudolph or even newly drafted quarterback Will Howard preferable to Levis? And does any other potential Plan B quarterback option — including Atlanta's Kirk Cousins — appeal to Paul? He tackles those questions; looks ahead to the Pirates' three-game series with the San Diego Padres at PNC Park; and gives thoughts on the concern swirling around Paul Skenes after an uncharacteristically sloppy start last time out against the Chicago Cubs.

Crowley and Dorin are joined by Post-Gazette columnist and former Penguins beat writer Jason Mackey, reacting to the news the New York Rangers have hired former Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner to react to a busy week in Pittsburgh sports news. How much pressure is on Steelers coach Mike Tomlin following the firing of the Penguins' Mike Sullivan? Will he face expectations to win in 2025, after GM Omar Khan decided to keep names like George Pickens and T.J. Watt rather than trade them for future draft capital? And amid the likely signing of veteran Aaron Rodgers? Or will get get a chance to coach the team in 2026, when it holds 10 draft picks and may be able to seek its QB of the future, with names like Arch Manning, Drew Allar, LaNorris Sellers and Nico Iamaleava likely coming out of the college ranks? Later, the guys tackle the Penguins' new direction without Sullivan. What changed for GM Kyle Dubas between last year and this year, given the reality that expectations for 2024-25 were low? Could a new coach jolt the team like Dan Bylsma did in 2009 or Sullivan did in 2016 to spark Stanley Cup runs from Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang? How much runway does Kyle Dubas have to turn the Penguins into contenders? And is the perception of Sidney Crosby's involvement in front office moves fit reality? Then in the third segment, airing on the PG's Pirates YouTube channel, our duo analyzes the continued lack of results in the win-loss column despite some improvement offensively. Is this just a bad team, even if it continues to show some improvement? What does that mean for GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton in owner Bob Nutting's eyes? Is Enmanuel Valdez a useful player? Or only looking good by comparison? And how will things shake out in the rotation with Bubba Chandler becoming hard to deny in the minors, Jared Jones on the mend and Carmen Mlodzinski still struggling after the first time through opposing batting orders? If you haven't already, subscribe to the sports department's YouTube channels so you don't miss videos with our reports, columnists and their special guests.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Do the Steelers have enough depth at receiver now that Robert Woods has joined Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson behind DK Metcalf and George Pickens? Or will those three still have to prove themselves as reliable pieces for coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith? And is the team's talk of becoming more physical following the NFL draft legit now that names like Derrick Harmon, Kaleb Johnson, Jack Sawyer and Yahya Black are in the fold? Paul tackles those questions; ponders the desirability of the Penguins job for NHL coaches; and wonders whether it's time to worry about Paul Skenes after his rocky Thursday start cost the Pirates a series win vs. the Chicago Cubs.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. How much better did general manager Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin make the team's roster this offseason now that the NFL draft is complete? Are the Steelers better positioned to compete following the trade for DK Metcalf; the signings of names like Kenneth Gainwell and Darius Slay Jr.; and the drafting of players including Derrick Harmon, Jack Sawyer, Kaleb Johnson and Will Howard? Was it enough to replace what they lost in players like Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Najee Harris? And how much hinges on Aaron Rodgers finally signing with the team? Paul tackles those questions, then welcomes Plum hockey coach Jon Gratton to discuss the Penguins' firing of Mike Sullivan as coach on Monday.

Host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey to recap Day 2 of the NFL draft from a Steelers perspective. Was Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson too good a value to pass up at pick No. 83? Or should GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin have waited to dip into a deep running back class with names like Dylan Sampson, Bhayshul Tuten or DJ Giddens or Trevor Etienne? How does Johnson fit within OC Arthur Smith's scheme? And a backfield that already includes names like Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell? And how should we interpret Johnson coming to Pittsburgh with a similar style to the recently departed Najee Harris? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Our duo tackles those questions, then talks QBs as Shedeur Sanders continues to tumble from perceived Day 1 status heading into the draft. How much consideration did he deserve for the Steelers? Who enter Day with long-term QB questions? Would the attention around Sanders have been a bad fit with potentially a No. 3 role in the QB room behind Mason Rudolph and Aaron Rodgers? How does he stack up with other Day 3 QB options like Will Howard and Kyle McCord? And how much consideration did Jalen Milroe deserve before going to the Seattle Seahawks a few picks later?

Join the Post-Gazette's team of Steelers experts throughout the second and third rounds of the 2025 NFL draft LIVE from Mike's Beer Bar as they discuss each pick all the way up to and after Pittsburgh's scheduled slot at No. 83 overall.

Join the Post-Gazette's team of Steelers experts throughout the first round of the 2025 NFL draft LIVE from Mike's Beer Bar as they discuss each pick all the way up to and after Pittsburgh's scheduled slot at No. 21. Join Adam Bittner, Christopher Carter, Paul Zeise, Jason Mackey, Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko to get their reactions to the big news as it happens. Will GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin fortify their defensive line with top prospects like Derrick Harmon, Walter Nolen or Kenneth Grant? Will they aim for a possible franchise quarterback like Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart? Could they go off-script completely and grab names like Omarion Hampton at RB or Jahdae Barron at CB? And will they consider a trade to move up, down or add picks by moving a name like George Pickens or T.J. Watt? Our team ponders those questions amid an offseason that's already included a big trade for DK Metcalf and a long pursuit of QB Aaron Rodgers. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com

Post-Gazette insiders Noah Hiles and Colin Beazley recap the Pirates' series victory in Anaheim, Calif., over the Angels. The recap begins with a look at Andrew Heaney's early dominance, then transitions into highlighting the consistent production the Pirates are now receiving from the top third of their lineup from names like Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds and Andrew McCutchen. The duo then discusses the roster moves made by the team Thursday afternoon, which included Jack Suwinski being optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis and Mike Burrows and Matt Gorski being called up to the big-league club. The video is concluded with a series preview for the Pirates' upcoming three-game set against the Dodgers this weekend. How will Paul Skenes fare in his homecoming game against Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and the defending World Series champions? Can he outpitch Yoshinobu Yamamoto?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner to give his thoughts on the Steelers, the NFL draft, the end of the Penguins' season and the Pirates' West Coast road trip. On the football side, is Derrick Harmon the most uncomplicated pick for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin? What about Kenneth Grant and Walter Nolen along the defensive line? And where do QBs Sheduer Sanders and Jaxson Dart fit into that conversation? Later, the duo reacts to Penguins GM Kyle Dubas appearing to signal in post-season comments Tuesday that he's looking more toward 2026-27 than next season in terms of competing meaningfully in the Eastern Conference. Is he being too passive with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang on the roster? How aggressively should he shop in NHL free agency this summer? Or move bad contracts owed to Tristan Jarry, Erik Karlsson and Ryan Graves? And where does coach Mike Sullivan figure into all of it? Then finally, in a segment airing on the Post-Gazette's Pirates YouTube channel, the guys react to Andrew McCutchen's angst about his playing time. Does he deserve better from manager Derek Shelton and GM Ben Cherington? How much longer does McCutchen plan to play? And is Shelton's lineup turnover an overall problem as well? Our duo tackles those questions, then discusses the team's mediocre record when Paul Skenes is on the mound and pressure on owner Bob Nutting after loud “sell the team” chants continued during the last homestand.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. With the NFL draft looming, will Steelers GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin commit to George Pickens and T.J. Watt in the end? Or could one or both players still move on draft day if the team doesn't believe it will re-sign them for 2026 and beyond? What are Paul's final thoughts who the first-round pick will ultimately be? A defensive lineman like Kenneth Grant, Walter Nolen or Derrick Harmon? A QB like Shedeur Sanders of Jaxson Dart? Or someone from another position group like Omarion Hampton at RB or Jahdae Barron? And on the baseball front, what should we make of Andrew McCutchen's big night for the Pirates in a much-needed victory against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night in Anaheim, Calif.?

Post-Gazette columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. What are the Steelers' biggest NFL draft needs beyond quarterback and defensive line? Assuming they take names like Derrick Harmon, Kenneth Grant, Walter Nolen, Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart early, where should they look next? Is it cornerback and options including Shavon Revel Jr., Azareye'h Thomas or Trey Amos? What about running backs like TreVeyon Henderson, Dylan Sampson or Bhayshul Tuten? Or even receiver and players including Jayden Higgins, Jack Bech or Tre Harris? Paul tackles those questions, then previews an important series for the Pirates against the Los Angeles Angels, in which Oneil Cruz, Andrew McCutchen and the offense hope to get on track.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. What should we make of reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Steelers are looking to trade back in the first round of the NFL draft? Would that be the right move for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin to try to recoup some draft capital? And could they still land speculated targets including Derrick Harmon, Kenneth Grant, Walter Nolen, Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart of Omarion Hampton in the latter portions of the first round? Later, Paul gives his thoughts on the latest in the wait for Aaron Rodgers to sign with the team. Will he be under contract by the draft? And if not, how long after it should the Steelers wait before moving on with Mason Rduolph? Paul tackles those football topics, then weighs in on the Pirates' rough weekend, during which they were swept by the Cleveland Guardians. How much heat does manager Derek Shelton deserve for questionable lineup choices with Oneil Cruz, Andrew McCutchen and others? And can they turn their struggles around on the West Coast this week?

On his weekly Saturday Conversations podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes Penguins broadcaster Paul Steigerwald to tackle a range of hockey topics. Can coach Mike Sullivan's team sustain its late-season momentum into next season to give Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin a chance to return to the playoffs? How much should we believe in young players and prospects like Ville Koivunen, Rutger McGroarty and Sergei Murashov? And how much can GM Kyle Dubas accomplish with his slew of NHL draft picks in upcoming lotteries? Our duo tackles those topics, then looks back on Paul's career as a broadcaster. How did it come to be after he started as the team's director of marketing? What was his relationship with Mike Lange? And what are his memories of the late play-by-play legend? What are his favorite stories from past Stanley Cup runs? When does he plan to retire? And which players does he put on the Mount Rushmore of Penguins hockey next to names like Crosby, Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr?

Host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey to discuss the Steelers' interest in running backs ahead of the NFL draft. What should we make of the fact that nine of the team's 30 pre-draft visitors play the position? How much belief should OC Arthur Smith have in internal options like Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell? Will GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin look to make a big splash and take a projected Day 1 option like Omarion Hampton to replace Najee Harris as a 1,000-yard caliber back? Or will they look to Days 2 and 3 with an eye toward building depth in the form of names like DJ Giddens, Bhayshul Tuten, Dylan Sampson, Ollie Gordon II, Jaydon Blue, Kaleb Johnson, RJ Harvey and TreVeyon Henderson?

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, host Christopher Carter explains his Steelers NFL draft big board, with additional insight from Post-Gazette insider Ray Fittipaldo. Why is Chris down on the 2025 QB class? Ranking Shedeur Sanders barely inside his top 50 and Jaxson Dart outside the top 100? Where does Jalen Milroe fit into that mix? How much of a drop off is there from top DTs like Walter Nolen, Kenneth Grant and Derrick Harmon to later-round options? What about the gap between top running backs like Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton to others in this deeper class? At what positions can GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin most wait to find useful players? Our duo tackles those questions, then analyzes the ways that T.J. Watt's contract situation has been impacted by the lucrative extension that the AFC North rival Cleveland Browns gave star pass rusher Myles Garrett this offseason.

On his weekly Saturday Conversations podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey welcomes KDKA-TV's Rich Walsh to tackle some hot Pittsburgh sports topics and learn more about Rich's career in television. On the football front, Rich explains why he doesn't want the Steelers to reach for a QB like Jaxson Dart in the NFL draft and gives his thoughts on keeping George Pickens next to DK Metcalf vs. trading him for an opportunity to get back into the second round. Then our duo tackles the Pirates' slow start and Penguins GM Kyle Dubas' chances of turning the team around before Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin retire. Later, Jason learns about Rich's journey from growing up in Penn Hills to becoming a key piece of KDKA's sports coverage team; what a day in the life of a TV sports anchor looks like and how that's changed over the years; and the nuance of the medium that Rich has learned through time.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey joins host Adam Bittner to react to the week in Pittsburgh sports news. Is Aaron Rodgers delaying his deal with the Steelers out of fear of losing his job like Kirk Cousins did to Michael Penix Jr. with the Atlanta Falcons last season? As Fox Sports insider Jason McIntyre has speculated? What should we make of Justin Fields' comments to reporters, in which he said he didn't feel "comfortable" with Mike Tomlin and the Steelers following his midseason benching in favor of Russell Wilson? How seriously should the GM Omar Khan be taking Shedeur Sanders as a draft option? Whether or not Rodgers signs? And was T.J. Watt being cryptic in an Instagram post in which he gave a peace sign? Or are fans and observers looking too far into it and what it means for his future with the Steelers? Our duo tackles those questions and more. In the second and third segments, airing on the Post-Gazette's new Pirates YouTube channel, the guys give their thoughts on a busy week for the Pirates on and off the field. How much criticism does team president Travis Williams deserve for the Bucco Bricks fiasco, the bungled tribute to Roberto Clemente, attendance issues and the state of PNC Park? Are the problems with the Pirates as a business eclipsing their shortcomings on the field? And how much is owner Bob Nutting paying attention to his club's issues amid relentless chants for him to "sell the team" that started at the home opener last weekend and have not subsided? Our duo tackles those questions, then analyzes on-field performance in the second segment. Should we worry about a small dip in Paul Skenes' velocity in his worst start as a Pirates on Tuesday in a loss to the Cardinals? Are Justin Lawrence, Denis Santana and Caleb Ferguson the answers manager Derek Shelton has been looking for in the bullpen following struggles from David Bendar and Colin Holderman in high-leverage roles? Should we be more encouraged or discouraged by Ke'Bryan Hayes' start to the season offensively? How much grace will veterans Tommy Pham and Adam Frazier get amid their struggles? And how important does Andrew McCutchen remain to this lineup? If you haven't already, subscribe to the sports department's YouTube channels so you don't miss a video with our reporters, columnists and their special guests.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Did Steelers GM Omar Khan back himself into a corner by not addressing the defensive line in a major way in free agency? Forcing a possible tough choice between QBs like Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart and DLs like Kenneth Grant, Derrick Harmon and Walter Nolen in the NFL draft? Are negotiations between the Steelers and star pass rusher T.J. Watt going poorly? As NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport suggested Thursday following the release of a cryptic Instagram post from Watt? Or are fans and media getting ahead of themselves in reacting to the innocuous photo of Watt flashing a peace sign? Is giving Watt and extension the right move, given his personal lack of playoff success? And how long can he, Cam Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick realistically be cornerstones of Mike Tomlin's defense as they have been for much of the last decade? Paul tackles those questions, Sanders' visit to the team's facility ahead of the NFL draft and the Pirates' series victory against the St. Louis Cardinals. Does it suggest a turnaround could be ahead for Paul Skenes, Bryan Reynolds, Andrew McCutchen, etc.? Or are the obvious offensive woes still a major concern?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Could Steelers GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin get QBs Aaron Rodgers and Shedeur Sanders to peacefully coexist if both were added this offseason via NFL free agency and the NFL draft, respectively? How long would Rodgers be able to hold Sanders off in such a scenario? Should we interpret Sanders' scheduled visit Thursday as genuine interest in him from the front office? And how much longer will we need to wait for a decision from Rodgers, after Pat McAfee signaled no news is forthcoming from his Pittsburgh event Wednesday night? Paul tackles those questions then reacts to the Pirates' series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Should we worry about Paul Skenes after his rough start Tuesday night? How much scrutiny does president Travis Williams deserve after PR gaffes related to the Roberto Clemente tribute in right field and the commemorative bricks at PNC Park that the club is in the process of replacing? And what does this first homestand's attendance signal about support for GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton?

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: Pirates reporter Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joined the show. Carmen Mlodzinski used his sweeper a lot more and had more success working a second and third time through the lineup. Thomas Harrington pitched better than his debut and looked more comfortable attacking Cardinals hitters. Who will play more years in Pittsburgh the rest of the way, Paul Skenes or Sidney Crosby?

Carmen Mlodzinski used his sweeper a lot more and had more success working a second and third time through the lineup. Thomas Harrington pitched better than his debut and looked more comfortable attacking Cardinals hitters. 

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Should the Steelers be paying attention to the first-round buzz starting to swirl around Alabama QB Jalen Milroe after he was invited to attend the NFL draft in-person later this month? Or should he still be a guy GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin consider only in the later rounds? And how does his game stack up against other possible QB targets including Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough and Will Howard? Paul tackles those questions, offers thoughts on the signing of OT Calvin Anderson as depth behind Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu and reacts the Pirates' weekend series loss to the Yankees in which SPs Mitch Keller and Bailey Falter struggled against a tough lineup led by Aaron Judge.

Joe believes this is the low point of the Bob Nutting era. Nutting told the Post-Gazette he believes he's given all the tools and resources to the team to be successful. Nutting said that at a point, it comes to execution.

Pirates TV reporter Robbie Incmikoski joins Post-Gazette columnist Jason Mackey to talk about the 2025 Pirates, his book "Sacred Grounds: What Our Ballparks Mean to Us" and more. How does Paul Skenes stack up against some other players he's covered? And what led Incmikoski to pursue a career in TV, and what does he want his next professional chapter to be?

The Post-Gazette's Adam Bittner and Jason Mackey react to the week in Pittsburgh sports news. What should we make of comments from Steelers owner Art Rooney II, coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan about their pursuit of Aaron Rodgers? Is it wise for the Steelers to look toward the 2026 NFL draft for their QB of the future, given the many compensatory picks they'll have at their disposal to try to trade up? Are options beyond Arch Manning compelling? Or are Drew Allar, Nico Iamaleava, LaNorris Sellers and Garrett Nussmeier similar to this year's crop, which includes names like Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart and Will Howard? Are Jeff Capel and Pitt basketball in trouble after Jaland Lowe and Jorge and Guillermo Diaz-Graham entered the transfer portal? Or can they draw hope from quick and major turnarounds from Final Four programs like Auburn and Houston? How closely should we be watching new Penguins faces including Ville Koivunen and Rutger McGroarty? And in the third segment, airing on the Post-Gazette's Pirates YouTube channel, our duo offers thoughts on the club's ugly start to the season. Are GM Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton caught between what's best for the club's long-term future and what's best for retaining their jobs short-term in some of their roster decisions involving names like Carmen Mlodzinski and Thomas Harrington? What is the deal with the six-man rotation? Shouldn't we want to see more — rather than less — of Paul Skenes and Mitch Keller? Whose slow offensive start should we be most worried about? Tommy Pham, Jack Suwinski, Ke'Bryan Hayes, or someone else? And how frosty will the home opening reception be against the New York Yankees on Friday at PNC Park?

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the day in Pittsburgh sports news live around 5 p.m. Eastern. Should the Steelers have pushed harder to trade for QB Joe Milton III, who went from the Patriots to the Cowboys on Thursday in exchange for a pair of later-round draft picks? Could he have more upside than Mason Rudolph as a backup? Or would his age and room for development even made him a preferable option to Aaron Rodgers that GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin should have pursued? Paul tackles those topics; reacts to visits by NFL draft prospects including WR Matthew Golden, RB Kaleb Johnson, CB Azareye'h Thomas and TE Gavin Bartholomew; and gives his thoughts on the sorry state of the Pirates ahead of the home opener Friday against the New York Yankees.