City Cast Pittsburgh

With one look down, it’s obvious that Pittsburgh’s sidewalks need some work. The city just announced that it’s getting $3 million in state grant money for infrastructure projects, but only a small portion of it will go to toward making these paths more accessible. Newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco is talking with disability advocate and leader of Access Mob Pittsburgh, Alisa Grishman, about what...

It’s National Fragrance Day, and we’re talking niche perfumes, what they are, and why they’re having a moment right now in Pittsburgh. Producer and niche fragrance collector Elizabeth Kauma talks with lead producer Megan Harris about all of this while they try out several local fragrances.   You’ll also hear from artisanal perfumer Darren Alan, fragrance journalist Patric Rhys, and Scott Kindberg,...

Governor Josh Shapiro is a huge sports fan. He recently sat courtside at a Sixers game and cheered for the Eagles at the Super Bowl. But who paid for those tickets? City Cast’s Megan Harris chats with Stephen Caruso, capitol reporter for Spotlight PA, about the rules around gifts and campaign contributions to elected officials.  The Shapiro administration insists the governor did not violate his o...

It’s the Friday news roundup! City Cast’s Elizabeth Kauma and Megan Harris are with NHL writer Sean Gentille talking about broadcasting bankruptcies, Pittsburgh’s budding hoops dreams and who’s (not?) responsible for abandoned boats in our waterways.  Special thanks to some fun writing: Pgh Sports Now’s 13 local ties to the 2023 NCAA men’s tournament A printable bracket, in case you need to procla...

If you’re a plant-based eater in Pittsburgh, you’re probably mourning the loss of some favorite haunts. Our resident vegetarian, newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco, is here to explain what’s going on, plus recommend some new spots to help fill the void. Hungry for more? Read Kristy Locklin’s piece in Pittsburgh Magazine. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning ne...

In the first of a few debates, we consider an age-old question: Where officially is the Steel City? Midwest? East Coast? Mid-Atlantic? Or Appalachia? We’ve got two guests who each feel passionately that they know they answer. James Santelli is the communications manager for the Allegheny Regional Asset District, and Ryan Deto is a reporter for the Pittsburgh Trib. Think you know better? Call or te...

Since 1990, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History has been working to repatriate more than 700 human remains and funerary objects from Indigenous Peoples, but so far, only 104 have been made available for return. City Cast’s Elizabeth Kauma explains why it’s taking the museum so long — and how they got them all in the first place. Special thanks to Amy Covell-Murthy, collection manager of archaeo...

Tim Pearce doesn’t really think about being a social media sensation—he is too busy thinking about snails! Section head and curator of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s mollusk department joins us to talk about how he got started studying nature's underdogs, why our warm winter might make them particularly rambunctious, and what it is like to go viral (online).  And Picklesburgh has been no...

It’s the Friday news roundup! If you like crowds, crowdsourcing, or hanging in the sun, golly is this the weekend for you. We’ve got all you need to know about the nation’s allegedly 3rd largest St. Patrick’s Day parade, a great new way to inform city officials about our roadways, and the secret Steel City history — and potential future! — of Daylight Saving Time. As always, our Friday shows are p...

Pennsylvania may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of maple syrup, but we're actually the 6th largest producer in the country. Will we stay that way with the effects of climate change affecting our trees? Penn State Extension forest resources educator Scott Weikert explains why our sugaring season is evaporating, how tap into syrup harvesting as a hobby, and the Pennsylvania...

“No matter what you look like, who you love, what your religion, or where you’re from: you’ve got a friend in Armstrong County.” That’s the message deemed so objectionable that it needed to be taken off a billboard. But there’s one across the street that isn’t subject to the same rules. Plus, we're less than 90 days from Pride! We’re with QBurgh founder Jim Sheppard.  Want some more Pittsburgh new...

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman is being treated for clinical depression, but a lot of us struggle with feeling our best after months of cold, gray, Pittsburgh weather. How do you identify whether your experience is clinical or seasonal, and how can you seek help? And what does it mean to be a good ally for friends and loved ones who come to you for support? Our guest is Chris Michaels, CEO of NAMI Keyst...

Cannabis law in the Keystone state is different depending on where you live in the state, but lawmakers are talking about some pretty big changes. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Trenae Nuri are with Ed Mahon, investigative reporter for Spotlight PA, to talk about what’s in the works and what could still take years to come together. Want to watch the Governor’s budget address? Check out the PCNC TV l...

It’s the Friday news roundup! This week we are talking about the EPA’s latest efforts to clean up the East Palestine train derailment, how the state is trying to be more flexible with mandatory testing requirements (but is really putting a strain on already underfunded schools), and how to keep celebrating Black history and excellence all year long. As always, our Friday shows are powered by great...

What does brine, brews, and baklava all have in common (besides the b)? They are all a part of Pittsburgh’s enormous festival scene. Food historian Julia Hudson-Richards dives into why we have so many food festivals and the historic and economic forces that drive them. Plus, she shares which upcoming festivals to save room in your stomach for.  You can listen to our episode about the Ohio Train de...

We’ve got one from the vault! Ten years ago, a new children’s show premiered on PBS starring Daniel Tiger, son of the beloved puppet from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The animated series was the first TV show from Fred Rogers Productions since Rogers died in 2003 — 20 years ago this week (!!) — and the team behind it wanted to honor his legacy while making the story fresh for a new generation. C...

In Pennsylvania, public school teachers can’t legally wear religious garb while working. We’re the only state that still has such a ban. City Cast’s Trenae Nuri talks with education reporter Aubri Juhasz about a push to get rid of the ban this legislative session.  Read Aubri’s great reporting here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on...

A hundred years ago, at the height of industry in Pittsburgh, immigrants of different religious backgrounds, packed places of worship in their neighborhoods. Some of those formerly holy buildings have since been repurposed into bars, clubs, concert venues and creative spaces. We’re with freelance writer, Taylor Fowler—talking about challenges of turning hundred year old sanctuaries into a hot spot...

It’s the Friday news roundup! The full squad is here celebrating the return of beloved Pirate Andrew McCutcheon and looking into how a revamped city commission could bring more equitable artworks to the area. Plus, how to look for unclaimed cash that could be waiting for you.  As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism.  You can find the state’s website for unclaimed money h...

Lent is the month long period leading up to Easter involving fasting, asking for forgiveness and prayer. So when did fish fries come into the picture? We’re bringing back this episode with writer Rossilynne Skena Culgan to find out why this deep-fried spring tradition is so important in the Burgh. Check out Code for Pittsburgh's 2023 fish fry map here! And get to know the Codfather here. Want some...

Urban "renewal" changed the Lower Hill from a bustling neighborhood filled with nightclubs and bars to a parking lot — and soon, a behemoth skyscraper and multimillion dollar concert venue. Author and historian David Rotenstein is here to harken back to the nightlife of 100 years ago and two nefarious brothers who bankrolled it all. Check out David's full story for NEXTpittsburgh. Want some more P...

What do non-Pittsburghers want to know about our city? Does anyone here still make steel? Where did the Pirates get their name? What famous people were born here? Does everyone work for UPMC? We’ve got all the answers for City Cast CEO David Plotz, plus Morgan and Megan explain the difference between being nice and being kind.  Hear more about the downtown curfew here and proposed enforcement here...

It’s the Friday news roundup! This week, learn the history of paczki, take a tour of Chinese treats ahead of the upcoming new year parade, and entertain a real-time sip of a Southern classic with the City Cast Pittsburgh team. Lead Producer Megan Harris is back and on mic with Elizabeth Kauma, Francesca Dabecco, and Mallory Falk talking about some of our favorite foods of the season and a few ways...

Earlier this month, a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in a town 50 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. Residents within miles of the crash were evacuated while officials released those potentially deadly fumes into the air to avoid an explosion. Since then, many people living in East Palestine have been feeling sick. finding dead animals, and expressing concerns over their water being contamina...

Pittsburgh doesn’t have the threat of hurricanes and wildfires but our muddy hillsides could wash away as flooding and heavier rainfall surge with climate change. So how much should we worry? And what’s being done? We’re talking about the impact these landslides could have on local homeowners with PublicSource climate reporter Quinn Glabicki. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to sign...