City Cast Pittsburgh

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Heinz Ketchup has a chokehold on this city. From stadiums and museums to our own home pantries, it’s the ketchup brand on the table and in any good Pittsburghers’ fridge. But in honor of National Ketchup Day, we’re seeing if our team can actually tell the difference between our hometown brand and the competition. We’re pitting the local OG against a few other ketchups in a blind taste test – and hoping we don’t upset any yinzers along the way. Check out our episode on Heinz ketchup’s rise to prominence. If you enjoyed the interview with Rivers of Steel Director of Historic Resources and Facilities, Ron Baraff, learn more here. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

For years now, there’s been a Juneteenth celebration in Pittsburgh – marking the date when the last enslaved people in this country finally learned that they were free. But this year, the city is also holding its own event. City Council is expected to cast another vote today toward funding both celebrations. Julia Felton, city hall reporter for TribLive, has been following the whole back-and-forth and joins us to explain. Check out Julia’s reporting on both Juneteenth celebrations. 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.

Our local parks got good marks from a national nonprofit, but they’re throwing us shade in one category. Pro-Palestine protesters were back in Oakland this weekend, and if you’re looking for a new rental or dealing with an iffy landlord, we’ve got some pro-tips to share. We always cite our sources: A record number of people showed up to Pittsburgh’s Pride Parade on Saturday, and First Lady Jill Biden also made an appearance. The pro-Palestine encampment returned to Pitt’s campus this weekend, and one person was arrested while trying to deliver food and water to protestors. Pitt Divest put out a statement about the encampment’s return, and social media posts documented the police getting physically violent with protesters and one officer confirming that he had turned off his body camera. Pitt’s chancellor, Joan Gabel, sent out a message to students, faculty and staff in response to the encampment. Weapons experts told CNN that US-made munitions were used in the bombing of a refugee camp in Rafah. President Biden briefly paused weapons shipments to Israel, but the House overturned his decision. Having issues with your landlord? Just Mediation Pittsburgh offers an alternative to going to court. Pittsburgh’s city parks rank among the nation’s best, and the Pittsburgh Park Conservancy’s Summer Programming Guide has ways to explore them. 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.

Later today, Mayor Ed Gainey is announcing which public pools are opening this summer, and since he’ll be hosting his press conference at Bloomfield Beach, we think that’s a good sign for its triumphant return! But if you want to explore more of Pittsburgh’s city pools this summer, you can make your list based off of Jill Terner’s intensely detailed rubric. She’s ranking her favorites so you can make the most of your Pittsburgh poolside summer. You can find Jill’s full rankings from last summer in Pittsburgh City Paper. Learn more about our sponsor: The 65th annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival takes over the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh from May 31 to June 9. It’s 10 days of free art and music from noon to 9 p.m. daily. Learn more at trustarts.org/TRAF. 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit joins executive producer Mallory Falk and producer Sophia Lo to break down Pennsylvania’s new tourism slogan and share some favorite statewide travel spots. Plus we have a bunch of transit updates – including a permanent discount – and tips to prepare for tick season. (It’s expected to be especially bad this year!) We always cite our sources: Allegheny County residents who use SNAP benefits will be able to get half-price tickets for PRT rides. Advocacy groups are raising issues with the current stroller policy on PRT buses because open strollers limit spaces for wheelchair users. Improvements coming to the Red Line will make T stations more accessible for wheelchair users. Be prepared to check for ticks after outdoor activities and learn how to safely remove them if they’ve taken an unwelcome ride inside. Pennsylvania’s new tourism slogan came with a shiny ad voiced by Broad City actress Abbi Jacobson. Now that data from the Negro Leagues has been incorporated into MLB stats, Pittsburgher Josh Gibson officially has the best batting average. Check out our interview with Josh Gibson’s great-grandson, Sean Gibson, about his work to get Negro League stats counted alongside white players of the same era. If you enjoyed the interview with Rivers of Steel Director of Historic Resources and Facilities, Ron Baraff, learn more here. WIN SOME MONEY! We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey. It’s just seven minutes long, and anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag! Learn more about our sponsor: The 65th annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival takes over the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh from May 31 to June 9. It’s 10 days of free art and music from noon to 9 p.m. daily. Learn more at trustarts.org/TRAF. 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.

In a quest to get to know Pittsburgh better, coffee enthusiast and City Cast Pittsburgh founding member Zach Lucas visited a local coffee shop for every letter of the alphabet. He’s sharing his picks for everything from coziest vibes and the most unusual to the all-around best coffee and tea. **This episode originally aired August 10, 2023. WIN SOME MONEY! We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey. It’s just seven minutes long, and anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag! Learn more about our sponsor: The 65th annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival takes over the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh from May 31 to June 9. It’s 10 days of free art and music from noon to 9 p.m. daily. Learn more at trustarts.org/TRAF. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

If 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. What’s not to love about summer in Pittsburgh? From camping and berry picking to big celebrations like Pride and Three Rivers Arts Fest, the City Cast Pittsburgh team has a ton of recommendations to help you enjoy June in the Steel City. And if you’ve got some summer weddings on your calendar, check out our recent episode about Pittsburgh cookie tables. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at [email protected].

Pittsburgh has always had its problems, and complaining about them is one of our favorite sports. But there’s also a long tradition of outsiders coming here — or even just reading about our town — and thinking it’s OK to add their two cents. Local writer Virginia Montanez rounded up some of the funniest and most creative insults lobbed at Pittsburgh over two centuries. She joins us to share her favorites and explain why our city drew so much ire from outside writers, newsmakers, and prominent figures. Can’t get enough old-timey insults? Check out Virginia’s column for Pittsburgh Magazine. **This episode originally published on October 4, 2023 WIN SOME MONEY! We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey. It’s just seven minutes long, and anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag! Learn more about our sponsor: The 65th annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival takes over the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh from May 31 to June 9. It’s 10 days of free art and music from noon to 9 p.m. daily. Learn more at trustarts.org/TRAF. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s the Friday news roundup! Former president Donald Trump is making waves again after telling KDKA’s Jon Delano that he would restrict birth control, two very powerful twin brothers are bickering over media drama, and multiple people are suing the city and engineering firms after the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse. Plus, if you like ginger beer, we’re sharing a special event where you could snag a free drink. We always cite our sources: Former president Donald Trump made an appearance on KDKA-TV and made headlines for his response to a question about restricting contraceptives. The PRT driver who was driving the bus over the Fern Hollow Bridge when it collapsed is suing the city and three engineering firms. The Fern Hollow Bridge was one of the few K-frame bridges left in the state. Allan Block was pushed out as the publisher of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette by his twin brother, JR Block. JR Block has made the news for taking a photo with Trump on his private plane during his 2016 presidential campaign and for an incident where he showed up at the Post-Gazette newsroom late one night appearing “both intoxicated and enraged.” Allan Block made the news for slapping a union organizer with a fast food bag. Looking for some weekend reading? Allan Block was profiled in the Observer in 1999; the article focuses on his saga of traveling from Toledo to New York City to find a wife. The NFL draft is officially coming to Pittsburgh in 2026! The former Irish Centre finally has a new owner, the Phipps Conservatory. WIN SOME MONEY! We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey. It’s just seven minutes long, and anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag! Learn more about our sponsors: Join AIDS Free Pittsburgh and True T Pittsburgh from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 30 in Allegheny Commons East Park for the 6th annual Too Hot for July HIV awareness event, including free HIV and STI testing, music, dancing, performances, and more. Visit TooHotForJuly.com. The 65th annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival takes over the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh from May 31 to June 9. It’s 10 days of free art and music from noon to 9 p.m. daily. Learn more at trustarts.org/TRAF. 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.

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner, which usually marks the start of wedding season! And there’s no nuptial tradition more beloved around here than the Pittsburgh cookie table. We’re sharing its history, some of our favorite recipes, and as a true act of service, where you can purchase your cookie table cookies if you’re better at buying than baking. Have a favorite cookie table recipe? Let us know what Producer Sophia Lo should bake next! Call or text us at 412-212-8893. We always cite our sources: Pittsburgh has a long history with the cookie table, and they could even make an appearance at church socials, game nights, and PTA meetings. There’s been proposals for Pennsylvania to have an office state cookie. Wondering what treats people love to see on cookie tables? The Pittsburgh subreddit has weighed in. City Paper rounded up some bakeries in Pittsburgh where you can order cookies for your cookie table. WIN SOME MONEY! We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey. It’s just seven minutes long, and anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag! Learn more about our sponsors: Join AIDS Free Pittsburgh and True T Pittsburgh from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 30 in Allegheny Commons East Park for the 6th annual Too Hot for July HIV awareness event, including free HIV and STI testing, music, dancing, performances, and more. Visit TooHotForJuly.com. The 65th annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival takes over the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh from May 31 to June 9. It’s 10 days of free art and music from noon to 9 p.m. daily. Learn more at trustarts.org/TRAF. 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.

Pride Month might officially be June, but the festivities here in Pittsburgh kick off Memorial Day weekend. Dena Stanley, one of the co-founders of the Pittsburgh Pride Group, is here to give a preview of the Bigger, Gayer Picniq and what to expect as the party gets started. Plus, learn more about the QMNTY Center’s role in creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ people and youth. WIN SOME MONEY! We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey. It’s just seven minutes long, and anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag! Learn more about our sponsors: Join AIDS Free Pittsburgh and True T Pittsburgh from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 30 in Allegheny Commons East Park for the 6th annual Too Hot for July HIV awareness event, including free HIV and STI testing, music, dancing, performances, and more. Visit TooHotForJuly.com. The 65th annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival takes over the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh from May 31 to June 9. It’s 10 days of free art and music from noon to 9 p.m. daily. Learn more at trustarts.org/TRAF. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

More tornadoes are sweeping through our region – including five this weekend – so why don’t we have a better alert system? Can an exciting new pitcher with a TikTok-famous girlfriend attract new Pirates fans? And why is the Heinz History Center in a pickle after putting a giant ketchup bottle on display? Plus, we’ve got a fun survey for PA pet owners! We always cite our sources: Gen Z and Millennials spend thousands of dollars on their pets each year, and Pennsylvania residents really splurge on their dogs. Pittsburgh’s gotten more tornadoes than usual this year, and we could see an even greater increase because of climate change. But Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Washington counties don’t have many tornado sirens to alert residents. Could the Pirates new pitcher and his athlete-influencer girlfriend renew interest in baseball and bring in more fans? The Heinz History Center made its case to keep up the 52-foot ketchup bottle at a recent city zoning board meeting. The Bloomfield development could be back on the table, but the apartments might not be included in the final plans. Check out our show for more: The Bloomfield Development Setback, Explained WIN SOME MONEY! We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey. It’s just seven minutes long, and anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag! Learn more about our sponsors: Join AIDS Free Pittsburgh and True T Pittsburgh from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 30 in Allegheny Commons East Park for the 6th annual Too Hot for July HIV awareness event, including free HIV and STI testing, music, dancing, performances, and more. Visit TooHotForJuly.com. The 65th annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival takes over the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh from May 31 to June 9. It’s 10 days of free art and music from noon to 9 p.m. daily. Learn more at trustarts.org/TRAF. 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.

What makes a neighborhood in Pittsburgh, and what does it take to reinvent one after it declines? Over the last decade, Allentown has been reborn thanks to generous support from fellow small business leaders and neighbors eager to see their main street come back to life. And the new folks? They’ve got a decidedly different way of looking at the world. Today we’re talking about the goth kids, the misfits, and the metal heads, and why they say the hilltop has been the perfect place to set up shop. Thanks to our guests, Kelly Braden — night market organizer and owner of Grim Wizard Coffee and The Weeping Glass — and Zak Bellante, owner of Death Comes Lifting. They recommended a bunch of great places in Pittsburgh’s Allentown neighborhood, including: Grim Wizard Coffee The Weeping Glass Dr. Tumblety’s Death Comes Lifting Puvithel Alla Famiglia Onion Maiden (pop-up only) Leon's Caribbean Star Mind Shop Inner Groove Brewing Bottlerocket Social Hall North Ave Candles Soil Sisters Plant Nursery The Open Road Learn more about our sponsors: Join AIDS Free Pittsburgh and True T Pittsburgh from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 30 in Allegheny Commons East Park for the 6th annual Too Hot for July HIV awareness event, including free HIV and STI testing, music, dancing, performances, and more. Visit TooHotForJuly.com. The 65th annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival takes over the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh from May 31 to June 9. It’s 10 days of free art and music from noon to 9 p.m. daily. Learn more at trustarts.org/TRAF. 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! A North Side horse took a river plunge this week, and the state DCNR wants you to weigh in on the next five years in park investments. Plus, few sports legends are headed back to the Burgh for a new fundraiser for the Neighborhood Resilience Project, and we’re pouring one out for all of you who bought tickets to the Sudden Little Thrills music festival. (We’re looking at you, Sophia.) We always cite our sources: The Pittsburgh Scanner X account had the play-by-play on a horse that escaped and took a dip in the Ohio River. Learn more about the DCNR’s five-year plan, their access map, and take their survey through May 22. Snag tickets to the Resilience Bowl here. Fr. Paul Abernathy’s work with the Neighborhood Resilience Project started over a decade ago. Learn more about his work in the Hill District and big plans for the future. Friend of the pod Armin Samii shared a video on X of the cyclist recently hit on Smallman Street. Hear Monday’s pod on how the city needs your help to better track close calls and accidents: How Can Pittsburgh End Traffic Deaths? Learn more about our sponsor: Join AIDS Free Pittsburgh and True T Pittsburgh from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 30 in Allegheny Commons East Park for the 6th annual Too Hot for July HIV awareness event, including free HIV and STI testing, music, dancing, performances, and more. Visit TooHotForJuly.com. 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.

Shake Shack is set to open May 20, and there’s been a lot of debate about whether the Strip District can keep its character with so many national chains moving in. We’re revisiting some of your opinions on The Terminal and its newest burger chain, plus the team is sharing a few new and departing restaurants to round out your week. Check out our tour of Jackworth Ginger Beer here: Pittsburgh’s Booze History, Favorite Cocktails & A Spicy New Brewery Learn more about our sponsor: Join AIDS Free Pittsburgh and True T Pittsburgh from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 30 in Allegheny Commons East Park for the 6th annual Too Hot for July HIV awareness event, including free HIV and STI testing, music, dancing, performances, and more. Visit TooHotForJuly.com. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

If you're looking for a place to rent, the time is now! Adam DiBuo with Neighborhood Legal Services says this late Spring, early Summer period is the peak time for moving into a rental here in Pittsburgh, and he’s 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. Learn more about our sponsor: Join AIDS Free Pittsburgh and True T Pittsburgh from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 30 in Allegheny Commons East Park for the 6th annual Too Hot for July HIV awareness event, including free HIV and STI testing, music, dancing, performances, and more. Visit TooHotForJuly.com. 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.

After living in Pittsburgh for more than a decade, host Megan Harris is giving herself a challenge: learn how to say one sentence in a convincing Pittsburgh accent. Actor, voice coach, and speech teacher Don Wadsworth is here to provide a Pittsburghese lesson and break down what exactly makes the dialect so distinct. **This episode originally published on November 7, 2023. Learn more about our sponsors: It’s almost time for the 25th Mattress Factory Garden Party. It’s an epic annual fundraiser and costume party, and the theme this year is MAKE/BELIEVE. Get your tickets now for Friday, June 7 at mattress.org. And join AIDS Free Pittsburgh and True T Pittsburgh from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 30 in Allegheny Commons East Park for the 6th annual Too Hot for July HIV awareness event, including free HIV and STI testing, music, dancing, performances, and more. Visit TooHotForJuly.com. 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.

Earlier this year, city officials committed to a plan called Vision Zero, a promise to completely eliminate traffic deaths. Just a few weeks later, a cyclist died after being hit downtown. So what will it take to make Pittsburgh safer for people on our roads? City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris & Mallory Falk are pulling from a bunch of past episodes — and their own experiences — to explain why it’s so hard to catalog a road injury, how using 311 could help, and what city planners hope to do about new and known problems all over town. Are you a bike person? Check out a few of our previous shows and roundups: Will More Traffic Calming Money Make Pittsburgh Safer? City Cats, When To Call 311 & Wins for Monroeville and the South Hills Who Will Respect Bike Lanes If Even Police Won't? How To Get a Free Bike Light in Pittsburgh Gear Up for Pittsburgh's Best Biking Events Pittsburgh’s Best Bike Shops Learn more about our sponsors: It’s almost time for the 25th Mattress Factory Garden Party. It’s an epic annual fundraiser and costume party, and the theme this year is MAKE/BELIEVE. Get your tickets now for Friday, June 7 at mattress.org. And join AIDS Free Pittsburgh and True T Pittsburgh from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, May 30 in Allegheny Commons East Park for the 6th annual Too Hot for July HIV awareness event, including free HIV and STI testing, music, dancing, performances, and more. Visit TooHotForJuly.com. 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.