It’s the Friday news roundup! Things are heating up again over the potential sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, based in Japan. As a federal review continues, President Biden looks poised to block the acquisition. Meanwhile, company executives are hosting rallies Downtown. Pittsburgh City Council signed off on a new eviction protection program for renters, former mayor Bill Peduto’s twitter got hacked, and with all the political candidates cycling through Western Pennsylvania, there were sure t...
Sep 06, 2024•33 min
Whether you need the perfect spread for an upcoming family gathering or just want a sweet treat to enjoy on a cool fall weekend, there are so many great bakeries to choose from. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is rounding up some of our favorite baked goods, from cannoli cruffins to cakes with actual teeth. Need even more sweet treats in your life? Check out our episode about the best donuts in Pittsburgh or our conversation about the history of cookie tables, where to buy cookies to bring to a we...
Sep 05, 2024•29 min
In the 1930s, renowned journalist Ernie Pyle defamed our city streets. “Pittsburgh is the cockeyedest city in the United States,” he wrote. “Physically it is absolutely irrational. It must have been laid out by a mountain goat.” If you’ve driven around the city lately, you know his assessment is still accurate. Friend of the pod and former Uber driver Jakob Lazzaro joins us to talk about why, share twelve very important rules for navigating our narrow, hilly streets, and – of course – debate the...
Sep 04, 2024•36 min
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. Fall is almost here, which means it’s time to lace up your hiking boots and grab an apple cider donut — or lace up your Ren Faire outfit and grab a turkey leg. Whether you’re into stargazing, tailgating, or harvest festivals, we’re here with tips for enjoying September. If you love our food recommendations in this episode, don’t miss our recent ...
Sep 03, 2024•33 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! As Pittsburgh gets ready to celebrate Labor Day — and host presidential hopefuls again — we’re digging into our history as the birthplace of the modern labor movement. Plus, we finally know why the Peregrine moon lander failed, but we don’t understand why Pennsylvanians aren’t claiming their Powerball money. We always cite our sources: President Biden’s been to four of our Labor Day Parades here over the past 15 years, and he’s set to come to the area this year with...
Aug 30, 2024•30 min
It’s pawpaw season in Pittsburgh, and we’re sharing everything you need to know about this tropical-tasting fruit, its native habitat, and how to forage its flavors for yourself. Plus, friend-of-the-pod Sarah McAlee (aka Brothmonger) is sharing big news for October, the beloved ice cream shop Dave & Andy’s has found new life thanks to a “sweet tooth family,” and there’s more pizza and coffee shops to check out in Pittsburgh. We hope you came hungry! Is there a new bar or restaurant you’re lo...
Aug 29, 2024•27 min
As students return to school, Pennsylvania is still facing a dire teacher shortage, and experts say there aren’t enough qualified candidates to replace everyone who’s quit or moved away. We teamed up with City Cast Philly to unpack the problem, causes, and consequences — plus, share our take on a few potential solutions. **This episode originally published August 28, 2023. We always cite our sources: Check out PA’s teacher retention data for yourself, courtesy of Penn State’s Center for Educatio...
Aug 28, 2024•20 min
Pittsburgh is known for a lot of things — steel and shale, eds and meds, bridges and ball games — but did you know that our city once had its very own “Wall Street” Downtown? Author and historian Mark Houser is here to talk about our region’s first financial district and the iconic buildings that followed, all because someone struck oil (on purpose) 165 years ago today! Want to learn more Downtown history? Sign up for one of Mark’s antique skyscrapers tours. Learn more about the sponsors of this...
Aug 27, 2024•19 min
After Pittsburgh’s immigration court closed in 2022, Casa San Jose executive director Monica Ruiz transformed her space into a makeshift courtroom, but it’s not the most sustainable solution. City Cast’s Mallory Falk, who worked reported on immigration from the the U.S.-Mexico border before coming home to Pittsburgh, sits down with Ruiz to discuss the virtual court process and the enormous stakes for people making their case to receive asylum in the U.S. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug...
Aug 26, 2024•18 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! We’re looking at both national political conventions to see how Pennsylvanians talked about local issues and celebrating the golden anniversary of an iconic Pittsburgh landmark. Plus, Covid cases are on the rise, and Giant Eagle is dropping GetGo — but another bird is swooping in. We always cite our sources: Giant Eagle is dropping GetGo but the new owners, Couche-Tard, will keep the myPerks loyalty program. Covid cases are on the rise in Pgh and elsewhere, and the ...
Aug 23, 2024•38 min
Eating out can get expensive fast! Thankfully, there are still a bunch of affordable and local bites all around Pittsburgh. And we’re not talking about buying a single slice of pizza. We’ve got recommendations for breakfast biscuits, sit-down meals, and sushi — all for $10 or less. Have another cheap meal you love? Let us know! Call or text us at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsors of this August 22nd episode: U.S. Steel Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh a...
Aug 22, 2024•21 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. **This episode originally air...
Aug 21, 2024•20 min
If you’ve ever wanted to visit a Mormon temple before it’s closed to the public, now is your chance! A new temple just opened in Cranberry and guests can get a glimpse inside for a limited time. Host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo explain why this kind of access is so rare. Plus, they discuss what to do if a low-flying plane drops some treats in your neighborhood (TLDR: steer clear, they’re rabies vaccines for racoons!) and predict when and whether the Three Rivers Regatta could make a triu...
Aug 20, 2024•27 min
Welcome to Steel Stories by U.S. Steel. This is a special edition of "Steel Stories by U. S. Steel" podcast. Tune in to get the inside scoop on the acquisition of U. S. Steel by Nippon Steel and what it means for our community. Hear from David Burritt, President and CEO of U. S. Steel, and Takahiro Mori, Vice Chairman of Nippon Steel to learn how this historic move is set to drive growth right here in Pittsburgh and across the U.S. Catch more episodes of Steel Stories on all major podcast platfo...
Aug 19, 2024•29 min
Pittsburgh Public Schools released a penny-pinching plan that could drastically change our public school system. From building closures and consolidations to separating kids by age groups and changing magnet programs, the recommendations are sweeping and there’s not much time for stakeholders to weigh in. We’re with PublicSource’s Lajja Mistry and WESA’s Jillian Forstadt to explain what we know so far and how you can get involved. Read their great reporting series PPS’ Path Forward and share you...
Aug 19, 2024•20 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! Freelancer and City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit joins City Cast’s Megan Harris and Mallory Falk to talk about increased tourism in the Strip District and Downtown and a new state law that could lead to more armed security guards in schools. Plus, they share their astonishment over how much trash is in our rivers and learn about a famous Pittsburgh architect whose mid-century modern dream homes are on the market (for enormous price tags). We always cite our source...
Aug 16, 2024•32 min
Pittsburgh Coffee Week just announced their dates for the fall, and in the meantime, the team is excited about some of the latest developments in the city’s coffee scene, from new stores to end-of-summer specials. Host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo share some of the spots they’re most excited to try. Plus, they try to make sense of the sudden closure of 40 North — the restaurant attached to City of Asylum. Check out Pittsburgh Summer Restaurant Week specials here. Learn more about the spon...
Aug 15, 2024•19 min
Fall is a big rental season in Pittsburgh — it’s the start of the school year, after all — but how can you tell whether that spot you’re eyeing will be the perfect new home or the apartment from hell? Adam DiBuo with Neighborhood Legal Services is sharing an essential checklist to help you sort through the details before you sign a lease. Plus, stick around for what to do if things with your landlord ever go south. This episode originally aired May, 15, 2024. Become a member of City Cast Pittsbu...
Aug 14, 2024•24 min
In Pennsylvania, it’s easier to buy an assault rifle than a handgun thanks to a loophole in our state law – one that’s come under increased scrutiny since the assassination attempt at the Trump rally in Butler last month. Venuri Siriwardane, health reporter for PublicSource, joins executive producer Mallory Falk to Pennsylvania’s gun laws and loopholes, plus the push to create more statewide gun safety measures. You can read Venuri’s reporting on state gun laws in PublicSource. Learn more about ...
Aug 13, 2024•18 min
National Thrift Shop Day is this Saturday, so if you need a refresh for your fall wardrobe, it’s the perfect time to start looking for new outfits. Buying second hand can be tricky – it’s hard to figure out which shops have the best items to suit your style, how to sort through all the clothes, and how to tell if something fits without a dressing room. Thrifting expert and sustainable fashion advocate Hannah Horstmyer joins producer Sophia Lo to share their favorite thrift shops in the city and ...
Aug 12, 2024•21 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! Kamala Harris made her pick for vice president and it’s not our governor. We’re talking about what’s next for Josh Shapiro – plus what to make of JD Vance’s first campaign stop in Pennsylvania – with Kim Lyons, editor of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. We also check in on a Pittsburgh-based company that’s raising millions to launch driverless trucks in Texas, and ask whether Neftlix’s Unsolved Mysteries reboot could help solve a Beaver County cold case. We always cit...
Aug 09, 2024•34 min
A lot of us find comfort in cooking shows, but today we’re getting off the couch and going behind the scenes with a Pittsburgher who actually competed in one. Home cook Doug Heilman is bringing local dishes to the latest season of The Great American Recipe. He tells us how much prep time contestants really get, who washes the dishes, and how the Steel City inspired all of his delicious-looking food. Will Doug win The Great American Recipe? Tune into the finale next Monday, August 12 to find out!...
Aug 08, 2024•21 min
If you own an old home, there might be discriminatory language in your deed barring Black people from owning the property. It’s called a racial covenant, and even though this language isn’t enforceable anymore, it’s still on the books in the subdivisions of at least a few Pittsburgh neighborhoods — and especially in our suburbs. Local writer and historian David Rotenstein joins us to talk about what got us here, and a new law that could help homeowners address these ugly remnants of the past. Yo...
Aug 07, 2024•24 min
A local teacher was left out of America’s latest prisoner swap with Russia, but his family isn’t giving up. Seven vending machines filled with free Narcan are popping up across the county, and Pittsburgh’s alcohol-free scene is more vibrant than ever. Plus, how a certain mayor added to the VP announcement drama. We always cite our sources: The mayor of Philadelphia posted a video last week calling for people to support “vice president Josh Shapiro,” but one source said this isn’t a formal announ...
Aug 06, 2024•17 min
Pennsylvania’s getting millions from the federal government to build hydrogen hubs in the hopes of creating an energy source that’s cleaner than fossil fuels. Our state lawmakers think it’s a pretty good deal, but some environmental groups worry that without the right regulations in place, these hubs won’t actually be as environmentally-friendly as they seem. Now that the first phase of an Appalachian hub is kicking off, we’re revisiting our episode from last fall about the potential and pitfall...
Aug 05, 2024•16 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! We’ve got the latest on Pittsburgh’s so-called “jock tax,” how Pennsylvanians are showing out in the Paris Olympics, and what we know about a Pittsburgh-area teacher who was left off an historic prisoner swap with Russia. Plus, we’re checking in on the Trump rally investigation and decoding Kamala Harris’ choice to introduce her vice presidential pick in Philly next week. We always cite our sources: Pittsburgh’s “jock tax” is headed to the state Supreme Court. Kamal...
Aug 02, 2024•22 min
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. It’s officially August and there is so much to do in and around the city, from kayaking under a meteor shower to catching live music in a city park. The City Cast team is sharing our recommendations for making the most of Pittsburgh this month, whether you’re looking for a festival dedicated to banana splits or a chance to see the Steelers pract...
Aug 01, 2024•27 min
Have a birthday coming up? Producer Sophia Lo rounded up some of the best birthday freebies and discounts for her birthday, and we’re bringing you all the local restaurant loyalty programs you need to sign up for so you can celebrate your big day with sweet treats and even full meals. Have a favorite local freebie that we didn’t mention? Let us know, and your answer might be featured on the show! Email us at pittsburgh@citycast.fm. Learn more about the sponsors of this July 31st episode: Pittsbu...
Jul 31, 2024•15 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...
Jul 30, 2024•24 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...
Jul 29, 2024•22 min
