City Cast Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania's judicial retention race is heating up, and there's a mailer going around with really misleading information. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato released a draft of the next county budget, and there's no tax increase, but Pittsburgh Public Schools is thinking differently. We're also talking about Walmart's pitch to demolish the Monroeville Mall, but there's also some good news. Pennsylvania's getting glamping sites with incredible amenities, and lots of books are on sale to celebrate Banned Books Week. Notes and references from today’s show: PODCAST: Why Tony Moreno Wants To Be Pittsburgh's Next Mayor [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Why Corey O'Connor Wants To Be Pittsburgh's Next Mayor [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: How Your Vote Will Shape PA's Supreme Court [City Cast Pittsburgh] The group behind a misleading mailer targeting the Pa. Supreme Court retention elections [Spotlight PA] How To Be an Election Poll Worker in Allegheny County [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Penn Ave Bike Lane Drama, Explained [City Cast Pittsburgh] Banned Books List 2025 [PEN America] Pittsburgh author condemns Florida ban on his Roberto Clemente picture book [WESA] Pittsburgh children's author writes a 'Banned Book' [WESA] Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato pitches $3 billion budget with no tax hike [TribLive] Pittsburgh Public Schools recommends 2026 tax hike [WESA] Walmart plans to demolish Monroeville Mall, according to state grant bid [TribLive] Why Did Walmart Just Buy a Shopping Mall? [New York Times] Pennsylvania bringing glamping to 8 state parks in 2026 [KDKA] Learn more about the sponsors of this October 10th episode: Fulton Commons YWCA Liberty Magic Pittsburgh Opera 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 also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It's a popular season for cemetery tours, and there are some beautiful and historic burial grounds in the Pittsburgh region. But we're also home to Pennsylvania's first and only fully green cemetery. Host Megan Harris visits Penn Forest Natural Burial Park in Verona to learn how a green burial works, the unique ways friends and family can get involved in the process, and why more people are choosing to go out sustainably. Thank you to guests Laura Faessel, Deanna Mance, and Thom Wood. You can learn about upcoming events at Penn Forest — including goat yoga and a forest bathing walk — on their events page. Stay tuned for information about their Day of the Dead ancestral ceremony and Winter Solstice celebration. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 9th episode: Fulton Commons YWCA Liberty Magic Pittsburgh Opera 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.

Pittsburgh voters face a big choice this November: not just who should be the city's next mayor, but whether to retain three state Supreme Court judges. That decision could shape whether Democrats or Republicans control PA's highest court and affect major rulings on everything from election law to abortion access. SpotlightPA's Stephen Caruso joins executive producer Mallory Falk to explain what's on the ballot, what's at stake, and why dark money is pouring into these judicial retention contests. The deadline to register to vote in the next PA election is Oct 20. If you enjoyed today's interview with Pittsburgh Opera's Director of Marketing and Communications, Chris Cox, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 7th episode: Fulton Commons YWCA Liberty Magic Pittsburgh Opera 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.

Making friends in Pittsburgh can feel really daunting. Lots of people here are part of friend groups that formed in their elementary school years, but transplants, boomerangers, and even lifelong Pittsburghers are making new friendships all the time with the help of great social clubs. 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, and hear more from Dan in our guide to running in Pittsburgh. **This episode originally aired on June 6, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 7th episode: Fulton Commons YWCA Liberty Magic Pittsburgh Opera 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.

Pumpkin spice lattes get a lot of fanfare, but there are so many pumpkin goodies to choose from in Pittsburgh. The City Cast Pittsburgh team tried over a dozen local pumpkin beers and are sharing their favorites. Plus, we're sharing the other sweet and savory pumpkin dishes we've loved or want to enjoy before the season's over, including Di'Anoia's famous pumpkin gnocchi bowl, pumpkin bagels, and baked goods from Mediterra.  Learn more about the sponsors of this October 6th episode: Fulton Commons Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh YWCA Liberty Magic Pittsburgh Opera Heinz History Center 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.

Giant Eagle says it's lowering prices on hundreds of products, jussst as the beloved Midwestern chain Meijer announced a new location north of Pittsburgh. Outgoing Mayor Ed Gainey released his draft for the city’s 2026 budget, and his most vocal critics are getting pretty creative with their complaints. Plus, Spirit Christmas is coming, Pitt announced a new Horror Studies Center, vaccination exemptions are going down for students countywide. And it’s the last day of our fall membership drive. 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 now at https://membership.citycast.fm/  Notes and references from today’s show: Gainey pitches budget plan with no tax hike [TribLive] PODCAST: Why Corey O'Connor Wants To Be Pittsburgh's Next Mayor [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Why Tony Moreno Wants To Be Pittsburgh's Next Mayor [City Cast Pittsburgh] How the federal shutdown could disrupt daily life in Pa. [Axios Pittsburgh] PODCAST: PA Candy Trivia! How Pennsylvania is Your Halloween Haul? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Giant Eagle is lowering prices on more than 300 grocery staples [WPXI] Meijer's cryptic announcement of expansion into Pittsburgh sparks intrigue in competitive grocery market [Pittsburgh Business Times] Here's where the region's first Meijer store is likely to set up shop [Pittsburgh Business Times] Wawa to open stores in Centre County, inching farther into Sheetz's territory [KDKA] University of Pittsburgh launches world's first center to study horror genre [WESA] Religious, philosophical vaccine exemptions on the rise in Southwestern Pennsylvania [Next Gen Newsroom] Spirit Christmas to open 2 Pittsburgh-area locations this holiday season [WPXI] Learn more about the sponsors of this October 3rd episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh City Cast Neighbors - Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Pittsburgh 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 also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

In photos from Pittsburgh's peak steelmaking days, you can see all the pollution along with all the smokestacks and blast furnaces lining our riverfronts. Since then, we've been able to clean up our waterways, air, and the riverbanks, but there are still sections of the shore dedicated to heavy industry. For residents in Hazelwood, this means a recycling center's attracting rats and more ickiness to the neighborhood. Host Megan Harris is with City Councilor Barb Warwick to talk about her proposal to rezone a small portion near the Glenwood Bridge, why the railroads are mad about it, and what all this says about where our riverfronts are headed. 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 now at https://membership.citycast.fm/  Learn more about the sponsors of this October 2nd episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh City Cast Neighbors - Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Pittsburgh 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.

October is full of spooky events for all of our Halloween lovers! You can catch a classic horror film or visit Vinegar Syndrome's new location on the South Side, sip on a cocktail topped with a gummy eyeball, and make some skull screenprints. But if you're a scaredy cat, consider going on a walking tour to learn more about Pittsburgh's skyscrapers or pop into a coffeeshop for a carrot cake latte. Plus, if you need even more fun this month, check out some of our favorite fall festivals. 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 now at https://membership.citycast.fm/  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 out of October in Pittsburgh, check out Hey Pittsburgh’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Pittsburgh is made possible by our awesome sponsor, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at pittsburgh@citycast.fm.

Fall's in full swing! The leaves are just beginning to change colors, pumpkin spice is back in coffee shops, and Oktoberfest beers are lining the shelves. City Cast Pittsburgh's Megan Harris and Francesca Dabecco are running through even more fall markets and fairs, outdoor activities, and Halloween celebrations all around the Pittsburgh area. Plus, find our complete list of festivals on our website and learn about the best spots to go apple picking. 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 now at https://membership.citycast.fm/  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 30th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh City Cast Neighbors - Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Pittsburgh 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.

The Penn Avenue “rightsizing” project kicks off tomorrow night — if a judge doesn't step in and stop it. The city's planning to remove a lane of driving traffic, add a protected bike lane, and keep roughly the same number of parking spots between 22nd and 31st streets in the Strip District. But it hasn't been a straightforward process. A coalition of small business owners, acting as the Strip District Business Association, recently asked a judge to intervene and grant an emergency injunction to stop the project. Axios Pittsburgh's Ryan Deto is with City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris to talk about why cyclists and city officials have been pushing for this project since 2023, why some people are mad about it, and what it all means for the identity and future of the Strip. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 29th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh City Cast Neighbors - Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make PittsburghBecome 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.

Pirates baseball ended poorly and quietly, but Penguins hockey is just getting started! The Pens are bringing back a beloved player, goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, for a one-night-only, send-off party at Saturday’s game. There’s an idea to build a private helipad in the city, City Council agreed to spend $1.8 million on a plan for the proposed public safety training center in Lincoln-Lemington, and Kamala Harris is spilling the tea on why she didn’t pick PA Gov. Josh Shapiro to be her running mate last year. Plus, Pittsburgh’s iffy finances got dealt another blow over the jock tax this week, and parents of local trans kids have filed a complaint with the state against UPMC over their policy to end gender-affirming care for their children. Won’t you be our Neighbor? Sign up ASAP to get a limited edition tote bag + a chance to win free tickets to Say Cheese! at Mazzotta Winery and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Notes and references from today’s show: Pittsburgh City Council approves first step toward public-safety campus on VA hospital site [WESA] Pittsburgh to spend $1.8M on master plan for controversial public safety training center [TribLive] PODCAST: Why Pittsburgh's Divided Over Possible 'Cop City' [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: The Fight To Get a Gun Range Out of Highland Park [City Cast Pittsburgh] Trans patients file discrimination complaint against UPMC over termination of gender-affirming care [WESA] Trans Patients File Groundbreaking Legal Complaint Against UPMC For Capitulation To Trump [Erin In The Morning] Parents to UPMC: Tell us whether you’re giving our trans kids’ records to the feds [PublicSource] Anti-Trans National Legal Risk Assessment Map: August Edition [Erin In The Morning] Kamala Harris opens up about Joe Biden's weird Philly phone call, Josh Shapiro's VP interview, and more [Philadelphia Inquirer] 5 takeaways from Kamala Harris' new book about her sprint for the presidency [NPR] State Supreme Court calls foul on Pittsburgh's 'jock tax,' adding to city's financial headaches [WESA] PODCAST: Is Pittsburgh Going Broke? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Penguins release more tickets for Marc-Andre Fleury exhibition game [WPXI] Bucs Limp to the Finish in Another Lost Season [Pittsburgh Magazine] No place to land: Pittsburgh's lack of private helipads sparks new initiative [Pittsburgh Business Times] Learn more about the sponsors of this September 26th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Planned Parenthood of Western PA City Cast Neighbors - Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Pittsburgh Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

This weekend, the Steelers are heading across the pond to play the Vikings in Dublin. If you want to catch the game at 9:30 Sunday morning, a bunch of sports bars around the city are rolling out special menu items and hosting very early happy hours. City Cast's Megan Harris and Zack Durkin are talking about their favorite sports bars in Pittsburgh and what makes them special, whether it's top-tier wings, an enormous screen, or breakfast buffets.  Need even more recommendations? Here's our full list of sports bars for Steelers season. Don't miss our episode about how Pittsburgh and Bottlerocket Social Hall are becoming comedy destinations. 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 now at https://membership.citycast.fm/  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 25th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Planned Parenthood of Western PA City Cast Neighbors - Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Pittsburgh Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 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.

We've got a strong biking community here in Pittsburgh, and some avid riders want to see a bike lane added to Penn Avenue. That proposal's gotten major pushback; one group in the Strip District is even suing the city over the change. But since we all need to share the road with each other, executive producer Mallory Falk's talking with Bike Pittsburgh's education manager Ted King-Smith. He's sharing how bikers can smoothly navigate Pittsburgh's hills and bridges — plus, what bikers and drivers need to know so we can all get around safely together.  Redd up on the city’s Penn Avenue rightsizing project, and leave a comment if you have strong feelings. Feeling inspired to ditch your car? A Week Without Driving runs Sept. 29 to Oct. 5, and Pittsburgh's celebrating with a community lecture night from a disability justice group, a happy hour, a meetup on the river, and more. 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 now at https://membership.citycast.fm/  Learn more about the sponsors of this September 24th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Planned Parenthood of Western PA City Cast Neighbors - Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Pittsburgh Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 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.

Gambling is everywhere in Pennsylvania, including casinos, apps, the lottery, skill games, and fantasy sports. It’s fun for some but also incredibly addictive. And while PA has a way for players to ban themselves from gambling, critics say it’s easy to get around and the penalties don’t incentivize big companies to prevent problem behavior. Axios Philadelphia’s Isaac Avilucea joins City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri to explain what’s at stake and how our government actually benefits when Pennsylvanians play. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 23rd episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Planned Parenthood of Western PA Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 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.

Pittsburgh just launched an anti-bias coalition, but did you know there's an office that can help if you feel like you're being discriminated against? The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations has been around since before the Civil Rights Act, and their investigations into housing, employment, and other forms of discrimination yield real, enforceable results. Executive director Rachel Shepherd and deputy director Chris Soult join us to talk about their work and how you can tap into these free supports. Think you’ve experienced discrimination? You can submit an inquiry on the PghCHR portal, call their office at 412-255-2600, or email human.relations@pittsburghpa.gov.  Learn more about Stand for All, the city's new anti-hate, anti-bias coalition. **This episode originally aired on February 22, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 22nd episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Planned Parenthood of Western PA Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST 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.

More and more vape shops are popping up in Pittsburgh — there are nearly 30 in Downtown alone! — and city council is considering a bill that would put some restrictions on where they can open. Executive producer Mallory Falk and producer Sophia Lo explain the proposal. Plus, they talk about the Trump administration's threats to withhold billions of dollars in food stamp funding if PA doesn't turn over personal data, Gov. Josh Shapiro's remarks on political violence at a recent anti-hate summit in Pittsburgh, and how a permitting mishap with the team behind the (Emmy award-winning!) show "The Pitt" led to extra traffic Downtown. Notes and references from today’s show: Pittsburgh lawmakers want to restrict where vape shops can open [KDKA] Vape shop regulations proposed in Pittsburgh City Council would keep stores away from schools [WESA] U.S. Census: One in five Pittsburgh residents live in poverty [P-G] Pittsburgh-area pay growth lags U.S. average [Axios Pittsburgh] ‘An extra burden’: Southwestern Pa. braces for SNAP benefit losses [Next Gen Newsroom] Trump admin. threatens to withhold $460M in food-stamp funding if Pa. doesn't share personal data [WESA] 'Demand is at an all-time high:' 4 The Record speaks with leaders from Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank [WTAE] How To Fight Food Insecurity in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh] Gov. Josh Shapiro, who survived arson attack, condemns political violence at anti-hate summit [Spotlight PA] 'The Pitt' filming permit mishap on Downtown Pittsburgh bridge backs up traffic [KDKA] Filming for ‘The Pitt’ Is Expected Back in Pittsburgh This Week [Pittsburgh Magazine] Volunteer Actors Needed for Allegheny General Hospital [Instagram] PRT avoids service cuts, fare hikes with over $100 million in state funds [TribLive] Fall colors may be less vibrant in Pittsburgh this year [Axios Pittsburgh] Go Leaf Peeping on These 4 Fall Getaways Near Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this September 19th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Fist Ascent City Theatre The Frick 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 also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

There's a lot of debate about where Pittsburgh is part of the East Coast, Midwest, or Appalachia, but one thing we can say for sure: Pittsburgh is not part of the South. And for some people, that means that our barbecue scene can be lacking. While we might not live up to the pitmasters in the Carolinas or Texas, we promise that if you're willing to look, you'll still find tender meats, tasty sauces, and great sides. City Paper's Colin Williams is here to tell Host (and born-and-bred Southerner!) Megan Harris where to satisfy your barbecue cravings. Plus, if you love spice and heat, check out the city's first hot sauce festival at Velum Fermentation on October 4. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 18th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Fist Ascent City Theatre The Frick 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.

Pittsburgh has seen its share of catastrophe — from unexpected weather bringing flooding and brutal windstorms to man-made calamities like devastating fires, explosions, and even escaped monkeys. (Seriously. That’s happened here a surprising number of times.) As our nation’s leaders consider doing away with things like federal emergency response, we’re taking stock of all the times it would’ve been really great to have more help, not less. Host Megan Harris is with writer and author Virginia Montanez to talk about some of Pittsburgh's biggest disasters and the important lessons we’ve learned along the way.   Learn more about the sponsors of this September 17th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Fist Ascent City Theatre The Frick 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.

President Trump's been sending — or threatening to send — National Guard troops to major cities all over the country, and it got us wondering where Pittsburgh might be on his long list. Should Pittsburgh (or Philadelphia) be worried? City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris and Mallory Falk talk about what’s happening, what’s legal, and whether Gov. Josh Shapiro’s big talk about being “prepared” could make us more of a target. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 16th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Fist Ascent City Theatre The Frick 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.

Pittsburgh's getting all glammed up before the NFL Draft next year. But shiny renovation projects (like a new-and-improved Market Square) can only go so far if our hillsides are covered in trash. The city, county and a bunch of local groups just launched a big cleanup campaign called "Immaculate Collection" to redd up our region before company comes over. But why does our city get so dirty in the first place, and what can we do about it? We're revisiting our conversation with Caily Grube, executive director of Allegheny CleanWays, about tackling Pittsburgh's trash problem. Allegheny CleanWays is one of the partners behind Immaculate Collection. Learn more about the campaign and their cleanup events here. **This episode originally aired on June 23, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 15th episode: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Heinz History Center Fist Ascent City Theatre The Frick 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.