City Cast Pittsburgh

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 Airport, even though staffing here wasn’t a problem — so why are they really here? Pittsburgh City Council is following the county's lead in proposing a bill to limit cooperation with ICE. The NFL Draft is bringing nice things but also transit detour chaos. Plus, the Midwife Center hit a big milestone, an attorney is accused of embezzling $1.4 million from the Duquesne Incline, there may be hope for the Pens and Pirates, and No Kings protests are returning on Saturday. Don't forget to tell us what you love about Pittsburgh to be entered into our $1,000 giveaway! And we're also inviting you 412 Day, a totally real holiday to celebrate what makes Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh.  Notes and references from today’s show: DA Zappala serves search warrant on city of Pittsburgh [Post-Gazette] Bills regulating city cooperation with ICE headed for discussion in Pittsburgh City Council [WESA] Pittsburgh's NFL Draft transportation plan: PRT schedules, phased road closures & parking [WTAE] Pittsburgh area 8th grader has the last remaining perfect women’s NCAA bracket [TribLive] Pittsburgh lawyer accused of embezzling $1.4 million from Duquesne Incline group [Post-Gazette] Western Pa.’s only stand-alone birthing center celebrates 10,000th baby [WESA] "No Kings" protests set for Pittsburgh [Axios Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this March 27th episode: Fulton Commons Carnegie Library 412 Day Taskrabbit Political Gabfest 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.

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, about how cyclists can smoothly navigate the city. Plus, he's sharing what bikers and drivers need to know to safely share the road. **This episode originally aired on September 24, 2025. If you enjoyed today's interview with Chelsea Kovak, Senior Manager at Taskrabbit, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode: Fulton Commons Carnegie Library 412 Day Taskrabbit Political Gabfest 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.

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 bag of seasonal produce, there are so many options in the Pittsburgh region. Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo, and social media manager Laura Tsutsui are rounding up some of their favorites and explaining how to choose the right farm share for your budget, schedule, and cooking habits — plus what to expect before you sign up. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25th episode: Fulton Commons Carnegie Library 412 Day Taskrabbit Political Gabfest 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.

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 own employees. Plus, they give a status update on our city's preparations for the NFL Draft, get excited for the start of Kennywood and Pirates seasons (including the new menu items at PNC Park), and question Heinz's latest products. (Protein mac and cheese?! Electrolytes-infused Capri Sun?!)  Notes and references from today’s show: ICE agents arrive at Pittsburgh International Airport as funding stalemate hampers TSA nationwide [Post-Gazette] ICE agents deployed at Pittsburgh International Airport [TribLive] Pittsburgh International Airport sees longer lines but avoids TSA chaos [Pittsburgh Business Times] Pittsburgh Public Schools to transition to remote learning during NFL Draft [WTAE] PRT gets $350,000 to expand bus and light rail service for NFL Draft weekend [Post-Gazette] 11 Investigates: Pennsylvania has a problem with license plates, and it could cost drivers [WPXI] New outdoor plaza to open near PNC Park [Axios Pittsburgh] Kraft Heinz plans to unveil healthier versions of classics [Pittsburgh Business Times] Learn more about the sponsors of this March 24th episode: Fulton Commons Carnegie Library 412 Day Taskrabbit Political Gabfest 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.

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 make the most of a free exhibit. **This episode originally aired on June 25, 2025. Notes and references from today’s show: Free museums abound in Pa. Find the one for you with this guide. [SpotlightPA] 27 Unusual Pittsburgh Museums You Must Check Out [Discover the Burgh] 10 of the Best Free Pittsburgh Experiences Not to Miss [Discover the Burgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this March 23rd episode: Fulton Commons Carnegie Library 412 Day Taskrabbit Political Gabfest 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.

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 about why sex workers are considered independent contractors, what sparked this legal battle, and what happens if they win. Plus, what's different about neighborhoods in Las Vegas? Mentioned on the show: Could a Pahrump Brothel Union Set a New National Standard for Labor Laws? (City Cast Las Vegas) 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.

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 emerged after a local ICE arrest. Plus, they celebrate the return of Pittsburgh City Paper, mourn a Downtown grocery store that never even opened, and discuss both fish (a potential North Shore aquarium) and fowl (a bird tornado). Notes and references from today’s show: Pittsburgh comprehensive plan to receive Heinz Endowments funding [WESA] POD: Why Pittsburgh's $6 Million City Plan Might Stall Out [City Cast Pittsburgh] Creative Math with Ed Gainey [Breathing Space] Pittsburgh council, caught off guard by depths of budget woes, blames data dearth [TribLive] Pittsburgh police spent thousands on premium car washes as city faces large deficit [WPXI] Pittsburgh police bodycam shows they assisted ICE, mocked the situation, and were ready to detain the victim's wife [Instagram] Pittsburgh police chief orders review of alleged order for officers not to intervene in ICE arrest [Post-Gazette] POD: How To Join Pittsburgh's ICE Rapid Response Network [City Cast Pittsburgh] Pittsburgh Zoo Exploring North Shore Aquarium [Pittsburgh Zoo] Entrepreneurs behind Well Well Market cancel plans for downtown Pittsburgh grocer [Pittsburgh Business Times] Boards of Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh CLO approve merger [TribLive] Pittsburgh, City Paper is BACK! [City Paper] Goodness, gracious, great balls of fire: Meteor lights up sky over Pittsburgh [Post-Gazette] POD: UPMC Didn't Challenge Trump, So These Pittsburgh Families Did [City Cast Pittsburgh] UPMC: Some patient records may have been 'improperly accessed' [WTAE] Raucous bird tornado touches down as snow geese make annual flight to Arctic [AP News] Learn more about the sponsors of this March 20th episode: P3R The Westmoreland Carnegie Library 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.

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're sharing an episode from our friends at City Cast Philly, where host Trenae Nuri asks Spotlight PA's Gabriela Martínez and Kate Huangpu about the status of these detention centers and whether local officials can stop them. Read Gabriela and Kate's reporting on the ICE facilities here. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 19th episode: P3R The Westmoreland Carnegie Library 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.

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 favorite submissions so far and what they say about our sense of local pride. Plus, they're explaining how one lucky winner could snag $1,000 to some of our favorite Pittsburgh spots. How to enter: Follow @CityCastPgh and like our 1000 Things post. Comment something you love about Pittsburgh.  Share the post to your stories for a bonus entry. Giveaway closes April 1, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.  The contest and series are sponsored by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 18th episode: P3R The Westmoreland Carnegie Library 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.

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 of this March 17th episode: P3R The Westmoreland Carnegie Library 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.

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, and UPMC has stopped providing most forms of gender-affirming care for young people. Mimi McKenzie, legal director at the Public Interest Law Center, joins executive producer Mallory Falk to explain how she came to represent four local patients and their families, why she found it "hugely disappointing" that UPMC didn't bring its own legal challenge against the government, and what's happening with similar cases across the country. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 16th episode: P3R The Westmoreland Carnegie Library 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.

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 policy, partially motivated by the fact that local cops have damaged their reputation by patrolling with feds. City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host and executive editor Mike Schaffer about the political stakes involved, the effectiveness of body cameras, and how Washingtonians are dealing with the heavy federal law enforcement presence. Plus, Mike and Jacoby weigh in on public transit etiquette in their cities when it comes to people playing music out loud. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email us now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

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 Lower Hill, a sneak preview of Pittsburgh's newest concert venue, and Isaly's return to the Strip District. (How much will they charge for a chipped ham sandwich?!) Come work with us! We're hiring an audience development manager and podcast contributors. Learn more about the roles here. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 16. Notes and references from today’s show: Pittsburgh faces budget shortfall of up to $40M, leaving city finances in crisis [TribLive] PODCAST: Is Pittsburgh Going Broke? [City Cast Pittsburgh] New phase of Penn Avenue reconstruction in Pittsburgh to begin with extensive detours [TribLive] Penn Avenue Strategic Plan [Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation] First look: Citizens Live at The Wylie [Axios Pittsburgh] URA details new approach for portion of Lower Hill redevelopment site [Pittsburgh Business Times] O’Connor unveils plan to streamline Pittsburgh permitting, overhaul zoning code [WESA] PODCAST: Pittsburgh's Big Idea To Fix Downtown. Plus, Do Local Sports Really Matter? [Your City Could Be Better] Former Westinghouse site in Churchill could become a mixed-use ‘dream come true’ [Post-Gazette] Council votes to restrict Allegheny County employees from cooperating with ICE [Public Source] PODCAST: Sara Innamorato on ICE, Buying a House & Next Steelers Stadium [City Cast Pittsburgh] Isaly's will be returning to Pittsburgh's Strip District this coming summer [KDKA] Learn more about the sponsors of this March 13th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Liberty Magic The Westmoreland Carnegie Library 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.

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 sponsors of this March 12th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Liberty Magic The Westmoreland Carnegie Library 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.

Immigrants make up an outsized share of Pittsburgh's entrepreneurial community, but a surge in ICE arrests is hurting immigrant-owned businesses on both sides of the counter. Alice Crow, lead Pittsburgh reporter at Technical.ly, joins executive producer Mallory Falk to explain how fear of deportation is keeping customers and employees at home and discouraging foreign-born residents from starting new businesses. Plus, she shares how people who are less at risk can support local spots that are dealing with the fallout from ICE. Read Alice's reporting here. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 11th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Liberty Magic The Westmoreland Carnegie Library 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.

You might have a few pots of herbs and flowers in your backyard, but what if you want to dream bigger? Maybe you're thinking of raising some chickens and building a coop, or you've decided this is the year to install an in-ground pool and buy that sauna from Costco. But before you make a trip to Home Depot, we're here to help you review Pittsburgh's rules for how many animals you can keep, what you need a permit for, and more. We're bringing back an episode with Host Megan Harris, newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco, and prize-winning gardener Kaydi Gratzer, where they talk through what's allowed and what's off limits in your Pittsburgh backyard. Need a refresh? We've put our do's and don'ts up on our website, and head over to OneStopPGH to apply for a permit for your next DIY.  **This episode originally aired on August 4, 2025. Still have a question about your backyard? Call or text the HELP ME hotline at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 10th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Liberty Magic The Westmoreland Carnegie Library 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.

We threw out a challenge to City Cast Pittsburgh contributor and Post-Gazette dining critic Hal B. Klein: Where can you get a meal in Pittsburgh after midnight? He joins host Megan Harris to round up over 20 delicious spots and what to order. Plus, Hal shares how immigrants are behind the latest resurgence in Pittsburgh's last-night dining scene. City Cast Pittsburgh is also celebrating our 1,000th episode! Make sure you're following us on Instagram @CityCastPgh for a special upcoming giveaway to mark the milestone. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 9th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Liberty Magic The Westmoreland 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.

Homelessness is one of the major issues that cities like Pittsburgh are trying to solve. The state of Utah is planning to build a 16-acre homeless campus on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where unhoused people with mental illnesses or addiction issues could be sheltered and in some cases involuntarily committed. This controversial idea is the brainchild of conservative think tanks, and it’s one that’s very much being embraced by the Trump administration and the Utah legislature. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta about how this plan is meant to work, the concerns about forced institutionalization, and why the state is pushing for this even though it goes against the recommendations of local experts and service providers. Mentioned on the show: Interrogating Controversial Homeless Policy Proposals (City Cast Salt Lake) 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.

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.