City Cast Pittsburgh

Antisemitic and racist messages have been broadcast over a police radio channel — along with death threats against Mayor Corey O'Connor — but we don't know who's behind them. Host Megan Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are with City Cast contributor and TribLive reporter Colin Williams to share what we know about the investigation so far. They also dig into the mailbox and answer your questions about the NFL Draft and improvements Downtown. Finally, they celebrate some big local wins, from Oliver Bath House reopening to Noah Wyle sweeping awards for his portrayal of Dr. Robby in "The Pitt."  Notes and references from today’s show: Man who scaled Gulf Tower in Pittsburgh charged with criminal trespass, arrest warrant issued [WPXI] Allegheny County investigating 'hateful and threatening messages' on public safety radio channels [Post-Gazette] Police increasing patrols at Pittsburgh religious institutions in wake of antisemitic scanner messages, councilmember says [KDKA] Squirrel Hill Lunar New Year parade canceled amid fears of ICE in Pittsburgh’s Asian community [WESA] PODCAST: Pittsburgh’s Big Idea To Fix Downtown [Your City Could Be Better] NFL Draft opens online fan registration [TribLive] PODCAST: Why Pittsburgh's So Trashy [City Cast Pittsburgh] ​Immaculate Collection Events [Allegheny Cleanways] NFLPA 2026 report cards: See the results for all 32 teams [ESPN] Oliver Bath House Reopens After Five Years [Pittsburgh Magazine] Structural issues delay Charles Anderson Memorial Bridge reopening in Pittsburgh [TribLive] A bookstore in Pittsburgh has been named Pennsylvania's friendliest small business, study shows [KDKA] Bikeshare workers form union in Pittsburgh [TribLive] Bus Line Refresh [PRT] ‘The Pitt’ wins big, ‘Sinners’ takes home top prize at Actor Awards [TribLive] Learn more about the sponsors of this March 6th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Liberty Magic Family House City Theatre  Pgh Cultural Trust Your City Could Be Better 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.

After more than 30 years in Millvale, the beloved French baker Jean-Marc Chatellier closed up shop. While Pittsburgh's sad to see him go, City Cast's Sophia Lo and Francesca Dabecco have some more suggestions for where to get delicious French pastries in the Burgh. They're also talking about Downtown's buzzing coffee scene, Senza Wine Bar's reopening, the neighborhood market that's taking over an old North Side theater, and more restaurant openings and closings. Notes and references from today’s show: PODCAST: ‘Your City Could Be Better’: Pittsburgh’s Big Idea To Fix Downtown [Your City Could Be Better] 7 New Coffee Shops To Try in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh] Lilith's owners will open a new restaurant in Bloomfield later this year [Post-Gazette] ICE in the Courthouse, Deluzio Evades Trump & Pittsburgh Needs More Trees [City Cast Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this March 5th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Liberty Magic Family House City Theatre  Pgh Cultural Trust 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.

Pittsburgh’s short-term rental market — think Airbnb, VRBO, and others — is surging leading up to the NFL Draft, just as City Council considers new regulations around these spaces. Host Megan Harris is with Public Source's managing editor, Rich Lord, to talk about whether we'll see these short-term rentals stick around after the Draft. Plus, Rich explains why Council's thinking about regulations now and what they could look like, including licenses, daily guest registries, and more.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 4th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Liberty Magic Family House City Theatre  Pgh Cultural Trust 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.

Why are there so many potholes on the streets this time of the year, and what does it take to fill them? What should you do if there's a particularly awful one outside your house? We're revisiting a conversation where host Megan Harris brought all your nebby questions to Bill Crean, deputy director for the city's Department of Public Works. Bill shares the worst neighborhoods for potholes, the weirdest things he's seen during his 40-some years on the job, and tips for making sure the potholes near you get filled. Call 311 to report a pothole to the city, or use their mobile app. For the county, call 412-350-INFO (4636) or visit CallCenter.AlleghenyCounty.us. If you need to report a hole in a state-owned road, use PennDOT’s Customer Care Center or call 1-800-FIX-ROAD. And if you don’t know who owns your road, both the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County have maps to help you out. **This episode originally published on April 7, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 3rd episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Liberty Magic Family House City Theatre  Pgh Cultural Trust Your City Could Be Better 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.

Pittsburgh loves to go all out for St. Patrick's Day, but there's so much to explore this month beyond the big parade and beer crawls. Think theatrical performances about thumb wars and tradwives, the city's hottest seed swap, and self-guided tour of our region's many maple camps. And if you need help deciding which fish fry to drop by during Lent, check out our guide to fish fry season. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Pittsburgh community.  For even more tips on how to make the most of March in Pittsburgh, check out our newsletter's take. City Cast Pittsburgh's guide to March is made possible by our awesome sponsors, The Frick Pittsburgh, Liberty Magic, Family House, City Theatre , and Pgh Cultural Trust. And City Cast Pittsburgh is also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh. We're hiring! City Cast Pittsburgh is looking for an Audience Development Manager and podcast contributors. Go to citycast.fm/jobs for more information and to apply. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at pittsburgh@citycast.fm.

With the NFL Draft coming up in April, Pittsburgh is getting creative with downtown revitalization efforts. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris about why their downtown emptied out, whether this program will bring new businesses downtown for the long-term, and other revitalization plans that are in the works. 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.

The Pittsburgh Public Schools board is discussing school closures…again. Executive producer Mallory Falk and producer Sophia Lo are with City Cast contributor and TribLive reporter Colin Williams to talk about whether the district will finally make a decision. Plus, they explain why Pine-Richland might reserve its controversial school library policy, and what that says about larger book ban efforts across the country. They also discuss ways to learn about and celebrate local Black history all year long, including attending the premiere of a new documentary about WAMO, and dig into Congresswoman Summer Lee's response to President Trump's State of the Union. Finally, they celebrate a young Pittsburgher who broke the record for Girl Scout cookies sales and went viral in the process. Notes and references from today’s show: PPS board agrees to decide on school closures by end of school year 'one way or the other' [WESA] Mayor Corey O’Connor wants to see vacant Pittsburgh Public schools utilized [WESA] Pine-Richland takes first step in revamping controversial library book policy [Post-Gazette] 7 Ways To Learn About Black History in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Why a Pittsburgher Just Officially Became Baseball’s Best Hitter [City Cast Pittsburgh] Democrat cruises to victory in South Hills special election [Public Source] In response to Trump, Summer Lee offers a different state of the union [Post-Gazette] Pittsburgh City Council bans waste transfer stations within 500 feet of homes, schools, parks [TribLive] Allegheny County's human services director leaves to work for Mamdani in New York City [TribLive] Pittsburghers took home four medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics [Axios Pittsburgh] Crosby out at least 4 weeks for Penguins [NHL] NFL Films and Pat McAfee celebrate Pittsburgh with ‘The Football Town’ [TribLive] Pittsburgh Girl Scout goes viral after she sells a record-breaking number of cookies [Post-Gazette] Learn more about the sponsors of this February 27th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh P3R - Use code CITYCAST15 to save 15% off any event registration Pittsburgh Opera 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.

Tech giants are rushing to build data centers — facilities to house their servers — and Pennsylvania is a mostly willing partner. But is Gov. Josh Shapiro (or our very divided) legislature) waffling on that support? Spotlight PA's Kate Huangpu joins City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri to talk about lawmakers' evolving views on data centers and whether we should be giving them tax breaks.Want to learn more? Read Kate's reporting and check out our episode on PA's data center boom. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 26th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh P3R - Use code CITYCAST15 to save 15% off any event registration Pittsburgh Opera 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.

Rivers Casino is a destination — usually for slots, table games, and events. But City Cast contributor and dining critic Hal B. Klein argues it’s also for food. He’s with host Megan Harris talking about a months-long challenge to eat at all the casino's restaurants for the Post-Gazette, and he’s sharing what each of them is best at, from legitimately great burgers and broccolini to confusingly terrible rice. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 25th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh P3R Pittsburgh Opera 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.

We're officially halfway through Season 2 of "The Pitt," HBO Max's breakout medical drama, and the Pittsburgh references and Easter eggs keep on coming. (Some are more questionable than others. A date-worthy art gallery at 40th and Butler? Sir, this is a Wendy's.) City Cast's Megan Harris, Mallory Falk, and Sophia Lo are sharing what we love so far, where the show falls short, and where we think this season's confirmed couple would go on a date. If you're trying to avoid spoilers, make sure you're caught up through episode 7! Don't miss our takes on Season 1 and our predictions for this season. We're still waiting on the furries! Learn more about the sponsors of this February 24th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh P3R Pittsburgh Opera 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.

It feels like ICE agents are everywhere, conducting “snatch and grabs” off the street, raiding small businesses like restaurants, and intercepting people at their jobs, schools, and court proceedings. Host Megan Harris is with the founder of Frontline Dignity, Jaime Martinez, to talk about what’s going on in Pittsburgh right now, what happens when someone is taken, and their odds of coming home. Martinez also shares a condensed version of Frontline Dignity’s popular rapid response training, where hundreds of Pittsburghers have learned how to spot ICE, what questions to ask, and who to call for help. Want to join Frontline Dignity's growing network? Attend a training first! They fill up quickly, but you can be the first to know about them and federal enforcement operations by following Frontline Dignity on Instagram. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 23rd episode: The Frick Pittsburgh P3R Pittsburgh Opera Living Memory 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.

Everyone’s talking about AI these days, including Pittsburghers. And now, more data centers are popping up across the country, thanks in part to the AI revolution. But some cities are stemming the tide, including Madison, Wisconsin, who recently passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction. City Cast CEO David Plotz feels strongly that this was the wrong choice! He’s sitting down with City Cast Madison podcast host Bianca Martin to weigh the pros and cons of data centers, and debate the economic, ethical, and ecological considerations at the heart of this debate. Plus, David and Bianca share must-know tips for making it in Madison and DC.  We also mentioned this City Cast Madison episode. 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.

Will this be the year Pennsylvania legalizes recreational cannabis? City Cast's Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are with contributor and TribLive reporter Colin Williams to talk about why the commonwealth is so far behind its neighbors and what local lawmakers can realistically do about it. There’s good and bad news at the airport, more “snatch and grabs” by ICE, and new events for the NFL Draft. And we’re sharing what we know so far about Sidney Crosby's injury at the Winter Olympics. Plus, Megan's SO GRATEFUL for everyone who’s been in our DMs with more insights about recent shows. Thank you especially to everyone for your fish fry recommendations!  Notes and references from today’s show: Are Republicans in Pa. ready for legal weed this year? Advocates are skeptical. [Spotlight PA] Pittsburgh City Council calls on Harrisburg to legalize marijuana [TribLive] After calling the police for help, a Brentwood man was arrested by ICE at court [Post-Gazette] Shapiro admin tells ICE to drop plans for Pa. detention centers, warns facilities may not get permits [Spotlight PA] Oakmont votes against immigration enforcement role, while Springdale officials say little [Public Source] Pittsburgh International opens five new dining options [Post-Gazette] ‘Alarming’ levels of PFAS from Pittsburgh airport are being discharged into Montour Run watershed [The Allegheny Front] Cursive handwriting is set for a comeback in Pennsylvania schools [Pennsylvania Capital-Star] Jason Lando sworn in as Pittsburgh police chief [TribLive] Canada's Sidney Crosby suffers injury at Olympics, to get imaging [ESPN] Pitt Athletics to host block party complementing NFL Draft [TribLive] If you enjoyed today's interview with The Westmoreland's Director of Learning, Engagement & Partnerships, Erica Nuckles, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 19th episode: Heinz History Center Living Memory 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.

Here in Pittsburgh, we have so many wonderful museums and cultural institutions. The Heinz History Center and Children's Museum of Pittsburgh even topped the lists for best history museum and best children's museum for USA Today! To help you see all these exhibits, performances, and even sports games, we're revisiting an episode where producer Sophia Lo and executive producer Mallory Falk rounded up discounts to see everything our city has to offer while sticking to your budget.  The Museums for All map lists the local museums where ACCESS and ACCESS EBT cardholders can get $3 tickets. Need to grab some food while you’re out? Check out these $10 meals, and if it also happens to be your birthday, make sure you’re signed up for the right rewards programs to get your local birthday freebies. **This episode originally published September 23, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 19th episode: Heinz History Center Living Memory 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.

Allegheny County Council is considering a bill to prohibit county employees from working with ICE agents, including the sheriff’s department and district attorney’s office. It’s not clear whether council has the authority to enforce those rules, but county executive Sara Innamorato says not only will she sign the bill, but that it’s worth a potential lawsuit to try and protect our immigrant neighbors. Host Megan Harris is Downtown with Innamorato talking about how the county has been working with federal agencies in the midst of ICE, how her office plans for worst-case scenarios, and why it’s up to individual school districts, hospital systems, and municipalities to save themselves if they want to keep DHS out of their facilities. Plus, Innamorato explains a yet-to-be-announced executive order to help make child care more affordable, an ambitious new order to better streamline options to buy a home in Allegheny County — including establishing its own land bank — our likelihood for landslides this spring, and she also breaks a little news: that the county is already in talks with the Steelers about using taxpayer money to fund upgrades to Acrisure, and/or helping fund an entirely new facility to replace the stadium, which opened in 2001. We’d need a roof to land a coveted Super Bowl; Innamorato says “that’s probably out of the budget.” Learn more about the sponsors of this February 18th episode: Heinz History Center Living Memory 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.

Fish fry season kicks off this week! Whether or not you observe Lent, it's one of the most social and delicious times of year in Pittsburgh. With so many fish fries to choose from all around town — in church basements, fire halls, and community spaces — how do you decide where to go? And how can you ensure you have the optimal fish fry experience? Axios Pittsburgh's Ryan Deto helped put together a fish fry bracket. He joins host Megan Harris to talk about the top contenders and share pro-tips and etiquette tips for making the most of the season. Looking for a comprehensive list of Pittsburgh's fish fries? Check out the 2026 Pittsburgh Lenten Fish Fry Map. Check out the 2026 Lenten Fish Fry Map for an extremely comp Learn more about the sponsors of this February 17th episode: Heinz History Center Living Memory City Charter High School 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.

All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Pittsburghers’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of immigration agents expected over the next week. Over the last two months, though, residents of the Twin Cities have organized a range of local collective action efforts including protests, mutual aid, and monitoring ICE — and they’ve done it quickly. In this inaugural episode of “Your City Could Be Better,” City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Twin Cities podcast host Sean McPherson about how his community self-organized, why these networks have been so successful, and what other cities can take away from Minnesotans’ response to Operation Metro Surge. Plus, we have a D.C. vs. Twin Cities face-off on local cultural norms. We also mentioned this episode of City Cast Twin Cities. 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.

It’s Friday the 13th! And it’s not clear what that portends for Pittsburgh. Fear about increased ICE activity is creeping into everything from county government to the governor’s race. City Cast’s Mallory Falk and Megan Harris are with contributor Colin Williams talking about what we know, plus how the agency is quietly leasing new space all over the commonwealth. Stick around for street trees, PG updates, a new proposal to improve city snow removal, how an Allegheny County congressman eluded a grand jury indictment, a Carnegie International preview, and more. Check out our new City Cast podcast "Your City Could Be Better" on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by our CEO David Plotz, this week's inaugural episode features the host of City Cast Twin Cities talking about how Minneapolis and St. Paul mobilized so quickly and broadly against a months-long ICE operation. Notes and references from today’s show: Allegheny County Council to consider bill barring ICE cooperation [WESA] Allegheny County Council Regular Meeting - February 10, 2026 [YouTube] ICE Is Expanding Across the US at Breakneck Speed. Here's Where It's Going Next [Wired] How agencies under Gov. Josh Shapiro's control do — and don't — cooperate with ICE [Spotlight PA] Governor hopeful Stacy Garrity says she'd work with Trump administration on Pennsylvania's elections [WITF] Shapiro, Democratic governors press White House to include all at annual event [Post-Gazette] Pittsburgh study links dark roofs and roads to higher heat and social vulnerability [Phys.org] Pittsburgh's street trees are free upon request. So why do they often go to the city's wealthiest residents? [City Paper] Learn more about the city’s Shade Tree Commission [City of Pittsburgh] Planning with Purpose: 10x10,000 Trees for a More Resilient Pittsburgh [City of Pittsburgh] Increasing equitable access to Pgh’s urban tree canopy [Pittsburgh Canopy Alliance] Learn more about ReLeaf programs in Beltzhoover, Cali-Kirkbride & Homewood [Tree Pittsburgh] Efforts to keep Pittsburgh Post-Gazette operating appear to stall [KDKA] Chairman of Penguins buyer says company is in talks to buy the Post-Gazette [WPXI] City councilor calls for faster snow removal at Pittsburgh sidewalks and bus stops [WESA] Former Pittsburgh Mayor Gainey appointed to state gaming control board [WESA] Grand jury refuses to indict Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Chris Deluzio, in connection with illegal military orders video [Post-Gazette] Sen. John Fetterman says previous comments against voter ID were 'out of deference' to Gov. Tom Wolf [Post-Gazette] Kraft Heinz CEO pauses plans for company separation [Pgh Biz Times] If the word we 59th Carnegie International [CMOA] Four players with Pittsburgh ties helping the U.S. women's Olympic hockey team get off to a hot start [KDKA] Kingfly Spirits in Strip District abruptly closes [TribLive] Learn more about the sponsors of this February 13th episode: Heinz History Center AIDS Free Pittsburgh Family House 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.

Need a last-minute Valentine's Day gift or just want to show yourself some love? A spa day is a great way to cure the blues that come with Pittsburgh's gray skies. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is rounding up some of the treatments we've tried around the city and planning our next self-care splurges. We're talking about mud wraps, massages, saunas, facials, LED red light therapy, and more.  Did we miss your favorite spa treatment? Swear by LED therapy? Let us know how you relax! Call or text the SPA DAY HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 12th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Family House Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news?  Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh 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.

Valentine's Day is coming up this weekend! We're all about celebrating all forms of love — and stocking up on discount drugstore chocolate the day after — but we also can't resist a little gossip about a bad date. We're revisiting a conversation where we asked YOU, our listeners, to share your most horrific dating stories. Producer Sophia Lo is running through the juiciest ones with host Megan Harris. Plus, we've got some expert dating tips if you're still searching for a local love match. Still looking for a date? Check out upcoming events from Make Out Club and Dating in Pittsburgh. **This episode originally aired on February 13, 2025. If you enjoyed today's interview with The Westmoreland's Director of Learning, Engagement & Partnerships, Erica Nuckles, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 11th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Family House 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.