City Cast Pittsburgh

Want to go out dancing, but don’t want to club? Pittsburgh has a solution for you! We’re with 412Step and Pittsburgh West Coast Swing talking about getting started, finding community, and learning the groove in safe spaces all over the city. Looking for a class setting? Try out Bachata at Los Sabrosos Dance Co.; Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has a bunch of dance and fitness classes; and Level Up Studios offers hip-hop, ballet, heels, and Bollywood for a variety of ages. 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! After a week with a few hints of winter, the team got curious about how Pittsburgh’s recent snowfall compares to previous years. Today we’re chatting through a few local winter retreat ideas, the latest on Audacy’s bankruptcy filing and how it may affect a bunch of local radio stations, and the unfortunate fate of our favorite Pgh-made, would-be, moon lander. Poor little Peregrine! Are yinz loving any mocktails lately? Call or text us at 412-212-8893. We always cite our sources: Follow what’s happening with Astrobotic’s Peregrine. The Verge covered Audacy’s bankruptcy filing, and here is one of Audacy’s recent statements. The Philly-based behemoth is trying to fast-track court proceedings. Check out more on Audacy’s Pittsburgh radio market data. Phipps wrote about how 2023 had the second-lowest snowfall on record. The Trib reported that between 1991 and 2020, the average yearly snowfall was a little over 44 inches. NextPittsburgh shared a roundup of ice skating rinks in the area. Pittsburgh Magazine wrote about a few driveable winter getaway ideas. Check out the Great Wolf Lodge’s wonderfully fluffy local commercial. 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 birthday! City Cast Pittsburgh is celebrating two years making podcasts for yinz — 458 so far — plus well over 500 newsletters! So we’re celebrating by popping a bottle with our city’s pioneering nonalcoholic space. The Open Road in Allentown is the oldest (still open) NA specialty retailer in the nation, lined with zero-proof spirits, botanical and CBD seltzers, and even dry versions of your favorite classics. We visited the shop to talk to owner Mel Babitz about how this booze-free business is growing, the toughest alcoholic drinks to recreate, and how to pick your perfect NA adult beverage. Plus, we’re sharing a few of our favorite strategies for folks like us who are trying out Dry January, or just feel sober curious for 2024. **Editor’s note: A portion of this episode originally published Thursday, July 27, 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.

If you want to go out and party this weekend, Pittsburgh has some solid options — maybe you’ll hit Spirit, Cavo, or Club VIP — but the ‘Burgh used to have way more clubbing options that catered to a wider diversity of party-goers. We talk to City Paper’s Colin Williams about what happened to Pittsburgh’s nightlife scene. To keep up with pop-up parties, we recommend following Jellyfish, Hot Mass, and Slappers N Bangers on Instagram. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also 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 Tuesday news roundup! Astrobotic's lunar lander is in space, but it’s unclear if it’ll complete its mission. And we’re headed to the NFL playoffs. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Marylee Williams are talking through turnpike fees, a Pennsylvania river contest, some local ties to national stories, and the funniest anecdotes about pet appetites we’ve heard all year. We want to know the best mocktails you’ve had in Pittsburgh! Call or text us at 412-212-8893 and include your name and neighborhood to be mentioned on the show or in our Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. Here are some notes and references from this week’s show: NASA shared a live stream of Monday’s rocket launch carrying Peregrine. Skip ahead to about 50 minutes to see the launch and how the rocket falls apart as it exits Earth’s atmosphere. We dove deep on the podcast into the history of how Pittsburgh helped with America’s space program. Check out Ed Blazina’s reporting on the PA Turnpike, it explains more about these rate hikes. Cast your ballot for Pennsylvania’s River of the Year. Voting ends January 19th. If you like going out on the river, sign up to get Alcosan alerts on sewer overflows! Politico interviewed a conservative activist about his efforts to push Harvard’s president to resign. The PG is the only outlet we could find that reported Pitt professor George Reid Andrews’ comments on former Harvard president Claudine Gay. Reminder: Some employees there have been on strike for well over a year. Check out more of professor Andrews’ here. It’s paywalled, but The Athletic’s Rob Rossi did a great job explaining Ron Burkle and his role for the Penguins. Keep up with what’s happening with the Jeffrey Epstein court records. While a Pittsburgh pooch may have eaten a lot of cash, his owners got most of the $4,000 back. 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.

Eat more veggies, see more art, maybe even build something – whatever your New Year’s intention, we’re here to help. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are sharing their 2024 wishes, upcoming events, and ways to celebrate a few January holidays, real and imagined. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s the Friday news roundup! Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato took office this week and enacted a slew of changes to the pay and benefits offered to non-union county workers, which she says will be necessary to fill more than 1,000 open jobs. Pittsburgh International Airport increased their parking fees again for the second time in less than a year. And we’re sharing everything you need to know to recycle your live Christmas tree. Plus stick around to the end to hear Megan fangirl over Pennsylvania butter. Special thanks to our guest today, socially conscious journalist and City Cast Pittsburgh contributor Natalie Bencivenga. We always cite our sources: Check out the new changes to county jobs, including a long overdue update to the vacation policy Read more about Innamorato’s goals and the inauguration here Fill out the All in Allegheny community survey to share your priorities for the county executive’s office over the next four years Airport parking lot price increases are already in effect at PIT Listen to our Insider’s Guide to Flying Out of PIT for more on parking and travel hacks when flying through Pgh’s airport Redd up on the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association and its more than 1,400 Christmas tree farms statewide Read Francesca’s guide for how to recycle your Christmas tree with Pittsburgh or Allegheny County And follow the Pennsylvania Farm Show, including this and past years’ butter sculpture, on their Facebook page 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.

Can you keep a secret? We’re going behind the scenes of an exclusive Pittsburgh dinner party! Chef Alekka Sweeney has been hosting Secret Menu Social with one-night-only menus from rotating chefs, live music, and drink pairings. If you’re hoping to get an invite, here’s how to get your name on the list and what to expect at an extraordinary meal. Follow @secretmenusocial on Instagram for updates! Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

A few years ago, a recent Pitt grad started an ambitious project — document as many Pittsburgh neighborhoods as possible and make it fun. Dean Bog became a local sensation, enticing people to care about places they’d never visited and peppering local history and flavor into every edition. And then, the YouTube series stopped. After a three year hiatus, Neighborhoods returned a few months ago with a very different point of view. What happened to the beloved Pgh filmmaker? Why the switch? And where is he going from here? Fans can also support Dean Bog on Patreon. Want more Pittsburgh news? Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh. 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.

Wondering what’s in store for the new year? So are we! From the upcoming election to ways the city is actually growing, we’re placing our bets on the biggest stories to follow in 2024. Thanks to our guests, PublicSource’s Rich Lord and Casa San José’s Monica Ruiz. We always cite our sources: Local groups and initiatives are pushing for better affordable housing solutions. Learn about arts and advocacy group 1Hood. 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.

Can you believe it’s almost NYE? If your resolutions include getting to know Pittsburgh, there’s no one better than Hey Pittsburgh newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco. She’s got suggestions for where to donate unused items, get local handmade soaps, and snap up some delicious treats to keep you cozy into 2024. Explore zero waste cleaning products The Refillery. Donate your old clothes to Free Store 15104. Light a candle-- Francesca loves Cinnamon and Rosemary from Chez Lapin. Francesca plans on reading Pride & Prejudice and Pittsburgh by Rachael Lippincott and finding books at City Books. You can catch up on Francesca's neighborhood guides. (Here is her Millvale one) The City Cast Pittsburgh Episodes Francesca will be revisiting are: The Wildest Pgh Insults from the Past 200 Years and Is Pittsburgh the Midwest? Or Part of Appalachia? Cook up local grub with goods from the local delivery service Harvie. Francesca wants to try Fun-Gal Farms mushrooms and Forma Pgh Pasta. Write Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Collage Collective hosts a variety of events. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Become a founding member at membership.citycast.fm Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

We’ve got a few more months of miserable, gray, cold weather to get through, but someone on our team has a plan to beat the winter blues. City Cast producer and lifelong Pittsburgher Elizabeth Kauma shares her love of ski season, crafting, and a few surprise gifts for her Pittsburgh team. You can find out more about Elizabeth's old ski racing team: WPRC. Hit the slopes at Seven Springs, Blue Knob, and Boyce Park. Get crafty at McWalker Yarns in Millvale and Yarns by Design in Oakland. Get hiking at Riding Meadow Park and the Schenley Park. The City Cast Pittsburgh Episodes Elizabeth recommends are: The Legend of Pittsburgh’s Glowing ‘Green Man’, The Most-Hated Parker in Pgh Breaks His Silence, and Paczki, Parades and a Very Yinzer Mardi Gras. Become a founding member at membership.citycast.fm You too can level up your thrift flips at Cut and Sew Studio's Alter, Repair, Remake Class. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

More than one City Caster calls herself an “indoor cat,” but producer Sophia Lo elevates it to a high art. Hear her suggestions on ways to bake away a quiet week and maybe even kick off your Hibernation Hottie Winter. For books, Sophia plans on going to: White Whale bookstore, City of Asylum Bookstore, Beyond Bedtime Books, and The Cozy Corner Bookstore in Shadyside Get cooking with Sophia's top 5 holiday cookie recipes. The City Cast Pittsburgh Episodes Sophia will be revisiting are: A New Way to Celebrate Queer Romance in Pgh, Pittsburgh’s Best Mac and Cheese, Brothmonger’s Tips for Making the Tastiest Soup and, A Definitive Ranking of Pittsburgh’s Pools. You can also go to Carnegie Science Center's 21+ nights — if you're of age, of course! Become a founding member at membership.citycast.fm Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

We’re in that liminal space between Christmas and New Years when most of us aren’t working in the usual ways and, depending on your situation, time can feel like an accordion. So this week, we’re exploring different ways to keep busy. First up is City Cast Pittsburgh executive producer Marylee Williams with a cautionary tale about biking next to the river at night. If you also want get your ears pierced, Marylee recommends Saints and Sinners and Six16. Explore the Three Rivers Heritage trail but don't bike into the river. Find your local library or visit one of Marylee's favorites: Mt. Washington Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Get to know the big three Pittsburgh Parks: Frick, Schenley, and Highland. Hike inside the city on the Emerald View Trail. You can read more about Pittsburgh Babes on Bike's Frigid Bitch alleycat race. Become a founding member at membership.citycast.fm Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s a special edition of the Friday news roundup! There’s a lot we could say about this year, but we’ve decided to focus on the good. We’re wrapping up 2023 by highlighting the best stories in the Burgh, including the return of McCutchen and grilled stickies, a bunch of milestone anniversaries, improvements to city landmarks, and a few funny mishaps along the way. Only happy news to close out the year! We always cite our sources: Virginia Montanez wrote about the best things that happened in Pgh in her newsletter, Breathing Space. Some big things we didn’t touch on in this episode include last month’s election, smoke from the Canadian wildfires, conversations about mental health sparked by Fetterman’s hospital stay, the East Palestine train derailment, and the verdict of the synagogue shooting trial. For their 125th anniversaries, friend of the pod Mark Houser talked about the opening of the zoo and how Kennywood became the roller coaster capitol of the world. We interviewed the city’s first openly gay police chief, and he shared his coming out story on the podcast. Dr. Jonas Salk was a key figure in developing the polio vaccine, and you can learn more about this work at an exhibit at Pitt Public Health. For another comprehensive list, check out KDKA’s lengthy roundup of their biggest stories in 2023. Become a founding member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Pittsburgh has a brewery or craft beer for just about any craving, and we also have a Brewers Guild that supports that more than 40 craft breweries the create these libations. We’re with incoming executive director Mel Larrick to talk about how modern beermakers honor the city’s nostalgia, plus she walks us through the city’s growing brewery trails, the guild’s new code of conduct, and how to get prizes for supporting local spots. Become a founding member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Did we just become best friends?! Making new connections as an adult in Pittsburgh can be really hard, but hobbies can help! Writer and City Cast Pittsburgh contributor Meg St-Esprit has a bunch of great ideas to help you find a fun new pastime, plus tips for breaking the ice among your soon-to-be best pals. **Editor’s note: This show originally aired Sept. 19, 2023. Become a founding member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Nippon Steel is paying $14.9 billion for Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel, so what does that mean for the company that helped build the Burgh? Penn Hills is getting new free trash cans, and not everyone is thrilled about it. And we’ve got a few ways to help your neighbors this holiday season. Plus, we want to hear from you about what Yinzer hill you’d be willing to die on. Call or text us at 412-212-8893. Become a founding member of City Cast Pittsburgh. More info at membership.citycast.fm. We always cite our sources: Learn more about the Nippon acquisition and future plans for the Pgh headquarters. The United Steelworkers Union said leadership wasn’t informed about the plan. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) shared his feelings on X, aka Twitter. Find out what types of trash Pittsburgh Public Works actually accepts, and double check your trash schedule before the holidays! If you live within the city, that info lives online at pgh.st. Check out Project Last Call from Pittsburgh Action Against Rape, and get in touch at [email protected]. Their crisis hotline is also open for more volunteers. Find resources for donating food to local pantries in our Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. 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.

More than 300,000 people will be passing through Pittsburgh International Airport between Dec. 22 and Jan. 1, and getting there can be even more troublesome than the flights themselves. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing our best tips and tricks to making your travel time a smidge less painful, plus, we’ve got the latest on the $1.4 billion renovation at the airport. Check out Marylee’s spicy LGBTQIA book club Find your airport parking spot a little easier by saving the official PIT map Call this number 24/7 if you ever need PIT to jump your car: 412-472-5050 Become a founding member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s the Friday news roundup! Groceries are so much more expensive than they used to be, and new data shows Pennsylvanians in particular are paying more than the rest of the country. Pens and Pirates games have a new TV home, and we’re honoring a remarkable local who devoted her life to public service. Plus, stick around for all the details on City Cast’s next meet and greet on Friday, Dec. 22. We always cite our sources: Consumer Affairs released a grocery analysis that found Pennsylvania is the worst in the nation for price increases. USA Today compared grocery prices from Kevin McCallister’s shopping list in the 1990 film "Home Alone" to today. Starting next year, you can catch Penguins and Pirates games on a new regional TV network. Former assistant police chief Therese Rocco died this week at 97. This week’s guest, Kevin Gavin, talked to her a few years ago when she published a memoir about the discrimination she experienced in the bureau, and how she dedicated her life to finding missing children in spite of the professional challenges. City Cast Pittsburgh is opening its office doors to WZUM for Kevin Gavin’s 47th annual all-request holiday radio show. Come by, meet the team, and have a cookie or four! Become a founding 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 and you can call or text us at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

How long could you last without going to the grocery store? TikTokers Jordan Tony and Silvan Goddin use their skills and public resources to show their more than 800,000 social media followers how to live more sustainably, and for their annual “Living Off the Land” challenge, the duo are seeing how long they can get by eating only wild and homegrown food. Learn about their farming roots and favorite spaces to grow, forage, and hunt in Pittsburgh. Plus, hear their suggestions for getting started. Also, exclusively for City Cast listeners, Homegrown Handgathered is offering a 20% discount code for their online courses, use “CityCast412” for that! Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Pennsylvania is getting $1.6 billion in opioid settlement money over the next several years. It’s supposed to help communities address addiction, but a long-standing state ban on some harm reduction practices could make it difficult to get anything done. WESA’s Sarah Boden and SpotlightPA’s Ed Mahon share how Allegheny County gets around the rule, how other regional providers are coping, and exactly what’s in store for our piece of a very expensive pie. Become a founding member of City Cast Pittsburgh today. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Where officially is the Steel City? It's a conversation we've all had plenty of times, everyone thinks they're right, and no one is ever fully satisfied with the answer. So we made it an official debate. We’re throwing it back to one of our favorite conversations ever on this show that, of course, came on the heels of a very silly social media moment. What do you think- Midwest, Appalachia, East Coast, or Mid-Atlantic? Or as @pittsburghpersonified says, “a secret third thing,” lol. We’ve got two guests who each feel passionately that they know they answer: James Santelli is the communications manager for the Allegheny Regional Asset District, and Ryan Deto is a reporter for the Pittsburgh Trib, and of course, he sparked some of the conversation about what region we’re really in. Think you know better? Call or text us at 412-212-8893. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! **This conversation published previously on March 15 and August 29, 2023. Please consider a founding membership to City Cast Pittsburgh. Become a Friendly Neighbor or a Steel City Champion here! Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

We’re going back to the moon! A Pittsburgh-based aerospace company is sending off a lunar lander right before Christmas. But it’s not our first rodeo in this space — the Steel City has a long legacy in cosmic exploration. Producer Sophia Lo shares Pgh’s role in the Apollo missions, how the upcoming Peregrine launch came together, and what it means to have a budding “space district” on the North Side. Plus, our team has a little launch announcement of our own. We’ve kicked off a new membership program, and you can find all the details (and perks!) at membership.citycast.fm We love to cite our sources! Find out about more ways Pittsburgh and Western PA contributed to space exploration. The Heinz History Center wrote about Congressman James Fulton’s efforts to fund the Space Race. Heinz History Center Curator Emily Ruby did a deep dive into the ways Pittsburgh contributed to the 1969 moon landing. Missed Destination Moon? The Heinz History Center has videos up on their website and a virtual tour. TribLive reported on some updates on Pittsburgh’s “space district.” Over the summer, Astrobotic and ProtoInnovations got NASA grants. Learn more about active astronauts; four of them are from Pgh! Save the date! NASA made an Eventbrite for anyone who wants to mark the lunar launch on their calendar. You can watch a livestream of the launch on December 24. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s the Friday news roundup! Winter is coming, but is the city prepared with its snow plows? We’re also looking at how Gov. Josh Shapiro has (or hasn’t) lived up to his campaign promises so far, and if you don’t feel like cooking, we’ve lined up a whole day of great local food. Plus, there’s a new chance to hang with the City Cast crew in December! We always cite our sources: Spotlight PA has been tracking how far Shaprio has gotten on his campaign promises. PublicSource has a great story on the push for a higher minimum wage for county employees. We have an episode on why Pittsburgh wanted a Hydrogen Hub. You can read up on the house’s attempt to pass a $15 minimum wage in the AP. The AP’s Marc Levy reported on Gov. Shapiro’s unfinished business with the state legislature. Pittsburgh’s snow plow tracker has some great tips below the map Check out the full list of Scotland’s famous punny plows, or as they call them, gritters The Trib offered an update on the long-delated South Hills snow plow facility. Wise County Cafe opened in Allegheny West and serves a great brunch! Brothmonger is expanding her scope beyond soup at her pop up at Bitter Ends on Monday - 5:00pm - 9:00pm. Leona’s is crowdfunding for their First Scoop Shop and has released holiday flavors. The Post Gazette Strikers are hosting a bake sale! 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.

Where does Mayor Ed Gainey go to unwind? What’s his favorite restaurant? Is he a hockey guy, or a Steelers stan? Which mascot is his all-time favorite, and why isn’t it ALCOSAN’s Frankie the Fish? We kept the mics hot to ask the city’s top official a few of your silliest questions. A couple past shows to check out: Budgets, bridges & why Gainey thinks sidewalks are sexy Why can’t Pittsburgh score an NBA team? Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

People are worried about downtown Pittsburgh, but Mayor Ed Gainey isn't convinced. We went to the City-County Building to talk about his wish list for more bridge projects, less gun violence, and bringing the NFL Draft to Steelers country. Plus, stick around for our suggestions ahead of his very first e-scooter ride. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Hanukkah starts tomorrow night, and if you head Downtown, the mayor and community leaders are lighting a 12-foot menorah at the City-County Building. But its place on government property wasn’t always so celebrated. In 1986, a team of Pittsburghers brought a lawsuit against city and county governments to remove both it and the enormous creche, which in those days sat outside the County Courthouse. We’re talking with one of the plaintiffs, attorney Jon Pushinsky, about his legal argument and what it felt like to take it all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Why lead one county when you can influence 10? Outgoing County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announced his new gig with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, which means he won’t be going far. We’re talking about what the SPC actually does, plus how it plans to spend $35 million through 2045. HBO’s latest period drama “The Gilded Age” is adapting the Homestead strike in this week’s episode, and with everyone posting their Spotify Wrapped, we wondered what it would take to get Pittsburgh as your sound town. Did you get Pittsburgh as your Spotify Wrapped Sound Town? Tell us what music you listen to. Call or text us at 412-212-8893. We always cite our sources: You can check out bridge conditions in your county. Check out these Reddit threads about how and who got Pittsburgh as their sound town. Listen to our episode with historian Maura Bainbridge on the impact of the 1892 Homestead strike. You can volunteer as a Snow Angel by signing up through the city’s website. 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.

Lights, camera, action! Now that the Hollywood actors’ and writers’ strikes are over, what does it take to get Pittsburgh’s movie biz rolling again? We're with Pittsburgh Film Office executive director Dawn Keezer to talk about upcoming productions, how they've been supporting their artists, what she hopes to do with money from the state when it eventually comes, and why it’s taken Pgh so long to break a “season three” curse. You can visit the Pittsburgh Film Office’s website to learn more about the opportunities it has to offer, and the Create PA workforce training program supports those looking to break into the industry. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s the Friday news roundup! PA still doesn’t have a state budget and it’s costing local community colleges and libraries a lot. Zoning changes — more zoning changes! — could be on the horizon for child care facilities, and after a week without Matt Canada, how are the Steelers looking? Plus, we learned something new about Prevention Point Pittsburgh. We always cite our sources: SpotlightPA reports state budget delays are really hurting local community colleges and libraries. The Trib focused on several community colleges in the Pittsburgh region Listen to our previous episode with PublicSource’s Emma Folts on shrinking enrollment at CCAC The city planning commission recently approved child care zoning, and the Trib’s been reporting on its progress Prevention Point Pittsburgh does great work in Pittsburgh. You can get harm reduction supplies at five sites across the city Apply for free Narcan, delivered anonymously right to your door A new collab from SpotlightPA and WESA digs into how opioid settlement money is supposed to expand syringe services, and what’s holding that back 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.

Description: It’s the food show! We’re helping you get into the holiday spirit with Christmas pop-up bar recommendations. Plus, our tips on where to get cookies for holiday parties and events to keep you busy this weekend. Check out Hey Pittsburgh’s best holiday markets for shopping local around the ‘Burgh. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Pittsburghers tend to be pretty nostalgic — we love giving directions based on what used to be somewhere — and our city is filled with these forgotten relics from the past. Local writer Virginia Montanez (aka Jane Pitt or Pitt Girl) decided to change that. She’s sharing her latest passion project, an interactive map called Pittsburgh Remains to Be Seen. Plus, hear how you can get involved! **This episode originally aired Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

The Hollywood Theater in Dormont is back in business, temporarily. Developer Brian Mendelssohn is in the preview phase of a more than $1 million renovation of the oddly shaped, weirdly designed one-screen space, and he’s just getting started. We joined him on Potomac Avenue to talk about what he learned from opening Row House in Lawrenceville, how the South Hills community has contributed to his dreams for the Hollywood, and all the fun treats he’s got in mind for its basement, including private spaces for karaoke, gaming, smaller film screenings, and more. Plus, get a taste for the “punk art deco Metropolis” vibe he’s cultivating ahead of its official construction phase in January. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Judicial elections don’t usually take the spotlight. But this year, the race for PA’s Supreme Court between Democrat Daniel McCaffery and Republican Carolyn Carluccio set big new spending records. AP reporter Marc Levy explains how all that cash made a difference and what this election could mean for future judicial races. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Tis the season to shop small! For this month’s City Cast Pittsburgh gift guide, we’re ticking off a swirl of upcoming art and craft markets for holiday shoppers of every stripe. Whether you’re in the mood for huge wall art, intricate glasswork, hand-painted stationary, or beautifully delicate ceramics and pottery, we’ve got your ultimate holiday market guide to help you find the Pittsburgh-perfect gift for all your loved ones this year. Newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco shared an even bigger list of regional markets in the Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Over the last couple months, one local name has become synonymous with failure — or at least culpability. The 6-4 Steelers may have a winning record, but few would credit offensive coordinator Matt Canada with their success. What about him inspired thousands of fans to chant “Fire Matt Canada” at both Steelers and Penguins games, or prompt one enterprising Giant Eagle to sell cookie cakes with the same slogan? We’re with WPXI’s Jenna Harner and The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo to talk about how Canada came to Pittsburgh, what went wrong during his tenure, and how long a rabid fan base may have to ride this out. **Editor’s Note: Just after publishing, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced Canada had been relieved of his duties. Our guest, Mike DeFabo, will be updating a story here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.

It’s hard to tell now, but Pittsburgh’s got deep roots in roller skating. We’re talking about the heyday for local rinks, iconic moves like the Pittsburgh Stride, and how a new group called the PGH SK8 Collaborative centers all skating styles, abilities, ages, races, bodies and genders. Plus, guests Dana Bannon and Rico Rucker have a thought or two about both pickleball and the future of the Homewood Coliseum. If, like host Megan Harris, you’re worried roller skates would make you look like a baby giraffe, you can go to skate school! Check out all PGH SK8’s upcoming events here. They’re also raising money for a portable roller rink to bring skating to even more spaces around the city. You can donate to the fundraising campaign here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then 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 Cast Pittsburgh team is going deep on Mayor Ed Gainey’s “State of the City” address and which of his priorities perked up our ears. Plus, we explain what the end of Giant Eagle FuelPerks actually means and how to do Light Up Night right. We love to cite our sources! Watch Gainey’s “State of the City” address and read up on his budget. Dive deeper into the myPerks take over. Scope out Light Up Night, and this years festivities and controversies. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Dietary restrictions and food allergies can be a real damper on all of the delicious holiday dishes, but they don’t have to be. Pittsburgh food blogger Liz Fetchin is with us to dish on all of the allergy-friendly recipes in her new e-cookbook, An Octofree Thanksgiving. With a grocery list, timeline, and alternatives to comforting classics, Fetchin will have you ready to serve everyone at your table this season. Follow Fetchin on Instagram at @octofree and buy her e-book at https://octofree.com/shop/. **This conversation originally published on November 16, 2022. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s officially winter, according to Allegheny County’s emergency winter housing plan, which is supposed to expand our capacity to provide for unhoused people when the temperatures start to fall. Officials say we’re ready, that more beds will be available IF temperatures and demand require them, but they haven’t shared where those beds will be. As encampments continue to get cleared, we talk with PublicSource photojournalist Stephanie Strasburg about why biggest overflow space — Smithfield Church of Christ — closed this year, and what the plan is for winter 2023-24. Read PublicSource’s “Shelter Stakes” series here. Stay connected with PublicSource throughout the week when you sign up for their free email newsletters. If you or someone you know is experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness, you can contact The Allegheny Link. Their number is 1-866-730-2368. There’s also a bunch of Resource Guides there that list groups already doing outreach work if you’d rather donate or volunteer your time. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

How tall is too tall for a building in Bloomfield? 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. TribLive reporter Ryan Deto breaks down what happened with this setback and shares what these zoning decisions say about the process of building housing in the city. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Spin e-scooters were all over Pittsburgh as part of a two-year pilot, and lawmakers could reauthorize them any day — if the Senate can finish the long-overdue state budget. (It’s only 4.5 months late, but who’s counting.) City Cast’s Megan Harris & Sophia Lo talk about the new program, how our lawmakers are feeling, and what one reporter who’s doggedly dug into scooter-related injuries hopes to see from the city in phase two. Ann Belser reported on the potential return of e-scooters for Print and NextPittsburgh, and she’s joined us on the podcast to talk about the end of the initial pilot and her investigation around e-scooter injuries. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s the Friday news roundup! Earlier this week, voters in Ohio codified access to abortion and recreational cannabis, and we wondered whether Pennsylvania could do the same. The answer is complicated. We’ve got an update on where the commonwealth is on the road to recreational cannabis legalization, plus a fun little airport update — Pittsburghers will soon be able to get flights to Iceland without a layover. A special thanks to City Cast’s interim executive producer Marylee Williams — her first time on mic with us! — and Spotlight PA reporter Ed Mahon for sharing his cannabis reporting. We love to cite our sources! From the Inky, a look at how Ohio voters amended their state constitution The PA House recently considered cannabis again in a public hearing Ohio has more citizen-led direct democracy options PublicSource did a great explainer on constitutional amendments in PA Check out Ed’s previous work on PA’s efforts to raise the minimum wage Prospects of legalization in PA have picked up—but there’s still an open question about how the GOP-controlled Senate might approach reform if the opposite chamber delivered it a bill PA & West Virginia are the only states among our close neighbors to have not legalized now Starting in May 2024, Iceland Air is launching nonstop service to Reykjavík, Iceland. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Whether you want a turkey-less Thanksgiving or a soul food feast that can feed 15 people, newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco and audio producer Sophia Lo have you covered with the best Thanksgiving takeout options in Pittsburgh. Plus, we dip into Heinz’s new ketchup flavor, restaurant openings around town, and what to do this weekend. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

You voted, let’s talk about it! Allegheny County is under new leadership. Hear all about who got to celebrate, who conceded, and what it all might mean for Allegheny County Thanks to our guests: Kim Lyons, editor of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star Natalie Bencivenga, journalist, consultant, and City Cast contributor. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

To celebrate her 10-year anniversary in Pittsburgh, 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. Don’t forget to vote today! Check out Hey Pittsburgh for a guide to all the voting guides in Pittsburgh and listen to our episode about what to expect on your ballot. Here’s how to find your district and polling place. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

If you spend all your time in your backyard birdwatching, you’re probably already halfway to contributing to a citizen science project. From listening to frog calls to catching lanternflies, there are so many ways anyone can collect data for researchers. Writer and museum educator Melanie Linn Gutowski has a list of wildlife-focused projects Pittsburghers can participate in, even with just 15 minutes of spare time. Project Owlnet is ongoing, and you can find more information on the National Aviary’s website. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s a special Election edition of the Friday news roundup, and it’s our 412th episode! (We love a Pgh holiday.) The polls are open Tuesday in Allegheny County from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the City Cast crew is here to walk you through the region’s biggest races — what the offices do, who’s running, what’s at stake, and why a few of the nation’s top political wonks may be watching Pittsburgh for clues to what could come in 2024. Plus, we’ve got a special audio treat at the very end! Check out Hey Pittsburgh for a guide to all the voting guides in Pittsburgh this week. Here’s how to find your district and polling place. We love to cite our sources! Why do George Soros and Andrew Yang care about Allegheny County’s district attorney? Plus how much they gave to local candidates. What you need to know about Allegheny County's ballot question on council salaries, via WESA. A Pa. Supreme Court race this fall could have big implications for the 2024 presidential election, as well as where the state falls in a handful of issues that could come before the court. The Inky also dug into the Carluccio and McCaffery campaigns, and Spotlight PA created a candidate guide. A super cool and very informative food-pyramid-style graphic to learn about the courts! Want some more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

As Allegheny County’s Latinx population grows, we’re also seeing more restaurants reflecting our changing demographics. Luz Amanda Hank and Howard Alvarez from Pitt’s Center for Latin American Studies are helping shape Pittsburgh’s Latin American food scene — from organizing festivals to getting restaurants off the ground. Hear their top picks for new and traditional favorites — from the perfect rice and beans to arepas and carne asada — plus grocery staples and so much more. Find their full restaurant list here and recommend more Latin American and Caribbean cuisine via their form. Restaurants, food trucks, and other spots mentioned in this episode: Five Stars Honduran Restaurant Cilantro & Ajo Papelón Pabellón Arepittas Tú y Yo Café Tango Food Truck Antojitos Hondureños El Chucho Leon’s Caribbean Pupusas y Antojitos Helen La Palapa El Chaqueño Las Palmas Reyna Foods Monroy Supermarket La Poblanita Mercearia Brazilian Mini Market Orquidea Latin Market Panadería Jazmin Pisko Peruvian Gourmet El Ricón Oaxaqueño La Calera Mexican Bar and Grill Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.