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City Cast Pittsburgh

City Cast

Join Megan Harris and the City Cast Pittsburgh team every weekday morning for a fast-paced daily news podcast that will get you talking and make you question what’s going on here in Western Pennsylvania. City Cast Pittsburgh is a smart new way to connect with neighbors in the Steel City you know and love. Add us to your feeds and subscribe to our daily newsletter, at pittsburgh.citycast.fm today!

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Today · 32 min
Ripping Out Skill Games, Mandatory Fun & RIP Annie Dillard
Will state police start ripping skill games out of convenience stores, vape shops, and other spots? That's what could happen if lawmakers don't come up with a plan to regulate the machines by Oct. 13. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are joined by Public Source's Oliver Morrison to explain how we got here, what measures the state might consider, and the scale of gambling addiction in Pennsylvania. (Did you know we take in more gambling revenue than any state except Nevada?) Plus, we discuss the CDC's continued failure to count measles-related deaths in PA, a new rule requiring recess in K-5 schools, and the legacy of Pittsburgh-born, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard. And in our members-only bonus segment, we're talking about another important restaurant group, the future of Penn Brewery — including conjectures about the mysterious new buyer — and sharing some of our favorite Pittsburgh meals. **This episode contains a reference to suicide. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts thoughts of suicide, you can always call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. There's help available 24 hours a day. Notes and references from today’s show: Skill games are slot machines, must adhere to Pa.’s gambling law, state Supreme Court rules [Spotlight PA] ‘I’m not going to be alive tomorrow’: Is gambling addiction Pa.’s next public health crisis? [PennLive] How Pennsylvania Got Hooked on Games That Look a Lot Like Slot Machines [New York Times] Pennsylvania Gambling Addicts Hope That ‘Skill Games’ Will Go Bust [New York Times] Attorney General Sunday Responds to Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ruling ‘Skill Games’ Illegal [PA Office of Attorney General] PODCAST: Does Pgh Have a Gambling Problem? [City Cast Pittsburgh] A Psychiatrist Tried to Quit Gambling. Betting Apps Kept Her Hooked. [The Wall Street Journal] How a sports gambling addiction devastated one Western Pa. family — and sparked a fight for change [Post-Gazette] House Democrats demand answers from CDC on Pennsylvania measles deaths [The Hill] Pennsylvania asks for CDC measles help amid Kennedy dispute [Reuters] Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro signs legislation guaranteeing 30 minutes of recess to elementary students [WHYY] Annie Dillard, Pittsburgh-born Pulitzer Prize-winning author, dies at 81 [Post-Gazette] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email pittsburgh@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter. 🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, September 18th episode: Carnegie Library City Theatre Visit Athens Ohio
Yesterday · 32 min
Pittsburgh Restaurant Empires, Explained
Did you know a ton of Pittsburgh's most influential dining spots are run by the same six restaurant groups? Some are massive, some are low-key, and some have quietly shaped the city’s food and beverage scene for decades. Host Megan Harris is with Post-Gazette dining critic and City Cast contributor Hal B. Klein to meet the people behind the well-known places — from the legacy of Eat’n Park and big Burrito to Richard DeShantz’s ever-evolving lineup, Independent Restaurant Group’s tiki brilliance, and the splashy new Opal and Legacy groups. We talk about how these restaurant groups work, why size can be both a blessing and a curse, and how chefs and restaurant staff carry ideas from one kitchen to the next. Plus, Titusz made the NYT’s 50 best restaurants list, the Gobblerito is turning 20, and we celebrate the highs and lows of Pittsburgh dining. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email pittsburgh@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter. 🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 17th episode: Carnegie Library City Theatre Visit Athens Ohio
Wednesday · 32 min
Measles, Go-Karts & Wylie’s Opening Lineup
Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak is getting worse. At least four people have died and nearly 700 cases are being tracked statewide. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are talking about what’s happening, the response from state and local health officials, and what Pittsburghers need to know — including the latest on measles exposures at UPMC Children’s Hospital. Then, Axios Pittsburgh’s Ryan Deto jumps in to recommend some of the city’s newest attractions, from the Kamin Science Center’s new go-karts to Pittsburgh International Airport’s outdoor terraces, plus the soon-to-open Citizens Live at The Wylie. Notes and references from today’s show: The Measles-Stricken Mother Who Lost Her Newborn Son [The Atlantic] Mom of infant exposed to measles at UPMC Children’s frustrated by hospital system response [TribLive] Immunity lost: How Pennsylvania’s falling school vaccination rates and enforcement failures put thousands of children at risk [Post-Gazette] PODCAST: Pittsburgh’s Measles Risk, Explained [City Cast Pittsburgh] Pa. lawmakers propose requiring health care provider consultation for vaccine exemptions [Post-Gazette] PIT opens first public outdoor airport terrace [Axios Pittsburgh] Inside look: Citizens Live at The Wylie [Axios Pittsburgh] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email pittsburgh@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter. 🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 16th episode: Carnegie Library City Theatre Visit Athens Ohio
Tuesday · 20 min
Won't You Be a Reader? The Campaign to Raise Lifelong Readers {SPONSORED}
On this bonus episode sponsored by the Grable Foundation, we're talking about a local push to make sure every child has access to the books they actually want to read, plus adults who can foster a love of reading. "Won't You Be a Reader" brings together more than a dozen organizations and civic leaders to help young readers thrive, through everything from free book fairs to community reading events. Casey Mindlin, the campaign's co-chair, and First Lady Katie O'Connor join executive producer Mallory Falk to discuss the campaign's successes so far, what else is in store, and why everyone should care about our region's literacy rates. Thank you for listening to this special bonus Sponsored Episode by The Grable Foundation. To learn about this episode sponsor visit Grable.org kidsburgh.org/topic/read.
Tuesday · 28 min
What To Do During an ICE Encounter in Pittsburgh
Community leaders and business owners in Beechview — the heart of Pittsburgh's Latino community — say ICE activity has been increasing in the neighborhood over the past few weeks. It's hard to get reliable data, but incidents at Las Palmas grocery store have left residents rattled. One business owner ⁠described ICE as⁠ "terrorizing the whole neighborhood right now." With this in mind, we're bringing back our conversation with Vanessa Stine, senior staff attorney for the ⁠ACLU of Pennsylvania⁠. She joins us to explain what happens during an ICE stop or raid, what rights immigrants have regardless of their legal status, and how bystanders can help during an ICE encounter. ⁠Read⁠ or ⁠listen⁠ to a summary of this conversation in Spanish. **This episode originally aired April 2, 2025. Looking for more help and resources? The ACLU of Pennsylvania has Know Your Rights guides available in ⁠English⁠ and ⁠Spanish⁠. If you believe you've witnessed ICE activity in the Pittsburgh area or have any other concerns, you can call the main line at ⁠Casa San José⁠: ⁠412-343-3111⁠. If you are experiencing ICE detention, you can call their emergency response line: ⁠412-736-7167⁠. Find the latest data on ICE arrests and removals at ⁠TRAC⁠. Listen to our ⁠podcast episode⁠ about Frontline Dignity, a local rapid response network, and learn how you can ⁠sign up⁠ for their next training. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at ⁠412-212-8893⁠ or email pittsburgh@citycast.fm. We’re also on ⁠Instagram⁠! 💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the ⁠City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter⁠. 🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. ⁠Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program!⁠ 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for ⁠podcast and newsletter ads⁠. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, September 15th episode: ⁠Carnegie Library⁠ ⁠City Theatre⁠ ⁠Visit Athens Ohio
Monday · 21 min
Does Pittsburgh Have the Meats? A Guide to Pittsburgh BBQ
Can Pittsburgh hold its own when it comes to barbecue? We definitely don’t have the smoked-meat reputation of Texas or the Carolinas, but there are still plenty of spots serving excellent brisket, ribs, and pulled pork with all the fixins.’ Contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams joins host Megan Harris to discuss which Pittsburgh barbecue spots are worth the trip. **This episode originally aired September 18, 2025. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email pittsburgh@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter. 🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, September 14th episode: Carnegie Library City Theatre Visit Athens Ohio P3R
Sunday · 27 min
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Las Vegas Is Handling Record-Breaking Heat — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
It may not feel like it right now, but extreme heat is coming for Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas might have the answers you need. An already sizzling city, Vegas has continued to experience record-breaking heat in recent years, essentially forcing it to lead the charge in protecting residents from increasingly rising temperatures. City Cast Las Vegas host Jesse Merrick talks with David about the bold moves of Nevada’s lawmakers, like mandating heat mitigation and giving away trees, and how some time-tested strategies still need to be tweaked as rising global temperatures present new problems every day. Mentioned on the show: Europe’s 10,000 recorded deaths during June 2026 heatwave Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
September 11 · 44 min
Iceburgh Loaf Pan, Fetterman's GOP Lovefest & Pittsburgh Remembers 9/11
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Western PA was directly affected: one of the hijacked planes crashed into a field in Shanksville — around 80 miles outside Pittsburgh — killing 40 passengers and crew members. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and creative producer Boen Wang (in his podcast debut) discuss memories from that day, how new generations are learning about the attacks, and ways to commemorate the anniversary. Plus, we discuss Sen. John Fetterman's surprise video appearance at the GOP midterm convention, the best giveaways you can snag from our local sports teams (including a singing Jeff Jimerson bobblehead), and the new teaser trailer for "The Pitt." And in today's members-only segment, we're talking about "Butler," a new movie about the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump that's being filmed…in Beaver? (That's not the only reason we have questions.) Notes and references from today’s show: Effects still reverberate at Pittsburgh International Airport 25 years after Sept. 11 [Triblive] Designer of Flight 93 memorial receptive to changes [Post-Gazette] Flight 93 National Memorial Livestream [Youtube] Remembering the 9/11 Attacks in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh] Pittsburgh Pirates Giveaways [MLB] Pittsburgh Penguins Theme Nights and Giveaways [NHL] Tuck into a Pittsburgh twist on pigs in a blanket and other new eats at Acrisure Stadium [Post-Gazette] Celebrate the Steelers Home Opener, Pittsburgh Style [Pittsburgh Magazine] Fetterman praises Trump, McCormick in appearance at Republican convention [WESA] John Fetterman’s RNC Video Appearance [YouTube] PODCAST: The Latest John Fetterman Bombshell, Explained [City Cast Pittsburgh] "The Pitt" Season 2 Teaser [YouTube] Pennsylvania emergency room visits among the nation’s longest [Axios] Citizens Live at the Wylie sets preview event for Sept. 28 [Pittsburgh Business Times] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email pittsburgh@citycast.fm. We’re also on Instagram! 💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter. 🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, September 11th episode: Carnegie Library P3R For the Love of Our Parks
September 10 · 29 min
Piggy Races, Corn Pits & More Pittsburgh Fall Fun
Is apple picking overrated? Are ping pong and piggy races uniquely autumnal? Would you like to make a snow (corn?) angel in a pit of dried grain? Nevermind the heat wave — fall is here in Pittsburgh. Host Megan Harris, contributor Sophia Lo, and creative producer Marla Kauffman (in her first pod appearance!) share their favorite fall festivals, farm lore, Oktoberfests, and more for the season. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 10th episode: Carnegie Library P3R For the Love of Our Parks Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
September 9 · 27 min
The Latest John Fetterman Bombshell, Explained
U.S. Senator John Fetterman’s former staffers have a lot to say about his public behavior and private comments, according to a new exposé from the Wall Street Journal. Some highlights: complaining that a funeral for police officers killed in the line of duty was over three hours long (he ultimately didn’t attend), cancelling a meeting with paralyzed veterans over an upset stomach (while still feeling well enough for a Fox News interview the same day), and much more. We discuss the Journal’s findings, responses from other Pennsylvania lawmakers, and why Fetterman’s memoir might actually be worth a (hate) read. Notes and references from today’s show: Behind Closed Doors, John Fetterman Shows Little Interest in the Work of a Senator [Wall Street Journal] Exclusive: Fetterman blasts ‘disgruntled staffers’ and ‘smears’ after report details apathy toward his work [CNN] Sen. John Fetterman on Democratic Divides, DSA & Israel [The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart] PODCAST: Is Conor Lamb Back? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Pa. Dems blast Sen. Fetterman as a ‘disgrace’ and ‘pathetic’ following scathing report [PennLive] Report: Fetterman called Wall Street Journal story ‘a hit piece’ and apologized for a text message dismissing CHOP leaders [Philly Inquirer] “Former Fetterman Staffers” on X Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 9th episode: Carnegie Library P3R For the Love of Our Parks Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
September 8 · 18 min
Perfecting the Pittsburgh Dialect
Pittsburghese is full of fun terms and quirks, like (lovingly) referring to your nosy neighbor as nebby or saying it's slippy aht. But how exactly did it develop, and how tricky is it to pick up? Actor, voice coach and speech teacher Don Wadsworth joins us to explain what makes our dialect so distinct, and give host Megan Harris a master class in speaking Pittsburghese. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, September 8th episode: Carnegie Library P3R - use code CITYCAST20 for 20% off any event. For the Love of Our Parks Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
September 6 · 23 min
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Nashville Is Beating Flock — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Do you know what kind of surveillance technology is being used in Pittsburgh? In Nashville, the city government has blocked numerous measures to install and use it. From license plate readers to drone cameras, the technology is routinely rejected by the Metro Council and mayor, and locals are somewhat split on if that’s for the better. City Cast Nashville host Rachel Iacovone joins “Your City Could Be Better” to walk through all the measures that the Nashville government has reviewed and rejected, why people have reason to fear the tech, and what the city may lose by saying no to surveillance. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
September 4 · 39 min
Duolingo’s Iran War Problem, Airport Auctions & Eviction Wins
The Trump Administration’s latest round of sanctions against Iran, dubbed “Operation Economic Outcast,” includes restrictions on cooperation between Iran and American universities. Starting this month, Duolingo banned Iranian citizens from taking its English Test, which many U.S. colleges require for international applicants. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Colin Williams discuss how the language learning company has been swept up in the U.S.-Iran War. We also share our favorite finds from PIT’s annual auction of lost items (thousands of earbuds, stuffed animals, a Mercedes… the list goes on); how the shift to fall signals earlier sunsets but also a Dolly Parton-themed corn maze; and a win for renters and housing advocates around evictions. And in our members-only bonus segment, we track the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s itinerary for its big biannual European tour and why that matters here at home. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, September 4th episode: Carnegie Library Propel Schools Film Pittsburgh For the Love of Our Parks Notes and references from today’s show: Duolingo D-Day: Iranians question latest US sanctions targeting education [Al Jazeera] U.S. Sanctions Cut Off Aspiring Iranians From Tests Needed for Study Abroad [New York Times] U.S. blocks Duolingo English Test in Iran as part of sweeping economic crackdown [Biz Times] New visa rules to go into effect for international students [Pitt News] At the airport auction, a catalogue of what people lose [Pittsburgh City Paper] Looking for a Picasso original? You might find one at annual auction of lost-and-found items at Pittsburgh International [Post-Gazette] Airport auction, full catalog [Joe R. Pyle] PODCAST: Why is PIT the Gold Standard? [Your City Could Be Better] Pittsburgh International Airport Takes Home the Gold [Pittsburgh Magazine] The risk of eviction may be higher than you think. Here’s what you should know [Public Source] Pittsburgh sees its final 8pm sunset this week [Axios Pittsburgh] Eviction filing rates drop statewide; study says eviction prevention programs help [Triblive] Local farmstead opens themed corn maze paying tribute to country music legend [WPXI] Mad Mex’s Gobblerito returns for the 20th year [Triblive] PETA’s Traveling Truck Is Giving Away Vegan Chicken Nationwide [PETA] The Pittsburgh Symphony is touring Europe. Once again, it’s the only U.S. orchestra at the world’s top classical festival [Post-Gazette] Learn more about our sponsor TK. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
September 3 · 24 min
Respect the Parking Chair! Plus More Essential Pgh Rules
Pittsburgh is full of unwritten rules and weird quirks, like reserving your parking space with a rickety chair, taking a left turn the moment the light turns green, and holding a lifelong grudge against anyone who honks in the tunnels. If you're new to the city or just need a refresher on local etiquette, we're sharing some essential rules for surviving and thriving in Pittsburgh. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 3rd episode: Carnegie Library Propel Schools Film Pittsburgh Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
September 2 · 25 min
Ranking the Restaurants at Rivers Casino
If you're making a trip to Rivers Casino, it's probably not for the food, but City Cast Pittsburgh contributor and Post-Gazette dining critic Hal B. Klein argues there are some pretty tasty dishes there. He joins host Megan Harris to talk about a months-long challenge to eat at all the casino's restaurants, and he’s sharing what each of them is best at, from legitimately great burgers and broccolini to confusingly terrible rice. **This episode originally aired February 25, 2026. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 2nd episode: Carnegie Library Propel Schools Film Pittsburgh Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
September 1 · 33 min
Your Guide to September 2026 in Pittsburgh
September in Pittsburgh means fall is coming! Check out a new regal-looking harpy eagle at the National Aviary, drive some golf balls off the upper deck of PNC Park, and toss a cast iron skillet at the Pittsburgh County Fair. Host Megan Harris, contributor Sophia Lo, and friend of the pod Rachel Carlson are sharing their picks, including The Lion King at the Benedum and a Mario Kart tournament at Bottlerocket. Plus, where to find Southern-style green beans in Homestead, the best Korean barbecue in the region, and the ALCOSAN open house literally everyone has told us to attend. For even more tips on how to make the most of September in Pittsburgh, check out our newsletter's take. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, September 1st episode: Carnegie Library Propel Schools Film Pittsburgh Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at pittsburgh@citycast.fm.
August 31 · 23 min
Pittsburgh’s High-Speed Rail Fantasy
Should Pittsburghers stop dreaming about high-speed rail and start celebrating the trains we already have? The reality of having one is a lot more complicated and Axios Pittsburgh’s Ryan Deto is here to explain why. He and host Megan Harris talk about why geography, money and politics make high-speed rail such a long shot and why Pittsburgh’s slower Amtrak service might actually be the thing worth discovering…or rediscovering. Plus, they talk about the upcoming expansion of service between Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and New York and what it could mean for train travel in the region. Notes and references from today’s show: Stop dreaming about high-speed rail [Axios Pittsburgh] More Amtrak service from Pittsburgh starts in November [Axios Pittsburgh] Amtrak to add second Pittsburgh-NYC train [Axios Pittsburgh] First look: Kamin Science Center's indoor go-karts [Axios Pittsburgh] PIT opens first public outdoor airport terrace [Axios Pittsburgh] Inside look: Citizens Live at The Wylie [Axios Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, August 31st episode: Carnegie Library Propel Schools Film Pittsburgh Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
August 30 · 28 min
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Is PIT the Gold Standard?
Pittsburgh’s airport might not be the international hub it once was (RIP USAir), but it stands alone in a newer, lesser-known way: having its own electrical grid. Since 2021, PIT has been generating on-site electricity, more than it needs even at peak operation, to fortify itself against the kind of power outages that hit airports unsettlingly often across the world. Megan Harris brings David into the quiet world of airport energy independence, showing how a one-time investment is bringing peace of mind to PIT — and even making it some money in the process. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
August 28 · 41 min
Did Disney Do Us Dirty? Plus, Guerilla Crosswalks & Capo's Investigation
A new collaboration pairs Disney characters with every NFL team, and the choice to represent the Steelers has been… controversial. Did Disney capture our spirit or deeply fail us? Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Colin Williams debate. We also talk about several investigations Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala has launched and the frustratingly few details he's shared about them — plus, why he's coming for a “nuisance” bar on the South Side. And we explain the high-profile fight between Gov. Josh Shapiro and U.S. Health Secretary RFK Jr. over measles-related deaths in PA. And in our members-only bonus segment, we share how you can honor the memories of Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, and Yayoi Kusama, including a Dolly drag brunch and a children's book giveaway. Notes and references from today’s show: Zappala: Probe of Pittsburgh contracts shows millions of dollars might be unaccounted for [TribLive] Zappala to troubled South Side bar: Clean up or shut down [Post-Gazette] Zappala says county pension fund is under criminal investigation [TribLive] Innamorato pushes back on Allegheny County pension crisis accusations in Pittsburgh [WTAE] Pittsburgh police conclude probe of Haitian woman’s death after her release by ICE [TribLive] Steelers x Disney collection Steelers x Victoria’s Secret PINK collection Dick's, Golf Galaxy pull Good Good items after ad backlash [ESPN] A newborn baby was one of Pa.’s two measles-related deaths, state says as RFK Jr. questions whether they were ‘fabricated’ [Philadelphia Inquirer] Transit Talk: Lawrenceville’s guerrilla crosswalks are a white-striped call for change [Pittsburgh City Paper] Questions, speculation surround popular ‘Star Wars’ vending machine in Pittsburgh [WPXI] Pittsburgh zoning board rejects Walmart's e-commerce delivery depot in Bloomfield [Biz Times] Want to sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library? Find out if your neighborhood qualifies here. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
August 27 · 27 min
Your Guide to Making Friends in Pittsburgh
It can be daunting to make new friends in Pittsburgh. Lots of people are still tight with their buddies from kindergarten, and it's not always easy to break in as a newcomer. But a bunch of local groups have popped up to help transplants, boomerangers, and even lifelong residents find community. Haley Ingersoll of Pittsburgh Social Health, Dan Lampmann of Yinz Run Club, and local author Ryan Rydzewski join us to share their best tips for building community in the Burgh. Read Ryan's story on making local friends in Pittsburgh Magazine. **This episode originally aired on June 3, 2025. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

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