The retail giant Walmart bought the Monroeville Mall, and while it’s not clear what their plans are for the property, the mall holds a very important place in the hearts of George Romero fans who hope at least part of the building gets preserved. Host Megan Harris is with Axios Pittsburgh reporter Chrissy Suttles to talk about why the Monroeville Mall is an important zombie landmark and how folks are planning to honor our local film legacy for years to come. Learn more about the sponsors of this...
Mar 05, 2025•22 min
While families all over our region try to make sense of big, potential funding cuts to local schools, it’s also not clear how refugee children and parents — many already in our region — will fare, thanks to freezes in federal resettlement money. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is talking about how folks have stepped up and ways you can funnel your frustration into some great local organizations, including a new, (free!) thrift store serving our LGBTQ community. Have another group that should go on...
Mar 04, 2025•23 min
We’re breaking all kinds of records lately… but not good ones. This January was the hottest one on record, and last year, Pennsylvania had an increasing number of tornadoes. These severe weather events mean more disasters, and the state can’t always handle the aftermath alone. Host Megan Harris is with Inside Climate News reporter Kiley Bense to discuss what it means for Pennsylvania to face more threats from climate change as Trump considers cutting FEMA. Learn more about the sponsors of this M...
Mar 03, 2025•22 min
After two rounds of deer culling in a few city parks, archers have provided thousands of venison meals, but it turns out, that’s not enough to keep the animal population at bay. We’re talking about how and why guns are getting added to the mix. Pittsburgh Public Schools announced the next phase in proposed school closures, Steelers players reported another round of failing grades in the annual union report card, and we still have not recovered from a recent police substation press conference tha...
Feb 28, 2025•38 min
Whether you love fish fries, book fairs, or the St. Patrick’s Day parade, there’s much to do in and around Pittsburgh this month. We’re sharing some of our favorite events and activities, from outdoor dance parties to a gumbo fest. And if you want to learn more about where to snag the perfect fish sandwich, check out our episode about the ultimate Pittsburgh fish fry map. 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...
Feb 27, 2025•31 min
Have you ever been in a situation where your boss or landlord is doing something shady — maybe even discriminatory — and you don’t know what to do? There’s an office in Pittsburgh that can help if you feel like you’re being discriminated against. The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations has been around since before the Civil Rights Act, and their investigations yield real, enforceable results. Executive director Rachel Shepherd and deputy director Chris Soult join us to talk about their work...
Feb 26, 2025•32 min
Pittsburgh Public Schools is facing a lot of big questions: Does it need to close schools due to lower enrollment and, if so, how many? Is federal funding about to disappear under the Trump administration? What does it take to build a district where every student has the same opportunities to thrive? District superintendent Wayne Walters joins us to share his vision for the district and talk about how he’s navigating a constantly-shifting education landscape. Learn more about the sponsors of thi...
Feb 25, 2025•36 min
Planning a spring break trip or just need a weekend away from the cold? You don’t need to splurge to take your dream vacation, at least for your flight. Travel expert and Going founder Scott Keyes is sharing his top tips for finding cheap flights out of Pittsburgh International Airport. **This episode originally aired on July 17, 2024. If you enjoyed today's interview with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Director of Audience Experience, Erin Lynn, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of ...
Feb 24, 2025•30 min
It’s been another frigid week, and while we’ve got plenty of salt to melt the ice, not all of Pittsburgh’s snowplows are out on the roads. In fact, do we even know how many snowplows are in the city? Big upgrades at our sports stadiums should be helping our tourism numbers, and we’re thinking about Penguins broadcaster Mike Lang. Plus, a lawsuit is bringing Novo Asian Food Hall vendors away from the food court and into the courtroom. Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo, and City Cast Pittsburg...
Feb 21, 2025•40 min
The family behind one of Pittsburgh’s favorite treats is celebrating 150 years of baking in the Burgh. To mark this tasty occasion, we’re talking about the history and future of swirl bread, why you may have seen it on QVC of all places, and the delicious new ways you can experience Jenny Lee. And we’re doing it with the help of Scott Baker from 5 Generation Bakers — great-great grandson of the man who started it all. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 20th episode: The Frick Pittsbu...
Feb 20, 2025•19 min
It’s the most dreaded time of the year: tax season! If you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed, we’re sharing some local resources that can make the process a little less painful. Executive producer Mallory Falk and Hey Pittsburgh editor Francesca Dabecco are rounding up sites where you can get free tax prep help, explaining what you need to know about Allegheny County’s property tax increase, and sharing tips for saving money when you file. Notes and references from today’s show: Does Allegheny ...
Feb 19, 2025•18 min
Most of us know how our city got its name — from the British earl and Prime Minister William Pitt. But the spelling of Pittsburgh is far less straightforward. Over time, we’ve debated, lost, and reclaimed our H. So why was it so complicated to agree on one letter? We’re bringing back a conversation between host Megan Harris and historian and author Virginia Montanez to learn about the basic rules of how we spell things (really), why Pittsburgh was so bad at it (shocking), and how newspapermen an...
Feb 18, 2025•18 min
Pittsburgh’s winning some and losing some this week. Local history teacher Marc Fogel is finally back in the United States after being detained in a Russian prison since 2021 for medical cannabis possession. After just one year in business, Salem’s Market — the full-service grocery store in the Hill District — is abruptly closing this weekend. We’re in the final stages of Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s first draft of the bus system redesign. And we’ve got more details about the multi-million plan...
Feb 14, 2025•36 min
Valentine’s Day is almost here. It’s a time for celebrating love, eating drugstore chocolate, and (if the mood strikes) reminiscing on your worst dates. The City Cast Pittsburgh team asked YOU, our listeners, to share your most horrific stories and we’re sifting through some of our favorites. Plus, we’re sharing expert dating tips if you’re still searching for a local love match. Still need Valentine’s Day plans? Make Out Club and Dating in Pittsburgh have mixers this week! Learn more about the ...
Feb 13, 2025•30 min
Are you tired of all the dreariness and already dreaming of a spring refresh? Secondhand shopping is a great way to update your look without spending a ton of money. Thrifting expert and sustainable fashion advocate Hannah Horstmyer joins producer Sophia Lo to share their favorite thrift shops in Pittsburgh and tips for leaving with the perfect clothing haul. Want even more thrift shop recommendations? Check out our list for more new-to-you outfits. **This episode originally published August 13,...
Feb 12, 2025•21 min
There’s a big development project coming to the North Side that could include everything from a Ferris wheel to a marina. It’s called the Esplanade, and it’s being built right along the river in Chateau. The prospect of turning a partially empty space into a busy, beautiful waterfront site is exciting. But the project is also raising questions about who should be included in the development process and what can be done to ensure the people already living there don’t get priced out. PublicSource’...
Feb 11, 2025•23 min
It’s budget season in Pennsylvania! Gov. Josh Shapiro just presented his $51.5 billion plan, tapping into the commonwealth’s rainy day fund and presenting his ideas for what to do about cannabis, our aging transit systems, education, and a whole lot more. Spotlight PA’s Stephen Caruso is running through the need-to-knows, plus why Shapiro is clearly team Sheetz. Notes and references from today’s show: Shapiro renews calls for legal weed, regulated skill games in budget that would send $526M to p...
Feb 10, 2025•29 min
If you can’t bring yourself to watch the actual Super Bowl this weekend (pour one out for the Steelers!), you can at least catch some four-legged Pittsburghers in another big game. The mayoral race is looking tight — at least when it comes to fundraising. And there’s some good news from the state legislature for Pennsylvanians with food allergies. Plus, the City Cast Pittsburgh team got a special sneak peak of the new terminal at the Pittsburgh International Airport. Notes and references from to...
Feb 07, 2025•40 min
National Pizza Day is coming up on Sunday — the same day as the Super Bowl! To celebrate, we’re resharing our conversation with Dan Tallarico, Pittsburgh’s premiere pizza journalist. He’s telling us all about his favorite local spots, recommendations for specialty slices, and places worth a drive. Plus, where to get vegan pizza, classic cheese, thin or thick crusts, and even his pick for the best frozen pie. You can subscribe to Dan’s newsletter on Substack and find more of his pizza expertise o...
Feb 06, 2025•24 min
On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, just an hour from Pittsburgh. Officials initially said air and water were safe, but residents reported lots of mysterious symptoms — and they continue to worry about the long-term health effects of the vent and burn of a million pounds of toxic vinyl chloride. Julie Grant, environment and energy reporter for the Allegheny Front, explains what we do (and don’t) know about the health impact...
Feb 05, 2025•26 min
Everything is so expensive right now! It feels like you need to sell a kidney to buy a dozen eggs, and with President Trump threatening tariffs on major countries, prices could climb on everything from cell phones to tequila. If you’re looking for ways to save money without completely withdrawing from the world, you’re in luck — there are so many ways to get discounts at Pittsburgh’s cultural institutions. Whether you want to spend an afternoon wandering through an art gallery or catch a Pirates...
Feb 04, 2025•22 min
It’s been a hectic couple weeks since inauguration. President Donald Trump has issued slews of executive orders, many of them targeting our most vulnerable communities. If you’re looking for ways to support your neighbors or need support yourself, City Cast Pittsburgh contributor and socially conscious journalist Natalie Bencivenga is joining us to share ideas about where to plug in. Have another group that should go on our growing list of organizations that could use support right now? Let us k...
Feb 03, 2025•22 min
We’re celebrating Groundhog Day with a bonus episode! January included some below freezing temps, so the City Cast Pittsburgh team is hoping for an early spring. To honor the most famous rodent in the Commonwealth, we’re bringing back producer Sophia Lo’s dive into Punsutawney Phil lore. 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. Text or leave us a voicemai...
Feb 02, 2025•13 min
A toilet exploded in the City-County Building — and it might be a warning sign about other city-owned property. The Republican race for mayor is heating up for the first time in decades and we’re giving you the need-to-knows from an 11-hour planning meeting that will shape how Pittsburghers buy and rent their spaces. Plus, Mayor Ed Gainey joins us to explain exactly who’s been holding up progress on getting taxes from the city’s biggest nonprofits. Notes and references from today’s show: Moreno ...
Jan 31, 2025•32 min
Love is in the air and everyone’s going wild about a local groundhog — it’s (almost) February in Pittsburgh! There’s so much to celebrate in our city, from Valentine’s Day to Black History Month to three different soup competitions. We’re sharing our favorite ways to experience Pittsburgh this month, whether you’re looking to make your own fancy valentine or just sit back and enjoy some short films. And if you’re trying to figure out where to eat this month, check out our episode about Pittsburg...
Jan 30, 2025•30 min
It’s the first day of the Lunar New Year! To ring in the year of the snake, Producer Sophia Lo and food blogger @sopheating are sharing their go-to spots for noodles, dumplings, and more. Plus, they’re dishing about the limited-time Lunar New Year menus and events you can’t miss. Learn more about the sponsors of this January 29th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Opera Pitt Athletics Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event Become a member of Cit...
Jan 29, 2025•18 min
It’s trash day on City Cast Pittsburgh! Starting this year, you can get fined if you don’t follow the city’s trash and recycling rules, so we’re reviewing the basics and explaining what’s new. Plus, we’re sharing where you can take hard-to-recycle items like batteries and old phones and walking through some of the more surprising items you can donate. (Did you know you can bring your old glasses to the Lion’s Club?) We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you ...
Jan 28, 2025•22 min
Recreational cannabis is now legal to purchase in nearly all of our neighboring states. Can 2025 be the year that Pennsylvania decides to fully legalize as well? We’re turning to SpotlightPA reporters Ed Mahon and Stephen Caruso to figure out the political climate, the potential hurdles, and exactly how cannabis sales could even work. Like, would it mirror Pennsylvania's centralized alcohol sales? What would happen to the state’s medical program? And if legalization isn’t on the table just yet, ...
Jan 27, 2025•30 min
Pittsburgh leaders have tried (and mostly failed) to get big nonprofits like Highmark and UPMC to pay their “fair share” to the city. Now it looks like the issue may be front and center as the mayoral race heats up. Executive producer Mallory Falk and producer Sophia Lo are joined by Axios Pittsburgh’s Ryan Deto to explain why. Plus, they’re talking about a new study that says Pittsburgh has the most affordable housing market in the U.S., and indoor shortcuts you can take to escape the cold on e...
Jan 24, 2025•41 min
If you need a pick-me-up on a dreary and windy day, the solution could be a visit to one of Pittsburgh’s tea shops. The choices can be overwhelming when you’re looking at a long list, but luckily, we found a local seller with a quiz to match you to your perfect brew. Plus, we’ve got plenty of new restaurants opening up all around town — and one fried chicken chain bringing the Steelers abroad. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at city...
Jan 23, 2025•25 min
