City Cast Pittsburgh

We’re breaking all kinds of records lately… but not good ones. This January was the hottest one on record, and last year, Pennsylvania had an increasing number of tornadoes. These severe weather events mean more disasters, and the state can’t always handle the aftermath alone. Host Megan Harris is with Inside Climate News reporter Kiley Bense to discuss what it means for Pennsylvania to face more threats from climate change as Trump considers cutting FEMA. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 3rd episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event City Theatre Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

After two rounds of deer culling in a few city parks, archers have provided thousands of venison meals, but it turns out, that’s not enough to keep the animal population at bay. We’re talking about how and why guns are getting added to the mix. Pittsburgh Public Schools announced the next phase in proposed school closures, Steelers players reported another round of failing grades in the annual union report card, and we still have not recovered from a recent police substation press conference that got Mayor Gainey so fired up. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are talking through some of Pittsburgh’s biggest stories! Notes and references from today’s show: Superintendent’s report endorses closures and consolidations for PPS schools [PublicSource] PPS leadership supports consultant recommendations to close 14 schools [WESA] Facility Feasibility Report [Pittsburgh Public Schools] PPS Superintendent on School Closures, ICE Policy & Funding Freezes [City Cast Pittsburgh] Sharpshooters Will Begin Culling Deer in Pittsburgh’s Frick and Riverview Parks [Pittsburgh Magazine] Gainey defends public safety record a day after Downtown shooting [TribLive] Is Ed Gainey okay? [Breathing Space] Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card [NFLPA] Pitt resumes PhD admissions after pause over NIH funding cap concerns [WTAE] Learn more about the sponsors of this February 28th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event City Theatre Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Call or text us at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Whether you love fish fries, book fairs, or the St. Patrick’s Day parade, there’s much to do in and around Pittsburgh this month. We’re sharing some of our favorite events and activities, from outdoor dance parties to a gumbo fest. And if you want to learn more about where to snag the perfect fish sandwich, check out our episode about the ultimate Pittsburgh fish fry map. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Pittsburgh community. City Cast Pittsburgh’s guide to March is made possible by our awesome sponsors, The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens, City Theatre, and Pittsburgh Marathon (use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event). We’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at [email protected].

Have you ever been in a situation where your boss or landlord is doing something shady — maybe even discriminatory — and you don’t know what to do? There’s an office in Pittsburgh that can help if you feel like you’re being discriminated against. The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations has been around since before the Civil Rights Act, and their investigations yield real, enforceable results. Executive director Rachel Shepherd and deputy director Chris Soult join us to talk about their work and how you can tap into these free supports. Think you’ve experienced discrimination? You can submit an inquiry on the PghCHR portal, call their office at 412-255-2600, or email [email protected] Learn more about the sponsors of this February 26th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event City Theatre Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Pittsburgh Public Schools is facing a lot of big questions: Does it need to close schools due to lower enrollment and, if so, how many? Is federal funding about to disappear under the Trump administration? What does it take to build a district where every student has the same opportunities to thrive? District superintendent Wayne Walters joins us to share his vision for the district and talk about how he’s navigating a constantly-shifting education landscape. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 25th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event City Theatre Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Planning a spring break trip or just need a weekend away from the cold? You don’t need to splurge to take your dream vacation, at least for your flight. Travel expert and Going founder Scott Keyes is sharing his top tips for finding cheap flights out of Pittsburgh International Airport. **This episode originally aired on July 17, 2024. If you enjoyed today's interview with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Director of Audience Experience, Erin Lynn, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 24th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event City Theatre Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s been another frigid week, and while we’ve got plenty of salt to melt the ice, not all of Pittsburgh’s snowplows are out on the roads. In fact, do we even know how many snowplows are in the city? Big upgrades at our sports stadiums should be helping our tourism numbers, and we’re thinking about Penguins broadcaster Mike Lang. Plus, a lawsuit is bringing Novo Asian Food Hall vendors away from the food court and into the courtroom. Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo, and City Cast Pittsburgh contributor Meg St-Esprit are talking through the week’s biggest stories. Notes and references from today’s show: Pittsburgh’s Role in Curing Polio [City Cast Pittsburgh] How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [City Cast Pittsburgh] Coghill laments not using more federal funds to upgrade Pittsburgh's battered snowplows [TribLive] 11 Investigates uncovers a third of Pittsburgh’s snow plows are out of commission [WPXI] Pretty much everywhere, it’s gonna be wet: Pittsburgh-area planners prep for climate future [WESA] State should offer landslide insurance, say two Pittsburgh-area state House members [WESA] Allegheny County Landslide Dashboard Legal battle stirs the pot at Novo Asian Food Hall [Post-Gazette] “Sell the team, Bob:” Meet the yinzer behind the fight to oust Bob Nutting [Next Generation Newsroom] Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park, PPG Paints Arena all get approval for upgrades from SEA board [KDKA] Millions in stadium upgrades approved for Steelers, Pirates and Penguins [Post-Gazette] Pittsburgh's newest skyscraper opens for business [Axios Pittsburgh] 'He's back': Marc Fogel lands at Pittsburgh airport in quiet homecoming [TribLive] Shady Side Academy middle school to be donated to National Aviary [TribLive] National Aviary gets 7 new species [KDKA] The Architect Behind the Civic Arena and Three Rivers Stadium Designed This Bradford Woods Home [Pittsburgh Magazine] Learn more about the sponsors of this February 21st episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

The family behind one of Pittsburgh’s favorite treats is celebrating 150 years of baking in the Burgh. To mark this tasty occasion, we’re talking about the history and future of swirl bread, why you may have seen it on QVC of all places, and the delicious new ways you can experience Jenny Lee. And we’re doing it with the help of Scott Baker from 5 Generation Bakers — great-great grandson of the man who started it all. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 20th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s the most dreaded time of the year: tax season! If you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed, we’re sharing some local resources that can make the process a little less painful. Executive producer Mallory Falk and Hey Pittsburgh editor Francesca Dabecco are rounding up sites where you can get free tax prep help, explaining what you need to know about Allegheny County’s property tax increase, and sharing tips for saving money when you file. Notes and references from today’s show: Does Allegheny County Really Need a Tax Increase? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Property Tax Calculator [Allegheny County] Homestead Exemption Information [Allegheny County] Allegheny County property tax bill lacks new payment deadlines [TribLive] Push for property tax reassessment likely to continue, per Pittsburgh schools’ top lawyer [PublicSource] Where To Get Free Tax Help in Pittsburgh in 2025 [City Cast Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this February 19th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Most of us know how our city got its name — from the British earl and Prime Minister William Pitt. But the spelling of Pittsburgh is far less straightforward. Over time, we’ve debated, lost, and reclaimed our H. So why was it so complicated to agree on one letter? We’re bringing back a conversation between host Megan Harris and historian and author Virginia Montanez to learn about the basic rules of how we spell things (really), why Pittsburgh was so bad at it (shocking), and how newspapermen and intellectuals made everything worse (¯\_(ツ)_/¯). **This episode originally aired July 22, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 18th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Pittsburgh’s winning some and losing some this week. Local history teacher Marc Fogel is finally back in the United States after being detained in a Russian prison since 2021 for medical cannabis possession. After just one year in business, Salem’s Market — the full-service grocery store in the Hill District — is abruptly closing this weekend. We’re in the final stages of Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s first draft of the bus system redesign. And we’ve got more details about the multi-million plan to revamp Penn Avenue’s new Arts Landing in time for the NFL Draft in 2026. Axios Pittsburgh’s Ryan Deto is here to talk through these stories, plus the latest on the U.S. Steel / Nippon sale saga, Duolingo’s latest marketing stunt, and how threats to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding are affecting research at Pitt, CMU, and more. Notes and references from today’s show: How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [City Cast Pittsburgh] Marc Fogel released from Russian prison [Axios Pittsburgh] Marc Fogel, released by Russia, arrives back in U.S., stops at White House [CBS] Salem's Market in Hill District to 'pause' operations next week, restructure [WESA] Statement from the URA on the closing of Salem’s Market Centre Avenue location [URA] Pittsburgh's bus network is getting a major overhaul [Axios Pittsburgh] Find your new proposed bus route here [PRT] Pittsburgh Cultural Trust unveils plans for the new ‘Arts Landing’ Downtown [Pittsburgh Magazine] Pitt, Carnegie Mellon could lose more than $100 million in NIH funding [KDKA] Trump imposes 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum [CNN] President Biden blocks US Steel bale to Nippon Steel. What does this mean for Pittsburgh? [Hey Pittsburgh] Statement on U.S. steel tariffs by EUROFER [European Steel Association] USW opposes Canadian tariffs, welcomes efforts to contain global overcapacity [USW] Duolingo reveals owl mascot killed by cybertruck [TribLive] Learn more about the sponsors of this February 14th episode: City Charter High School A+ Schools Pittsburgh Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Valentine’s Day is almost here. It’s a time for celebrating love, eating drugstore chocolate, and (if the mood strikes) reminiscing on your worst dates. The City Cast Pittsburgh team asked YOU, our listeners, to share your most horrific stories and we’re sifting through some of our favorites. Plus, we’re sharing expert dating tips if you’re still searching for a local love match. Still need Valentine’s Day plans? Make Out Club and Dating in Pittsburgh have mixers this week! Learn more about the sponsors of this February 13th episode: City Charter High School Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Are you tired of all the dreariness and already dreaming of a spring refresh? Secondhand shopping is a great way to update your look without spending a ton of money. Thrifting expert and sustainable fashion advocate Hannah Horstmyer joins producer Sophia Lo to share their favorite thrift shops in Pittsburgh and tips for leaving with the perfect clothing haul. Want even more thrift shop recommendations? Check out our list for more new-to-you outfits. **This episode originally published August 13, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 12th episode: City Charter High school A+ Schools Pittsburgh Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

There’s a big development project coming to the North Side that could include everything from a Ferris wheel to a marina. It’s called the Esplanade, and it’s being built right along the river in Chateau. The prospect of turning a partially empty space into a busy, beautiful waterfront site is exciting. But the project is also raising questions about who should be included in the development process and what can be done to ensure the people already living there don’t get priced out. PublicSource’s Rich Lord and Eric Jankiewicz join us to discuss the latest on the Esplanade. Notes and references from today’s show: Update: Ahead of Esplanade, Manchester now has two groups with development standing [PublicSource] As $740 million Esplanade approaches Tuesday hearing, Manchester residents unsure of their voice [PublicSource] Esplanade development takes first spin through City Planning process [PublicSource] Learn more about the sponsor of this February 11th episode: City Charter High School Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s budget season in Pennsylvania! Gov. Josh Shapiro just presented his $51.5 billion plan, tapping into the commonwealth’s rainy day fund and presenting his ideas for what to do about cannabis, our aging transit systems, education, and a whole lot more. Spotlight PA’s Stephen Caruso is running through the need-to-knows, plus why Shapiro is clearly team Sheetz. Notes and references from today’s show: Shapiro renews calls for legal weed, regulated skill games in budget that would send $526M to poorest schools [Spotlight PA] When Will PA Legalize Recreational Cannabis? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this February 10th episode: City Charter High school A+ Schools Pittsburgh Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

If you can’t bring yourself to watch the actual Super Bowl this weekend (pour one out for the Steelers!), you can at least catch some four-legged Pittsburghers in another big game. The mayoral race is looking tight — at least when it comes to fundraising. And there’s some good news from the state legislature for Pennsylvanians with food allergies. Plus, the City Cast Pittsburgh team got a special sneak peak of the new terminal at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Notes and references from today’s show: Allegheny County lawmakers propose House bill to require food allergy warnings in restaurants [WESA] Pittsburgh’s Allergen-Sensitive Eateries [Table Magazine] Gainey and O’Connor deadlocked in campaign fundraising for Pittsburgh mayor race [PublicSource] Gainey, O'Connor talk budget, traffic in mayoral debate [TribLive] Polish Hill bar nominated as Pittsburgh's first LGBTQ historic site [WESA] Estate, developer sue historic nominators of famed Pittsburgh gay bar Donny's Place [WESA] U.S. Steel Clairton plant explosion sends two workers to hospital, idles battery [Allegheny Front] Paws Across Pittsburgh, Animal Friends puppies to play in Puppy Bowl XXI [KDKA] Learn more about the sponsors of this February 7th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event Fulton Commons Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

National Pizza Day is coming up on Sunday — the same day as the Super Bowl! To celebrate, we’re resharing our conversation with Dan Tallarico, Pittsburgh’s premiere pizza journalist. He’s telling us all about his favorite local spots, recommendations for specialty slices, and places worth a drive. Plus, where to get vegan pizza, classic cheese, thin or thick crusts, and even his pick for the best frozen pie. You can subscribe to Dan’s newsletter on Substack and find more of his pizza expertise on pizzawalkwithme.com. **This episode originally published Thursday, February 8, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 6th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event Fulton Commons Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, just an hour from Pittsburgh. Officials initially said air and water were safe, but residents reported lots of mysterious symptoms — and they continue to worry about the long-term health effects of the vent and burn of a million pounds of toxic vinyl chloride. Julie Grant, environment and energy reporter for the Allegheny Front, explains what we do (and don’t) know about the health impacts of the derailment, where lawsuits and rail safety legislation currently stand, and how the community is coping as we mark a somber second anniversary. You can find Julie’s recent reporting on East Palestine at The Allegheny Front and on WHYY’s The Pulse. Notes and references from today’s show: Two years after train derailment and chemical disaster in East Palestine, some residents worry about liver cancer [WHYY] Norfolk Southern Rail Bridges in Western Pennsylvania in Disrepair, Study Warns [Inside Climate News] Norfolk Southern releases designs for North Side projects to create room for double-stacked freight cars [Pittsburgh Union Progress] Learn more about the sponsors of this February 5th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event Fulton Commons Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Everything is so expensive right now! It feels like you need to sell a kidney to buy a dozen eggs, and with President Trump threatening tariffs on major countries, prices could climb on everything from cell phones to tequila. If you’re looking for ways to save money without completely withdrawing from the world, you’re in luck — there are so many ways to get discounts at Pittsburgh’s cultural institutions. Whether you want to spend an afternoon wandering through an art gallery or catch a Pirates game, there’s likely a way to do it for cheap. Producer Sophia Lo and Executive Producer Mallory Falk are sharing all the ways to enjoy our city on a budget. Editor’s note: This episode originally published September 23, 2024. Need to grab some food while you’re out? Check out these $10 meals, and if it also happens to be your birthday, make sure you’re signed up for the right rewards programs to get your local birthday freebies. The Museums for All map lists the local museums where ACCESS and ACCESS EBT cardholders can get $3 tickets. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 4th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event Fulton Commons Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s been a hectic couple weeks since inauguration. President Donald Trump has issued slews of executive orders, many of them targeting our most vulnerable communities. If you’re looking for ways to support your neighbors or need support yourself, City Cast Pittsburgh contributor and socially conscious journalist Natalie Bencivenga is joining us to share ideas about where to plug in. Have another group that should go on our growing list of organizations that could use support right now? Let us know! Email us at [email protected]. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 3rd episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pitt Athletics Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event Fulton Commons Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

We’re celebrating Groundhog Day with a bonus episode! January included some below freezing temps, so the City Cast Pittsburgh team is hoping for an early spring. To honor the most famous rodent in the Commonwealth, we’re bringing back producer Sophia Lo’s dive into Punsutawney Phil lore. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

A toilet exploded in the City-County Building — and it might be a warning sign about other city-owned property. The Republican race for mayor is heating up for the first time in decades and we’re giving you the need-to-knows from an 11-hour planning meeting that will shape how Pittsburghers buy and rent their spaces. Plus, Mayor Ed Gainey joins us to explain exactly who’s been holding up progress on getting taxes from the city’s biggest nonprofits. Notes and references from today’s show: Moreno launches another Republican bid for mayor of Pittsburgh [WESA] Pittsburgh businessman Thomas West announces run for mayor on GOP ticket [TribLive] Can Inclusionary Zoning Fix Pittsburgh’s Housing Crisis? [City Cast Pittsburgh] How Lawrenceville’s Solving Its Affordability Problem [City Cast Pittsburgh] Inclusionary zoning plan prevails before commission after 11-hour meeting [PublicSource] Employee hurt by exploding toilet at city hall [WPXI] Life for Punxsutawney Phil is No Piece of Cake! PETA Offers ‘Weather Reveal’ Dessert to Replace Exploited Groundhog [PETA] And a special thanks to Next Generation Newsroom for sharing studio space with us to talk to Mayor Gainey. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 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–and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 31st episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Opera Pitt Athletics Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Love is in the air and everyone’s going wild about a local groundhog — it’s (almost) February in Pittsburgh! There’s so much to celebrate in our city, from Valentine’s Day to Black History Month to three different soup competitions. We’re sharing our favorite ways to experience Pittsburgh this month, whether you’re looking to make your own fancy valentine or just sit back and enjoy some short films. And if you’re trying to figure out where to eat this month, check out our episode about Pittsburgh restaurants to try in 2025. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Pittsburgh community. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 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–and City Cast City swag. City Cast Pittsburgh’s guide to December is made possible by our awesome sponsors The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens, Pittsburgh Opera, Pitt Athletics, and Pittsburgh Marathon (Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event). We’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at [email protected].

It’s the first day of the Lunar New Year! To ring in the year of the snake, Producer Sophia Lo and food blogger @sopheating are sharing their go-to spots for noodles, dumplings, and more. Plus, they’re dishing about the limited-time Lunar New Year menus and events you can’t miss. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 29th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Opera Pitt Athletics Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s trash day on City Cast Pittsburgh! Starting this year, you can get fined if you don’t follow the city’s trash and recycling rules, so we’re reviewing the basics and explaining what’s new. Plus, we’re sharing where you can take hard-to-recycle items like batteries and old phones and walking through some of the more surprising items you can donate. (Did you know you can bring your old glasses to the Lion’s Club?) We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 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–and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 28th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Opera Pitt Athletics Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Recreational cannabis is now legal to purchase in nearly all of our neighboring states. Can 2025 be the year that Pennsylvania decides to fully legalize as well? We’re turning to SpotlightPA reporters Ed Mahon and Stephen Caruso to figure out the political climate, the potential hurdles, and exactly how cannabis sales could even work. Like, would it mirror Pennsylvania's centralized alcohol sales? What would happen to the state’s medical program? And if legalization isn’t on the table just yet, could we expect to see any decriminalization efforts underway? Notes and references from today’s show: A handful of Pa. doctors approved 1/3 of medical pot cards in a single year. Experts question the quality of care. [Spotlight PA] Prior misconduct rarely an obstacle for doctors in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program [Spotlight PA] Spotlight PA investigation spurs call for more oversight of who can be a medical marijuana doctor [Spotlight PA] Thousands more Pennsylvania medical professionals could approve cannabis patients under proposals [Spotlight PA] Legal cannabis likely won’t be in this year’s budget, but supporters say there’s a silver lining [Spotlight PA] Learn more about the sponsors of this January 27th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Opera Pitt Athletics Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Marathon Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Pittsburgh leaders have tried (and mostly failed) to get big nonprofits like Highmark and UPMC to pay their “fair share” to the city. Now it looks like the issue may be front and center as the mayoral race heats up. Executive producer Mallory Falk and producer Sophia Lo are joined by Axios Pittsburgh’s Ryan Deto to explain why. Plus, they’re talking about a new study that says Pittsburgh has the most affordable housing market in the U.S., and indoor shortcuts you can take to escape the cold on especially frigid days. Notes and references from today’s show: How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [City Cast Pittsburgh] Gainey claims progress with Highmark on payments to Pittsburgh, but skeptics abound [TribLive] You Pay Taxes, So Why Don’t Colleges & Hospitals? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Housing Affordability Didn’t Worsen in 2024—The First Time in Four Years That Has Happened [Redfin] We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 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–and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 24th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Pittsburgh Opera Pitt Athletics Fulton Commons Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

If you need a pick-me-up on a dreary and windy day, the solution could be a visit to one of Pittsburgh’s tea shops. The choices can be overwhelming when you’re looking at a long list, but luckily, we found a local seller with a quiz to match you to your perfect brew. Plus, we’ve got plenty of new restaurants opening up all around town — and one fried chicken chain bringing the Steelers abroad. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 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–and City Cast City swag. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 23rd episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Pittsburgh Opera Pitt Athletics Fulton Commons Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

We love celebrating our own here in this city, and we’re quick to claim our hometown heroes when they make an appearance on a bigger stage. Now there’s a new nonprofit creating Pittsburgh’s very own Walk of Fame, so visitors can learn more about homegrown stars who’ve made an impact nationally. They’re asking for nominations through the end of the month. Nancy Polinsky Johnson, the project’s founder and executive director, is here to tell us how to submit nominees – and how they’re planning to pick whose names go on those shiny stars. Plus, the City Cast Pittsburgh team’s weighing in! Here are our picks for Pittsburgh’s Walk of Fame. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 22nd episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Pittsburgh Opera Pitt Athletics Fulton Commons Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s freezing outside! As we’ve been watching the snow fall and trekking through the slush, we’ve been wondering how often our region actually deals with this kind of winter weather and when it’s genuinely been bad enough to break records or shut down the city. We’re digging into the worst snowstorms and cold snaps in Pittsburgh history – and how we even started measuring this data in the first place. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 21st episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Pittsburgh Opera Pitt Athletics Fulton Commons Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

The local law firm Pond Lehocky replaced the enormous IC Light billboard on Mt. Washington, the grocery chain Wegmans finally confirmed they’re coming to Pittsburgh (and as a new neighbor to Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle), and the Steelers’ season is done sooner than we hoped. Plus, there’s been another unusual hockey heist — this time targeting Penguins center Evgeni Malkin — more developing U.S. Steel sale drama, info on testing your home for radon for free, and a few fun events to take you into the long weekend. Notes and references from today’s show: How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [City Cast Pittsburgh] Wegmans Announces Plans to Open Store in Pittsburgh Region [Wegmans] Evgeni Malkin's Stanley Cup rings found in his home, investigation remains open [KDKA] Radon in the Home [Allegheny County / [Department of Environmental Protection] Could Pittsburgh Lose US Steel? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Cleveland-Cliffs still interested in U.S. Steel if pending merger fails [TribLive] Learn more about the sponsors of this January 17th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Opera Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Are there folks in your friend circle tying the knot quickly here in Pittsburgh? Ahead of the incoming presidential administration and threats to queer rights, we sat down with the CEO and founder of Burgh Brides, Victoria Deardorff, for her expert tips and tricks for pulling off a beautiful last-minute wedding, elopement, or casual day-of affair. Tune in for practical advice and a little Pittsburgh flair to make your big day everything it should be—no matter the budget or timeline. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 16th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Pittsburgh needs thousands of new homes to meet demand, and there’s a lot of local politicking behind potential solutions. One idea? Inclusionary zoning, which either incentivizes or mandates that a percentage of units in new housing projects be priced affordably for lower income households. A handful of neighborhoods in Pittsburgh have already tried it, including over in Lawrenceville, where residents helped pass an IZ requirement in 2019. Dave Breignan, executive director of Lawrenceville United, explains what he loves about IZ, what local leaders should understand about how it works, and which proposal he supports if inclusionary zoning ultimately expands to the rest of Pittsburgh. ICYMI: Yesterday we talked about two very different proposals being considered by the Pittsburgh Planning Commission. Please check it out! Learn more about the sponsors of this January 15th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

There’s a lot of debate about how to make Pittsburgh a livable city for everyone and ensure that longtime residents of a neighborhood aren’t pushed out by rising home prices. Host Megan Harris is with TribLive reporter Julia Burdelski to talk about the two bills in front of City Council that aim to create more affordable housing and how these very different visions could impact our city’s approach to future development. Learn more about the sponsor of this January 14th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s been six months since the Highland Detention at Shuman Center reopened, with a new name and new, private, nonprofit management under Adelphoi, headquartered in Latrobe. Shuman was shut down in 2021 for “gross incompetence, negligence and misconduct.” While most of the facility is still being renovated, one pod is open with room for 12 children who’ve been charged with a crime. We’re talking to CEO Nancy Kukovich about how it’s going so far, the safety reporting requirements since the 50-year-old facility reopened, and why Adelphoi wanted to be involved with Shuman in the first place. Interested in volunteering for Shuman? Reach out to Adelphoi here. Learn more about the sponsor of this January 13th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s our first Friday news roundup of the new year, and we’re catching up on a bunch of stories, from detention and deportation to the governor’s sports tickets to higher turnpike tolls. Plus, we’ve got the latest on the PA Farm Show butter sculpture, an important “I Voted” sticker contest, and ways to watch Pittsburgh on TV while you’re staying in and staying warm. Notes and references from today’s show: This week’s Hey Pittsburgh trivia! Marc Fogel’s family says they have “more hope than we have ever” after “wrongfully detained” designation [KDKA] Fetterman cosponsors GOP-led Laken Riley bill, one of the few Democrats backing it [The Inquirer] The House GOP’s first bill of 2025 could enable a Ken Paxton power grab [MSNBC] This year’s 5% Pennsylvania Turnpike toll increase comes with new toll gantries and rate calculations [Union Progress] Campaign funds, secretive nonprofit pay for Josh Shapiro's sports tickets [SpotlightPA] Under Shapiro, half of clemency recommendations remain unsigned [SpotlightPA] Josh Shapiro wasn’t on the ballot this year, but still spent millions campaigning. Here’s where the money went. [SpotlightPA] Allegheny County Councilman Sam DeMarco resigns to work for Sen. Dave McCormick [KDKA] Iulia Vann named as Allegheny County health director [PublicSource] Advocates ‘hopeful’ about change under Allegheny County Jail warden nominee [WESA] "I Voted" Sticker Contest [Allegheny County] Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

The end of every calendar year brings with it dozens of best-of lists, and our favorite ones to scroll through are all about the food. City Cast’s Megan Harris, Sophia Lo, and Francesca Dabecco are sharing their top picks from the best of 2024 lists released by blogs, reservation sites, and more local news outlets to help you figure out where to eat out in 2025. Can’t keep up with all the restaurants? We’ve selected our number one spots and all the roundups we referenced on our website. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

If you’ve read the news lately, it feels like Downtown Pittsburgh keeps winning the lottery. There’s a $600 million plan to revitalize and transform the Golden Triangle, with tons of money going toward places like Point State Park and Market Square. But the investment isn’t so obvious along Smithfield Street — once the destination Downtown, now filled with vacant storefronts. Local journalists Adam Smeltz and Stephanie Strasburg tell us about efforts to make Smithfield Pittsburgh’s “it” spot again, and whether a revitalized Smithfield could truly cater to and serve all kinds of Pittsburghers. You can find their reporting on Smithfield Street in PublicSource and Pittsburgh Magazine. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

President Joe Biden made good on his promise and blocked the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, and now both companies are suing the federal government, a Cleveland-based steel rival, and the head of the United Steelworkers union. So what happens now? Can U.S. Steel leave Pittsburgh? Is Nippon, based in Japan, really a threat to our national security? And what does all this say about Pittsburgh’s place in our global economy? Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk try to find answers in one of the most impactful and murky stories affecting our city today. Stories discussed in today’s episode: President Biden Blocks US Steel Sale to Nippon Steel. What Does This Mean for Pittsburgh? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Nippon, US Steel file suit against Biden administration, union, and rival after $15b deal scuttled [Associated Press] Why Biden blocked a Japanese bid to buy U.S. Steel [PBS News Hour] Japan PM says blocked US Steel deal could hit investments [France 24] Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

The new year kicked off with a nice, bright snowfall. While it can be tempting to bundle up and hunker down when it’s chilly outside, there are lots of great outdoor winter activities in our region, from sledding to skiing to snow tubing. The team is sharing our tips and tricks for having the perfect snow day in Pittsburgh — plus a few hacks for dealing with the wintery weather. Wondering who’s in charge of snow removal on your street? Find out here. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

From fixing bridges to keeping the T literally on its tracks, Pittsburgh depends on a lot of federal funding — and who’s in charge here regionally can help sway the conversation. Host Megan Harris is kicking off 2025 with PublicSource’s Rich Lord and 1Hood’s Miracle Jones to talk about the upcoming mayoral race and how a second Trump presidency could affect our region. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Welcome to 2025 in Pittsburgh! There are so many ways to kick off the new year, whether you’re looking to brave the cold or curl up with a nice, non-alcoholic drink. From a late night dance party at our art museum to a local book swap, we’re sharing the best ways to take advantage of our cold city this month. Plus, if you’re taking part in Dry January, check out our episode about The Open Road, a non-alcoholic bottle shop. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Pittsburgh community. We’re powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at [email protected].

Pittsburghers love to talk about all the iconic buildings that used to be there, and Century III Mall is about to be among them. The nostalgia-inducing Pittsburgh mall is being demolished after closing its last shop in 2020 and being condemned in 2023. Writer, publisher, and shopping mall enthusiast Matthew Newton is here to share our nostalgia and explain exactly what went wrong. Check out Newton’s beautiful tome “Shopping Mall,” which is usually available at White Whale Bookstore in Bloomfield. The state is putting $1 million towards redeveloping the site. Editor’s note: This episode originally published Aug. 14, 2023. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

The hottest restaurant in Pittsburgh? Chef Nik Forsberg’s pop-up turned brick and mortar, Fet-Fisk, was named one of America's best restaurants this year by both The New York Times and Eater. His Nordic-inspired cuisine prioritizes sustainably sourced seafood, local meats, and veggies from Nik’s own garden. So what does it take to turn a popular pop-up into a thriving local business? Hear what he grows, how he approaches his menus, and all the original plans behind Bloomfield’s buzziest restaurant. *This episode originally aired Thursday, March 30th, 2023. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Earlier this year, Pittsburgh was rocked with a crazy mystery. Thousands of miniature Jaromir Jagr bobbleheads were stolen! How does that even happen? With the help of our friend Rob Rossi, senior writer at The Athletic, we broke down the heist that got the attention of Pittsburgh Penguins fans — and even the FBI! Check out Rossi’s play-by-play in The Athletic. This episode originally aired April 3, 2024. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

There was a lot of news in our region this year, from the extended drama around selling the iconic U.S. Steel to a Japanese company to a presidential assassination attempt right in our own backyard. With so much news, there were bound to be stories that didn’t get their due. City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are joined by contributor Meg St-Esprit to look back on some of the biggest, goofiest, and most underrated stories you may have missed in 2024. Learn more about the sponsor of this December 20th episode: Jones Dairy Farm Stories discussed in today’s episode: Kayden’s Law, headed for Shapiro’s desk, will alter child custody case calculus [PublicSource] Kayden’s Law passes Pa. Senate, would change family court handling of child abuse allegations [PublicSource] Philadelphia becomes fourth city to ban largest ghost gun parts dealer [Washington Post] Tax Increase Passes, Gun Reform Roadblocks & Pittsburgh Medical Drama [City Cast Pittsburgh] PA Unclaimed Property Form [PA Treasury] Pittsburgh can exempt longtime homeowners from tax increases under new legislation [KDKA] The First Public Transportation In Pgh? City Steps [City Cast Pittsburgh] Shop Kate Spade x Heinz [Kate Spade] Pittsburgh milkshake shop holds final ‘Jake’s Shake Day’ after Guentzel trade [NHL] ​​Pittsburgh milkshake shop announces new ‘Rusty’s Shake’ [NHL] Kimmi Rhoades on Jay Leno [Instagram] TV Talk: A recovering Jeremy Renner struts confidently through Pittsburgh-filmed ‘Mayor of Kingstown’ [TribLive] Baby Bison Arrive at Pittsburgh's South Park Game Preserve [City Cast Pittsburgh] Spotted lanternflies in Pittsburgh picked up by weather radar [KDKA] Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

The holiday season is all about cookies and Pittsburgh has so many great recipes and traditions. (We’re home to the cookie table, after all!) If you’re planning to bake some holiday treats and need a little inspiration, the team is sharing some of our favorite recipes, along with tips and shortcuts to make sure your cookies come out extra tasty. Don’t worry: we’ve got ideas for ambitious bakers and for anyone who simply needs to whip up an easy, last-minute gift. We used The Belt Cookie Table Cookbook by Bonnie Tawse as our guide for this episode and highly recommend it — it makes a great holiday gift! Recipes mentioned on today’s show: Almond Croissant Cookies [Eat at Maude’s] 5 Holiday Cookie Recipes To Make in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh] Gluten-Free, Vegan Holiday Treats [Octofree] Flourless Almond Cookies with Cardamom, Orange Zest, and Pistachios [Epicurious] Don’t forget! You can meet the City Cast Pittsburgh team (and eat some delicious cookies) tomorrow, December 20th. City Cast contributor Kevin Gavin is putting on his 48th annual all request holiday show and we’re co-hosting! Drop by our Downtown studio between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the 10th floor of the Benedum-Trees Building. Come hang out with us and request a song live on the radio. Can’t make it? Hear the show in real time on WZUM AM 1150 or 101.1 FM or stream it at wzum.org. Learn more about the sponsor of this December 19th episode: Jones Dairy Farm Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Getting behind the wheel in Pittsburgh is not for the faint of heart. From narrow streets to steep hills to ungodly merges, our city is challenging to navigate by car. Lucky for you, we teamed up with friend of the pod and former Uber driver Jakob Lazzaro to share 12 very important rules for driving in Pittsburgh and — of course — debate the efficacy of the Pittsburgh Left. Want to dive deeper into the history behind our city’s quirky layout and driving rules? Check out WESA’s reporting on our mismatched streets, frustrating on-ramps and Beltway System. Pittsburgh City Paper also has a great look at our Beltway. And don’t miss the 99% Invisible episode about trying to create a GPS that speaks Pittsburghese. This episode originally aired September 4, 2024. Learn more about the sponsor of this December 18th episode: Jones Dairy Farm Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s been a big year for Allegheny County. Our leaders added more housing, passed a budget with the first property tax increase in more than a decade, and even honored legendary hockey star Jaromir Jagr with a proclamation. We’re asking County Executive Sara Innamorato to look back on her first full year in office – and play a little game inspired by Spotify Wrapped. Learn more about the sponsor of this December 17th episode: Jones Dairy Farm Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

A new horse has entered the mayor's race. Corey O'Connor has been a city councilor, most recently, the Allegheny County controller — in charge of keeping track of how we spend (and should not spend) taxpayer money. And he's even former mayor Bob O’Connor’s son. Today we’re excited to share a conversation from our news partner Next Generation Newsroom and reporter Colleen Hammond, who talked to O'Connor on the eve of his big official announcement. Read Colleen’s reporting on O’Connor’s campaign here. Listen to our most recent interview with Mayor Ed Gainey here. Learn more about the sponsor of this December 17th episode: Jones Dairy Farm Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.