City Cast Pittsburgh

Three of Pittsburgh’s 18 city pools will stay closed this summer (miss you already, Bloomfield Beach) but there’s still a lot to celebrate. From the best snack options and kiddie areas to the spots in closest proximity to bars, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know ahead of opening weekend. Special shoutout to our guest Jill Terner, aka @jillratespools, for her incredible efforts in 2022 to rate the best pools in the Burgh for The Incline. Check out her iconic rubric and get the skinny on the city’s lifeguard shortage, plus stick around to the end to hear what to expect from her rankings in 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.

Cars were essential in the early 20th century — not just to get Black folks from A to B, but as a key part of establishingmobility, freedom, and a place in the middle class. But even with a car, travelers had to be careful where they stopped, relying on resources like the Green Book to tell them where they might be welcomed. Tony Norman, a columnist for NEXTpittsburgh, joins us to talk about two new exhibits at the Frick Car & Carriage Museum and the Heinz History Center, plus his piece honoring Pittsburgh’s place in the Great Migration. If you want to learn more about how Black Pittsburgh revolutionized emergency care, check out our episode on the Freedom House Ambulance Service. 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! A local program for movie and theater professionals is getting a reboot, we’ve found yet another thing the state is worst at (lyme disease, eep!), and there’s a new multi-million proposal to study exactly how to replace our city’s thousands of sodium-vapor streetlights over the next few years. Thanks to all those who’ve done the great reporting we discussed today: Julia Felton in the Trib on potential plans to convert the city’s streetlights to LED lights Emily Payne with CMU on an ordinance to dim Pittsburgh’s light pollution Our interview with Dark Sky Defender Diane Turnshek Karen Hicks in StateImpact Pennsylvania on PA leading the nation in Lyme disease Bill O’Driscoll in WESA on the new workforce training program from the Pittsburgh Film Office and Pittsburgh Public Theater Maria Sciullo in Pittsburgh Magazine on our city's status as “Hollywood on the Mon” Take our survey! We’re doing an audience survey to learn more about our listeners. It only takes 5 minutes. Anyone who finishes can enter to win a $250 Visa gift card. That’s at citycast.fm/survey 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.

Summer is the perfect time for an ice cold brew, and it turns out many of the top producers in the country are right here in Pennsylvania. Host Megan Harris joins City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri to break down Pittsburgh’s local craft brewery boom and sample some of the best beers in the commonwealth. Take our survey! We’re doing an audience survey to learn more about our listeners. It only takes 5 minutes. Anyone who finishes can enter to win a $250 Visa gift card. That’s at citycast.fm/survey 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.

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 gonna try to make things a little easier over the next three weeks with our summer entertainment guide full ofrecommendations for what to do in Pittsburgh, and how to do them best. Today, we’re starting with a guide to the best guided tours in the Steel City. Find more info on them all here: Burgh Bus Bike the Burgh & Golden Triangle Bike Tours Molly’s Trolley Double decker hop-on, hop-off bus Pirate ship Doors Open new Clipper tour Cruisin tikis City Brew Tours Wigle Whiskey Tour ‘Burgh Bits & Bites food tour Carrie Furnace Frick House & Museum Allegheny Observatory Observatory Hill House Tour Mexican War Streets House & Garden Tour Nationality rooms Take our survey! We’re doing an audience survey to learn more about our listeners. It only takes 5 minutes. Anyone who finishes can enter to win a $250 Visa gift card. That’s at citycast.fm/survey 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.

Dozens of Pittsburgh public schools went virtual last week — not because of COVID, but because of extreme heat. The city’s school buildings are so old, most of them don’t have air conditioning and can’t be retrofitted with building-wide systems. As our region gets warmer, many district schools are unprepared to deal with sweltering temperatures that could affect student learning. James Fogarty of A+ Schools joins us to talk about what schools could do to adapt. 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.

An historic announcement from the FDA changes the rules about who can give blood, which is vital, because according to the Red Cross, every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood as part of a life-saving procedure. Gay and bisexual men were banned from giving blood in 1985 because of the AIDS epidemic, and even as the FDA loosened those restrictions, critics still called the policy discriminatory because it was based on sexuality rather than behavior. Thanks so much to Sean DeYoung, the CEO of Allies for Health and Well Being, for sharing his take on the new blood donation guidelines and our how local queer community is likely to step up. Take our survey! We’re doing an audience survey to learn more about our listeners. It only takes 5 minutes. Anyone who finishes can enter to win a $250 Visa gift card. That’s at citycast.fm/survey 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 first week of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial is done, and we’re feeling a lot of big feelings about the news coverage. Plus, city councilors weighed in on a reality TV star, and a newly minted Steeler had his car (and playbook!) stolen. Shoutout to the local journalism that makes our Friday shows possible: Lots of local outlets are in the courtroom every day for the shooting trial, including the Trib, PUP, PG, and WESA Check out the Jewish Chronicle’s resource list for dealing with trauma TMZ broke the story about Scandoval’s run in with Pittsburgh Emma Watson’s coming-of-age moment in the Fort Pitt Tunnel Jimmy Kimmel and actress D’Arcy Carden talking about how low-key great we are, plus her epic first pitch with the Pirates Steve Carell (aka Micheal Scott) on the Office Ladies podcast Jeff Daniels waxing poetic about his time in the ‘Burgh KDKA’s reporting on Kenny Pickett’s foul play(book) Take our survey! We’re doing an audience survey to learn more about our listeners. It only takes 5 minutes. Anyone who finishes can enter to win a $250 Visa gift card. That’s at citycast.fm/survey 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.

Friday is National Donut Day, and we’re celebrating early. The City Cast crew tasted 21 different donuts from all corners of Pittsburgh, including old standards like cinnamon sugar and glazed plus more creative fare like huckleberry and buckeye. Which would be crowned your favorite? Special thanks to all the shops we sampled, plus those we missed that were recommended by our Hey Pittsburgh readers: West End: Better Maid (Crafton Heights) and Big Daddy’s Donuts (Crafton) East End: Olivers (Lawrenceville), Kaibur (Polish Hill), Dana's (Homewood), Stoeckleins (Penn Hills) South Hills: Just Good Donuts (South Side), Party Cake (Brookline), Grand View Bakery (Mt. Washington), Duck Donuts (Upper St. Clair), Madsen (Castle Shannon & South Fayette) North Hills: Father & Son Family Bakery (Observatory Hill), Lincoln Bakery (Bellevue), Oakmont Bakery (Oakmont), Oram's (Beaver Falls) Take our survey! We’re doing an audience survey to learn more about our listeners. It only takes 5 minutes. Anyone who finishes can enter to win a $250 Visa gift card. That’s at citycast.fm/survey Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to 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.

Local celebrations kick off this weekend with concerts, marches, and festivals, including the Pittsburgh parade at noon on Saturday, June 3. QBurgh’s Jim Sheppard shares his best tips for how to thrive, some fun acts to catch, and how our modern celebration compares to the revolutionaries who started it all in 1973. Check out march details, and look for QBurgh’s free magazine celebrating 50 years of fearless local Pride on shelves now. Because over 460 legislative bills have been introduced in states across the country targeting drag performances, gender-affirming care, trans kids and adults, and LGBTQ+ books, Pittsburgh Pride organizers say they spent more than one third of their budget on security alone. You can donate some of those funds back to the community at lgbtqpittsburgh.com/donate Take our survey! We’re doing an audience survey to learn more about our listeners. It only takes 5 minutes. Anyone who finishes can enter to win a $250 Visa gift card. That’s at citycast.fm/survey 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.

When Andrew Carnegie began opening libraries in southwest Pennsylvania in the 1890s, he wanted to bring books and knowledge to everyone — not just those who could afford to pay. Now libraries are taking that spirit beyond the printed word, offering everything from power tools to ukuleles to genealogy databases. We’re exploring the unique collections available for you to check out at local libraries. Take our survey! We’re doing an audience survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast Pittsburgh an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey here–it’s only five minutes long. Anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card. One more time, that’s at citycast.fm/survey Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to 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 team is discussing plans to close the Downtown homeless shelter on Smithfield Street and the push to make part of Lake Erie a national marine sanctuary — because it has so many shipwrecks. Plus, we travel back in time to celebrate a radical Pittsburgh painter who shares a birthday with a member of our team. We love to cite our sources! Kiley Koscinski with WESA has done great reporting on the Smithfield Street shelter closure. Learn more about the proposal to designate Lake Erie as a national marine sanctuary. Check out the Hey Pittsburgh feature on the trailblazing painter Mary Cassatt. Take our survey! We’re doing an audience survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast Pittsburgh an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey here–it’s only five minutes long. Anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card. One more time, that’s at citycast.fm/survey Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to 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.

One from the archives! Some tastes are just quintessentially Pittsburgh, and today the City Cast team is celebrating a summertime staple: the strawberry pretzel salad. Native Pgher and friend of the pod, Rossilynne Culgan, shared the classic dish with the world for Saveur Magazine and she brought us a cooler full of treats created in homage of its OG flavors, including Millie’s ice cream, Mary Mac Bakehouse’s delicious cookies and Dewey’s gose-style dessert beer. Want to make the classic local dish yourself? Here’s Rossilynne’s family recipe: https://www.saveur.com/recipes/strawberry-pretzel-salad/ Take our survey! We’re doing an audience survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast Pittsburgh an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey here–it’s only five minutes long. Anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card. One more time, that’s at citycast.fm/survey Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to 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.

Pregnancy and birth can be a time of joy and wonder, but it can also leave parents feeling overwhelmed and sad. An estimated one in five birthing parents face anxiety, depression or other mood disorders. Pennsylvania is doing better than average on providing mental health care before and after birth, but there’s a long way to go. Dr. Rebecca Brent, a clinical psychologist in Allegheny Health Network’s Women’s Behavioral Health Program, tells us a few tips to help new parents (or anyone) dealing with stress. If you’re pregnant or a new parent and need help, you can call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for 24/7, free, confidential support before, during and after pregnancy. Let your voice be heard! We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast Pittsburgh an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 5 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Make sure to 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.

We’ve got one from the archives: ASMR is supposed to be relaxing, but for the creators behind the content, platforms like YouTube often fall well short of protecting the people who keep it so popular. Pittsburgh-based artist Lilliana Dee, aka Lily Whispers, is here to explain how she uses her day job in cybersecurity to help educate fellow creators on red flags like fetish mining. And stick with us to the end — Lily offered some very fun, very Pittsburgh bonus content you don’t want to miss. Take our survey! We’re doing an audience survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast Pittsburgh an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey here–it’s only five minutes long. Anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card. One more time, that’s at citycast.fm/survey Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

Summer is just around the corner, which means anyone who takes care of kids will soon be looking for ways to stave off boredom — and maybe, just maybe, educate or entertain. Freelancer and City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit is our guide for kid-friendly adventures, free and discounted tickets, and the best festivals for burning off energy. Find more of Meg’s work at Kidsburgh, including her wonderful roundups. More info here about why the Andy Warhol Foundation had business before the U.S. Supreme Court. Let your voice be heard! We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast Pittsburgh an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey here–it’s only five minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor!! Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card. One more time, that’s at citycast.fm/survey Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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 primary election is over, but election season is just getting started. We’ve got your look-ahead for what’s coming in November. Plus, there’s a new artistic director at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and we’ve got a very special thank you to a listener in the South Hills. PBT’s first summer show, The Sleeping Beauty, opens tonight and runs through Sunday at the Benedum Center. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

A few weeks ago, someone told the City Cast Pittsburgh team we should absolutely feel guilty if we don’t compost, and we take a personal challenge pretty seriously. Today we’re with Meg Graham of May Apple Gardening to talk about ways to get started, the biggest mistakes and misconceptions, a few handy tools, and her favorite recipe to get perfectly“cooked” compost every time. Not ready to DIY? Our own Francesca Dabecco shared a bunch of local composting services you can try without getting your pitchfork dirty. Make sure you’re subscribed to our Hey Pittsburgh newsletter for the best of the Burgh every day! 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.

Friday is Bike to Work Day! There’s a new kind of bicycle gracing our fair city and Pittsburgh’s biggest bike advocacy group, BikePGH, thinks a little extra pedal power could get a lot more people on the road. Education manager Ted King-Smith shares why e-bikes are a great option for taking on Pittsburgh’s most intimidating hills. Plus, he explains e-bike etiquette for our city streets and cycling trails. On Friday, look for perks all over the city, including free, unlimited 30-minute POGOH trips. BikePGH is hosting two pop-up stands with coffee, snacks, water, and coupons to local bike shops at Penn Avenue and 10th Street Downtown and Forbes Avenue and Schenley Drive Extension in Oakland. Evening happy hours will be at Sly Fox Brewery at the Highline in South Side and Spirit in Lawrenceville. Also check out their 101 guide to biking in Pittsburgh, and look out for the new e-bike guide dropping soon! And OpenStreetsPGH are back for 2023. The next one tackles three neighborhoods, two bridges, and a tunnel from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 28. Look for future days and routes the last Sundays of June and July. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

Just a few years ago, there were no high school wrestling programs for girls in Pennsylvania. Now, there are more than 100. And that’s a magic number for the state body that governs high school sports. The PIAA is voting this week on whether to officially sanction young womens wrestling… which would let them have different kinds of competitions and all the same stuff the boys have had for years. I’m with Plum High School wrestling coach Dave Miller and four of their fiercest pioneers. Sanction PA has a bunch of great resources if you know any young women or girls interested in forming their own team. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

More than 1,200 people have signed a petition asking officials to close a 40-year-old, city-owned, open-air gun range in Highland Park where city police train and pursue and maintain state-mandated certifications. Neighbors say the gun fire is so irregular and loud that it sometimes sounds like a mass shooting, and that some people have even moved away. Mayor Ed Gainey backed off a Peduto-era plan to move the range to the old VA site nearby, and says he’s “firmlycommitted” to putting money in next year’s budget to design a new indoor facility. But that will take years, and volunteers with the Highland Park Community Council say the city could act now by at least talking to residents to figure out a plan — even if real action is still months or years away. Host Megan Harris is with the group’s president, Stephanie Walsh. Content note: This episode is about guns and includes the sounds of gun fire. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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! Brittany Hailer from the Pittsburgh Institute for Nonprofit Journalism joins host Megan Harris and lead producer Mallory Falk to discuss her court battle to make autopsies public in Allegheny County. They also talk about where candidates stand on making the county executive office more transparent and dig into the Pennsylvania roots of Mother’s Day. Turns out the woman who founded the holiday came to hate it! We love to cite our sources! Brittany Hailer has been consistently covering county jail deaths for PINJ. You can read her reporting on people who have died after entering the jail, including the most recent death earlier this week, and on her fight to receive an autopsy record for a detainee who died in 2020. Charlie Wolfson with PublicSource surveyed the candidates for Allegheny County Executive about where they stand on transparency and ethics proposals. City Cast Philly dug into the origins of Mother’s Day. The primary election is next Tuesday, May 16th. Find your polling place here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

Spring has already turned the leaves green in Pittsburgh, and many folks are thinking about what what kinds of fruits and vegetables they’d like grow in their backyard. For newbies, gardening can raise lots of questions from what to plant to how too much to water. We‘re with with Claire Matway, Community Garden Network Program Manager for Grow Pittsburgh, to get answers about how to make a garden thrive in Pittsburgh. Want to weigh in on the city’s next budget? Sign up to attend a community meeting or fill out a virtual survey. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

The number of students at Community College of Allegheny County is just half of what it was 12 years ago. Emma Folts of PublicSource has been looking into what’s behind the shrinking enrollment and how it could hurt workers and the region in the coming years. She joins us to explain why the decline matters, and how school leaders are trying to boost enrollment. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

Did you know that cats can get pregnant at just four months old, and they can birth as many as five litters every year? That’s a lot of kittens, and if they aren’t brought into a shelter as babies, they often end up in overpopulated outdoor cat colonies. That’s where local rescues like Conquer the Colony step up to help maintain the population through its trap, neuter, and return program. We’re revisiting our conversation with founders Erin Hartman and Kelly Kraus, who explain how — with a crate and some patience — anyone can get involved. Today is the deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot ahead of the May 16th primary. You can request a ballot here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

We’re two weeks into Pennsylvania’s new legislative session, and for the first time in years, Democrats have the House and Republicans have the Senate. We’re with Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA to talk about what bills are moving, including anti-discrimination protections for queer people, gun safety proposals and more. You can find Stephen’s reporting on the state legislature here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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 team is discussing the best ways to experience the Pittsburgh Marathon and how elk became a huge tourism draw in the region after they were nearly wiped out a century ago. Plus, newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco shares her personal connection to the Make-a-Wish foundation ahead of its 40th anniversary. We love to cite our sources! Want to see if you’re on the marathon route? You can check it out here. Check out our own Megan Harris’ story on the “mathematic muscle” behind the marathon. If you make plans now, by the end of May, you’ll be able to see baby elk (calves!) Find elk viewing guides and scenic drive maps from the Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau. Don’t miss Megan’s feature on elk mating season. The Trib did a lovely story about our own Francesca Dabecco and her journey from Make-A-Wish recipient to staffer. Refer a child, donate, or learn more about the local Make-A-Wish chapter. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

The Bloomfield Saturday Market returns for the season this weekend. It’s the go-to spot for fresh produce, fancy cheese, homemade pies and more. But what’s the best way to navigate the market? Is it appropriate to ask vendors for recipes? Should you haggle for your tomato? Christina Howell, executive director of the Bloomfield Development Corporation and former market manager, is here to share some farmers market etiquette ahead of opening weekend. The Bloomfield Market runs every Saturday from May 6th through November 19th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can check out this year’s vendors here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

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 the (arguably) most detested parker in Pittsburgh has to say for himself. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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 always good to show your loved ones you care, and it’s even better when you can do it while supporting local businesses. The City Cast team is sharing our top local gifts, treats and activities for all your Mother’s Day and May celebrations. From ways to get your sweat on for the fitness junkies out there to Pittsburgh-themed nail polish, we have local gifts for all of the caretakers in your life. Here’s where to find all of our top picks. Let us know what we should feature next :) Things to buy: The Sol Refill stater kit includes nine items for a lower waste life. Gridlock Lacquer’s Pittsburgh Collection has over 20 colors to choose from. Wildcard in Lawrenceville carries an adorable Andy Warhol Mask. Stuff to eat & drink: The Cheese Queen has a special and mouthwatering Mother’s Day Gift Box. Oak Hill Post in Brookline serves breakfast, lunch and brunch. The team recommends their French toast. You can have your dessert from CobblerWorld shipped or pick it up in person downtown. Megan LOVES the pound cake. Wilkinsburg-based Triple Moon Alchemy has a Respiratory Support Tea Blend for the snotgirls this time of year. Stuff to do: Friend of the pod Mis.Steps, aka Laura Zurowski, has a city steps tour on May 6th. You can also hear her on the podcast! Harness the flower power with Armful of Flowers Mother’s Day Flower Arranging Workshop on May 8th or their Mother's Day Patio Planter Workshop on May 15. To get your local sweat on, you can purchase an annual or monthly Strava or ClassPass subscription, or try them both out for free via a free trial. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

At any given time, there are 1,300 children in foster care in Allegheny County, and almost one-third of those older kids identify as LGBTQ. They often have to live outside the homes they grew up in because they aren't getting the affirming love and support they need. We’re with freelancer and City Cast contributor Meg St. Esprit and Jaime Simmons, chief engagement officer for Every Child Inc., to talk about why those figures are so high, their own experiences with the foster care system, and what prospective adoptive parents should know. Read Meg’s beautiful piece for PublicSource: ‘I put my fighting gloves on a lot faster.’ How understanding foster parents may mean ‘life or death’ for trans kids. Today’s news: The lawsuit over the death of Jim Rogers has yielded $8 million to his family And it’s your last day to register to vote for the primary. Check your registration here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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! Residents are raising a stink about bad — and possibly dangerous — smells around the Shell cracker in Beaver County, iffy allergies aren’t the only issues with our up-and-down Spring temperatures, and it’s Arbor Day! Stick around for how to request a free tree from the city and which little neighborhoods have the fullest canopy cover. We love to cite our sources: Colin’s latest reporting focuses on temperature inversions. Part 4 is available via City Paper. The Allegheny Front will have the next report. The state Department of Environmental Protection is investigating the Shell plant. The Beaver Co. Times talked to residents who reported strong smells after a hydrocarbon release, as well as elevated levels of benzene following an April 11 malfunction. City Cast Pittsburgh talked to Danielle Crumrine with Tree Pittsburgh about our city’s tree canopy last spring. She talked a lot about the evolution of tree selection around our electrical grid and what lawmakers can do to help local homeowners. And check out our City Cast Pittsburgh episode about the SmellPgh app and why the city sometimes smells like rotten eggs. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

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. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

The Pirates are back and so is their beloved mascot — the shaggy, round, lime green Parrot with the bright yellow beak and a backwards baseball cap. He’s ubiquitous to us now, but he actually has a birthday and a backstory, plus a bunch of wild stories behind the men who’ve worn the suit. We’re with author and former Mr. Met AJ Mass to talk about the sordid history of our Buccos’ best luck charm and biggest curse. Check out AJ’s book, “Yes, It’s Hot in Here: Adventures in the Weird, Woolly World of Sports Mascots,” in print or ebook. Today’s news! President Joe Biden officially announced his bid for re-election. If you’re new here, Biden announced his 2020 campaign at the Teamsters Hall in Lawrenceville. Pittsburgh Regional Transit is participating in a national study to see how our transit system lines up against others. You can fill out a survey through Sunday for a chance to win a 31-day pass. The city is investing more than $18 million to mill and pave 32 miles of city streets this year. You can see a full schedule on the city website. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

If you like having a say in local politics, now is your moment. The primary election on May 16 will decide who fills important long-held positions like Allegheny County Executive, district attorney, county treasurer, and county controller — many for the first time in more than 20 years. We take a special look at County Executive and what we know about the seven candidates on the ballot. Socially-conscious journalist and media strategist Natalie Bencivenga and Charlie Wolfson, government reporter for PublicSource, join us to break down the biggest local races. Natalie and Charlie hosted a town hall debate with county executive candidates with NEXTPittsburgh’s Tony Norman. Watch the full event on PublicSource’s Facebook. The deadline to register to vote in the primary is May 1st and the deadline to request a mail-in or absentee ballot is May 9th. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

Jury selection is starting for the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial. The defendant is accused of killing 11 people from three congregations during worship services in Squirrel Hill in 2018. It was the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. And because it’s a federal capital case, the process is complicated and likely to stretch over three months. We’re here to talk about what happens next. Thank you to our guest, David Harris. He’s a University of Pittsburgh law professor and legal system advisor and educator for the 10.27 Healing Partnership, which formed after the attack to support anyone who’d been affected. Find more resources here. Shooting survivors and affected families shared some of their thoughts with WESA here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! Host Megan Harris and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco are joined by Stacey Federoff, a contributor for Pittsburgh Magazine, to discuss concerns that our tourism bureau isn’t doing enough to put Pittsburgh on the map. Plus, they share local ways to celebrate Record Store Day and Earth Day this weekend. As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism: Paul Von Osdol at WTAE on the VisitPITTSBURGH audit Mark Belko in the Post-Gazette with more reporting on the audit Stacey Federoff in Pittsburgh Magazine on “Flipside” Scotty Find Earth Day events in Monday’s edition of the Hey Pittsburgh newsletter Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

Recreational cannabis is still illegal in Pennsylvania, but you gotta eat, right? To mark 420, the City Cast Pittsburgh team has recommendations for places someone under the influence might get a tasty sip, snack, or full-blown comfort meal with their good vibes still intact. Catch up on the latest push for recreational marijuana legalization in this episode with Ed Mahon from SpotlightPA. Here’s the full list of places mentioned in this episode: The Thyme Machine (Bloomfield) El Burro (multiple locations) 350 Bakery (South Side Slopes/Allentown) Pamela’s Diner (multiple locations) Spak Brothers (Bloomfield) Yuzu Kitchen (Downtown) Smiling Banana Leaf (Highland Park) Urban Tap (multiple locations) Leona’s Ice Cream Sandwiches (multiple locations) Vendor Bender (Squirrel Hill) Page’s Dairy Mart (South Side) Milkshake Factory (multiple locations) Fiori’s Pizzaria (Brookline) Bigham Tavern (Mount Washington) Dive Bar & Grille (multiple locations) Kelly’s Bar & Lounge (East Liberty) The Butterwood Bake Consortium (Lawrenceville) Or if you want to make your own munchies, check out the Belt Cookie Table Cookbook. For even more good eats, check out our episode on the Best Baked Goods in Pittsburgh. Don’t miss the PA Maple Festival that starts this weekend in Meyersdale. We also mentioned in the newscast last month’s episode with Scott Weikert, where we talk all things maple syrup. And check out this roundup of local goodies from the Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. And finally, here’s the report from the American Lung Association on the Most Polluted Cities, and TribLIVE’s breakdown of this news. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

Kennywood's (almost) open! Both the historic amusement park and the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium are celebrating their 125th birthdays this year, and their origin stories have something pretty special in common. In the second of a two-part series, hear how Kenny’s Grove became our beloved Kennywood, how its stewards tow the line between preservation and modernization, and which rides helped usher in a new wave in amusement park shenanigans. Special thanks Pittsburgh Magazine for sharing their work, and to our guest Mark Houser for bringing Pittsburgh’s past back to life. His next antique skyscraper rooftop tour is June 3-4. Tickets are available here. And check out the Kennywood episode of Defunctland here. It’s super fun and weird. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

Both Kennywood Park and the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium are celebrating their 125th birthdays this year, and their origin stories have something pretty special in common. In the first of a two-part series, we’re focusing on the birth of the zoo, how it moved from Schenley Park to Highland, what sorts of animals first greeted its patrons, and how it’s evolved since. Plus, why the zoo’s accreditation and land lease are in jeopardy and which not-so-exotic animal Pittsburghers want back. Special thanks to our guest Mark Houser for bringing Pittsburgh’s past back to life. His next antique skyscraper rooftop tour is June 3-4. Tickets are available here. You can RSVP to watch the livestream of the Allegheny County Executive candidate debate here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

Pittsburgh has amazing outdoor resources, but they’re only great if you can get to them and have a fun, safe experience. Marcus Shoffner, president and CEO of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, wants to address it all — making sure every neighborhood has a beautiful park, ensuring new designs accommodate all abilities, addressing the infrastructure and transit needed to get us there, and working with users to address the unwelcome or hostile attitudes many Black and Brown folks still experience in these shared spaces. “In a perfect world, there's not a ‘me.’ I'm just another one of our colleagues walking down the street that cares a lot about recreation, but doesn't have to say I'm a Black man in this space.” The Coalition got its first big win last year — Pittsburgh City Council approved its program to allow camping in city parks. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! The team is discussing the finalists for Pittsburgh police chief and renewed calls for federal train safety regulations after a train derailment in the West End. Plus, why Pennsylvania might finally move up its presidential primary date — because of Passover. As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism: A little background on the Penguins robo logo from The Athletic’s Rob Rossi The Post-Gazette’s Megan Guza wrote a great explainer on the three candidates for Pgh police chief PublicSource’s Rich Lord reports that complaints against Pittsburgh police dropped in 2022 The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Gillian McGoldrick explains why it’s a problem that the 2024 presidential primary falls on the first day of Passover. City Cast Pittsburgh spoke with environmental health reporter Kristina Marusic about the Ohio train derailment WESA’s Jillian Forstadt looks at calls for train safety legislation after the latest Norfolk Southern derailment The Pennsylvania Capital-Star’s Kim Lyons breaks down proposed legislation to strengthen train safety regulations Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

If you’re looking for some dining options to complement the warmer weather and sunny vibes, then you’re in luck! Writer and content creator Sarah Hamm put together a list of the best patios, food trucks, and pop-ups to really elevate your springtime experience. Check ‘em aht: Sarah’s top recommendations for Pittsburgh City Paper. Next Pittsburgh shares 5 pop-ups they’re loving right now. From the P-G: Why are pop-up concepts so popular anyway? And just to help you stay prepared, here’s the 10-day forecast for the city! Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

Can a chatbot plan the perfect Pittsburgh day? How about write an ode to our city? Does it know where to get the best sandwich in town or whether it’s safe to swim in the Mon? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is testing ChatGPT’s knowledge to see whether this AI program can serve as a believable guide to the ‘Burgh. Want to quiz ChatGPT yourself? You can find the chatbot here. The newsletter has some great recommendations for the best ways to celebrate 412 day. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

City officials say they’re closing in on Pittsburgh’s next police chief and could decide any day. Two finalists are local boys with known reputations, and one — Ryan Lee, who WPXI reports has already been offered the job — would come from well outside the ‘Burgh. City Cast Boise Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill knows Lee, and she says Pittsburgh should probably watch out. From the news: Sign up for the Pennsylvania Resources Council’s chemical recycling event here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

It took more than a decade and four separate appeals to the state to get formal recognition of Pittsburgh’s historic Chinatown neighborhood, which city officials decimated in the 1910s and ’20s with the downtown construction of the Boulevard of the Allies. We’re throwing it back to a conversation one year ago this week with Marian Lein, president of the Pittsburgh chapter of the OCA, to learn more about our shared history and ways to honor that Pan-Asian heritage today. You can check out Charlotte, the new baby gorilla at the Pittsburgh Zoo, here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! Lead producer Megan Harris is joined by producer Mallory Falk and Hey Pittsburgh editor Francesca Dabecco to discuss new legislation to ban ghost guns in Pennsylvania and ways to support Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ community. Plus, we get ready for the Pirates’ home opener by breaking down changes at the stadium, including serving fried fish sandwiches in addition to hot dogs in honor of Good Friday. As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism. PA lawmakers are pushing for ban on ghost guns Read the text of House Bill 777 for yourself Then-Rep. Ed Gainey's effort to ban assault weapons in 2021 Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Squirrel Hill) on why pre-emption laws hold us back President Biden's executive order banning some forms of ghost guns Here’s what’s new at PNC Park this season Why the Pirates’ home opener will include fish sandwiches alongside hot dogs Here are some organizations serving and supporting Pittsburgh’s LGBTQ+ community: Proud Haven True T Trans YOUniting Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation Sisters PGH Sex Workers Outreach Project of Pittsburgh You can find the Amazon wishlist for QMNTY Center here and the QBurgh events calendar here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

What does it mean to live sustainably? Should you feel guilty if you don’t compost? If you live in Pittsburgh, can you ever eat seafood? Pitt food educator Corey Flynn is giving us a guide on how to feed ourselves and our communities in an eco-conscious way. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

Want to show Pittsburghers you care? The City Cast team loves shopping local, and we’re sharing all of our favorite springtime picks as part of a new monthly guide. Listen for tips on where to get coffee beans for a good cause, Pittsburgh street wear, and an Argentinian wine-tasting experience — plus so much more! Here’s where to find all of the local goodies. Let us know what we should feature next! Things to buy: PGH Candle’s Pennsylvania Wildflowers LuluZ Design’s “Stop And Smell Them Flahrs” mug Bits & Pieces Creative’s “It’s Never Sunny in Pittsburgh” shirt Chez Lapin’s Neroli candle Stuff to eat & drink: Commonplace Coffee’s Blue Spruce Blend Special Asian treats at Pink Box Bakery Argentinian wine at Refucilo Winery Places to go: Phipps Conservatory’s “Five Senses Of Splendor” spring flower show Cruisin Tiki Tour on Pittsburgh’s rivers DIY demos with Workshop PGH Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.

For years now, the city‘s had plans and property ready to build a consolidated police training facility in Lincoln-Lemington. The price tag recently rose to $120 million, but only a small portion is accounted for in our capital budget. We’re with City Paper’s Jordana Rosenfeld to talk about the latest on the project, plus how it compares to a similar — and controversial — proposal in Atlanta. Domestic and partner violence can happen to anyone. Find a bunch of local resources here and ways to download the new Bright Sky app here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to 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.