City Cast Pittsburgh

If you’re looking for a scary movie filmed (or set) in and around Pittsburgh, you’ve got a bunch to choose from. From masterpieces like “Night of the Living Dead” and “Silence of the Lambs” to lesser known, quirkier films like “Bloodsucking Pharaohs in Pittsburgh,” there’s something for almost everyone. To help you get in the Halloween spirit, the team has watched, and is ready to rate not only th...

There’s an urban legend here about a man — a spectre with a glowing green face — doomed to roam the highways of Western Pennsylvania. He may have been burned by acid or fire or lightning. The details are squishy, but the real story behind “The Monster of Beaver County” was a tragic one. City Cast’s Wil Fulton is here to explain how Charlie No-Face left an eerie mark on generations of Pittsburgh-ar...

Back by popular demand, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from across the country to talk about what stories they're watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Hear from Pittsburgh's own Megan Harris along with hosts from our daily local shows in Austin, Boise, Chicago, D.C., and Salt Lake. City Cast is now in 13 cities across the country! Joining our member comm...

It’s the Friday news roundup! There’s a big redesign coming for Pittsburgh Regional Transit, and a whole bunch of ways to let the authority know how you feel about it. We’re talking about who is — and who should be — receiving arts funding in Pittsburgh and sharing opportunities for local artists, including Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh’s call for art. Plus, we’re discussing a big baseball meetup...

If you want to kick back this weekend and make a day trip, Trace Brewing’s Aadam Soorma has got you because his love of a good beer goes well beyond the Burgh. He’s sharing his favorites all over the city, the ones he says are worth a drive, and his tips for how to have the best time with a new-to-you draft list anywhere you land. **This conversation originally published September 28, 2023. Learn...

When regular people get fired for doing something they shouldn’t, it’s usually cut and dry. Most folks don’t fight for months or years to return to their old workplace, especially if you’ve been disciplined in public. But for Pittsburgh police, it’s not only the norm, it usually comes with enormous checks for hundreds of thousands of dollars in back pay. Today we’re with Rich Lord, the managing ed...

The Steel City loves to revel in its own history, but many of those stories are rooted in colonialism and the generations of immigration that followed. Why don’t we learn more about the Indigenous peoples who preceded them? Ahead of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we’re revisiting this conversation between City Cast’s Elizabeth Kauma and Miguel Sague from the Council of Three Rivers Indian American Cente...

Pittsburgh is a big tech city, known for everything from robotics to self-driving cars. Now, thanks in part to a state tax credit program, it could also become the next hot spot for video game development. City Cast Pittsburgh producer (and devoted gamer) Sophia Lo is with Spotlight PA’s Colin Deppen to talk about what’s drawing developers to Pittsburgh and how these new studios are bringing retro...

Rodeos are coming back to the city, but no one in Harrisburg wants to claim credit for their return. Pumpkin spice coffee is apparently a Pennsylvania creation, VP candidate JD Vance had a not-great time at a local Primanti’s, and thanks to Microsoft, the nuclear power plant Three Mile Island could get new life on the electrical grid.  Plus, it’s the last day of our fall membership campaign and WE...

Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Pittsburgh and Hey Pittsburgh running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh today. Every member makes a difference! It’s always the right time to warm up at a bar with your favorite cocktail, but learn...

Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Pittsburgh and Hey Pittsburgh running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh today. Every member makes a difference! It’s spooky season, and if you’re looking for creepy merch, you probably want to head...

It’s officially October, which means it’s time to bundle up in a sweater and head out to a pumpkin patch — or dress up in an elaborate costume and sip a cocktail that looks like it’s made out of blood. Our team is sharing some of our favorite ways to enjoy Pittsburgh month, from fall hikes to haunted houses to Halloween dance parties. And if you’re looking for even more recommendations, don’t miss...

Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Pittsburgh and Hey Pittsburgh running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh today. Every member makes a difference! Debate moderators, the national press, and even the candidates themselves keep equati...

Amtrak is offering a new way for Pittsburghers to get out of town, our local zoo re-upped an important accreditation, and a bunch of Pittsburgh sports are ramping up! Plus, we’re talking about the most recent Presidential candidate visits and ways to support our local Haitian community. We always cite our sources: Amtrak has a new temporary line that’ll connect Pittsburgh to Miami and Chicago.  Th...

If you love a good beer, a good brat, a nice soft pretzel — this is your season! There are so many ways to celebrate Oktoberfest in Pittsburgh and so many places to enjoy a great German meal. Doug Heilman, host of The Pittsburgh Dish and German food connoisseur, is here to share his favorite spots in the city for schnitzel, spaetzle, and more. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership....

Political commercials are everywhere in Pennsylvania right now, to the tune of more than $430 million so far. So who’s paying for all of this, and why are they pouring so much of that money into Pittsburgh’s media market? We’re with PublicSource’s Charlie Wolfson talking about the men and masks behind the money, plus his series with WESA tracking whether the claims made in the ads themselves even...

It’s officially fall, which means leaf-peeping season is almost upon us. If you’re looking for outdoorsy autumn getaways, the City Cast Pittsburgh team has got you covered. Host Megan Harris, newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco, and producers Mallory Falk and Sophia Lo are here with our favorite trips within four hours of the ‘Burgh. **This conversation originally published September 26, 2023. Bec...

There’s so much to experience in the city – we’ve got museums, shows, sports, and more. But the price of tickets can stack up quickly if you’re going out every week. Producer Sophia Lo is telling Executive Producer Mallory Falk about all the ways we can enjoy everything Pittsburgh has to offer on a budget.  Need to grab some food while you’re out? Check out these $10 meals, and if it also happens...

It’s the Friday news roundup! After a very slow start, the Pittsburgh Land Bank is making strides and launching a new residential rehab program. Nippon Steel has extra time to make its case for buying U.S. Steel, pushing the decision until after the election. And Pittsburgh City Council is poised to add more protections for medical cannabis users… with a new big exception. We always cite our sourc...

Spotted lanternflies are appearing around the city again, but they’re not just pests! These bugs are actually changing the flavor of local honey. Plus, it’s Negroni Week, and we’re talking about the reopening of one of our favorite bakeries and a new Beetlejuice-themed diner with boozy milkshakes.  Thinking more about how to enjoy autumnal flavors? Check out our list of the best fall festivals and...

The opioid crisis has rocked Western PA, devastating our friends, neighbors and families. Now, companies like Walmart, Johnson & Johnson, and others that made, sold or distributed prescription painkillers have been ordered to pay $50 billion over 18 years to deal with the damage. Pennsylvania is supposed to eventually get more than a billion of that. But how that money will be spent — and who exac...

Heinz Ketchup has a chokehold on this city. From stadiums and museums to our own home pantries, it’s the ketchup brand on the table and in any good Pittsburghers’ fridge. We’re seeing if our team can actually tell the difference between our hometown brand and the competition. We’re pitting the local OG against a few other ketchups in a blind taste test – and hoping we don’t upset any yinzers along...

Description: Mayor Ed Gainey recently announced his bid for re-election – much earlier than expected. (After all, he can’t officially become a candidate until January.) TribLive’s Julia Burdelski joins us to talk about Gainey’s track record, why he announced so soon, and who might decide to challenge him next year. Plus, she shares what we can expect from the mayor’s office over the coming months....

It’s the Friday news roundup! A beloved South Side music venue is closing at the end of the year, so we’re remembering some of our favorite shows there. Plus, we have updates on the proposal to close 16 Pittsburgh public schools — including ways you can share your feedback — and a checklist to make sure you’re registered to vote this November. We always cite our sources: Club Cafe is closing in De...

Fall is just around the corner, and pumpkin spice has hit local menus. If you want more autumnal fun, we’re talking cozy cider and beer, apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, and even a brand new Oktoberfest, including a hard-to-imagine Ferris wheel on the Roberto Clemente Bridge. Looking for even more to do this fall? Discover the Burgh rounded up their favorite Oktoberfest celebr...