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. The sun is out, flowers are in bloom, and the City Cast Pittsburgh team has tons of recommendations to help you take advantage of the beautiful weather. From farmers markets to music fests, we’re bringing you the best tips and suggestions for enjoying May in the Steel City. And if you’re looking for even more outdoor activities, don’t miss our r...
May 01, 2024•32 min
Kennywood is open, and it might be in legal trouble. We’re digging into the new lawsuit from a disgruntled season passholder. Host Megan Harris explains why we don’t need to worry about trillions of cicadas – or their zombies – in our area, but we do need to watch for lanternflies. Plus, producer Sophia Lo shares fun new ways to enjoy a bunch of shows and museums for free all summer long. We always cite our sources: The NFL Draft always features fun videos of students celebrating, and occasional...
Apr 30, 2024•24 min
Beaver County’s Shell cracker makes nurdles — those lentil-sized pellets that become our plastics — but the glowing, riverfront facility is just the part we can see. There’s a 97-mile underground pipeline that delivers its raw materials, and state investigators say its construction led to thousands of gallons of hazardous drilling mud spills in all three Pennsylvania counties it passes through. The Allegheny Front’s Reid Frazier explains why whistleblowers came forward, what the Attorney General...
Apr 29, 2024•20 min
It’s the Friday news roundup, election edition! City Cast contributor Natalie Bencivenga joins host Megan Harris to talk about the winners and losers, what a few of those victories may tell us about what’s coming in November, and why we should be paying attention to all those write-ins, even if we never get a full or complete accounting of everything they said. We always cite our sources: Allegheny County election results SpotlightPA has great info on the candidates for attorney general. More th...
Apr 26, 2024•27 min
Starting a new independent community grocery is tough business, but Manchester’s own Lisa Freeman felt it was a calling. She’s been farming a little lot on Juniata Street since 2014, and is almost to her goal of opening up shop in June. We’re catching up on her vision for the neighborhood, plus getting a taste of what’s new and delicious in the East End, on the South Side, and even along our dreaded McKnightmare. We want to know: Where is your favorite ice cream shop in Pittsburgh? Why do you lo...
Apr 25, 2024•23 min
If you want to go camping, where should you start? We’re back with Marcus Shoffner, founder of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, talking about favorite destinations in and around the city, his tips and tricks for a good experience, ways to borrow and learn how to use the right gear, and other low-stress ideas to get you started. Plus, an update on the overnight camping pilot he started in Riverview Park! Want to hear more about inclusivity in outdoor spaces? Check out our previous conversation wi...
Apr 24, 2024•24 min
A proposed TikTok ban just cleared the House, and Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering their own statewide restrictions on the video app. We’re wondering what a ban could mean for Governor Josh Shapiro, a “prolific poster” with a few viral TikToks under his belt. Producer Sophia Lo joins host Megan Harris to break down the latest legislation and scroll through the governor’s posts. Plus, a professional TikToker analyzes Shapiro’s account for us. Thanks to Chris Vazquez, audience engagement pro...
Apr 23, 2024•20 min
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato just marked one hundred days in office – and released a massive, 91-point plan for the county in the coming years. She joins us to talk about her main priorities, from affordable housing to a green economy. We also discuss the school district’s lawsuit against her office seeking a countywide property reassessment, and what she’s watching for in tomorrow’s primary election. You can read Innamorato’s plan and the results of her countywide survey here. Lea...
Apr 22, 2024•33 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! We’re sharing a bunch of fun ways to beautify our natural spaces for Earth Day this weekend. After successfully deflecting Amazon, the former home of Westinghouse Electric is up for auction in Churchill, and the U.S. Coast Guard says we found the missing barge! Plus, host Megan Harris is sharing her joy for President Biden's Sheetz order and the soon-to-be-built, new and improved Davis Avenue Bridge. We always cite our sources: Over the weekend, 26 barges got loose ...
Apr 19, 2024•30 min
Pennsylvania is the No. 1 cultivator of mushrooms in the country, but you can also find all sorts of fungi foraging in the woods. Spring and summer are a great time to look for mushrooms, and Esperanzo Wilcox, founder of the PA Mushroom Company, is here to share his tips for finding and identifying a few more coveted edible delicacies. Check out our website to see pictures of Espo’s favorite mushrooms, plus more resources for beginners. Learn more about our sponsor, the Pittsburgh Opera, present...
Apr 18, 2024•23 min
With the weather warming, crossing a bridge doesn’t feel quite so impossible. So if you want to go out and party this weekend, where should you go? Pittsburgh has options — Spirit, Belvedere’s, Cavo, and Club VIP — but the ‘Burgh used to have way more nightclubs that catered to a wider diversity of party-goers. We’re with City Paper’s Colin Williams about what happened to Pittsburgh’s nightlife scene. **This episode originally published on January 10, 2024. Keep up with the pop-up parties by fol...
Apr 17, 2024•15 min
It’s a Presidential election year, and there are a bunch of state and local elections to watch for, too. But before November, we need to get through the primary on April 23! City Cast’s Megan Harris & Mallory Falk are talking through a few key races, plus what’s at stake next week. Check your polling place here, and learn more about the candidates via our Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. Take Spotlight PA’s candidate quiz, and watch WPXI’s debate between Summer Lee and Bhavini Patel for more on th...
Apr 16, 2024•24 min
There’s a difference between spaces that allow our best pals and the ones that are truly dog friendly. Pet expert Tori Mistick of WearWagRepeat is with us to share her favorite local spots for a paw-fect Pittsburgh day — plus how to pack ahead, what to consider about temperament and environment, and the quick rules for her newly christened four-paw rating system. **This episode originally published on August 1, 2023. Learn more about our sponsor, the Pittsburgh Opera, presenting The Passion of M...
Apr 15, 2024•17 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! Pittsburgh Public Schools is suing Allegheny County to try and force a countywide property reassessment, and we’re breaking down why. The city’s expanding its deer management program, so look out for a call for more archers. Plus, the team’s talking about all the effort that goes into flood clean-up and sharing a couple ways to celebrate 412 Day. Have any questions about property reassessments? Let us know, and your question might get answered in an upcoming episode...
Apr 12, 2024•32 min
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. Need even more recommendations for munchies? Check out last year’s 420 episode, and if you need help navigating The Open Road, listen to our interview with owner Mel Babitz. Catch up on the push for recreational marijuana l...
Apr 11, 2024•21 min
Will construction ruin your commute? PennDOT recently announced new projects in the Pittsburgh area, and the City Cast Pittsburgh team is breaking down what improvements are coming to our roads and bridges. Plus, we’ve got updates on how to get around now that the Mon Incline is closed – again. We always cite our sources: PennDOT listed what construction projects are coming up and what projects are wrapping up in the Pittsburgh region. The Pittsburgh Union Progress reporter Ed Blazina wrote abou...
Apr 10, 2024•18 min
Kennywood opens for the season on April 20th. To celebrate, we’re revisiting highlights from our conversation with local historian Mark Houser ahead of the amusement park’s 125th birthday last year. 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 Pit...
Apr 09, 2024•16 min
We’re heading into peak real estate season at a time when interest rates are really high – so what does that mean for homebuyers in Pittsburgh? Local real estate broker Jessica Baker joins us to share tips for buyers and sellers and talk about which pockets of the city are still somewhat affordable. Plus, host Megan Harris puts Jessica to the test and sees how she would describe some zanier home features…as seen on Zillow. Check out our previous conversation with Jessica to learn whether Pittsbu...
Apr 08, 2024•22 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit joins the team to talk about how AI is changing the local real estate market – and what it was like to take a virtual reality tour of an iconic Pittsburgh mansion. We also discuss shifting norms around funerals and burials as the Pittsburgh region becomes less religious, and the city’s latest push to hire enough lifeguards to open our pools this summer. We always cite our sources: Read Meg’s reporting about the rise in non-religio...
Apr 05, 2024•29 min
It is Producer Sophia Lo’s birthday! To celebrate, we’re rounding up some of the best birthday freebies and discounts in Pittsburgh, from sweet treats to full meals. Have a favorite local freebie that we didn’t mention? Let us know, and your answer might be featured on the show! Call or text us at 412-212-8893. Learn more about our sponsor, Hotel Indigo Pittsburgh-Oakland, and their upcoming Comedy Showcase in the Jones & Laughlin Ballroom. Tickets for Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. are on ...
Apr 04, 2024•20 min
It’s the case of the missing bobbleheads: thousands of miniature Jaromir Jagrs were stolen last month! How does that even happen? With the help of our friend Rob Rossi, senior writer at The Athletic, we’re breaking 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 and find out how you can claim your bobblehead if you received a voucher. Learn more about our sponsor, Hotel Indigo Pittsburgh-Oakland, and their upcomin...
Apr 03, 2024•16 min
Have businesses actually stopped giving out plastic bags since a citywide ban went into effect? A new report from PennEnvironment provides a first look at compliance rates. Plus, a new documentary looks at the Black birthing experience in Pittsburgh – at the same time the state is expanding access to doulas. And it turns out our city has a high percentage of pranksters (at least according to one study). We always cite our sources: Pittsburgh was rated the top Prankster City in the U.S. by casino...
Apr 02, 2024•20 min
From eclipse parties to plant sales to a “dessert beer extravaganza,” there’s plenty to keep you busy in Pittsburgh this month. The City Cast team is here to share the festivals, markets, and cookoffs that caught our eyes – and help you plan your perfect April. Here are a few of the City Casty things we mentioned in today’s show: Solar eclipse viewing at the Allegheny Observatory and Kimpton Hotel Monaco What The Muck?! at Lake Elizabeth in Allegheny Commons Dirt Day! at East End Food Co-op Plan...
Apr 01, 2024•25 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! A bridge collapsed in Baltimore — could something similar play out here? Mayor Ed Gainey’s trying, once again, to generate taxes from UPMC and other tax-exempt properties. And a new Pittsburgh-based medical drama called “The Pitt” is in the works. Plus, we’ve got some fun Easter news, a comprehensive plan update, and a very happy groundhog arrival. What very Pittsburgh storyline would you love to see from Max’s new show? Call or text us at 412-212-8893. We always ci...
Mar 29, 2024•27 min
In 2023, chef Nik Forsberg was a James Beard semi-finalist for his pop-up concept Fet-Fisk, aka greasy fish, which 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 brick-and-mortar business? Hear what he grows, how he approaches his menus, and all the plans behind Bloomfield’s newest restaurant. **This episode originally aired Thursday, March 30th, 2023. Learn more about our sponsor, the YWCA of...
Mar 28, 2024•15 min
Have you ever been frustrated by a PRT bus or train showing up late – or not showing up at all? Could new state funding lead to a stronger local transit system? We’re sitting down with Katharine Kelleman, CEO of Pittsburgh Regional Transit, to talk about plans for a bus line redesign, her goal to get more drivers behind the wheel, and what’s really going on that local buses are late one-third of the time. Learn more about our sponsor, the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh and their Racial Justice Chall...
Mar 27, 2024•20 min
The Buccos are almost back! So while you’re settling in for Opening Day this week, we’re looking to yesteryear and our beloved Pirate Parrot. The shaggy, round, lime green goofball feels 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: Adve...
Mar 26, 2024•18 min
Late last year, the Japanese company Nippon Steel announced plans to acquire an iconic Pittsburgh brand, U.S. Steel, for a staggering amount of money: nearly $15 billion. But since then, there’s been a lot of criticism – from the local steelworkers union all the way up to the White House. So what’s behind the pushback, and what’s next for U.S. Steel? Thanks to our guest, Chris Briem. Chris is a regional economist with the Urban & Regional Analysis program at the University of Pittsburgh’s Un...
Mar 25, 2024•22 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! A familiar Pittsburgh voice — former host of 90.5 WESA’s The Confluence, Kevin Gavin — joins the team to talk about where you can see local cherry blossoms, Duquesne basketball, and new West End Bridge designs that hope to “complete the loop” of Pittsburgh trails. Plus, newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco quizzes Kevin and host Megan Harris on their Mister Rogers knowledge in honor of Fred’s birthday week. We always cite our sources: Hosting NCAA Tournament games me...
Mar 22, 2024•31 min
National Cocktail Day is this Sunday, so we’re pulling up our bar stools to bask in Pittsburgh’s boozy legacy, from the Whiskey Rebellion and Prohibition to modern makers and mixers. City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco share some reader and listener favorites and introduce you to Jackworth Ginger Beer, a new brewery in Larimer that’s creating cocktails steeped in the spirits of Pennsylvania. A few previous episodes we mentioned today: Fet-Fisk chef and ...
Mar 21, 2024•21 min
