The future of abortion access is uncertain right now. But here in Pittsburgh, there’s a small but mighty team trying to make sure people have the information and supplies they need for safe and self managed reproductive care. And they’re doing it all from a ratty old van. Thanks so much to chief van lady Alecia Ott, owner and founder of the Auto(nomous) Body Shop, and Alexa Pierce, co-founder of the Pittsburgh Abortion Access Network, now known as the Auto(nomous) Body Shop Student Vanbassador P...
Dec 03, 2024•30 min
Winter is upon us and so is the mad dash of the holidays. Whether you really like Christmas or just need to escape it all, we’ve got you covered with a ton of great free and ticketed events, delicious bites, and stunning performances all over town to help you make the most of Pittsburgh this December. Plus, make sure to check out some of the city’s holiday pop-up bars before the year ends. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welco...
Dec 02, 2024•28 min
We’re heading into a long holiday weekend, and if you’ve got family or friends in town, you might be trying to figure out what to do with them — especially if you’ve already hit some of the classics, like visiting a Carnegie museum. City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit is an expert local tour guide. She’s here to help you plan the perfect Pittsburgh itinerary, whether you’re hosting a first-time visitor or someone who comes back year after year. Check out Meg’s City Paper story about Pittsburgh b...
Nov 27, 2024•24 min
Dietary restrictions and food allergies can be a real damper on all of the delicious holiday dishes, but they don’t have to be. Pittsburgh food blogger Liz Fetchin is with us to dish on all of the allergy-friendly recipes in her new e-cookbook, An Octofree Thanksgiving. With a grocery list, timeline, and alternatives to comforting classics, Liz will have you ready to serve everyone at your table this season. Follow Liz on Instagram at @octofree and buy her e-book at https://octofree.com/shop/. *...
Nov 26, 2024•19 min
Today is Pittsburgh’s 266th birthday! Well, kind of. Mike Burke, assistant director at the Fort Pitt Museum, is here to explain how and why our city was founded, what the region was like at the time, and why so many people get our birthday wrong. Plus, he shares ways to celebrate Pittsburgh’s special day. Learn more about the sponsor of this November 25th episode: City Theatre Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morn...
Nov 25, 2024•26 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! It’s Light Up Night weekend in Pittsburgh, and we’re sharing all the things we’re excited to see, including a new themed light show on the Sister Bridges and an interactive art exhibit in Mellon Square. Pittsburgh Public Schools won’t close any district locations yet, and parents are hopeful an alternate plan could win out over a harsher one proposed this fall by consultants. Local businesses are offering free wedding services for queer couples who want to get marri...
Nov 22, 2024•27 min
We’re getting into the holiday spirits with Pittsburgh’s best, newest, and most over-the-top holiday pop-up bars. From South Side to Blawnox and especially Downtown, there’s no shortage of Christmas and winter-themed cocktails and watering holes this year. So grab your puffy coat, your silliest sweater, and maybe your rain boots – we’re going out with Discover the Burgh’s Jeremy Jones to check them all out. Plus, if you want to double check the opening dates or hours on any of the pop-ups we men...
Nov 21, 2024•19 min
We’re heading into the holiday season and that means our airport is about to get crowded. More 300,000 people are expected to fly in and out of Pittsburgh International in just the coming days — and did we mention the airport is still under construction? We’re talking about what to expect if you or a loved one are passing through PIT before the end of the year and our hacks for making your trip as smooth as possible. Plus, level up your airport knowledge by learning how to find cheap flights fro...
Nov 20, 2024•32 min
After living in Pittsburgh for more than a decade, host Megan Harris is giving herself a challenge: learn how to say one sentence in a convincing Pittsburgh accent. Actor, voice coach, and speech teacher Don Wadsworth is here to provide a Pittsburghese lesson and break down what exactly makes the dialect so distinct. **This episode originally published on November 7, 2023. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 19th episode: Handmade Arcade Luray Caverns Become a member of City Cast Pitt...
Nov 19, 2024•17 min
There’s lots to love about our city, from our beautiful parks to our stunning skyline to our tendency to put fries in salads. But we can admit Pittsburgh isn’t for everyone. If you think Mr. Rogers is creepy or like to drive on a grid, this might not be your place. Host Megan Harris is joined by Pittsburgh City Paper’s Ali Trachta and Stacy Rounds to discuss their list of the 13 people who ain’t gonna make it in Pittsburgh. If you enjoyed today's interview with Luray Caverns Director of Marketin...
Nov 18, 2024•24 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! One of the main parking groups around Acrisure Stadium is enforcing abrupt new limits on how many people can tailgate at a single parking space, and Steelers fans are not happy about it headed into the weekend’s big Ravens game. Mayor Ed Gainey released his amended draft budget, the Esplanade development got the green light from the city planning commission, the purple parking curb program is expanding, and there’s good news for some remote city employees missing a ...
Nov 15, 2024•34 min
Thanksgiving is in two weeks, and if you haven’t made dinner plans yet, there’s no need to panic. We’re talking about the best holiday takeout and catering options in Pittsburgh — whether you’re hosting a big family gathering, bringing a dish to a Friendsgiving celebration, or just want a feast for one! Whether you need some extra sides, pie, or a whole Thanksgiving feast, here’s a cornucopia of takeout options in Pittsburgh. If we missed your favorite, please let us know. Send us an email or ca...
Nov 14, 2024•18 min
It’s not raining enough!! In the city, the county, or the state, and it’s led to drought conditions just as we’re entering campfire season. City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris & Sophia Lo explain what a drought actually means here, what actions you can take or avoid, and what scientists say they’ll be looking for as climate change keeps changing Southwestern Pennsylvania. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 13th episode: Pittsburgh Opera Handmade Arcade Become a member of City Cas...
Nov 13, 2024•18 min
Sweater weather is upon us! If you’re looking for a new winter wardrobe without breaking the bank, consider shopping secondhand. Pittsburgh’s got so many thrift stores, and if you need some help getting started, thrifting expert and sustainable fashion advocate Hannah Horstmyer is joining producer Sophia Lo to share their favorite thrift shops in the city and tips for leaving with a clothing haul you’ll love. Want even more thrift shop recommendations? Check out our list for more new-to-you outf...
Nov 12, 2024•21 min
The 2024 election brought a lot of change, and not just for high-level Republicans. In a handful of states, there were also citizen-led initiatives in consideration, too. They’re sometimes called ballot questions or voter referendums, and they’re one way regular people can go around their lawmakers to pass things like recreational cannabis, abortion protections, a higher minimum wage, and more. They literally give power to the people. But those paths aren’t available to us here in Pennsylvania. ...
Nov 11, 2024•30 min
It’s a special election edition of the Friday news roundup. We’re with journalist Natalie Bencivenga and 1HOOD’s Miracle Jones to talk about the huge red wave and how conservative policies and politicians are likely to affect progressives here in Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania over the next four years. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 8th episode: Pittsburgh Opera Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh ne...
Nov 08, 2024•35 min
Donald Trump took the White House and Republicans swept races all across the state. If you live in Allegheny County, where almost 60% of registered voters cast a ballot for VP Kamala Harris, yesterday’s election results may not be what you wanted. So we’re sharing some of our favorite comfort foods around the city, whether you’re looking to eat your feelings all by yourself or share a meal with loved ones. Need even more suggestions? Check out this post in the Pittsburgh subreddit with recommend...
Nov 07, 2024•22 min
Pennsylvania and the nation turned very red last night. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is running down the Allegheny County ballot, sharing state and federal winners, how we here in Pittsburgh contributed to the final (still preliminary, not yet certified) results, and what to expect over the next few days. Find more results in today’s edition of the Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 6th episode: Pittsburgh Opera Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council Become a mem...
Nov 06, 2024•15 min
As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities. Our host, Megan Harris, joins a panel discussion with the hosts from Las Vegas, Madison, and Philly. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look inside how their cities are preparing for the presidential election and its aftermath. From a peek inside the Pennsylvania election warehouse wh...
Nov 05, 2024•28 min
It’s the day before the election, which means — if you haven’t voted yet — you are almost out of time to study up on the candidates running for office. Today we’re running through the big races you’ll see on your ballot in Pittsburgh, plus a little preview of what happens tomorrow when the polls close. Reminder, if you filled in a mail-in ballot in Allegheny County, it’s too late to bring it to the post office, so head to one of the county’s ballot return sites. If you’re showing up to the polls...
Nov 04, 2024•29 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! Pittsburgh police chief Larry Scirotto officially retires today after just 16 months on the job. We’re talking about what happened and how his new career as a college basketball referee contributed to “broken trust” between Mayor Ed Gainey and City Council. Downtown’s getting over $600 million for a makeover, but we’re not counting our development chickens just yet. And a county program to make Narcan more accessible has had some ups and downs. Plus, we’re sharing s...
Nov 01, 2024•40 min
Happy Halloween, yinz! Pennsylvania has the fourth largest candy economy in the nation, and we make a lot more than just Hershey bars. The City Cast Pittsburgh team’s being put to the test by quizmaster and contributor Kevin Gavin to see how much we know about the candies we like to claim, and we want you to play along! Learn more about the sponsors of this October 31st episode: BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Luray Caverns Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membershi...
Oct 31, 2024•31 min
The temperature is dropping, the holiday season is on the horizon — we’re officially headed into November! Our team is sharing some of our favorite spots for early holiday shopping, hacks for staying warm (and active!) outside, and the best places to get a sparkly seasonal drink or festive meal. And if you want one last day trip before winter really sets in, check out these fall getaways for soaking in the outdoors. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with epi...
Oct 30, 2024•33 min
It’s almost Halloween and to get you in the spirit, we’re bringing back two twisted local tales that date back to the Prohibition era. First, folklorist and historian David Rotenstein explores the myths behind a North Side spot known as “America’s Most Haunted House” and shares what really happened. Then, Print editor and writer Jan Kurth investigates the unsolved mystery of who’s actually buried in William Beck’s grave in Smithfield East End Cemetery. **This episode originally published October...
Oct 29, 2024•26 min
Our region’s top elected official just released a proposed budget for 2025, and it includes our first tax increase in more than a decade. We’re sitting down with County Executive Sara Innamorato to talk about why she pitched something she knows will be super unpopular, what’s at stake, and how you can get involved. You can catch all the action from past and present County Council meetings on YouTube. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 28th episode: BetterHelp - get 10% off at betterhe...
Oct 28, 2024•42 min
It’s the Friday news roundup! If you’ve tried to watch anything on TV or Youtube lately, you probably know about the U.S. Senate race between incumbent Democrat Bob Casey and Republican challenger Dave McCormick. But you may not know about three other important statewide races in Pennsylvania — for attorney general, auditor general, and treasurer. City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris is teaming up with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and SpotlightPA’s Stephen Caruso to explain why these posi...
Oct 25, 2024•35 min
It’s cozy and creepy season, so we’re sharing some frighteningly delicious Pittsburgh dishes that we’ve seen pop up on our Instagram feeds. Plus we’re saying hello to a brick-and-mortar for a favorite soup maker, a new wine bar, a cute coffee shop on the East End, and a beloved brewery’s new digs in Uptown. 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! In...
Oct 24, 2024•24 min
In an exclusive sit-down, Mayor Ed Gainey shares his outlook on the city’s 2025 budget, his own re-election campaign, and why his still new-ish police chief is making headlines for his new (old?) part time job. Some of our favorite moments include: why Gainey says he’s not worried about Act 47 why he didn’t propose a tax increase like the county did why he says the 2026 NFL Draft is worth hosting, in spite of financial turbulence why lowering the city’s homicide rate was always connected to whet...
Oct 23, 2024•36 min
The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is one of the city’s oldest and most enduring assets, and recently, they’ve been making updates to get back an accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that some in the animal world think they probably never should have dropped. We’re with zoo CEO Dr. Jeremy Goodman to talk about what the reintroduction to the AZA means for Pittsburghers, how he feels about internet famous baby animals, what happens during animal escape drills, poaching, conserva...
Oct 22, 2024•31 min
Looking to plan the perfect day at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium? CEO Jeremy Goodman’s sharing his favorite animal, the hidden gems and exhibits, the best snacks, and the souvenirs he recommends taking home. Plus, he makes a pretty compelling case for braving the cold and visiting the zoo during the winter. Missed our main ep? Check out why a newly restored accreditation with the AZA is so important to your experience at our hometown zoo. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership...
Oct 22, 2024•11 min
