City Cast Pittsburgh

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...

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 spo...

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 g...

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 purpl...

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...

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 spon...

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...

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. Th...

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 Ar...

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 lo...

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...

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 th...

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 t...

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. A...

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...

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 soaki...

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...

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 YouTu...

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...

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 new...

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,...

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...

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 importa...

Allegheny County could have election night returns sooner than expected, thanks to pandemic-era investments in ballot sorting technology, a new design for mail-in envelopes, and an all-hands-on-deck approach to Election Day. Another feather in our cap? We’re much faster and more efficient than Philly. County communications director Abigail Gardner explains what makes us so much better than the res...

It’s the Friday news roundup! The Ferris wheel from Oktoberfest might be gone, but another one is waiting in the wings as part of the North Side’s Esplanade development. We’re talking about the final and very controversial consultants’ proposal to close over a dozen Pittsburgh schools. Plus, more public bathrooms are coming Downtown and why Schenley Park’s Columbus statue was back in the news. We...