City Cast Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania is one of the few states with a split legislature, which makes it extra hard for a bill to become law. The Democratic-controlled House recently passed a whole slew of bills, including ones to gradually raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15, require data centers to give more information to the state, and codify same-sex marriage. But do any of these proposals stand a chance in the R...

Rivers of Steel finally figured out who the Carrie Blast Furnace was named after! Roman Hladio, chief reporter at NEXTpittsburgh, joins host Megan Harris to spill the tea about Carrie Clarke's life, and explain the "polite sexism" behind naming local blast furnaces after women. Plus, they discuss why we just had a record-breaking year for film and TV spending in Pittsburgh, and how space explorati...

Kennywood's almost open, and we're not talking about your fly! The amusement park's first day of the season is April 18. To celebrate, we're revisiting a conversation between host Megan Harris and historian Mark Houser about Kennywood's long and storied history. How did a picnic grove turn into the attraction we know and love today, and how do its stewards tow the line between preservation and mod...

Both Denver and Pittsburgh wanted, but didn't get, a WNBA team. While more and more people are embracing women’s sports, Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women’s soccer. Will betting on women’s sports drive Denver’s economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast hos...

City Council's getting in on the NFL Draft action. They've approved security agreements with 18 law enforcement agencies — and that includes bringing in lots of bomb-sniffing dogs. Council is also thinking about increasing the hourly rates for street parking while we have an influx of visitors. Contributor Colin Williams is here with a very hot parking take while host Megan Harris and producer Sop...

We've got so many fantastic restaurants in the city, and our local chefs are regularly recognized by the James Beard Foundation. But the Michelin Guide hasn't made it to Pittsburgh, and City Cast Pittsburgh contributor and Post-Gazette dining critic Hal B. Klein thinks it should stay that way. Hal's telling host Megan Harris why Pittsburgh's dining scene doesn't fit neatly within the Michelin Guid...

From outdoor dance parties and Easter egg hunts to spring fungi walks and cinnamon roll crawls, there are so many ways to get out in Pittsburgh this April. Plus, the weather's finally nice enough for a walking tour Downtown. The City Cast team is sharing our top recommendations, plus inviting you to party with us on 412 Day! And if you're excited to try some spring produce, don't miss our guide to...

Episode Description: On this bonus sponsored episode by the Grable Foundation, we explore how learning is evolving in Pittsburgh and what it could look like in the years ahead. When you picture local schools 10 years from now, do you see students glued to tablets and receiving lessons from AI tutors, or do you imagine them building solar-powered backpacks in outdoor classrooms? A new report is ima...

It's Trans Day of Visibility! We're sharing some events and ways to mark the day in Pittsburgh, plus looking at where trans youth are going for gender-affirming care now that UPMC ended these services for patients under 19.  We're also discussing the latest population numbers, a new platform to rate local landlords, the newest PA "bird town," and a new outdoor music festival. Thanks to Hanna Webst...

Long TSA lines and the arrival of ICE agents at airports around the country — including PIT — have some people on the fence about flying. If you're rethinking air travel plans but still want to unwind, consider a staycation. Freelance journalist Aakanksha Agarwal and City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit join host Megan Harris to make the case for booking a room in your own city, share some of their...

More affordable housing is needed in places like Pittsburgh. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-inc...

A mystery search warrant targeting the City of Pittsburgh has sparked big questions and almost zero answers. What could the district attorney's investigation actually be about? Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Colin Williams break down the most likely scenarios, what's rumored, and why this kind of move is so unusual. ICE is officially at Pittsburgh International...

Warmer weather is on its way, which means it's the perfect time to break out your bike and start taking leisurely rides around Pittsburgh's trails or even commuting on two wheels. But if you aren't sure where to start or are intimidated by car traffic and our hilly streets, we're here to help. Executive producer Mallory Falk is chatting with Ted King-Smith, education manager at Bike Pittsburgh, ab...

Do you enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to cook a meal with an ungodly amount of banana peppers? Prefer your eggs farm fresh and your fruit extra juicy and flavorful? Like supporting local farmers? Then you should consider a subscription to a CSA (community supported agriculture) share! Whether you're looking for something hyper specific like a cheese, meat or syrup share, or want a grab ba...

The Trump administration is sending ICE agents to 14 airports across the country, including Pittsburgh International, to help with security during the partial government shutdown. But it's not yet clear exactly what they'll be doing — and not everyone is thrilled with their arrival. Host Megan Harris and Sophia Lo share what we know so far, and explain why the airport opened a food pantry for its...

The Carnegie Museums are some of the standout attractions in the city, but there are lots of museums and hidden gems in and around Pittsburgh that are free or donation-based. We're bringing back a conversation with Discover the Burgh's Jeremy Jones and Spotlight PA's Asha Prihar, who are sharing some of their favorite attractions (including where you can see a singing tumor in a jar!) and how to m...

The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Pittsburgh. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler a...

Pittsburgh will finish its controversial $6 million master plan thanks to a contribution from the Heinz Endowments. But the city's still in rough financial shape — and it doesn't help that some police officers are spending big on premium car washes. Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo, and contributor Colin Williams share the latest on the budget and talk about distressing body cam footage that...

Pennsylvania could be getting two new ICE detention centers. The federal government quietly purchased two warehouses in Berks and Schuylkill Counties as part of a national move to build more immigrant detention facilities. Some local leaders, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, are pushing back against these sites. But do they have any power to block the facilities, or have a say in how they operate? We'...

The Great Pierogi Race. Our city parks. "The geese that fly over from Allegheny Cemetery, minus the poop." To celebrate publishing our 1,000th podcast episode this month, we've been asking what YOU love about Pittsburgh — so we can create and share a list of 1,000 things we all love about living here. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and producer Sophia Lo are on mic sharing our...

Devastated it's cold again? Warm up your belly with hearty brisket chili, creamy mac and cheese, or perfectly smoked ribs. City Cast Pittsburgh contributor Colin Williams is back to make the case that Pittsburgh has a surprisingly decent BBQ scene, and he and host Megan Harris share some of their favorite spots. **This episode originally aired on September 18, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors o...

A federal judge just issued a scathing ruling saying the Department of Justice can't force UPMC Children's Hospital to hand over young patients' medical records. The DOJ had demanded information about minors who were receiving gender-affirming care. "There is more than a whiff of ill-intent," Chief Judge Cathy Bissoon wrote. "Arguably, it is closer to a stench." But the legal battle isn't over, an...

Pittsburghers are concerned about police accountability, especially with the increased presence of federal troops in many cities. DC Council in Washington recently passed emergency legislation requiring local police to release body-worn camera footage of incidents involving federal forces they patrol with, and to collect the names of federal officers who make arrests. It’s a big shift in local pol...

Mayor Corey O'Connor announced yesterday that Pittsburgh's facing a shortfall of up to $40 million and he's reopening the 2026 budget. Executive producer Mallory Falk is with contributor and TribLive reporter Colin Williams to share what we know so far. Then, newsletter editor senior Francesca Dabecco joins the team to talk about never-ending construction on Penn Ave, development plans in the Lowe...

Whether you want a classic apple pie or a bold frangipane fruit tart, there's something for everyone to enjoy on Pi Day in Pittsburgh! Producer Sophia Lo and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco are rounding up the tasty deals and pop-ups to celebrate the occasion this Saturday (both with and without the math), plus sharing their favorite places to get pie any time of the year. Learn more about the...