For a little over a year now, an informal group of Republican activists has been challenging our local voter rolls. They’ve filed thousands of challenges — all alleging that because someone moved, that means that they should be wiped from the Allegheny County voter logs. But the thing is, the county already takes care of that. So today, we’re talking about how all this got started, what officials are saying about it, and what you can do as a voter to protect your vote if one of these letters com...
Mar 20, 2024•16 min
If you polled a bunch of Pittsburghers and asked who’s the most beloved person in our city, it’s safe to say today’s guest would show up on that list. Rick Sebak is known for his TV documentaries on WQED. And now, he’s dipping his toes into audio. Rick joins us to talk about his podcast, Gumbands, the one Pittsburgh story he’s still dying to tell, and the local rites of passage that make someone a true Pittsburgher. **This conversation originally published October 11, 2023. Become a member of Ci...
Mar 19, 2024•20 min
Return or ripoff? Costsaver or scam? Pittsburghers love a deal, so when the discount stores housed under Mac.bid came to town, plenty of yinz spent your money without getting redd up on how it actually works. City Cast’s Elizabeth Kauma and Megan Harris are exploring how it got here, what to do so you don’t buy a dud, and whether these liquidation emporiums are worth the risk at all. We love to cite our sources: The National Retail Federations 2022 report on returns. Mac.Bid’s Better Business Bu...
Mar 18, 2024•18 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! Can you believe it’s been four years since the pandemic started? Local journalist and host of KDKA Radio’s Saturday show Natalie Bencivenga joins host Megan Harris and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco to take stock of our recovery and the state of family leave in Pittsburgh. Plus, are you going to a show at Star Lake this summer? We’re sharing pavilion parking woes and a wacky new way to get to Burgettstown! Help us with an upcoming show! What’s your favorite coc...
Mar 15, 2024•30 min
Vote on your favorite strawberry pretzel jello salad at an upcoming festival, get a craft beer in Butler County at a reimagined farm-to-table restaurant, and check out vegan donuts at our favorite bagel place. Plus, we’ve got the tastiest treats to help you celebrate Pi Day in Pittsburgh! City Cast’s Francesca Dabecco and Owen Gabbey are sharing their faves. Help us with an upcoming show! What’s your favorite cocktail? Is it on the menu somewhere or do you ask for something special? Or maybe you...
Mar 14, 2024•21 min
When Andrew Carnegie started opening libraries in southwest Pennsylvania in the 1890s, he wanted to bring books and knowledge to everyone — not just those who could afford to pay. Now libraries are taking that spirit beyond the printed word, offering everything from power tools to ukuleles to genealogy databases. We’re exploring the unique collections available for you to check out at local libraries. **This conversation originally published May 30, 2023. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh ...
Mar 13, 2024•15 min
If you live in parts of the South Hills or the East End, getting around by bus or on the T might be pretty easy for you. But that’s not true for big portions of our city and county. Today we’re with the grassroots advocacy group Pittsburghers for Public Transit to talk about our regional provider, Pittsburgh Regional Transit, including what PPT loves, what data shows isn’t working, and the group’s vision for what public transit could be here in the Burgh. Thanks to our guest, PPT’s executive dir...
Mar 12, 2024•21 min
The humble user review — taken alone, is just one person’s opinion. But put a bunch together, and that aggregated star rating can make or break a local business. So today, we’re going inside the minds of the people leaving one-star reviews for some of our favorite Pittsburgh places. Producer and quizmaster Elizabeth Kauma puts host Megan Harris and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco to the test. Can they guess famous Pittsburgh landmarks based only on one-star reviews? Who knows Pittsburgh’s ha...
Mar 11, 2024•21 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! The Monroeville Convention Center won’t be turned into a Hobby Lobby after all, Pittsburgh is partially resuming its spay and neuter program, and Allegheny County Council voted against a ceasefire resolution this week. Plus, we’re talking about Vision Zero and how you can participate in 311 Day in Pittsburgh. Thanks to our guest and national 311 Day founder, Armin Samii. Check out his work at dashcam.bike We always cite our sources: Latrobe is now in the Banana Hall...
Mar 08, 2024•28 min
It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day, which means it’s time for St. Practice Day! We’re sharing what that is, how to make the most of both weekends, and where to find some delicious Irish bites here in the Burgh. Plus, we’re mythbusting one long-held legend about Pittsburgh’s biggest parade. Learn more about volunteering with PAAR 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 also on Ins...
Mar 07, 2024•21 min
President Dwight D. Eisenhower launched the sister cities program after World War II, and in the decades since, Pittsburgh has become an especially popular international partner. How do these diplomatic hook-ups happen, who greenlights the matches, and how did Pittsburgh end up with so many? Kathy Risko, former director of the Sister Cities Association of Pittsburgh, says some of it is personality, but a lot goes back to steel. Michelle King is the new contact for the organization, and if you wa...
Mar 06, 2024•14 min
The Steelers brought home their report card, and let’s just say their grades would probably get you grounded. The total solar eclipse is just a month away, and we’re sharing tips on how to get the best view of this astronomical phenomenon. Plus, an update on the Monroeville Convention Center and how Pittsburgh's police staffing changes could affect you. We always cite our sources: A hotel closed in response to Monroeville’s convention center shutting down, but local and state officials have met ...
Mar 05, 2024•23 min
We love when Pittsburgh is first at something — but not this. A Redfin study says we have the highest percentage of large houses owned by Baby Boomers without children living at home, making it tough for Millennials to find homes to accommodate their growing families. But is it actually Boomers’ fault? We’re digging into the local market with journalist Matt Petras, who covered the trend for Pittsburgh City Paper. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pitts...
Mar 04, 2024•15 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! The proposed Esplanade development on the North Side has generated a lot of buzz, but what are its odds of actually Ferris wheeling above the Ohio? We’ve got good news and bad news about a bunch of Pittsburgh animals, and PPG Industries is considering a change. Plus, we have a winner on the PA River of the Year! We always cite our sources: The Allegheny River was declared PA’s 2024 River of the Year, which includes a $10,000 prize to its nominating agency, Three Riv...
Mar 01, 2024•29 min
What’s new to eat and drink in the Burgh? Novo Asian Food Hall is finally opening in the Strip District Terminal; Girl Scout Cookies are inspiring drink pairings; Page’s will soon kick off ice cream season; and Pittsburgh is getting festivals for kosher eats, desserts, and vegan fare. Plus, why did Necromancer Brewing close in Ross Township? Get a taste of it all in today’s roundup. We always cite our sources: The owner of Necromancer Brewing spoke about why the brewery shut down. His quote was ...
Feb 29, 2024•26 min
Looking for fun places to go? Interesting stuff to do? Yummy noms to eat? Yinz, we’ve got five weekends to celebrate this month, plus an extra hour of daylight to do it! The City Cast team is here to help you make the most of every second in Pgh. Here are a few of the City Casty things we mentioned in today’s show: Find your perfect fish fry during Lent with this interactive map Get your garden ready and select plants that will thrive in Pittsburgh. The exhibit “A Woman’s Place: How Women Shaped...
Feb 28, 2024•31 min
On her first day in office, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato raised wages and improved the benefits for thousands of county employees. But she still has another 1,000+ open positions to fill. We’re talking about what she can do to make those jobs more attractive, big open leadership roles, new ballot options for the upcoming primary, how property tax assessments may change, and how she’s feeling about signing her first couple pieces of county legislation. Become a member of City Cast P...
Feb 27, 2024•28 min
The USDA updated its plant hardiness map, and the Pittsburgh area is 2.5 degrees warmer than we were a decade ago. So what does that mean if you’re getting ready to plant for spring? Meg Graham, the owner of May Apple Gardening, has a few recommendations for plants to add to your garden and some tips for how to take care of what’s already in your yard. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsle...
Feb 26, 2024•17 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! The National Transportation Safety Board released its findings into the cause of the 2022 Fern Hollow Bridge collapse, the zoo closed for a day out of respect for recent animal deaths, and Presidential election season is heating up in Pittsburgh. We’re talking about our improved water quality and what, if anything, it means to have so many national political leaders darken our regional door. We always cite our sources: You can watch the animation summarizing what le...
Feb 23, 2024•30 min
It’s fish fry season! Whether you’re in it for the fish sandwiches, pierogi, coleslaw, or dessert, there are literally hundreds of options to make your perfect plate. But with all these fish fries, how do you decide where to go? Hollen Barmer had the same question back in 2012, so she made a Google map to keep track. Today her homespun idea has ballooned into an official Pittsburgh Lenten Fish Fry Map, all updated and verified every year by a team of 18 Code for Pittsburgh volunteers. We’re talk...
Feb 22, 2024•18 min
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he's keeping a campaign promise — the nation’s third largest city announced last week it’s ditching ShotSpotter, the controversial policing technology trained to identify and locate the sound of gunshots. But as other cities disinvest, Pittsburgh is doubling down. We’re with University of Pittsburgh policing scholar David Harris to talk about how the Steel City’s multi-year, multimillion dollar deal came together, what cops and lawmakers here like about it, and...
Feb 21, 2024•20 min
Last year, Pittsburgh (quietly) got a lot bigger — not because some huge influx of people moved here, but because the White House decided to redraw the boundaries of our metro population. Now we’re eight counties instead of seven. But despite the new boundaries, Pittsburgh as a city isn’t growing. And that got us wondering why growth is so important, and whether it might actually be a good thing to be a city settled in its size. We took our questions to Chris Briem, a regional economist at the U...
Feb 20, 2024•20 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! A few weeks ago, Mayor Ed Gainey told us he wants to bring a professional basketball team to Pittsburgh, and now the city’s officially exploring the idea. The Monroeville Convention Center is becoming a massive Hobby Lobby, and municipal leaders are really worried about the economic impact from an abrupt loss of business. And former Adda Coffee & Tea workers withdrew their NLRB complaint after management offered severance. Plus, we’ve got a bunch of free resourc...
Feb 16, 2024•29 min
Whether you’re looking for a full meal out with friends or just a few snacks for the table, the food scene inside Pittsburgh’s breweries and taprooms has gotten really good lately. Today we’re with the newest addition to the City Cast Pittsburgh family, Owen Gabbey, talking about the best taproom food around, plus the city’s latest restaurant openings and closings. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pitt...
Feb 15, 2024•26 min
It’s fun to go out with friends and loved ones, but do you know what can be even more fun? Doing exactly what you want on your own for a whole dang day. Today City Cast’s Marylee Williams and Francesca Dabecco are helping yinz take yourselves on a perfect solo date in Pittsburgh! Here are a few places and ideas mentioned in the show today: Check out the City of Pittsburgh’s trail map to find a new hiking spot. Pittsburgh Center of Glass offers classes and one-time workshop sessions. Take yoursel...
Feb 14, 2024•26 min
Century III Mall closed its last store in 2020, got condemned in 2023, and now, its owners are facing criminal charges. A few days ago, District Attorney Stephen Zappala called the 90-acre property “a monument to blight.” So if it can’t be fixed, what should happen next? Writer, publisher, and shopping mall enthusiast Matthew Newton is here to share our nostalgia and explain exactly what went wrong. Check out Newton’s beautiful tome “Shopping Mall,” which is usually available at White Whale Book...
Feb 13, 2024•19 min
Gov. Josh Shapiro shared a lengthy wish list in his latest spending plan, including more funding for K-12 and higher education, public transit, gun violence prevention, workforce readiness, and more; but he’s also got his heart set on legalizing recreational cannabis and raising the state’s minimum wage. We’re with Spotlight PA reporter and friend of the pod Stephen Caruso to talk about what’s possible in 2024. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsbur...
Feb 12, 2024•20 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! Attorneys released police body camera and cell phone footage from the night Pittsburgh police officers repeatedly tased Jim Rogers in 2021. The 54 year old died shortly after. City Council is proposing a tiny home village as one possible solution to houselessness, and the city’s free spay and neuter program is being paused because of suburbanites. Plus, there’s a new full-time emergency medical training program for city residents that pays homage to the city’s past....
Feb 09, 2024•25 min
National Pizza Day is tomorrow, and it’s the perfect excuse to get some ‘za. Not sure what pie to pick up? Pittsburgh’s pizza journalist, Dan Tallarico has recommendations that will satisfy any craving. You can subscribe to Dan’s newsletter on Substack and find more of his pizza expertise on pizzawalkwithme.com. 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. Te...
Feb 08, 2024•22 min
When you imagine someone having a heart attack, it can seem dramatic. Big symptoms. Big response. But for women and people who’ve been pregnant, their symptoms can look so different that they might not know for sure that a cardiac event is even happening. For American Heart Month, we’re checking in with a Pittsburgher to talk about what a heart attack really looks like and how to spot your own risk factors. Follow Dr. Katie Berlacher’s work at UPMC Magee here. She’s accepting new patients and ha...
Feb 07, 2024•19 min
