City Cast Pittsburgh

We’re in the final few days of summer, school’s about to start, and traffic in Oakland is about to get a whole lot worse. But if you’re looking for a way to celebrate, the City Cast Pittsburgh team has got you covered with the perfect gifts to refresh, relax, and recharge. Support these local businesses: Virginia Montanez’ new book, “Nothing. Everything” Fresh flower picking at Shenot Farms, Soergel Orchards, and Triple B Farms. Tote bags from Nalonkuru Get a delicious dessert from Ritual House Eye drops from Revitalize Energy Play a round at Kniess Mini Golf or Puttery, or one of these other spots Barmy Soda at East End Brewing L'Épicurien’s zucchini & ramp spread from Chantal’s Cheese Shop Take a stroll up Canton Avenue, one of the world’s steepest streets Want some more Pittsburgh news? 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.

Pittsburghers tend to be pretty nostalgic — we love giving directions based on what something used to be — and our city is filled with relics from the past. But until recently, there hasn’t been a map of all these artifacts. Local writer Virginia Montanez (aka Jane Pitt) decided to change that. She joins us to discuss her interactive map project Pittsburgh Remains to Be Seen, and how you can get involved with the hunt for local relics. 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 car parked outside of Evergreen Cafe on Penn Avenue in Point Breeze has frustrated Pittsburgh drivers for decades. Despite complaints to police and social media outrage, it’s remained there day after day. Hannah Kinney-Kobre from Pittsburgh City Paper got the man behind the dusty brown Buick to break his silence, and she’s here to tell us what(arguably) the most hated parker in Pittsburgh has to say for himself. ***This conversation originally published May 3, 2023. 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 research is in and (surprise, surprise) Pittsburgh is not the fittest city in America; an iconic Kennywood ride is closing for preservation; and details are still trickling about about how and why a house exploded in Plum Borough — we’ve got a few ways you can help the affected families in the coming days. We love to cite our sources: Pittsburgh scored 29th overall in an annual survey on personal and community fitness markers The PG dug into more details about the American Fitness Index study and specific Pgh-area markers Learn more about Kennywood’s Turtle ride, once known as the Tumble Bug, and efforts to preserve it This is is one of the more comprehensive roundups we’ve found about what happened in Plum. The he story is still developing. The Trib has more details on previous house explosions in Plum. GoFundMe pages have been set up for the Clontz family and the Oravitz family, who each lost two members. There’s also a GoFundMe for the Smith family, who survived but lost their house. To honor Casey and Keegan Clontz’s love of fishing, community members Angela and Mike Blasko created a raffle fundraiser. Tickets are $10, and one winner will get an all-­expenses paid, full-day offshore fishing trip on Lake Erie. The nonprofit Angels in DaSkys is partnering with the Renton Volunteer Firefighter Department to handle relief efforts for Plum residents. They’re accepting monetary and gift card donations. More information on how to donate is available on their Facebook page and this story from the Trib. KDKA has a look at how local businesses are supporting families who’ve been affected by the explosion. For events this weekend, check out the Uptown Partners Community Day Festival, the Reservoir of Jazz in Highland Park, and City of Asylum’s Dog Days of Summer Sale Want some more Pittsburgh news? 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 Steel City has a bunch of classic eats, but one of our all-time favorites — the pepperoni roll! — actually hails from West Virginia. We’re talking about its industrial history and modern reinvention with Katt Schuler, the altruistic, story-loving owner and founder of Rolling Pepperoni in Lawrenceville. Plus, why you really don’t need to eat them with sauce. ***This conversation originally published April 27, 2023. 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.

When the city announced the appointment of new police Chief Larry Scirotto, they didn’t mention his gay and biracial identities. He said that’s because he wanted to be introduced on merit rather than factors outside his control, but that he’s proud to serve as Pittsburgh first openly LGBTQ+ figurehead and hopes his lived experience will have a lasting effect on local policing. So how did our LGBTQ+ advocacy community feel about it? Reporter Jordana Rosenfeld worked with host Megan Harris for Pittsburgh City Paper to talk to folks about their expectations, and whether even just acknowledging historical harms is an OK place to start. ICYMI: Megan talked to Chief Scirotto yesterday. Hear their full conversation on queer representation in the Pittsburgh bureau, how and why he decided to come out when he did, and what he hopes his influence means to people in Pittsburgh. This conversation is the second in a two-part series. Check out the great work of the people and organizations we cite in this episode: Proud Haven Pgh Lesbian Correspondents Dade Lemanski Want to submit a peaceful, nonviolent event to the city? Find more info here. 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.

Larry Scirotto is our city’s first openly gay police chief. And while he says that’s something he’s deeply proud of, it’s not something he’s spent a bunch of time talking about. Today, that changes. Hear his take on queer representation in the Pittsburgh bureau, why he decided to come out when he did, and how he hopes his identities — gay and biracial — will inform his tenure as chief. This conversation is part one in a two-part series. Both were pursued in partnership with Jordana Rosenfeld and Pittsburgh City Paper. 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.

Century III Mall is condemned, but that doesn’t mean it's getting demolished — at least not yet. But it is an eyesore and it's pretty unsafe, so if it's not possible to bring it back to life anymore, what should happen next? Writer, publisher, and shopping mall enthusiast Matthew Newton is here to share our nostalgia and explain exactly what went wrong. Check out his beautiful tome “Shopping Mall,” which is usually available at White Whale Bookstore in Bloomfield. 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! Heinz Field is back in the Burgh (or just barely north of it), there’s a beautifully local backstory behind the @pgh_scanner Twitter account, and Chomper may be out of the Kiski, but the Steel City still has a wild and wonderful history with stray reptiles. We love to cite our sources: Francesca wrote all about Pgh’s fascination with alligators for the Hey Pittsburgh newsletter City Paper wrote about @pgh_scanner and how it got started Aliquippa has a history of Hall of Famers, not to mention an incredible recent win record Learn more about the Quips and how they became emblematic of the former steel town with S.L. Price’s book “Playing through the Whistle” Barrel and Flow Fest will be at The Stacks in the Strip District on Saturday Learn more about the Steel Valley Yarn Crawl here Want some more Pittsburgh news? 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.

In a quest to get to know Pittsburgh better, coffee enthusiast Zach Lucas visited a local coffee shop for every letter of the alphabet. He joins us to share his picks for everything from coziest vibes to the most unusual to the all-around best coffee (and tea!). See where Zach has been on his map of the ABCs of Pittsburgh Coffee. Sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library here. 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 Pittsburgh Steelers are back at their rightful summer home in Latrobe for training camp. To celebrate, join us for a throwback to when City Cast’s Morgan Moody and Megan Harris made the pilgrimage to talk to players and fans about the half-century-long tradition at Chuck Noll Field. Fans are welcome every day at 1:55 p.m. Get tickets here. And while you’re out there, check out today’s newsletter for a fun scavenger hunt of other fun ways to hang out in Latrobe. 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 synagogue shooting trial ended last week — when the man who killed 11 worshipers at a Squirrel Hill synagogue was sentenced to death. It was a long trial, with lots of challenging testimony. And someone close to us attended almost every day: Mallory’s mom. City Cast Pittsburgh’s Mallory Falk sits down with her mother, Ellen Surloff, who was president of Dor Hadash at the time of the shooting. Hear what she learned from attending nearly every day of the two-month capitol trial, and why it was so important to her and others to bear witness. 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.

On October 27, 2018, a man walked into a Squirrel Hill synagogue and turned an ordinary Shabbat morning into the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history. Nearly five years later, he has been sentenced to death for killing 11 Jewish worshipers from three congregations: Tree of Life, New Light, and Dor Hadash. City Cast’s Mallory Falk grew up at Tree of Life, attended part of the trial, and spoke to some of those affected. She joins host Megan Harris to discuss the trial, the sentence, and where we go from here. Many local outlets have been dedicating a ton of time and effort to this coverage: Jewish Chronicle https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/topic/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting/ WESA: https://www.wesa.fm/tags/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting-trial TribLive: https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh/robert-bowers-trial/ 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! We’ve got a wild story about the county giving in on a lawsuit brought by a paramilitary jail “expert,” who may have never done any real work, plus a send off to our departing friends at The Incline and 90.5 WESA’s The Confluence. Host Megan Harris is joined by Brian Conway, founder of the Pittsburgh Independent, and NEXTpittsburgh columnist Tony Norman to break it all down. **Note: If you’re looking for more on the synagogue shooting trial, please stick with us. We’ll have more for you early next week. We always cite our sources: Brian Conway’s piece about the county payment to Joseph Garcia dropped Wednesday Nieman Lab picked up the Pittsburgh Independent’s story about the final days of The Incline City Paper wrote a great piece explaining what’s going on at WESA The Pittsburgh Union Progress has chronicled their strike from the start. Check out the latest here Want some more Pittsburgh news? 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 city’s biggest celebration of all things vegan, animal advocacy, and environmental friendliness takes over Allegheny Commons Park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City Cast Pittsburgh crew has you covered with a full day of noms and veggie-forward recommendations, plus our very own Francesca Dabecco shares her tips for a successful day aht. 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.

A few hours ago, Pittsburgh got some big news: a jury ruled that the man behind the synagogue shooting in 2018 should be put to death. The gunman was found guilty earlier this summer on 63 federal counts, including 11 counts of a hate crime that resulted in death. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Mallory Falk discuss the ruling and what comes next. Additional sentencing will follow and we think there’s more to say, so please stay tuned to our shows next week. 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.

Developers want to build a 162-apartment complex at the site of former Irish Centre at the edge of Frick Park, but neighborhood and community groups are not having it. So what's at the heart of this? Reporter Ryan Deto with the Tribune-Review explains the environmental and traffic challenges, plus his experience with a certain faction of Pittsburgh NIMBYs. 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.

There’s a difference between spaces that allow our best pals and the ones who are truly dog friendly. Pet expert Tori Mistick of WearWagRepeat is with us to share her favorite local spots for a paw-fect Pittsburgh day — plus how to pack ahead, what to consider about temperament and environment, and the quick rules for her newly christened four-paw rating system.

Pittsburgh-area teachers often spend their own (very hard-earned) money on classroom supplies. But twice a year, they can stop by The Education Partnership’s Teacher Resource Center and fill up shopping carts with everything they need — from notebooks and glue sticks to Clorox wipes and air purifiers — at no personal cost. City Cast visited the center last year and spoke with executive director Josh Whiteside, program director Sarah McKay, and several teachers about how the nonprofit supports students and schools in need. Stick around to the end to hear how you can help! *** This conversation originally published September 28, 2022. We checked back in with Sarah McKay and she said the Teacher Resource Center is now serving 191 schools — 20 more than last year. They’re always looking for volunteers and donations. Here are their 10 most needed school supplies right now: Pencils Notebooks Markers (8-pack) Crayons (24-pack) Colored Pencils Dry Erase Markers Scissors Copy paper (8.5x11” white) Headphones Desk chairs 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! The heat is insufferable but does it qualify as a wave? A new police academy class is in session, but the bureau will need to recruit a lot more people if they plan to get back up to 900 like they plan. And Brittany Hailer, director of the Pittsburgh Institute for Nonprofit Journalism, shares one thing — on Facebook, of all places — that’s bringing her joy this summer. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Mallory Falk are here to round it out! We love to cite our sources: Pittsburgh City Paper has a roundup of city cooling centers and air conditioned rec centers that are open through Friday evening WESA delves into a new study on police force staffing WPXI has a great roundup of Pittsburgh police officers’ responses to questions about morale and more Learn more about the city’s old 1:1:1:1 diversity hiring rule, and why it went away Want some more Pittsburgh news? 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.

Pittsburgh may historically be a drinking town (hello, Whiskey Rebellion!), but we’re also on the map as a sober-curious destination. The Open Road in Allentown is the oldest (still open) non-alcoholic specialty retailer in the nation, lined with zero-proof spirits, botanical 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. 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.

Goat Fest is this weekend, but what makes these critters so special? From meat, milk, and fiber to keeping invasive species out of our parks, hear how they’ve captured the heart of City Cast producer Maria Carter, plus tons of recommendations for local goat products and activities. Celebrate goats at Goat Fest this Saturday, July 29, noon to 4 p.m. in South Side Park. Learn about how goats can be used to fend off invasive species from Allegheny GoatScape. Try goat cheese from Goat Rodeo Farm & Dairy or Cherish Creamery. Cook your own goat dish with meat from Salem’s Market & Grill, or order the goat curry at Pauline’s Caribbean Soul Cuisine or Taste of India. Knit or crochet something warm and cozy with mohair yarn from Underhill Farms. Get clean with goat milk soap from Smiling Goat Company. Head to Freedom Farm Spa to relax with goat yoga and a beer. Goats in the city? It can be done, but there are a few restrictions. If you don’t have room for a pet goat, try volunteering at Kindred Spirits Rescue Ranch. 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.

Pennsylvania’s laws can sometimes feel like they were written for another time. That’s because many of them were. From a ban on fishing with dynamite, to a prohibition on for-profit fortune-telling, we get into some of the weirdest state laws still on the books. Host Megan Harris talks with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri, plus reporter Harrison Cann at City & State PA. Check out Harrison’s reporting on some of Pennsylvania’s most bizarre, outdated laws. 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.

Water rates could rise as much as 70% over the next three years, and as homeowners, you stand to pay a lot more than a big commercial business. City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris chats with Ann Belser, the editor and publisher of Print, about why PWSA says it needs so much more money, how the state’s getting involved, and what you can do to have your voice heard before the price per gallon goes up. Ann’s work also publishes online with NEXTpittsburgh. Check out her piece detailing why the rate hike got delayed from its proposed July 8 start date. Another one should be dropping soon. The state wants to hear from you! If you want to weigh in on the proposed rate hike, the Public Utility Commission is holding in-person hearings on tomorrow, July 25 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Jeron X. Grayson Community Center in the Hill District, and via Zoom at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 27. You can use the event links on the PWSA website, check in with the PUC schedule directly, or send letters of support or objection to: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Post Office Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 17105-3265 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to end affirmative action has universities all over our region re-evaluating how they handle legacy admissions; the city has a new $3 million fund to help folks and institutions feed their neighbors; and an old hillside novelty got a humongous glow-up, but we bet you don’t know the real history behind Pittsburgh’s “Hollywood” sign. We love to cite our sources: Most of the details around the Food Justice Fund were ironed out at a Council meeting last week, and WESA covered it well The Post-Gazette followed up when the Fund finally passed Advocates of the Food Justice Fund have a nifty website, including a cool timeline explaining their victories along the way Check out the Food Justice Fund’s full list of goals here Take the city’s Food Justice Fund survey to weigh in on how the money gets spent or indicate whether you might like to apply for an upcoming grant The USDA publishes annual reports on our nation’s food insecurity levels Just Harvest advocates on behalf of programs and policies that they feel will help lawmakers make better political choices, end poverty, and abolish hunger After the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in college admissions, more colleges ended legacy admissions Some colleges nationally started reconsidering their legacy admissions after the Supreme Court decision. In Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon and Pitt had already ended legacy admissions, as first reported in the Tribune Review Pro-tip: If you know someone applying to college, google the college’s name and “common data set.” On the common data set, you can find how important each college considers everything from class rank to extracurriculars when making admissions decisions. Read about the history of the Iron City Beer sign from the Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. Want some more Pittsburgh news? 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.

Building a charcuterie board is like creating a work of art with cheese, meats, fruits, and other colorful fixings. But where do you start? The City Cast Pittsburgh team took a field trip to The Cheese Queen’s brick-and-mortar in Mt. Oliver to learn the secrets to plating and pairing. Megan McGinnis, of the former local grocery family The McGinnis Sisters, shares what inspired her to become a cheese enthusiast and how she shares that love with Pittsburgh. Celebrate The Cheese Queen’s first birthday tonight with other local woman-owned businesses at the Queens Market from 6-9 p.m., right beside her shop. The event features Polska Laska, Armful of Flowers, Brown Bear Bread, Ripepi Wineryand lots more. 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.

For two years, Spin scooters have been everywhere here in Pittsburgh. Helping people get from A to B, but also getting in the way. The pilot program that brought them here has ended, and their future is caught up in a complicated budget brawl. And it turns out, neither the company nor the city were keeping very good records about how people used or got abused by their presence here. We’re with Ann Belser, editor and owner of Print, to talk about the dozens of injuries folks reported, the bad data collected by the city, and what she hopes to see if they stick around. You can also find Ann’s reporting in NEXTpittsburgh. She’s dropping a fresh story there later this week! 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.

If the summer heat has your friends and loved ones feeling a little cranky, why not surprise ‘em with a nice local gift? The City Cast team is sharing our top Pittsburgh merch, treats and activities for all your July celebrations. From patterned shirts that look like PAT bus seats to sunset kayaking trips, we’ve got recommendations for all your favorite yinzers. Here’s where to find all of our top picks. Let us know what we should feature next! Things to buy: Pittsburgh Bus Seat Co sells shirts, fanny packs, and other items that look like, well, Pittsburgh bus seats Wicked Skatewear in Bloomfield has a great collection of roller skates Everyone’s favorite meme account, Pittsburgh Personified, has all kinds of fun merch available on Etsy Stuff to eat & drink: The PA Market in the Strip District has a cocktail and popsicle special — try pairing a strawberry ginger lemonade paleta with a mezcal and gin concoction Serve your favorite summer snack in a Pittsburgh baseball stadium serving bowl from Fort Pitt Clay Works Treat a friend to a delicious brunch at Scratch & Co. in Troy Hill Stuff to do: Bring up to five friends to Sandbox VR in the Strip district for a “socially immersive gaming experience” Go on a night paddle on the Allegheny River with Venture Outdoors Take a craft workshop with Tal & Bert in their store or at a local brewery. You can make a live air plant wreath, a hanging terrarium, or a resin charcuterie board 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.

In past years, the basement at Smithfield United Church of Christ opened its doors to those in need of a place to stay in the winter, but as homelessness surged, Allegheny County kept the shelter open indefinitely. A community quickly developed among those who slept there or hung out on the church steps, but neighbors started objecting. We talk with PublicSource’s Stephanie Strasburg and Eric Jankiewicz about their reporting on how the county handled the shelter’s closing and what it reveals about our local housing crisis. 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! NEXTpittsburgh columnist Tony Norman joins lead producer Mallory Falk and producer Maria Carter to discuss concerns around how Mayor Gainey’s office communicates with the public. They also talk about the growing number of guns getting seized at the Pittsburgh airport (we’re on track to break a record!) and the latest local athlete to grace the cover of a Wheaties box. We love to cite our sources: P-G’s editorial on the city’s communications TribLIVE on the increase in guns at TSA security checkpoints, and TravelPulse on how this is part of a national trend T.J. Watt announcing he’s on the Wheaties box Smithsonian Magazine’s deep dive on Wheaties history Want some more Pittsburgh news? 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.

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. 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. You can order a copy online or find it in coffee shops and record stores around town. Oscar’s Long List: 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 Las Palmas in Brookline, Beechview and Oakland 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.

Pittsburgh has one of the oldest city flags in the U.S., but the design leaves something to be desired — at least, according to Ted Kaye. He's the nation's leading flag scholar and author of the flag design bible "Good Flag, Bad Flag." Kaye joins lead producer Mallory Falk to explain what makes a good flag, where Pittsburgh ranks compared to other cities, and whether we should be considering a new look. Want to check out some proposed alternatives to our current flags? Artist Lucy Chen designed a couple Pittsburgh flag options for Pittsburgh City Paper, and Tara Stark came up with a new design for the Pennsylvania flag. 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.

Why does Pittsburgh insist on changing the names of our sports heroes, and why do the athletes let us do it? We take a deep dive into the origins of Merry-o Lemieux, shortening Evgeni to Geno, and a bunch of other Steel City favorites with Rob Rossi, a senior writer at The Athletic. Check out our long history of this via Fansided, which published an absurdly detailed list of Pittsburgh nicknames. And there’s a fun new development in the Tito House saga — the city agreed to save the home, but not the infamous garage. Hear how we got here in this 2022 episode of City Cast Pittsburgh. 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.

Before Dr. Jonas Salk, polio killed or paralyzed more than a half million people worldwide every year, and survivors often faced lifelong consequences. Host Megan Harris & producer Maria Carter talk through his mid-century, lifesaving developments for the University of Pittsburgh, how the disease had been terrorizing local parents and kids, and how thousands of Pittsburgh-area children ultimately helped Salk and his team refine the groundbreaking vaccine—starting with Salk’s own sons. The new Jonas Salk Legacy Exhibit at Pitt Public Health is free and open to the public during regular building hours. Learn more about his son, part-time Pitt professor Dr. Peter Salk, here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Pittsburgh. 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! The big talk in Harrisburg is about Gov. Josh Shapiro pulling his support for private school vouchers after state budget talks stalled — much to the dismay of many Republicans. After Beyoncé canceled her stop at Acrisure Stadium, the BeyHive was buzzing with theories about why and a lot of disappointment. And a team from CMU has built a robot prototype that could help stop the invasive spotted lanternfly. We love to cite our sources: The PA budget is late (again) and SpotlightPA explains school choice is one big reason why What are Pa.'s lifeline scholarships? SpotlightPA deep dives school choice and vouchers For all the ruckus, NPR finds Betsy DeVos didn’t get that much done Tweet from Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) with a Lisa Simpson meme about missing former Gov. Tom Wolf How to spot a spotted lanternfly (with pretty graphics) via Axios CMU team develops autonomous robot to stave off spotted lanternflies Taylor Swift fans are being totally normal about Beyonce’s tour cancellations Bad news: Our favorite mac & cheese spot, Smoke, is now for sale Want some more Pittsburgh news? 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.

National Macaroni Day is tomorrow, and National Mac & Cheese Day is July 14, so we put our sharpest minds to finding the best in the Burgh. The City Cast team broke down what makes a good mac and cheese and where to get the best classic and elevated takes on the dish in the city. Here are the mac’s that were gouda‘nough to make our list: The Rear End GastroPub and Garage in Etna has a classic mac meal Kelly’s Bar and Lounge’s mac-n-cheese is an East Liberty staple Bigham Tavern in Mt. Washington has a mac n’ cheese The Double Wide Grill on the South Side has two mac and cheeses we recommend, brisket and the “gas can mac” Smoke in Lawrenceville was an overall winner for both their classic and specialty dishes Macs we’ve heard are worth a try: Urban Tap’s smoked gouda mac The food truck Blowfish BQQ has a mac and cheese entree Crafty Jackalope has a build your own option Fortuitea Cafe & Bakery has a ton of vegan mac-n-cheese options Carmi Soul Food has a macaroni and cheese side dish Want some more Pittsburgh news? 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.

This week marks the 131st anniversary of the Battle of Homestead. No, it wasn’t part of any war, and technically, it didn’t even happen in Homestead. Just outside the Pump House in what is now the Waterfront, labor leaders walked out for six days to defend their rights while on the job. What followed was a brutal clash with Pinkerton “detectives” that ended with dozens of injuries and the slow collapse of the budding union. People died, and the movement didn’t stick, but the conflict left an indelible mark on union organizers and the company leaders who would stop them. Historian Maura Bainbridge explains the particulars, plus why that legacy still matters today. ***This conversation originally published July 6, 2022. The Battle of Homestead Foundation is commemorating the anniversary tomorrow, July 6 at 6 p.m. at the Pump House in Munhall. No registration or admission necessary — just stop by and enjoy a casual meetup with music and food to discuss and remember the significance of the heroic struggle of workers and townspeople to preserve their dignity, their livelihood and their right to organize. 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.

For a long time, the birthday of 19th century composer Stephen Foster was a big deal in Pittsburgh. People here were proud that Foster, who was born on July 4th in Lawrenceville, was the popular songwriter behind a bunch of hits at the time — “Beautiful Dreamer,” “Camptown Races,” “O Susanna,” and more. And while Foster himself was not a confederate leader, there was a statue of him in Oakland for 118 years depicting a barefoot Black man playing a banjo at his feet. The controversial piece came down by unanimous decision in 2018, and we wondered where it’s been since. It turns out, there’s a museum director in LA who wants it, and has a plan. We’re with co-curator Hamza Walker of LAXART. ***This conversation originally published June 29, 2022. Check out the city and surrounding region’s fireworks itineraries here. 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! If you’ve been struggling with Pittsburgh’s air quality the past few days, we’ve got a DIY solution to breathing easier. Plus hear more about hometown legend Mac Miller’s posthumous drop and what you can do to welcome fursuiters during Anthrocon this weekend. We cite our sources: Confused about Code Red? Here’s a handy explainer on AQI The effects of ozone vs particulate matter 60 years since the Clean Air Act and what’s going wrong PA’s poor grades in the American Lung Association’s annual report card These “toxic ten” are responsible for nearly 80% of industrial air pollution in Allegheny County KDKA’s catalog of closures due to poor air quality this week City Cast’s guide to making your own air purifier Pgh’s favorite convention is Anthrocon Pittsburgh City Paper on how the Steel City became a furry mecca Honor a native at the 5th Annual Celebration of Mac Miller Want some more Pittsburgh news? 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.

Pittsburgh is the undisputed ketchup capitol, but it turns out our city can (at least partly) lay claim to one of America’s most recognizable frozen desserts. Brian Butko, director of publications for the Heinz History Center, joins us to share the origin story of the Klondike bar — and how the original 1920s classic compares to today’s iconic, foil-wrapped treat. Read more about western Pennsylvania grocery history via Brian’s great book, “Isaly's Chipped Ham, Klondikes, and Other Tales from Behind the Counter.” Klondike is hosting a nationwide contest through July 16 asking fans to post videos and photos on Instagram to find the town with the most creative, community-oriented answer. Learn more in Tuesday’s Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. 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.

Maybe you played sports in middle school, or maybe it took another 20 years before you found something fitness-y you actually enjoy. For the more than 10,000 older athletes on their way to Pittsburgh for the 2023 National Senior Games next week, it’s a mixed bag! Nancy Brown, coveted volleyball hitter and president of the Senior Olympics of Western PA, explains the community (diverse) and competition (fierce), plus what it takes to find and pursue a sport in your 50s, 60s, and beyond. Want to see the Senior Games, including basketball, archery, cornhole, and more — and root for the Western PA teams in person? Check them out for free July 7-18 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. 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.

Pittsburgh is a cradle for technology, innovation, and discovery — but that doesn’t mean we love everything AI spits out. From writing poems about Pittsburgh to paranoid comparisons to nuclear weapons, what should we be paying attention to? And what have we learned? Dr. Maarten Sap, an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Language Technology Institute, explains what it means to call something intelligent, why we should be nice to our smart speakers, and if the robot wars aren’t quite on the table yet, what should scare us instead. The City Cast Pittsburgh crew put ChatGPT to the test. How well do you think it knows the ‘Burgh? 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.

Early summer is the peak season to buy a house in Pittsburgh, but the process can feel overwhelming. How do you find an agent or figure out your price range? Does a Pittsburgh potty count as a half-bath? What the heck is hand money? Local realtor Jessica Baker joins us to help demystify the home-buying process — and explain why an ugly bathroom or outdated cabinets shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. 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.

Pittsburgh professor Alex Waibel is proud to call himself an explorer, but today he’s mourning. All this week, a lot of the world was sort of obsessed with the rescue efforts for the submersible that went missing on its descent to the Titanic shipwreck. A big part of the problem was how the sub and others like it communicate with would-be support above water, and Waibel had been working on a way to solve that. Last summer, he tested it on Titan, and he planned to return in a few months. Host Megan Harris connected with him from Germany, where he was waiting to hear the fates of his friends and former colleagues alongside everyone else. 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.

From sandwiches to salads, Pittsburgh has a long history of putting fries on just about everything. But where does this tradition come from? We’re revisiting our conversation with O’Reilly Media’s Sarah Grey, who dug into Pittsburgh’s unique culinary tastes and history for Serious Eats. Support our advertisers! Join the Art of Living in the special, one-night event Sixth Sense - Meditation & Wisdom with Sri Sri Ravishankar on Thursday, June 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the Omni William Penn. The Art of Living is a non-profit, humanitarian organization they’re active in 180 countries, teaching meditation, non-violence, and service for humanity. Tickets are available at tiny.cc/sixthsensepitt. 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.

It’s the summer entertainment guide — three weeks of recommendations for what to do in Pittsburgh, and how to do it best. This week, the City Cast team is sharing our top local giftable experiences, including treats and activities to mark Pride, the start of pool season, and more. Here’s where to find all of our top picks: Things to buy: Shop with pride from local vendors at the Queer Craft Market this Friday at the Union Project in Highland Park. Learn about dinosaurs, space, art and everything else with a membership to the Carnegie Museums. Dive into a summer of fun with passes for Allegheny County pools or a tag for Pittsburgh city pools. Stuff to eat & drink: Sign up to be in the Queer Beer Club at Necromancer Brewing in Ross Township with deals on drinks and merch. Cook up a stir fry with your favorite summer veggies at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden. Capture the taste of summer by fermenting berries for wild soda during the Pickles n’ Pop class at the East End Food Co-op. Stuff to do: Attend a pottery workshop with Eva Conrad at the Gay Clay Play Day every other Wednesday. Pack up your car and head to the drive-in movies to watch your favorite summer blockbusters in Moon Township, Mount Pleasant, Vandergrift or Grindstone. Go camping at Ohiopyle State Park, where you can also whitewater raft, cruise along incredible bike trails, and ride two natural waterslides. And swing by 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. to rent anything equipment you might need before you head out. Support our advertisers! Join the Art of Living in the special, one-night event Sixth Sense - Meditation & Wisdom with Sri Sri Ravishankar on Thursday, June 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the Omni William Penn. The Art of Living is a non-profit, humanitarian organization they’re active in 180 countries, teaching meditation, non-violence, and service for humanity. Tickets are available at tiny.cc/sixthsensepitt. 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.

We’re two weeks out from Pennsylvania’s state budget deadline and a lot is new this year. Like, ahem, the governor himself. We’re with SpotlightPA’s capitol reporter Stephen Caruso to talk about the wildest additions to recent budget seasons (looking at you, Spin scooters), what could get funded this year, and what happens if lawmakers botch the deadline… again. Support our advertisers! Join the Art of Living in the special, one-night event Sixth Sense - Meditation & Wisdom with Sri Sri Ravishankar on Thursday, June 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the Omni William Penn. The Art of Living is a non-profit, humanitarian organization they’re active in 180 countries, teaching meditation, non-violence, and service for humanity. Tickets are available at tiny.cc/sixthsensepitt. 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! The City Cast Pittsburgh team is getting you ready for a weekend worth celebrating. We’re talking about local Juneteenth history and events, Taylor Swift mania, and a bunch of other activities elsewhere in the city to help you avoid the crowds — all while celebrating Father’s Day, the pup in your life, and more. **Reminder: City Cast won’t be publishing on Monday in observance of Juneteenth. Special thanks to all the great reporting out there that helps us fuel our shows: There’s a petition to change the “Iron City Beer” sign to welcome Taylor Swift The Trib estimates the economic impact of Taylor’s visit to Pittsburgh Gallup tracked awareness of Juneteenth the first year after it became our newest federal holiday Pittsburgh Magazine had a great explainer on what happened with Juneteenth vendors and planning Juneteenth organizer B Marshall told WESA he thinks its about racism Find more Juneteenth event details here & here Pride celebrations are happening this weekend in Mt. Lebanon, Bellevue & Lawrenceville Doors Open in Millvale looks like a blast. Note: Millvale Pride is this weekend Enter your pup in a gay dog pageant Celebrate the dad in your life at a Father’s Day BBQ Brunch at The National Aviary And for music lovers, check out the Franklin Blues & BBQ on Saturday and Sunday Find links to all of the Taylor Swift-themed goodies in today’s Hey Pittsburgh newsletter or at https://pittsburgh.citycast.fm/ Support our advertisers! Join the Art of Living in the special, one-night event Sixth Sense - Meditation & Wisdom with Sri Sri Ravishankar on Thursday, June 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the Omni William Penn. The Art of Living is a non-profit, humanitarian organization they’re active in 180 countries, teaching meditation, non-violence, and service for humanity. Tickets are available at tiny.cc/sixthsensepitt. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our morning 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.

More farmers and gardeners are growing native plants to increase biodiversity and promote conservation, but for people from other countries, planting the fruits and vegetables that they grew up with in Pittsburgh gives them something else — a sense of home. Rafael Vencio of Amboy Urban Collective tells about his experiments with growing tropical plants from the Philippines in a much colder and grayer climate. Support our advertisers! Join the Art of Living in the special, one-night event Sixth Sense - Meditation & Wisdom with Sri Sri Ravishankar on Thursday, June 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the Omni William Penn. The Art of Living is a non-profit, humanitarian organization they’re active in 180 countries, teaching meditation, non-violence, and service for humanity. Tickets are available at tiny.cc/sixthsensepitt. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Pittsburgh. 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.

Summer’s finally here and so is the stress of trying to fit in every warm-weather activity you dreamed about all winter. We’re trying to make things a little easier over here with our summer entertainment guide — three weeks of recommendations for what to do in Pittsburgh, and how to do it best. This week you’re joining us live from the Bottlerocket Social Hall in Allentown where we’re celebrating the best of summer music with the Pittsburgh Independent. 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.