It’s our Tuesday news roundup! We’re catching up on where things stand one year after a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The big Iron City billboard is back, and we’re diving into the history of this Pittsburgh hillside. Some local kids were featured in the Pro Bowl, plus we’re wondering why the new Downtown Pittsburgh potties are already going away. We’re working on an upcoming show about where to take yourself on a perfect Pittsburgh date. Call or text us with your solo date ideas at 41...
Feb 06, 2024•23 min
Pittsburgh has one of the oldest city flags in the U.S., but the design leaves something to be desired — at least, according to Ted Kaye. He's the nation's leading flag scholar and author of the flag design bible "Good Flag, Bad Flag." Kaye joins City Cast’s Mallory Falk to explain what makes a good flag, where Pittsburgh ranks compared to other cities, and whether we should be considering a new look. Want to check out some proposed alternatives to our current flags? Artist Lucy Chen designed a ...
Feb 05, 2024•17 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! US Steel has reached a historic settlement in a lawsuit brought by Allegheny County and environmental groups. We found out what happened with the proposed volcano at a South Side restaurant. We discuss federal dollars coming to Pittsburgh and how flooding impacted our unhoused neighbors. And it’s Gertrude Stein’s 150th birthday. We always cite our sources: Celebrate our groundhog overlord with some Phil Phacts. Yes, a South Side restaurant redesign proposal included...
Feb 02, 2024•27 min
Looking for a perfect date spot? Whether you’re with friends, family, or partners, we’ve got a bunch of fun suggestions for a perfect Valentine’s week, including flowers, snacks, and a few spots that don’t require reservations. Need more? Listen to our episode with Apteka’s co-owner and co-chef, Kate Lasky, digging into the phenomenon that is Crapteka. Check out our treats guide in the Hey Pittsburgh newsletter! Plus, if you want to bake your own treats, try these oatmeal butterscotch cookies. T...
Feb 01, 2024•24 min
Pittsburgh has always had its problems, and complaining about them is one of our favorite sports. But there’s also a long tradition of outsiders coming here — or even just reading about our town — and thinking it’s OK to add their two cents. Local writer Virginia Montanez rounded up some of the funniest and most creative insults lobbed at Pittsburgh over two centuries. She joins us to share her favorites and explain why our city drew so much ire from outside writers, newsmakers, and prominent fi...
Jan 31, 2024•18 min
A ruling Monday about the limits on Medicaid funding to cover reproductive care in Pennsylvania sent shockwaves across the Commonwealth, but it could still be years before there’s full clarity on whether abortion should be a fundamental right. We’re with Sue Frietsche, co-executive director of the Women’s Law Project and a journalist with the Philadelphia Inquirer to talk about what happened and what’s coming next. Check out Gillian McGoldrick’s Inky work here, plus the litigation documents here...
Jan 30, 2024•13 min
February might be the shortest month of the year, but there’s a lot going on in Pittsburgh. From Black History Month to Valentine’s Day and more, we’ve got a lot of holidays to celebrate along with exciting ways to experience the best of the Burgh. The City Cast team is here to be your guide to Pittsburgh in February. 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 @CityCastP...
Jan 29, 2024•25 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! One city councilor wants to update the zoning code for some residential properties, a new record number of Pennsylvanians are enrolled in SNAP, and there’s a bill in our state legislature that would require kids to learn cursive writing. We’re comparing our handwritten notes, plus diving deep into the history and lore of Punxsutawney Phil. We always cite our sources: Pittsburgh City Council person Bobby Wilson introduced legislation that would update the city’s zoni...
Jan 26, 2024•33 min
This icky weather has us feeling like staying in, curling up with a movie, and ordering some comfort food. Today, we’re revisiting one of our favorite power rankings about one of our favorite Pittsburgh foods – the classic mac and cheese. **Editor’s note: This episode originally published July 6, 2023. Here are all the macs referenced in today’s convo: The Rear End GastroPub and Garage in Etna has a classic mac meal. Kelly’s Bar and Lounge’s mac and cheese is an East Liberty staple. Bigham Taver...
Jan 25, 2024•18 min
We’re taking a peek behind the curtain with the man whose job is going backstage. For a few years now, Boaz Frankel has made it his mission to be nebby — an aspiration we align with deeply. Today, we’re finding out what it takes to create the web series' Yinzer Backstage Pass, plus what to expect from the big anniversary party at Bottlerocket Social Hall coming up on Thursday. Meet Boaz as he showcases never-before-seen footage, previews upcoming episodes, chats with Rick Sebak and more. Tickets...
Jan 24, 2024•22 min
For a city full of universities and colleges, what’s one more? And what makes a DO different from an MD? We’ve got the scoop on the latest from Duquesne University, plus we’re wondering why one of our beloved inclines can’t stay open and what to look out for when Pittsburgh Pride hits a new park later this year. We always cite our sources: Duquesne University opened up their new College of Medicine for students to earn DO degrees. Here’s what being a doctor of osteopathic medicine means. The Hos...
Jan 23, 2024•21 min
Allegheny County’s Jail Oversight Board has been in the news a lot the last few months over lawsuits, lengthy meetings, and an ongoing disagreement about whether the County Executive needs to attend. But what does the group actually do? Who’s on the board? How often do they meet? And what’s at stake when its members and jail employees aren’t getting along? We're with Tanisha Long of the Abolitionist Law Center, who says she hasn't missed a meeting in the last two years. We always cite our source...
Jan 22, 2024•19 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! The lunar lander Peregrine is gone, a city tax that brought in a lot of money for the city was upheld as unconstitutional, and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was made into a meme. Plus, we’ve got a few home maintenance ideas for yinz — from landslide awareness to checking your space for radon. We always cite our sources: The Commonwealth Court upheld a ruling that declared Pittsburgh’s 3% facilities usage tax, or “jock tax,” for nonresidents is unconstitutional. We love...
Jan 19, 2024•31 min
After employees announced a new union last week, Adda Coffee & Tea immediately closed all four locations. Employees say they were blindsided; the owner says the shops have been losing money for years. We’re sharing what we’ve learned and our favorite alternatives for where to get your next cup of coffee — plus a few fun restaurant and store openings we’re excited to check out. We always cite our sources: Adda Coffee & Tea employees filed an official petition to unionize. After Adda store...
Jan 18, 2024•21 min
Pittsburgh’s going into 2024 with more money for traffic calming, which today’s guest hopes means fewer crashes, injuries, and deaths for pedestrians and bicyclists in the coming years. We’re with Scott Bricker, executive director of BikePGH, to talk about his hopes for the new county administration, the problem with official crash report data, expensive new infrastructure, and what it’ll take to slow Pittsburgh drivers down. Find out how to report an issue with our roads here, and check out Bik...
Jan 17, 2024•24 min
Want to go out dancing, but don’t want to club? Pittsburgh has a solution for you! We’re with 412Step and Pittsburgh West Coast Swing talking about getting started, finding community, and learning the groove in safe spaces all over the city. Looking for a class setting? Try out Bachata at Los Sabrosos Dance Co.; Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has a bunch of dance and fitness classes; and Level Up Studios offers hip-hop, ballet, heels, and Bollywood for a variety of ages. Become a member of City Cast ...
Jan 16, 2024•19 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! After a week with a few hints of winter, the team got curious about how Pittsburgh’s recent snowfall compares to previous years. Today we’re chatting through a few local winter retreat ideas, the latest on Audacy’s bankruptcy filing and how it may affect a bunch of local radio stations, and the unfortunate fate of our favorite Pgh-made, would-be, moon lander. Poor little Peregrine! Are yinz loving any mocktails lately? Call or text us at 412-212-8893. We always cite...
Jan 12, 2024•25 min
It’s our birthday! City Cast Pittsburgh is celebrating two years making podcasts for yinz — 458 so far — plus well over 500 newsletters! So we’re celebrating by popping a bottle with our city’s pioneering nonalcoholic space. The Open Road in Allentown is the oldest (still open) NA specialty retailer in the nation, lined with zero-proof spirits, botanical and CBD seltzers, and even dry versions of your favorite classics. We visited the shop to talk to owner Mel Babitz about how this booze-free bu...
Jan 11, 2024•27 min
If you want to go out and party this weekend, Pittsburgh has some solid options — maybe you’ll hit Spirit, Cavo, or Club VIP — but the ‘Burgh used to have way more clubbing options that catered to a wider diversity of party-goers. We talk to City Paper’s Colin Williams about what happened to Pittsburgh’s nightlife scene. To keep up with pop-up parties, we recommend following Jellyfish, Hot Mass, and Slappers N Bangers on Instagram. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pit...
Jan 10, 2024•15 min
It’s the Tuesday news roundup! Astrobotic's lunar lander is in space, but it’s unclear if it’ll complete its mission. And we’re headed to the NFL playoffs. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Marylee Williams are talking through turnpike fees, a Pennsylvania river contest, some local ties to national stories, and the funniest anecdotes about pet appetites we’ve heard all year. We want to know the best mocktails you’ve had in Pittsburgh! Call or text us at 412-212-8893 and include your name and neighbor...
Jan 09, 2024•28 min
Eat more veggies, see more art, maybe even build something – whatever your New Year’s intention, we’re here to help. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are sharing their 2024 wishes, upcoming events, and ways to celebrate a few January holidays, real and imagined. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Not a fan of social? Leave us a voice...
Jan 08, 2024•23 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato took office this week and enacted a slew of changes to the pay and benefits offered to non-union county workers, which she says will be necessary to fill more than 1,000 open jobs. Pittsburgh International Airport increased their parking fees again for the second time in less than a year. And we’re sharing everything you need to know to recycle your live Christmas tree. Plus stick around to the end to hear Megan fangirl ove...
Jan 05, 2024•33 min
Can you keep a secret? We’re going behind the scenes of an exclusive Pittsburgh dinner party! Chef Alekka Sweeney has been hosting Secret Menu Social with one-night-only menus from rotating chefs, live music, and drink pairings. If you’re hoping to get an invite, here’s how to get your name on the list and what to expect at an extraordinary meal. Follow @secretmenusocial on Instagram for updates! Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign u...
Jan 04, 2024•18 min
A few years ago, a recent Pitt grad started an ambitious project — document as many Pittsburgh neighborhoods as possible and make it fun. Dean Bog became a local sensation, enticing people to care about places they’d never visited and peppering local history and flavor into every edition. And then, the YouTube series stopped. After a three year hiatus, Neighborhoods returned a few months ago with a very different point of view. What happened to the beloved Pgh filmmaker? Why the switch? And wher...
Jan 03, 2024•26 min
Wondering what’s in store for the new year? So are we! From the upcoming election to ways the city is actually growing, we’re placing our bets on the biggest stories to follow in 2024. Thanks to our guests, PublicSource’s Rich Lord and Casa San José’s Monica Ruiz. We always cite our sources: Local groups and initiatives are pushing for better affordable housing solutions. Learn about arts and advocacy group 1Hood. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter...
Jan 02, 2024•27 min
Can you believe it’s almost NYE? If your resolutions include getting to know Pittsburgh, there’s no one better than Hey Pittsburgh newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco. She’s got suggestions for where to donate unused items, get local handmade soaps, and snap up some delicious treats to keep you cozy into 2024. Explore zero waste cleaning products The Refillery. Donate your old clothes to Free Store 15104. Light a candle-- Francesca loves Cinnamon and Rosemary from Chez Lapin. Francesca plans on ...
Dec 29, 2023•16 min
We’ve got a few more months of miserable, gray, cold weather to get through, but someone on our team has a plan to beat the winter blues. City Cast producer and lifelong Pittsburgher Elizabeth Kauma shares her love of ski season, crafting, and a few surprise gifts for her Pittsburgh team. You can find out more about Elizabeth's old ski racing team: WPRC. Hit the slopes at Seven Springs, Blue Knob, and Boyce Park. Get crafty at McWalker Yarns in Millvale and Yarns by Design in Oakland. Get hiking...
Dec 28, 2023•15 min
More than one City Caster calls herself an “indoor cat,” but producer Sophia Lo elevates it to a high art. Hear her suggestions on ways to bake away a quiet week and maybe even kick off your Hibernation Hottie Winter. For books, Sophia plans on going to: White Whale bookstore, City of Asylum Bookstore, Beyond Bedtime Books, and The Cozy Corner Bookstore in Shadyside Get cooking with Sophia's top 5 holiday cookie recipes. The City Cast Pittsburgh Episodes Sophia will be revisiting are: A New Way ...
Dec 27, 2023•13 min
We’re in that liminal space between Christmas and New Years when most of us aren’t working in the usual ways and, depending on your situation, time can feel like an accordion. So this week, we’re exploring different ways to keep busy. First up is City Cast Pittsburgh executive producer Marylee Williams with a cautionary tale about biking next to the river at night. If you also want get your ears pierced, Marylee recommends Saints and Sinners and Six16. Explore the Three Rivers Heritage trail but...
Dec 26, 2023•14 min
It’s a special edition of the Friday news roundup! There’s a lot we could say about this year, but we’ve decided to focus on the good. We’re wrapping up 2023 by highlighting the best stories in the Burgh, including the return of McCutchen and grilled stickies, a bunch of milestone anniversaries, improvements to city landmarks, and a few funny mishaps along the way. Only happy news to close out the year! We always cite our sources: Virginia Montanez wrote about the best things that happened in Pg...
Dec 22, 2023•29 min
