City Cast Pittsburgh

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.

Mayor Ed Gainey is making good on a campaign promise to go after tax-exempt properties that the city says shouldn’t qualify under state law — including one of our city’s biggest employers and property owners, UPMC. The city is reviewing 17,600 properties in all, and they just announced the first 26 up for a closer look. Dan Davis of Pittsburgh United is one of the activists in favor of overturning their tax-exempt status. 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 Hey Pittsburgh newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco and producer Elizabeth Kauma to cover the biggest stories from Pittsburgh this week, including unemployment numbers going down, and a controversial debate around trans rights that has given rise to college protests. Also, the team helps you get your spring garden going with some composting advice.

Chef Nik Forsberg is a semi-finalist for Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic Region by the James Beard Foundation for his pop-up concept Fet-Fisk, which prioritizes sustainably sourced seafood, local meats, and veggies from Nik’s own garden. City Cast’s Megan Harris explores what he grows, how he approaches a constantly changing menu, and his plans to open a new brick-and-mortar in Bloomfield. 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.

We knew Pittsburgh was home to the nation’s first Black-owned and operated professional sports stadium, but it turns out, another one — also in Pittsburgh — predates it. Historian David Rotenstein takes us back in time to the Central Amusement Park, circa 1920, and shares how the family’s descendants are now looking for the recognition they deserve. Special thanks to NEXTpittsburgh for David's great reporting. 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.

Not all roads in PA lead to getting a vanity license plate the green light. Today, Pittsburgh is teaming up with City Cast Philly to explain how it works, what it costs, and what phrases, acronyms or combination of up to seven letters and numbers get approved — and rejected — by the state. The state has a tool to check if someone already has the license plate you want. You have to mail in form MV-904 to get a vanity license alongside a check or money order to Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Special Tag Unit, P.O. Box 68293, Harrisburg, PA 17106-8293. The Do Not Issue List is updated annually. Penndot also has more general information about vanity license plates on their website. 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.

During the pandemic, many of us clung to the phrase “Follow The Science,” and trusted that our doctors would do the same. But a new study from the University of Pittsburgh found that even when doctors tried to do that, their conclusions were influenced by their political beliefs. City Cast’s Megan Harris is with Dr. Jeremy Kahn, one of the co-authors on the study and a practicing ICU physician in the city, to talk about how politics sway our physicians and what that means for our trust in the health care system. 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! A fund to help communities deal with polluted air could get poached by the county, historians finally found the namesake of the Carrie Blast Furnaces, and if you’re looking for love, there’s a new on-camera opportunity in town. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Elizabeth Kauma are with PublicSource journalist Quinn Glabicki. As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism. Check out Quinn’s story on the messy finances behind the Clean Air Fund, plus how inversions worsen the impact of pollution in the Mon Valley. Historians finally uncovered the mystery behind the namesake of the Carrie Blast Furnace after 25 years. Rivers of Steel, the furnace’s modern-day managers, is publishing a series of blog posts on Carrie’s life. Very Local is an affiliate of Hearst and WTAE. All their programming is free, including Season 2 of Ed and Day in the Burgh. And they’re still casting for the Pittsburgh version of Local Love. Producers say all ages, identities, and orientations should apply. 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.

From knife skills and mother sauces to composting and the global supply chain, there’s a culinary arts training program in McKees Rocks hoping to inspire the next generation of Pittsburgh foodies. The Steel Chef Cook-off Competition puts local teens through a 10-week intensive cooking class taught by local chefs before a final, reality TV-style competition next week. And the best part? You can taste and judge it all! Project manager Jenifer Davison is here to share the deets. The final showdown is Monday, March 27, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Father Ryan Arts Center in McKees Rocks. Get your tickets here. Here’s how to spend a Saturday learning about Frankie Pace, one of Pittsburgh’s gospel greats. 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.

With one look down, it’s obvious that Pittsburgh’s sidewalks need some work. The city just announced that it’s getting $3 million in state grant money for infrastructure projects, but only a small portion of it will go to toward making these paths more accessible. Newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco is talking with disability advocate and leader of Access Mob Pittsburgh, Alisa Grishman, about what it’s like to be a wheelchair user in Pittsburgh, and what our neighbors — with or without disabilities — can do to help to create a safer, more accessible city. The 10.27 Healing Partnership, which was created in the aftermath of the mass shooting at Tree of Life synagogue, plans to keep working another five years. You can listen here to our interview with Director Maggie Feinstein about processing grief. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh!

It’s National Fragrance Day, and we’re talking niche perfumes, what they are, and why they’re having a moment right now in Pittsburgh. Producer and niche fragrance collector Elizabeth Kauma talks with lead producer Megan Harris about all of this while they try out several local fragrances. You’ll also hear from artisanal perfumer Darren Alan, fragrance journalist Patric Rhys, and Scott Kindberg, the artist behind 5:55 Perfumery. Another local perfumer we mention is 837 North. Here’s the Articles of Interest podcast we talked about, featuring Avery Trufelman. And check out this Financial Review article about the fragrance industry. If you want to do a deep dive into the market research behind this trend, this report from 2020 has some good data. Patric also wrote an in-depth article detailing the history of fragrance. 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.

Governor Josh Shapiro is a huge sports fan. He recently sat courtside at a Sixers game and cheered for the Eagles at the Super Bowl. But who paid for those tickets? City Cast’s Megan Harris chats with Stephen Caruso, capitol reporter for Spotlight PA, about the rules around gifts and campaign contributions to elected officials. The Shapiro administration insists the governor did not violate his own gift ban when he went to the Super Bowl, and the administration called the recent Sixers game a “political meeting.” 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! City Cast’s Elizabeth Kauma and Megan Harris are with NHL writer Sean Gentille talking about broadcasting bankruptcies, Pittsburgh’s budding hoops dreams and who’s (not?) responsible for abandoned boats in our waterways. Special thanks to some fun writing: Pgh Sports Now’s 13 local ties to the 2023 NCAA men’s tournament A printable bracket, in case you need to proclaim your greatness near and far The Trib’s Rob Owen on the intricacies of Bally and AT&T Sports Net’s financial woes Andy Sheehan tried to track down who’s responsible for the abandoned boat WESA had a great story about the latest Clairton Coke Works fines And a Sewickley couple is behind the new comedy-driven Burgh bus 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 a plant-based eater in Pittsburgh, you’re probably mourning the loss of some favorite haunts. Our resident vegetarian, newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco, is here to explain what’s going on, plus recommend some new spots to help fill the void. Hungry for more? Read Kristy Locklin’s piece in Pittsburgh Magazine. 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.

In the first of a few debates, we consider an age-old question: Where officially is the Steel City? Midwest? East Coast? Mid-Atlantic? Or Appalachia? We’ve got two guests who each feel passionately that they know they answer. James Santelli is the communications manager for the Allegheny Regional Asset District, and Ryan Deto is a reporter for the Pittsburgh Trib. Think you know better? Call or text us at 412-212-8893. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Since 1990, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History has been working to repatriate more than 700 human remains and funerary objects from Indigenous Peoples, but so far, only 104 have been made available for return. City Cast’s Elizabeth Kauma explains why it’s taking the museum so long — and how they got them all in the first place. Special thanks to Amy Covell-Murthy, collection manager of archaeology and head of the section of anthropology at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and Carrie Wilson, NAGPRA Director for the Quapaw Tribe, for speaking to City Cast Pittsburgh. We love to show our work: The Native American Graves and Repatriation Act is carried out by the National Park Service. The original law as passed in 1990 only allowed for affiliations to be made by lineal descendent, but the 2010 addition allows for affiliations to be made by geographical connection. There is currently a proposed change that would place time limits on museums to affiliate remains as a way to prevent the research loophole that allows for destructive research on the remains. That proposal has been lauded by some, Carrie was very critical of the new regulations and said that these time limits could lead to rushed, and possibly false, affiliations and were an example of the federal government ignoring native sovereignty. Carrie was also critical of the ProPublica article and database, because she thinks they gloss over the hard work that institutions and Native tribes and nations have done to repatriate remains and paints institutions as the villain with too broad of a brush. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History also released a notice with more details about how the Quapaw remains ended up in the museum’s collection. You can visit the native-led exhibition “Apsáalooke Women and Warriors“ at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History until May 29th. And here’s our last episode on the Carnegie’s Museum of Natural History’s use of human remains in a diorama. diorama “Lion Attacking a Dromedary.” 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.

Tim Pearce doesn’t really think about being a social media sensation—he is too busy thinking about snails! Section head and curator of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s mollusk department joins us to talk about how he got started studying nature's underdogs, why our warm winter might make them particularly rambunctious, and what it is like to go viral (online). And Picklesburgh has been nominated AGAIN for Best Specialty Food Festival by USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Travel awards, and voting will be open until March 20th. 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! If you like crowds, crowdsourcing, or hanging in the sun, golly is this the weekend for you. We’ve got all you need to know about the nation’s allegedly 3rd largest St. Patrick’s Day parade, a great new way to inform city officials about our roadways, and the secret Steel City history — and potential future! — of Daylight Saving Time. As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism. Check out the history of Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s parade. A Pittsburgh businessman is the father of daylight saving. The Mayo Clinic did a study on the adverse medical events following daylight saving. There are a bunch of 311 events at 311.org You can contact 311 anytime on the city’s website. Listen to our episode with Dashcam For Your Bike CEO Armin Samii and what inspired him to serve fellow cyclists. 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.

Pennsylvania may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of maple syrup, but we're actually the 6th largest producer in the country. Will we stay that way with the effects of climate change affecting our trees? Penn State Extension forest resources educator Scott Weikert explains why our sugaring season is evaporating, how tap into syrup harvesting as a hobby, and the Pennsylvania products to snag. Hey Pittsburgh editor Francesca Dabecco explains the maple sugaring process in a recent newsletter. The Somerset County Maple Council is hosting a full weekend of tasting and touring events this Saturday and Sunday, including representatives from 24 local producers. See maple sugaring for yourself on Saturday at Knob Hill Community Park in Marshall Township. And there’s a whole Pennsylvania Maple Festival in Meyersdale in April. Check out its run of show 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.