PLAY PODCASTS
City Cast Pittsburgh

City Cast Pittsburgh

1,061 episodes — Page 10 of 22

Why 16 Pittsburgh Public Schools Might Close

Pittsburgh Public Schools released a penny-pinching plan that could drastically change our public school system. From building closures and consolidations to separating kids by age groups and changing magnet programs, the recommendations are sweeping and there’s not much time for stakeholders to weigh in. We’re with PublicSource’s Lajja Mistry and WESA’s Jillian Forstadt to explain what we know so far and how you can get involved. Read their great reporting series PPS’ Path Forward and share your questions and concerns with Lajja and Jillian here. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 19th episode: U.S. Steel 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.

Aug 19, 202418 min

River Trash, Tourism Boom & Armed Guards in PA Schools

It’s the Friday news roundup! Freelancer and City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit joins City Cast’s Megan Harris and Mallory Falk to talk about increased tourism in the Strip District and Downtown and a new state law that could lead to more armed security guards in schools. Plus, they share their astonishment over how much trash is in our rivers and learn about a famous Pittsburgh architect whose mid-century modern dream homes are on the market (for enormous price tags). We always cite our sources: A recent Allegheny River dredge dug up 50,000 pounds of car parts — possibly from a long-gone Downtown parking lot. The Strip District will possibly double the number of visits over the next couple years. A new bill tied to the state budget requires one security officer per district to be trained and licensed to carry a gun, but the district can decide whether or not to have the officer bring it into the school. Wondering what else is part of this year’s PA state budget? Check out our interview with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and Spotlight PA reporter Stephen Caruso. The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh hired six armed guards and a few security officers this year. A Shadyside house by the famous architect and brief protege of Frank Lloyd Wright, Tasso Katselas, is up for sale. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 16th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Bike PGH 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.

Aug 16, 202430 min

Affogatos, Supper Club & What Happened to 40 North

Pittsburgh Coffee Week just announced their dates for the fall, and in the meantime, the team is excited about some of the latest developments in the city’s coffee scene, from new stores to end-of-summer specials. Host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo share some of the spots they’re most excited to try. Plus, they try to make sense of the sudden closure of 40 North — the restaurant attached to City of Asylum. Check out Pittsburgh Summer Restaurant Week specials here. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 15th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Bike PGH 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.

Aug 15, 202417 min

6 Things Renters Should Know Before Signing a Lease

Fall is a big rental season in Pittsburgh — it’s the start of the school year, after all — but how can you tell whether that spot you’re eyeing will be the perfect new home or the apartment from hell? Adam DiBuo with Neighborhood Legal Services is sharing an essential checklist to help you sort through the details before you sign a lease. Plus, stick around for what to do if things with your landlord ever go south. This episode originally aired May, 15, 2024. 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.

Aug 14, 202422 min

Gun Laws & Loopholes in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, it’s easier to buy an assault rifle than a handgun thanks to a loophole in our state law – one that’s come under increased scrutiny since the assassination attempt at the Trump rally in Butler last month. Venuri Siriwardane, health reporter for PublicSource, joins executive producer Mallory Falk to Pennsylvania’s gun laws and loopholes, plus the push to create more statewide gun safety measures. You can read Venuri’s reporting on state gun laws in PublicSource. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 13th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Bike PGH 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.

Aug 13, 202417 min

Your Guide to Thrifting in Pittsburgh

National Thrift Shop Day is this Saturday, so if you need a refresh for your fall wardrobe, it’s the perfect time to start looking for new outfits. Buying second hand can be tricky – it’s hard to figure out which shops have the best items to suit your style, how to sort through all the clothes, and how to tell if something fits without a dressing room. Thrifting expert and sustainable fashion advocate Hannah Horstmyer joins producer Sophia Lo to share their favorite thrift shops in the city and tips for leaving with a clothing haul you’ll love. Want even more thrift shop recommendations? Check out our list! Learn more about the sponsors of this August 12th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Bike PGH 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.

Aug 12, 202420 min

Shapiro’s Future, Self-Driving Trucks & Unsolved Mysteries

It’s the Friday news roundup! Kamala Harris made her pick for vice president and it’s not our governor. We’re talking about what’s next for Josh Shapiro – plus what to make of JD Vance’s first campaign stop in Pennsylvania – with Kim Lyons, editor of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. We also check in on a Pittsburgh-based company that’s raising millions to launch driverless trucks in Texas, and ask whether Neftlix’s Unsolved Mysteries reboot could help solve a Beaver County cold case. We always cite our sources: Gov. Josh Shapiro warmed up the crowd at Kamala Harris’ rally in Philly on Tuesday, before she and her running mate Tim Walz took the stage together for the first time. Some reporting suggests Harris had better chemistry with Walz than Shapiro during their meetings last weekend. JD Vance also held a rally in Philly on Tuesday – it was his first campaign stop in Pennsylvania since he became Donald Trump’s running mate. Aurora Innovation raised $483 million to launch a self-driving truck route between Dallas and Houston – the company, which is headquartered in Pittsburgh, initially asked for $350 million. Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries reboot is highlighting a Beaver County cold case from 2014. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 9th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Tree Pittsburgh Rivers of Steel 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.

Aug 9, 202432 min

Reality Cooking Show Secrets With a Pittsburgh Contestant

A lot of us find comfort in cooking shows, but today we’re getting off the couch and going behind the scenes with a Pittsburgher who actually competed in one. Home cook Doug Heilman is bringing local dishes to the latest season of The Great American Recipe. He tells us how much prep time contestants really get, who washes the dishes, and how the Steel City inspired all of his delicious-looking food. Will Doug win The Great American Recipe? Tune into the finale next Monday, August 12 to find out! And don’t miss his local food podcast, The Pittsburgh Dish. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 8th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Tree Pittsburgh Rivers of Steel 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.

Aug 8, 202420 min

Does Your Home Have a Racist Past?

If you own an old home, there might be discriminatory language in your deed barring Black people from owning the property. It’s called a racial covenant, and even though this language isn’t enforceable anymore, it’s still on the books in the subdivisions of at least a few Pittsburgh neighborhoods — and especially in our suburbs. Local writer and historian David Rotenstein joins us to talk about what got us here, and a new law that could help homeowners address these ugly remnants of the past. You can read David’s reporting on racial covenants in PublicSource and Pittsburgh City Paper. **This episode originally published May 8, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 7th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Tree Pittsburgh Rivers of Steel 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.

Aug 7, 202423 min

VP Nods, Sober Spaces, and a New Kind of Vending Machine

A local teacher was left out of America’s latest prisoner swap with Russia, but his family isn’t giving up. Seven vending machines filled with free Narcan are popping up across the county, and Pittsburgh’s alcohol-free scene is more vibrant than ever. Plus, how a certain mayor added to the VP announcement drama. We always cite our sources: The mayor of Philadelphia posted a video last week calling for people to support “vice president Josh Shapiro,” but one source said this isn’t a formal announcement about Harris’ running mate. Oakmont resident Marc Fogel was left out of the US’ prisoner swap with Russia, and he shared how he’s feeling with his family. Vending machines filled with free Narcan are popping up around Allegheny County, and Prevention Point offers more harm reduction resources and instructions on how to administer Narcan. Looking for more alcohol-free spaces in the city? Stage AE recently introduced its sober sanctuary, and the Open Road is moving to Garfield. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 6th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Tree Pittsburgh Rivers of Steel 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.

Aug 6, 202415 min

PA's Controversial Plan to Create Clean(er) Energy

Pennsylvania’s getting millions from the federal government to build hydrogen hubs in the hopes of creating an energy source that’s cleaner than fossil fuels. Our state lawmakers think it’s a pretty good deal, but some environmental groups worry that without the right regulations in place, these hubs won’t actually be as environmentally-friendly as they seem. Now that the first phase of an Appalachian hub is kicking off, we’re revisiting our episode from last fall about the potential and pitfalls of these huge projects. Have more questions about our regional hydrogen hub? Its leaders are holding a virtual community meeting on August 16th. Learn more and register here. **This episode originally published September 6, 2023. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 5th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Tree Pittsburgh Rivers of Steel 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.

Aug 5, 202414 min

Prisoner Swaps, VP Picks & PA’s Claim to Pommel Horse Guy

It’s the Friday news roundup! We’ve got the latest on Pittsburgh’s so-called “jock tax,” how Pennsylvanians are showing out in the Paris Olympics, and what we know about a Pittsburgh-area teacher who was left off an historic prisoner swap with Russia. Plus, we’re checking in on the Trump rally investigation and decoding Kamala Harris’ choice to introduce her vice presidential pick in Philly next week. We always cite our sources: Pittsburgh’s “jock tax” is headed to the state Supreme Court. Kamala Harris will hold a rally with her running mate in Philadelphia next Tuesday Former President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Harrisburg on Wednesday — his first time back in Pennsylvania after the assassination attempt in Butler County. Earlier in the day, he spoke at the National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention. Trump says he plans to return to Butler County but has not released more details. As the investigation into the assassination attempt continues, the Butler County district attorney has been defending local law enforcement officers after the state police commissioner told Congress that they left their post at the rally. The prisoner swap between the U.S. and Russia does not include Oakmont teacher Marc Fogel. Fogel’s mother met with Trump the day of the Butler County rally and had been hoping he would draw attention to Fogel’s case during his speech. Senator Bob Casey is urging the Biden administration to prioritize Fogel’s release. Learn more about the sponsor of this August 2nd episode: 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.

Aug 2, 202420 min

Your Guide to August in 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. It’s officially August and there is so much to do in and around the city, from kayaking under a meteor shower to catching live music in a city park. The City Cast team is sharing our recommendations for making the most of Pittsburgh this month, whether you’re looking for a festival dedicated to banana splits or a chance to see the Steelers practice up close. And if you’re craving more food recommendations, check out our episode on the best food festivals to close out your summer. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 1, 202426 min

Our Favorite Birthday Freebies in Pittsburgh

Have a birthday coming up? Producer Sophia Lo rounded up some of the best birthday freebies and discounts for her birthday, and we’re bringing you all the local restaurant loyalty programs you need to sign up for so you can celebrate your big day with sweet treats and even full meals. Have a favorite local freebie that we didn’t mention? Let us know, and your answer might be featured on the show! Email us at [email protected]. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 31st episode: 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.

Jul 31, 202414 min

The Best Pittsburgh Area Camping Trips

If you want to go camping, where should you start? We’re back with Marcus Shoffner, founder of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, talking about favorite destinations in and around the city, his tips and tricks for a good experience, ways to borrow and learn how to use the right gear, and other low-stress ideas to get you started. Plus, an update on the overnight camping pilot he started in Riverview Park! Want to hear more about inclusivity in outdoor spaces? Check out our previous conversation with Marcus. **This episode originally published April 24, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 30th episode: 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.

Jul 30, 202423 min

Do These Beloved Pittsburgh Landmarks Deserve 1-Star Reviews?

The humble user review — taken alone, is just one person’s opinion. But put a bunch together, and that aggregated star rating can make or break a local business. So today, we’re going inside the minds of the people leaving one-star reviews for some of our favorite Pittsburgh places. Producer and quizmaster Elizabeth Kauma puts host Megan Harris and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco to the test. Can they guess famous Pittsburgh landmarks based only on one-star reviews? Who knows Pittsburgh’s haters best? Check your answers as you play along. **This episode originally published March 11, 2024. Learn more about the sponsor of this July 29th episode: 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.

Jul 29, 202421 min

Would You Vote for VP Shapiro? Plus, Pittsburgh in the Olympics

It’s the Friday news roundup! With Gov. Josh Shapiro in the running to be Vice President, we’re bringing a critical eye to his record, his policies, his wish list, and his controversies to see what he could bring to a Democratic ticket — and what happens to PA if he vacates the governor’s office early. Plus, the 2024 Olympic Games start today, and there are a bunch of ways to root for Pittsburgh in Paris. We always cite our sources: Spotlight PA has a great rundown of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s achievements and controversies Almost 30 public education advocacy groups across the country sent a letter to Kamala Harris urging her not to select Shapiro as her running mate because of his support for school vouchers As governor, Shapiro has sought to regulate natural gas development while also embracing it Shapiro’s office paid almost $300,000 to settle a sexual harassment allegation against a top aide A bunch of Pittsburgh athletes are headed to Paris, including Calahan Young, who will play goalball in the Paralypmics Kyle Holbrook, a muralist from Wilkinsburg, will paint four murals in Paris during the Olympics. Sign up to stream the Olympic games for free. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 26th episode: Bike PGH Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST YWCA Equity Award 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.

Jul 26, 202429 min

7 More Food Festivals to Close Out Pittsburgh Summer 2024

Does your perfect weekend involve wandering through local food stalls and sipping on a giant lemonade? Then you're in luck! Host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo are rounding up the best food festivals through the rest of the summer, including spots for vegans, meat lovers, and beer aficionados. Plus, if you missed the first round of Greek food fests this year, we’ve got a fresh recommendation for you! Learn more about the sponsors of this July 25th episode: Bike PGH Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST YWCA Equity Award 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.

Jul 25, 202419 min

PA Might Get More Fracking, Because Volcanoes — We'll Explain

Not long ago, scientists made a discovery in Pennsylvania. They found a ton of lithium in wastewater created by fracking – enough to meet 40% of our whole country’s needs. On the surface, this sounds like it could be a win, given lithium’s importance in the shift to cleaner energy. But things always get complicated when fracking is part of the picture. Kiley Bense with Inside Climate News joins us to talk about what we know about Pennsylvania’s lithium supply and the pros and cons of what comes next. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24th episode: Bike PGH Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST YWCA Equity Award 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.

Jul 24, 202421 min

Why Did Bloomfield’s Housing and Grocery Project Stall?

Why is it so hard to build housing in Pittsburgh? Developer Echo Realty requested a zoning variance to increase the maximum height for a new housing development and grocery store, but Pittsburgh’s zoning board denied the request – and now it looks like the developer is giving up on the project altogether. We’re revisiting our conversation with TribLive reporter Ryan Deto to break down what happened with the initial setback and what these zoning decisions say about the process of building housing in the city. **This episode originally published November 14, 2023. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 23rd episode: Bike PGH Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST YWCA Equity Award 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.

Jul 23, 202416 min

Why is Pittsburgh Spelled With an H?

At its inception, Pittsburgh was named for British earl and Prime Minister William Pitt. Most of us know that. But how we got, lost, and eventually reclaimed the consistent use of our beloved H is up for debate. Historian and author Virginia Montanez is here to talk about the basic rules of how we spell things (really), why Pittsburgh was so bad at it (shocking), and how newspapermen and intellectuals made everything worse (¯\_(ツ)_/¯). Learn more about the sponsors of this July 22nd episode: Bike PGH Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST YWCA Equity Award 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.

Jul 22, 202416 min

More Happy Hours, Pool Chaperones, and an Ice Cream Sweepstakes

It’s the Friday news roundup! The city and county are changing their pool policies in the middle of the summer — now, some kids need chaperones. There are fun new rules about happy hours and canned cocktails in the commonwealth. And a pair of Pittsburghers showed out on the national stage at the All-Star Game. Plus, stick around for National Ice Cream Day deals. We always cite our sources: County pools put in a new chaperone policy as of this week — the director of Allegheny Parks said it’s meant to create a safer environment. The city also implemented a chaperone policy at the Highland Park pool. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed new alcohol laws the increase happy hours and allow grocery stores to sell canned cocktails Writer Virginia Montanez defended Pennsylvania’s new license plate in her Substack — leading us to do a deep dive on the history of the Liberty Bell Learn more about the sponsors of this July 19th episode: Rivers of Steel Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. 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.

Jul 19, 202421 min

Pittsburgh’s Best Patios for Outdoor Dining

Pittsburgh isn’t exactly known for its sunny, blue-sky days, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy outdoor dining! The city is full of restaurant patios, and today, we’re giving out superlatives for the best ones. City Cast’s Megan Harris is with Discover the Burgh’s Jeremy Jones to decide which patios are the fanciest, most unusual, dog friendly, and of course, which actually have the tastiest food and drinks. Plus, if we’ve convinced you to visit Harmony Inn’s patio, check out our guide to Harmony to plan a few more things to see and do. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 18th episode: Rivers of Steel Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. 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.

Jul 18, 202421 min

How to Find Cheap Flights From Pittsburgh

We’ve all heard about the long security lines at PIT this summer (some of us have experienced them ourselves!), but if you’re willing to brave TSA there are lots of great flight deals out of the city. Travel expert and Going founder Scott Keyes joins us to share his top tips for finding cheap tickets, whether you’re looking for a quick summer getaway or dreaming big about an international vacation. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 17th episode: Rivers of Steel Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. 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.

Jul 17, 202424 min

Free Period Products, EV Fees & More Surprises in PA’s New Budget

The state just passed a $47.6 billion dollar budget — our biggest one yet. It was only two weeks late this time (not bad, by Pennsylvania standards!) and sets a bunch of new priorities. Spotlight PA’s capitol reporter Stephen Caruso joins City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris and City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri to talk about where the state is putting its money and what got left on the cutting room floor. We mentioned this episode from last year about why school funding in PA isn’t fair, and this one about school vouchers. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 16th episode: Rivers of Steel Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. 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.

Jul 16, 202422 min

An Eyewitness Account of the Trump Rally Shooting

On Saturday, a person fired a gun at former President Donald Trump while he was speaking at a rally in Butler County, about an hour north of the city. A bullet grazed Trump’s ear; one bystander, firefighter and father Corey Comperatore, was killed and two others were badly injured. The FBI is calling it an assassination attempt, and the alleged shooter was also from the Pittsburgh area. Ryan Deto was covering the rally for the Trib when the gunfire started. He joins us to talk about how everything unfolded and what he’ll be watching for now. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15th episode: Rivers of Steel Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan. 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.

Jul 15, 202419 min

Liberty Bells, Cannabis Testing & Mineo's Makes the NY Times

It’s the Friday news roundup! If you have a medical cannabis card, you could become part of a protected class here in Pittsburgh. Our state has a new license plate but not everybody loves it. And a local pizza place made it on a New York Times “best of” list, but not in the way you might think. It’s a week of weird news! We always cite our sources: Mineo’s made it onto a New York Times “best of” list. Pittsburgh City Council is considering a bill that would make medical marijuana patients a protected class. The state’s medical marijuana law has a lot of gray area when it comes to employment protection. Pennsylvania has a new license plate and a lot of Pittsburghers think it’s too Philly-centric when there are plenty of state symbols that could’ve been included instead. If you love the new design, you can sign up to receive the plate when it debuts next year (and if you’re getting a vanity plate, just make sure it’s not too raunchy). There’s also the hellbender plate! City Council approved a fund to support festivals that were hurt by the pandemic, but it’s not clear where the money will come from. Council is also considering renaming the City-County Building’s pressroom in honor of former reporter and communications director Tim McNulty, who died last weekend of cancer. Celebrate the Steelers’ 91st birthday or take a tour. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 12th episode: Babbel Bike PGH 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.

Jul 12, 202423 min

The Best Food at PNC Park

Whether you’re at a Buccos game for the actual sport or one of the giveaways, a baseball outing really isn’t complete without some snacks. And PNC Park has your standard baseball fare – think popcorn and peanuts – but a lot of local restaurants are also getting in on the stadium menus. We’re here to help you decide which lines are worth standing in and see whether new items are worth the hype. Want a comprehensive list of this year’s new menu items? NEXTPittsburgh has you covered. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 11th episode: Babbel Bike PGH 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.

Jul 11, 202427 min

Pittsburgh’s Most Creative Zillow Posts & More Homebuying Tips

It’s peak real estate season and interest rates are really high – so what does that mean for homebuyers in Pittsburgh? Local real estate broker Jessica Baker shares tips for buyers and sellers and which pockets of the city are still somewhat affordable. Plus, host Megan Harris puts Jessica to the test to see how she would describe some zanier home features… as seen on Zillow. **This episode originally published April 8, 2024. Check out our previous conversation with Jessica to learn whether Pittsburgh potties count as half-baths. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 9th episode: Babbel Bike PGH 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.

Jul 10, 202422 min

Pop Quiz: PA State Symbols!

What comes to your mind when you think of Pennsylvania? Over the years, we have 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 Sophia Lo is putting the City Cast Pittsburgh team to the test. Come play along with us! Learn more about the sponsors of this July 9th episode: Babbel Bike PGH 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.

Jul 9, 202420 min

The Ultimate Pittsburgh Summer Bucket List

We’re weeks into summer, so if you’ve been waiting to catch that Buccos game or get a sundae from Page's Dairy Mart, now is the time! Our city is full of great summer activities – but if you need a little inspiration, we crowdsourced ideas from listeners and Hey Pittsburgh newsletter readers to help put together the perfect summer bucket list. If you’re trying to plan ahead, you can check out the schedules for the city’s free Cinema in the Park and Summer Concert series, and the county’s Summer Movies in the Parks program. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 8th episode: Babbel Bike PGH 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.

Jul 8, 202419 min

Here's What the Entire Country Is Talking About

City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast daily local podcast hubs to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Listen in for how Megan Harris’s story stacks up against the rest. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 5th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Babbel Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Jul 5, 202449 min

How To Deal Hunt at Pittsburgh’s Mysterious New Megastores

Return or ripoff? Costsaver or scam? Pittsburghers love a deal, so when the discount stores housed under Mac.bid came to town, many of us started bidding without reading the fine print. City Cast’s Elizabeth Kauma and Megan Harris are exploring how it got here, what to do so you don’t buy a dud, and whether these liquidation emporiums are worth the risk at all. **This episode originally published March 18, 2024. We love to cite our sources: The National Retail Federations 2022 report on returns. Mac.Bid’s Better Business Bureau page. Marketplace’s dive into the wild world of liquidation. The Atlantic’s journey into the warehouses that process returns. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 3rd episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Babbel 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.

Jul 3, 202417 min

How Pittsburgh Became the ‘Fireworks Capital of the World’

Pittsburgh’s biggest fireworks show of the year starts Thursday at 9:35 p.m., and the company in charge of it all is from Western Pennsylvania. But they’re not the only game in town! City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris explains the birthplace and backstories of Zambelli, Pyrotecnico, and Starfire — three of the nation’s largest fireworks makers — and how they each came to call the Pittsburgh area home. Learn more about Zambelli, Pyrotecnico, and Starfire, plus Pittsburgh’s Independence Day show and displays all around the region. And special thanks to the Trib archives and Megan’s partner’s intrepid reporting in 2010. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 2nd episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Babbel 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.

Jul 2, 202420 min

Your Guide to July in 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. Fireworks, hot dogs, ice cream and pickles – honestly, we’re not sure Pittsburgh could build a better summertime Mt. Rushmore. The City Cast team is sharing some of our favorite events and activities to help you make the most of July, including a road race for tiny cars, the annual furry convention, and a special dinosaur birthday. And if you’re looking for ways to stay cool this month, check out our episode on how to enjoy Pittsburgh’s rivers. 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. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 1, 202428 min

Long Airport Lines, School Closures & Pittsburgh’s Ties to the American Flag

It’s the Friday news roundup! School’s out, and Pittsburgh Public is using the summer vacation to consider whether some schools have to close or consolidate. If you’ve got a flight coming up, you need to get to the airport extremely early. (We’re talking three hours before takeoff!) And we’re digging into the history of Pittsburgh’s ties to the American flag ahead of Independence Day. We always cite our sources: Pittsburghers got scammed into buying tickets for a fake Biggie and 2Pac live orchestra concert and a fake hot air balloon festival. PIT officials are recommending that travelers get to the airport two and a half to three hours before their flights because the security lines have been extra long. May was the busiest month the Pittsburgh airport has seen in 17 years – and nationwide, TSA recently broke their record for most travelers screened in a day. Pittsburgh Public Schools is projected to deplete its fund balance by 2026, and is thinking about closing or consolidating some of its schools. The district is holding town halls throughout the summer to get community feedback. Upcoming town halls include: July 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Concord July 10 from 6-7:30 p.m. at West Liberty July 11 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Obama July 16 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Jeron X. Grayson Community Center July 23 from 6-7:30 at Morrow Intermediate PPS proposed closing six schools in 2021; almost 50% of the district’s school buildings are less than half full. A man from Collier Township is the reason we have Flag Day and a monument at Flagstaff Hill. Shuman Juvenile Detention Center is expected to reopen soon – there’s been a lot of controversy around both the decision to reopen the center and the group that was selected to run it. A deer got stuck in the Highland Park reservoir – but thankfully, it was rescued. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 28th episode: Babbel Bike PGH Parks on Tap 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.

Jun 28, 202423 min

The Best Pizza in Pittsburgh

The pie gods have been blessing Pittsburgh with more and more pizza joints lately, but which ones are the best? Host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo chat with pizza journalist Dan Tallarico to find the best the Burgh has to offer. You can subscribe to Dan’s newsletter on Substack and find more of his pizza expertise on pizzawalkwithme.com. **This episode originally published Thursday, February 8, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 27th episode: Babbel Bike PGH Parks on Tap 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.

Jun 27, 202423 min

How a Handshake Deal Created Pittsburgh’s New ‘Restaurant Row’

One of the latest redevelopment frenzies has been happening on the 400 block of East Ohio Street on the North Side, and the area’s even garnered a new nickname: Restaurant Row. But where’s the line between bringing new life and changing too much of the neighborhood? City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris is with PublicSource reporter Eric Jankiewicz to learn more. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 26th episode: Babbel Bike PGH Parks on Tap 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.

Jun 26, 202418 min

Old Bridges, New Pickleball & Why Heinz Can Keep Its Ketchup Bottle

There’s a big new pickleball spot opening in the old Wheel Mill in Homewood; we’ve got some good news about the improving conditions of our bridges; and we’ve got a happy little update on the Heinz History Center’s giant ketchup bottle. Plus, we need your help planning a perfect day at PNC Park. Do you have suggestions for a great Buccos experience? Call or text us at 412-212-8893. We always cite our sources: Heinz History Center can continue to display the beloved, 35-foot Heinz ketchup bottle outside its building. We discussed the dispute over the ketchup bottle on a previous podcast episode, which features CEO Andy Masich’s fantastic defense. Fewer PA and Pittsburgh bridges are in “poor” condition, but to keep it that way, the state’s going to need to invest a lot more money. The City of Pittsburgh’s putting a little over $1 million toward bridge maintenance in 2024. Need more space to play pickleball? The Wheel Mill’s old building is becoming The Pickleball Warehouse and will feature 15 full-sized courts. Before The Pickleball Warehouse opens up, you can find a court in a city park or a community center. And the Pirates debuted new jerseys with the Sheetz logo! Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25th episode: Babbel Bike PGH Parks on Tap 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.

Jun 25, 202419 min

7 Tips for Staying Cool in Pittsburgh This Summer

We’ve had our first string of 90-degree days recently, and it’s supposed to be consistently hotter than usual all summer long. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend the whole season sweating! City Cast’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are sharing some of their favorite ways to beat the heat, cool down their homes, and get a taste of summer away from the sun. Do you have summer plans? Take our two-question Pittsburgh summer bucket list survey! Want a deeper dive into our suggestions? Catch up on these City Cast episodes: Ranking Pittsburgh’s City Pools How To Enjoy Pittsburgh’s Rivers This Summer Win Prizes! Summer Reading for Grownups in Pittsburgh 6 Things You Didn’t Know Your Library Card Could Do The Best Mexican Food in Pittsburgh Plus, check out this map of the city’s spray parks and learn how to get free air conditioners from the state. If you haven’t heard from a weatherization agency about how to get free air conditioning, you can find your local agency and reach out. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 24th episode: Babbel Bike PGH Parks on Tap 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.

Jun 24, 202421 min

Heatwaves, Haunted Houses, and a Cannabis Update

It’s the Friday news roundup! Even though it’s been over 90 degrees every day this week, only a fraction of the city’s water fountains are on, and we’re blown away by the reason. ScareHouse, one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved fall attractions, isn't opening this year, and producer Sophia Lo isn’t likely to try their more hands-on alternative. Plus, we’ve got the latest on an upcoming groundbreaking at the new Tree of Life space in Squirrel Hill. We always cite our sources: Pittsburgh has over 200 water fountains, but only 35 of them are turned on because there’s only one plumber who works for the city. Pittsburgh City Council passed legislation so that the city could work with the county, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, and school districts to hire other plumbers and pay them overtime. ScareHouse isn’t opening for Halloween this year because of pandemic-related financial challenges and vacancies at Pittsburgh Mills. Residents of Second Avenue Commons who were displaced by a fire are temporarily relocating to Reedsdale Center on the North Side and other sites like Light of Life. It will be months before the Downtown shelter reopens. Two shelter residents got married at a Juneteenth celebration. Rep. Emily Kinkead, whose district encompasses some of Allegheny County, shared plans to introduce and co-sponsor a bill to legalize cannabis in Pennsylvania, but it doesn’t seem like it’ll get passed with this year’s budget. This weekend is the groundbreaking for a memorial to the eleven worshippers killed in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. Instead of sticking shovels in the ground, participants will smash small glass houses. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 21st episode: Rivers of Steel 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.

Jun 21, 202425 min

The Best Mexican Food in Pittsburgh

Whether you love a good taco or some crunchy chilaquiles, the Pittsburgh area has a growing number of restaurants with tasty Mexican dishes. Oscar Zapata, a Mexico City native who came to the Steel City for grad school, joins us to share his go-to spots when he’s craving a taste of home — including some of his favorite family-owned restaurants. You can read Oscar's article for the Pittsburgh Independent. **This episode originally aired on July 13, 2023. Oscar rounded up some of his picks for the first-ever print copy of the Pittsburgh Independent, which includes some beautiful photos from freelancer Tom O’Connor. El Paisano in Beechview El Colibrí at the Bloomfield Saturday Market Panadería Jazmín in Mt. Lebanon Alquisiras Paletería in Beechview El Rincón Oaxaqueño in the Strip District Taqueria El Pastorcito in New Kensington Tasty Taquitos in Garfield, Point Breeze and South Side Works Los Bajitos in Canonsburg La Poblanita in Coraopolis BTOS Kitchen in Dormont Edgar’s Best Tacos in the Strip District Learn more about the sponsors of this June 20th episode: Rivers of Steel 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.

Jun 20, 202415 min

Jay-Z, School Funding & How Vouchers Work in PA

Jay-Z is jumping into the debate about how to improve our state’s “lowest performing” schools, and he’s decided to pump his very influential money into school vouchers. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are breaking down how schools are funded in Pennsylvania, what Jay-Z’s trying to bring to the table, and why people are mad about it. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 18th episode: Rivers of Steel 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.

Jun 18, 202414 min

Gov. Shapiro Wants To Legalize Cannabis. What’s the Holdup?

There's actually a good reason to visit Ohio now! We jest, but newly available recreational cannabis might make your to-do list. Now that our western neighbors will have expanded access, what should Pittsburgh expect? Are there lessons we can take from Philly, where residents can get to New Jersey, New York, or Maryland for anything they want? Will troopers be waiting for us at the border? And why, after months of open support, does Gov. Josh Shapiro’s endorsement not mean more to the PA legislators who could codify cannabis here too? Spotlight PA reporter Ed Mahon is here with some answers and to remind us where we stand. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 17th episode: Rivers of Steel 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.

Jun 17, 202418 min

Tiki Rescues, Tech School Closures & PA Passes a Cell Phone Ban

It’s the Friday news roundup! If you’ve been sneaking a peek at your cell phone while driving, it’s time to stop. The city’s technical and training schools are struggling to the point of closure. And tiki boat captains may be the unsung heroes of the Allegheny River – after all, they keep performing rescues. We always cite our sources: Tiki boat captains keep rescuing people in the Allegheny River, which reminds us of a classic Bruce Willis movie filmed in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania banned cell phone use while driving; the ban goes into effect next summer. Triangle Tech is shutting down, but students can still graduate with their degrees through June 2025. Pittsburgh Technical College is also closing its doors after running into financial troubles, declining enrollment, and issues with leadership. Point Park University will maintain official records from Pittsburgh Technical College. POGOH added adaptive bikes to its program, and you can reserve one to ride on their website. Basketball icon Jerry West died this week; his photo was the inspiration for the NBA logo. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 14th episode: Rivers of Steel 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.

Jun 14, 202420 min

A Wegmans in Pittsburgh?

It’s our Thursday food show! Giant Eagle is getting some new competition, and the hometown grocery chain is making some changes of its own. We’re getting lots of new restaurants, and one South Side institution is closing for good. We always cite our sources: Wegmans is coming to the Pgh area! Ok fine, to Cranberry. Here are the deets on Giant Eagle’s “Deals for Days” program. Reddit loves to rag on Giant Eagle, and this is one of our favorite examples. And the Trib says Double Wide Grille is closing for real this time. RIP volcano. Check out our convo with Rafael Vencio here: How Amboy Experiments with Tropical Plants in Pgh If you enjoyed the interview with River of Steel’s Director of Historic Resources and Facilities, Ron Baraff, learn more here. Learn more about the other sponsor of this June 13th episode: 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.

Jun 13, 202425 min

A Pittsburgher Just Officially Became Baseball’s Best Hitter

Did you know the best batter in baseball history played for Pittsburgh? Not the Pirates, but our Negro League teams that flourished here before integration. Josh Gibson played for the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords back in the 30s and 40s, and he had an exceptional batting average. But it’s only now, many decades later, that Major League Baseball has finally added his statistics to the record books. We’re with his great-grandson, Sean Gibson, to talk about what this means. Check out our previous conversation with Sean Gibson, read up on Josh Gibson’s legacy, and learn more about Sean's foundation. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 12th episode: Rivers of Steel 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.

Jun 12, 202416 min

How To Enjoy Pittsburgh’s Rivers This Summer

Our rivers might not be the cleanest — we’re looking at you, Monongahela! — but that doesn’t mean we can’t get out on the water. City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are rounding up some of their favorite ways to enjoy our waterways this summer, from glow-in-the-dark night paddles to historical boat tours. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 11th episode: Rivers of Steel 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.

Jun 11, 202415 min

Win Prizes! Summer Reading for Grownups in Pittsburgh

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect season for curling up in a hammock with a good book. If you need an extra incentive to get started, our county library system’s adult summer reading programs offer lots of prizes. Bellevue librarian Erin Thompson explains how you can earn rewards for getting lost in a beach read, plus she’s sharing a few hacks for getting the most out of your library card. Learn more about our sponsors: Tours of the Carrie Blast Furnaces are a great way to connect with our region's steel-making legacy. Rivers of Steel offers different kinds of tours — the Industrial Tour highlights the site’s iron-making technology, its workers, and their culture, and the Black Experience shares how the Great Migration shaped the workforce and our surrounding communities. Check them out at https://riversofsteel.com/tours Liberty Magic is the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s premier speakeasy theater dedicated to the art of elevating magic. In his one-person comedy magic and variety show, The Zabrecky Hour, multiskilled artist Rob Zabrecky invites audiences into his remarkably curious world through storytelling and magic. Get tickets at https://trustarts.org/magic before they disappear. 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.

Jun 10, 202418 min

Revitalizing Downtown, Shelter Fire & Eat’n Park Turns 75

It’s the Friday news roundup! City leaders are really stoked about landing the 2026 NFL Draft, and they want to spruce up the place before an estimated 750,000 people come to visit. We’re talking about plans to revitalize Downtown — again — plus, Eat’n Park’s 75th anniversary and the AC fire that displaced nearly 200 unhoused people from the Second Avenue Commons shelter. We always cite our sources: Eat’n Park turned 75 this week! The local chain started on Saw Mill Run Blvd in 1949. Check out the ad from when the chain first opened in 1949. Fun fact: The Smiley cookie came way later in 1986. Local leaders have some big ideas for revitalizing Downtown — hopefully ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft — including making Market Square more pedestrian-friendly and adding a lot more green space. Right now, we have really pretty plans, but not a lot of details about the price tag or funding sources. This week’s fire at Second Avenue Commons probably started from an AC unit on the roof, and there may be water and smoke damage. There’s still no timeline for cleanup or reopening. People staying there say they weren’t able to grab things like family photos, medical devices, or medication. Pittsburgh Mercy is taking donations on their website and in-person, and the Our Streets Collective is connecting folks to mutual aid groups in our area, as well as helping with services and supplies on the ground. The county just unveiled its new “500 in 500” plan, which they’re defining as creating or identifying 500 units of subsidized, affordable housing in the next 500 days. The county says it’s been in the works for awhile, but the fire gave it more urgency. The pro-Palestine protest on the Cathedral of Learning lawn ended Tuesday morning. City leaders seemed to take credit for a “peaceful” resolution following a lengthy statement from Pitt’s chancellor. Student organizers held a press conference about why the encampment disbanded, and they’ve refuted many of her claims. 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.

Jun 7, 202421 min