City Cast Pittsburgh

Is Pittsburgh's beer scene in trouble? Earlier this year, Fat Head's closed down, and now both Penn Brewery and the Abbey on Butler have filed for bankruptcy. With these beloved spots in limbo and Voodoo Brewing hitting the brakes on their once-rapid expansion, we're wondering if this signals a bigger shift in our brewhouse culture. Host Megan Harris is with City Cast's Owen Gabbey to explain what...

Pittsburgh recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city possibly have enough water for its year-round tourists, a metro area population of over 2 million, and all those pools? The process just might be grosser than you think. With innovative recycling, strict lawn rules, and infrastructure to monitor it all, Vegas h...

It's been a big week for Pittsburgh public hearings! People turned out to share their passionate takes on the city's revised affordable housing bill, the county's paid parental leave proposal, and a debate about whether to keep Serpentine Drive in Schenley Park car-free. Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo, and contributor Colin Williams dig into the debates. Plus, we share the best local spots...

Pittsburgh's ice cream and soft serve shops are opening for the season! Host Megan Harris is with City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit, and Meg's sharing which spots have the best soft serve, custard, hard scoops, and more. Plus, she's making the case for why it's always essential to visit Page's — even if it means waiting in line below the drippy bridge.  And if you're vegan or lactose intolerant,...

If your summer bucket list involves exploring more of Pittsburgh, consider making a visit to a set of our city steps, aka our first form of mass transit. Pittsburgh has the most public staircases in the U.S., but cataloging and preserving them is a relatively new priority. We're revisiting our conversation (and city step tour!) with the three authors of City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide,...

Heinz ketchup has a chokehold on Pittsburgh. From stadiums and museums to our own home pantries, it’s the brand on the table and in any good Pittsburghers’ fridge. But does Heinz actually taste better than the competition? Host Megan Harris put the City Cast Pittsburgh team to the test with a blind ketchup taste test, comparing Pittsburgh’s hometown favorite against several rival brands.  **This c...

Summer in Pittsburgh means neighborhood festivals, yard sales, and so much more! This June, we're checking out movie series, signing up for summer reading programs, and celebrating Pride and Juneteenth. Plus, we're emceeing a 100th birthday party for the Andy Warhol Bridge! And if summer reading is on your list too, don't miss our episode about all the other cool things you can borrow with your li...

Where would Pittsburgh be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran about how Chicago’s libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry ins...

After almost three years of debates and hearings, the Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted to close nine school buildings and make other big changes to the district. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Colin Williams are taking their questions about what's next to James Fogarty, the executive director of A+ Schools. Then, Megan, Mallory, and Colin dig into the late...

Want to get a little ambitious with your backyard this summer? Maybe you're thinking of getting a beehive or some chickens, or you've decided that this is the year to install a deck, sauna, or pool. Before you go to Home Depot or call a contractor, we're here to help you brush up on Pittsburgh's rules on everything from how many animals you can keep to when you need a permit. We're bringing back a...

Looking for a low-cost, easy getaway this summer? Look no further than Cleveland! From free art to giant pastrami sandwiches, there's a lot to enjoy just across state lines. We're revisiting host Megan Harris' conversation with City Cast contributors Colin Williams and Meg St-Esprit about all the sights the 'Land has to offer, plus sharing listener recommendations for making the most of the City o...

Love Indian food, but want to indulge beyond butter chicken and naan? You're in luck! City Cast contributor Aakanksha Agarwal is joining host Megan Harris to talk about the diversity of Indian cuisine, recommend her favorite local restaurants and food trucks, and share the best dishes to add to your repertoire. Plus, she brings some hot takes about Indian buffets. Whether you're looking to expand...

A new iteration of Pittsburgh’s contentious inclusionary zoning policy is headed back to the City Planning Commission. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are with contributor Colin Williams to talk about how we got here and what we expect at the public hearing June 2. Plus, primary election results, a new baby lion, and our hopes for the NFL Draft clock.  Stick around for the members-only segm...

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Megan beat...

Allegheny County could become the first in the U.S. to require 18 weeks of paid parental leave for all employees. County Executive Sara Innamorato tells host Megan Harris why she thinks it would improve outcomes for both growing families and the county's economy. Plus, hear how taxes helped land the new Loews hotel (20 years in the making!!), how we snatched someone’s headquarters from New Jersey,...

It's primary election day! Local voters are being asked to weigh in on one ballot measure: If Pittsburgh loses its print newspapers, should the city be allowed to post some public hearing notices online instead? Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk explain what's behind this measure, the arguments for and against it, and why it matters. (Spoiler: It's about the future of local jou...

Measles is on the rise across the U.S., and experts say outbreaks aren't hypothetical anymore. At least 40,000 PA students are missing required vaccines, and many schools have dropped below the 95% herd immunity threshold that helps stop epidemic-like spread. (Some Pittsburgh-area schools are dangerously low in the 70% range.) Why are districts letting kids attend school without vaccines or valid...

Would Pittsburgh be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more than 500 automated traffic enforcement cameras — including a single camera that issued $9 million in tickets. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host Bridget Todd about how these cameras work, the congressional scrutiny they've been get...

Allegheny County Council is taking steps to oust Pat Catena as the group's president, after his campaign sent out a mailer claiming his opponent is "supported by an extreme left group that advocates for transgender athletes in our sports." Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams discuss the latest, plus the county's attempts...

City Controller Rachael Heisler has been sounding the alarm on Pittsburgh's budget for actual years, and her latest report shows the city overspent by almost $45 million in 2025. How did we get here, and what can we do to get on better financial footing? Heisler joins host Megan Harris to explain why Act 47 isn’t in the cards and what it'll take to get our revenue on track. Notes and references fr...

Got a big birthday coming up? Sure, you could make a fancy dinner reservation, but there are so many more exciting ways to celebrate. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing recommendations for marking you milestone birthday in style, from a tiki cruise down the Allegheny River to sleepover at a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, May 13th episode: AIDS Free...

Let's be honest, the Pirates aren't always the main draw at PNC Park. Many of us go for the views, the pierogi race, and inventive ballpark food. So what's worth trying this season? Axios Pittsburgh's Ryan Deto and Alexis Johnson sampled the stadium's new offerings. They join host Megan Harris to share their picks for the best (and worst) new fare, from chipped ham fries and a foot-long corn dog t...

Our primary election is just around the corner on May 19, so it feels like a good time to take stock of how well our voting process actually works. There are lots of ideas for improving elections here in Pennsylvania, from opening our primaries to making Election Day a holiday. Host Megan Harris joins State Rep. Chris Rabb and Armin Samii, a volunteer with March on Harrisburg, to discuss some prop...

Pittsburghers, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number of tourists coming to town for World Cup games and semiquincentennial events, so the city is allowing its bars to stay open until 4 a.m. during most of June and July. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri about the city’...

Gov. Josh Shapiro is suing Character. AI, saying its chatbots are posing as doctors and offering medical advice. Executive producer Mallory Falk, producer Sophia Lo, and contributor Colin Williams dig into the jaw-dropping details from the lawsuit. Plus, we talk about a new teen curfew at Market Square, staffing cuts at the Post-Gazette, an exciting summer music festival lineup, and the city's pla...