City Cast Pittsburgh

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 exploration could lead to medical breakthroughs here on Earth, all thanks to a new research lab at the University of Pittsburgh. Notes and references from today’s show: Movie and TV projects spent a record-breaking $300 million while filming in Pittsburgh last year [NEXTpittsburgh] What can space exploration teach us about human health? New Pitt research lab to find the answer [NEXTpittsburgh] Who is Carrie of the Carrie Blast Furnace? Rivers of Steel finally has an answer [NEXTpittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this April 7th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust City Theatre Clearview FCU Window Nation Sustainable 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.

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 modernization? Special thanks Pittsburgh Magazine for sharing their work and our guest Mark Houser for bringing Pittsburgh’s past back to life. Sign up for one of his June skyscraper tours, and listen to Mark and Megan's self-guided audio tour of Downtown. And check out the Kennywood episode of Defunctland here. It’s super fun and weird. Come celebrate Pittsburgh with us on 412 Day! We'll be at Southern Tier Brewing on the North Shore on Sunday, April 12 from 11am-2pm. Find all the details about the free event and RSVP here. **This episode originally published April 19, 2023. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 6th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust City Theatre Clearview FCU Window Nation 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.

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 host Bree Davies about why Denver has invested so much into having sports downtown, how Denver has capitalized on repurposing old industrial spaces, and how bad traffic gets when all your sports are downtown. Plus, is it better to have a Mayor with or without aims for a greater political office? Mentioned on the show: The $tadium Game: Inside the lucrative world of Colorado’s pro sports stadiums [⁠The Denver Post⁠] 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.

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 Sophia Lo are excited about snagging free trees. Plus, they're talking about space exploration missions with a Pittsburgh connection and saying goodbye to Fat Head's.  Notes and references from today’s show: Trees being removed from Pittsburgh's North Shore to make room for NFL Draft setup [KDKA] Pittsburgh City Council looks to finalize NFL Draft security plans [Post-Gazette] Pittsburgh prepares for NFL Draft with extra police agencies, canines [TribLive] Pittsburgh leaders propose raising city parking meter rates during upcoming NFL draft [KDKA] Tow Pound [McGann and Chester] University of Pittsburgh pledges $5 million to city for parks, business districts, public safety [WESA] Spring 2026 Tree Adoption Events [Tree Pittsburgh] Astronaut’s Condition That Led to Space Station Evacuation Remains a Mystery [New York Times] Immigrant rights group plans 8-day walk from Pittsburgh to ICE facility in Clearfield County [TribLive] PODCAST: How To Join Pittsburgh's ICE Rapid Response Network [City Cast Pittsburgh] NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has no plans to scrap Rooney Rule, despite Florida AG pressure [WESA] Fat Head’s Saloon on South Side closing after 34 years [TribLive] Learn more about the sponsors of this April 3rd episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Quantum Theatre Allegheny County Poll Workers 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'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 Guide's parameters and the accolades like StarChefs Rising Stars Awards we can point to instead. Learn more about the sponsors of this April 2nd episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Quantum Theatre Allegheny County Poll Workers 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.

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 local CSAs. For even more tips on how to make the most of April in Pittsburgh, check out our website. City Cast Pittsburgh's guide to April is made possible by our awesome sponsors, Lake Erie Wine Country, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Quantum Theatre, and Allegheny County Poll Workers. 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. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at pittsburgh@citycast.fm.

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 imagining what learning could look like here by 2036 and whether we should be excited…or a little freaked out. Jason Swanson, Director of Strategic Foresight at KnowledgeWorks, and Taylor Samstang, Executive Director at Remake Learning, join Executive Producer Mallory Falk to break down the biggest trends shaping the future of education, how you can help shape what comes next, and and why all of this matters even if you don't have kids. Thank you for listening to this special bonus Sponsored Episode by The Grable Foundation. To learn about this episode sponsor visit Remakelearning.org, Grable.org, and knowledgeworks.org

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 Webster, health reporter for the Post-Gazette, for discussing her reporting on gender-affirming care. 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: Population Change in the Pittsburgh Region [University Center for Social and Urban Research] Pittsburgh area loses population amid nationwide immigration crackdown [Post-Gazette] PODCAST: Pittsburgh Isn’t Growing. Is That Actually Bad? [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: UPMC Didn't Challenge Trump, So These Pittsburgh Families Did [City Cast Pittsburgh] Trans teens in Pittsburgh scramble to access care months after options were largely cut off [Post-Gazette] ‘Knowledge is power:’ Rate Yinz Landlord offers students a voice on Oakland landlords [The Pitt News] Richland Township named Pennsylvania’s 100th Bird Town [TribLive] Live osprey camera back on at Moraine State Park [Butler Eagle] First baby eagle of 2026 hatches at U.S. Steel Irvin Plant nest [WTAE] Pittsburgh eagle cam captures chilling coyote howls: "Never heard anything like this" [KDKA] New Pittsburgh music festival launches this summer in Frick Park [WESA] Learn more about the sponsors of this March 31st episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Quantum Theatre Allegheny County Poll Workers 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.

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 favorite staycation spots, and help you plan the perfect itinerary. Check out Aakanksha's roundup of historic staycation spots in City Paper. **This episode originally aired on November 10, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 30th episode: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Quantum Theatre Allegheny County Poll Workers 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.

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-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin podcast host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, the city’s affordable housing successes, and where Austin’s still falling short. Plus, how far is too far to walk to a neighbor’s house? 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.

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.