Happy Pride, Pittsburgh! There's a party for everyone, no matter how you want to celebrate. This weekend, you can join in the Pride March and Parade (wave if you see City Cast Pittsburgh!), attend Pride Prom, or catch the "Gloves and Glitter" drag softball game. Producer Sophia Lo is with QBurgh's Jeff Freedman and Jim Sheppard to talk about how they're approaching Pride Month and share etiquette for everything from jumping into the parade to tipping at local drag shows. Find and submit more LGB...
May 27, 2025•29 min
You better think twice before grabbing your cell phone on PA roads. New distracted driving rules take effect in June, and you could face $200 in fees if you get caught texting or talking — even while stopped at a red light. City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris & Sophia Lo share some new news about the mayoral election (turnout wasn’t all bad?); why the South Side was transformed into an 1800s movie set (and how you can get involved); why Dick’s Sporting Goods is on a spending spree (sneakers ...
May 23, 2025•40 min
It's the start of Gemini season! And maybe you don't lean that hard into your astrological sign, but if this is your birthday month, you should at least take advantage of all the freebies you can get. To help you celebrate, we're bringing back producer Sophia Lo's deep dive into Pittsburgh’s best local deals on birthday meals and desserts. **This episode originally published April 4, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 22nd episode: Pittsburgh Pride Heinz History Center Bike PGH Beco...
May 22, 2025•16 min
Corey O'Connor won the Democratic primary — beating out incumbent mayor Ed Gainey. It's the second time in a row a challenger has defeated a sitting mayor, and O'Connor's almost guaranteed to win in November since the city hasn't elected a Republican mayor in nearly a century. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is running through the mayoral race and the rest of the primary results, including a school board race that's still too close to call. Notes and references from today’s show: 2025 Municipal Pr...
May 21, 2025•29 min
Thanks to a quirk of Pennsylvania law, our 67 counties can’t start counting mail-in ballots until the polls open on election day. So while the rest of us head off to our respective polling places, everyone from the medical examiner to the street sweepers will be in a North Side warehouse opening envelopes and tallying up the votes. County communications director Abigail Gardner is here to explain what happens behind the scenes on election night and when we might know who wins, plus why Pittsburg...
May 20, 2025•16 min
A few weeks ago, New York Magazine dropped a bombshell story about U.S. Sen. John Fetterman — how the Democrat’s behavior has grown increasingly erratic, worrying many of his staff members and even prompting fights with his wife, Gisele. City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris and Mallory Falk talk about the story and all the reporting that’s popped since, plus what we know about how Pittsburgh voters are reacting. Notes and references from today’s show: Did Fetterman Dupe Progressives? [City Cast P...
May 19, 2025•25 min
Bad news this week for recreational cannabis fans, but good news for Steel Curtain stans. Kennywood’s newest steel coaster will open Memorial Day weekend, driverless trucks made in Pittsburgh are hitting Texas highways, there’s more pothole drama at Pittsburgh Mills mall, and the Pittsburgh Zoo has unveiled its giraffe enclosure renovations. Plus, we’re talking about why a few state bills — cannabis, school vouchers, early voting — can’t get off the ground, and whether we all have Max’s hit seri...
May 16, 2025•32 min
Rockaway Pizzeria is finally up and running at its new shop in Regent Square! We've also got new restaurants serving up hot dogs and burgers, all-you-can-eat-sushi, and pistachio lattes that you can order late into the night. Plus, Pittsburgh's celebrating its first Vegan Restaurant Week, so don't miss out on limited-time special menus and discounts. Still hungry for more recommendations? Check out these food festivals through early June. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 15th episode: P...
May 15, 2025•27 min
Pittsburgh Regional Transit is proposing huge cuts to our bus and T-line systems. The authority says it's been responsible — made hard cuts and budgeted well over the years — but needs more from the state to overcome a projected $100 million deficit. PRT's Adam Brandolph explains how we got here, what moves they've been making behind the scenes, and how you can get involved. Want to make your voice heard? We’ve got some links to get you started. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 13th epi...
May 14, 2025•30 min
The primary election is coming up on May 20 — and today is the deadline to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot. If you've waited until the last minute to check out what's actually on your ballot, the City Cast Pittsburgh team has you covered! We're running through the candidates and questions you'll see in the voting booth, what's at stake, and how to cast your ballot in Allegheny County. Find your polling place here, and get a preview of your ballot from the county. Plus, double check voter ...
May 13, 2025•33 min
Pittsburgh just went through a really bad storm — some of us went without power for a week — and our leaders declared disaster emergencies to get us extra help. But one of the key agencies that steps in after natural disasters is facing an uncertain future. President Trump just fired the head of FEMA and replaced him with someone who has no disaster response experience. We're bringing back host Megan Harris' conversation with Inside Climate News report Kiley Bense to discuss what it means for ou...
May 12, 2025•22 min
Officials say the raid at P*Town last weekend was an occupancy check — one they seemingly failed and which could put their liquor license in jeopardy. We're in the last stretch of the mayoral primary, and we’re talking about the group chat supporting incumbent Ed Gainey, a union call to remove the mayor’s COO for alleged anti-police bias, and criticism of Corey O’Connor for leaving a candidate forum early to attend a fundraiser. Plus, a famous Andy Warhol print seems to have ended up in Dutch tr...
May 09, 2025•40 min
This weekend, treat your mom, caretaker, or even yourself to brunch! Whether you want dippy eggs and homefries or a towering stack of pancakes, there's a spot in the city for you. City Cast's Megan Harris, Mallory Falk, and Francesca Dabecco are running through some of their favorite brunch menus and which dishes they recommend, plus the places they can't wait to try next. Want the shortlist? Here are the four brunches we just don't want to live without. Learn more about the sponsors of this May...
May 08, 2025•29 min
When you think of a food tour in Pittsburgh, you might picture bar crawls on the South Side or Friday pierogi around Lent. But there is another, more nuanced way to taste our region — by following one of PA Tourism’s six official culinary trails. These curated road trips include lots of tasty stops and local history, including boozy options, overnight stays, and family-friendly inspiration. Food historian Mary Miller, the mastermind behind several of our state trails, shares her inspiration and ...
May 07, 2025•21 min
The Esplanade development project planned for the North Side is inching closer to fruition, but it could be 10 years before the multi-phase plan — including everything from a Ferris wheel to a marina — takes its final form in Chateau. Turning a partially empty space into a busy, beautiful waterfront site is exciting for many, but it also raises questions about whether existing neighbors can grow in tandem with its success. We’re bringing back a conversation with PublicSource’s Rich Lord and Eric...
May 06, 2025•27 min
Four candidates are running to lead Pittsburgh, and we're asking each of them why they think they're the right person for the job. This week, Host Megan Harris is talking to Tony Moreno, a retired police detective who served for more than 20 years. He's making his second consecutive bid for mayor. This is the final installment in our "Mayoral Mondays" series. Listen to our previous installments: Incumbent Democrat Ed Gainey Democratic challenger Corey O'Connor Republican business owner Thomas We...
May 05, 2025•53 min
Thousands of people are still without power after a big storm blew through the Pittsburgh region. City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Meg St-Esprit are sharing the latest on the recovery efforts. Plus, they're discussing the return of a certain giant duck and a beloved music venue, marathon lore, and sad news for anyone who associates summer in Pittsburgh with the Point State Park Fountain. Notes and references from today’s show: Emergency dec...
May 02, 2025•46 min
If you're into weird Pittsburgh history, women's soccer, or local music, this is the month for you! The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing our favorite ways to explore the city in May, from snagging a free beer on your bike ride to work to trying strawberry pretzel salad-inspired dishes. And if you're looking for even more to do this spring, check out our roundup of the best food and drink festivals. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and arti...
May 01, 2025•37 min
The mayoral primary is right around the corner, but just because you're registered to vote doesn't mean you'll get to choose a candidate. Pennsylvania is one of only 10 states with a closed primary system, which means independents and third-party voters get left out of the process. Spotlight PA's Kate Huangpu shares a few theories about why we're seeing such a sharp rise in independent voters and whether the state legislature might consider opening up our primaries. Want to learn more? Tune into...
Apr 30, 2025•20 min
It's time to grab your reusable tote bags and head over to the local farmers market! The Bloomfield Saturday Market opens this weekend — it's a go-to spot for fresh seasonal produce, artisanal cheese, and delicious baked goods. But farmers markets offer more than just goodies. They're also gathering places where you can connect with vendors to get the most out of your shopping experience. To kick off the season, we're bringing back a conversation with Christina Howell, executive director of the ...
Apr 29, 2025•25 min
Welcome back to "Mayoral Mondays!" We're asking all four mayoral candidates why they're the right person to lead Pittsburgh. This week, Host Megan Harris is talking to Thomas West, the only candidate who's a newcomer to politics. West has owned TRIM, a clothing store in Lawrenceville, for 11 years, and he's also worked as a producer for WPXI and WTAE. This episode is the third installment in our "Mayoral Mondays" series. Next week, we'll be talking to the final mayoral candidate, former police o...
Apr 28, 2025•48 min
What will it take to get a grocery store downtown? Maybe Gov. Josh Shapiro has ideas!! He was in town a week after the arson attack on the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion touring coffee shops and other pop-up businesses as part of a collection of incentive programs championed by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, which is hoping to fill space in over 60 vacant retail spaces between now and next year’s NFL Draft. Halfway through our Mayoral Mondays series, we’re taking stock of Pittsburgh’s pri...
Apr 25, 2025•40 min
The hottest new medical drama is set in Pittsburgh! Max's "The Pitt" just wrapped its first season, which follows a 15-hour shift at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center (aka Allegheny General Hospital). But just how "Pittsburgh" is the show? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing our favorite local homages and Easter eggs, guessing which neighborhoods the characters might live in, and discussing the authenticity of nurse Dana's yinzer accent. Plus, a local healthcare worker tells us...
Apr 24, 2025•49 min
This past weekend, Pittsburghers had a lot to celebrate. Easter, Passover, and of course, the other high holy day: 4/20. And we like to think that some of our state lawmakers got in on the fun too! A couple of representatives, including Pittsburgh rep. Emily Kinkead, wrote a new memo about how recreational cannabis could get legalized. This debate over legalization has come up over and over again here in Pennsylvania, so we're revisiting host Megan Harris' conversation with SpotlightPA reporters...
Apr 23, 2025•30 min
It's spring market and festival season! There are so many great options around town, from crop swaps to vintage clothing markets to a donut-fueled bike fest. Host Megan Harris and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco are sharing their favorites, including a market where everything — and we mean everything — is free. Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at...
Apr 22, 2025•31 min
There are four candidates in Pittsburgh's mayoral race, and we're asking each person why they think they're the right person to lead our city. This week, Host Megan Harris is talking with Corey O'Connor. He's served as Allegheny County Controller — the county’s top financial watchdog — since 2022, and was an elected member of City Council for over 10 years in District 5. He's also the son of our late former Mayor Bob O'Connor. This is the second installment of our "Mayoral Mondays" series. Stay ...
Apr 21, 2025•58 min
What exactly is a data center, and why does Pittsburgh have so many? We're sharing the latest on the arson attack against Gov. Josh Shapiro at the official mansion in Harrisburg; why the two men who jumped off PPG Place didn't break any records; and how you can (hopefully) get your Bucco Brick replaced by the Pirates. Plus, the city is considering expanding paid sick leave, and the ACLU is suing the University of Pittsburgh over alleged violations of students' First Amendment rights. Thanks to A...
Apr 18, 2025•39 min
Pittsburgh has 176 parks, and each one offers something special. City Cast producer Sophia Lo is with Matthew Hileman, the director of operations and visitor engagement at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, to talk about the best parks for gorgeous views, a romantic date night, birdwatching, and more. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 16th episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% off Franklin Street Market Liberty Magic Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.c...
Apr 17, 2025•27 min
Pittsburgh's wine scene is growing and improving, thanks to dedicated sommeliers, importers, and educators. Whether you're a newbie or a wine connoisseur, there's a spot for you to soak in the vibes while sipping from a fancy stemmed glass. Host Megan Harris is running through a few of our region's best wine bars with Discover the Burgh's Jeremy Jones and culinary educator Kanika Rautji, aka The Indian Somm. And if you don't even know where to get started, Kanika's got a few questions to help yo...
Apr 16, 2025•30 min
Pittsburgh is a prideful place. The skyline, the pierogi, the claim to ketchup development and the steel that built the U.S.! But if you're the kind of person who enjoys sunshine or thinks Mr. Rogers is creepy, we might not be the place for you. Host Megan Harris is with Pittsburgh City Paper’s Ali Trachta and Stacy Rounds to talk about the 13 people who ain’t gonna make it in Pittsburgh. **This episode originally aired November 18, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 14th episode:...
Apr 15, 2025•20 min
