City Cast Pittsburgh

Gainey versus O'Connor. South Side business owners versus their clientele. Pirates fans versus Bob Nutting. There were so many juicy rivalries in Pittsburgh this year. Host Megan Harris is joined by City Paper's Colin Williams to discuss the biggest beefs of 2025 and share which feud they'd most like to see resolved in the new year. 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.

Mayor Ed Gainey has two weeks left in office, and one of his final decisions will be whether to approve or veto a 20% tax increase passed by City Council over the weekend. It's a dramatic end to his history-making turn as Pittsburgh's first Black mayor. Host Megan Harris sits down with Ed & Michelle Gainey to talk about their legacy, what he sees as the city's biggest opportunities and challenges in the years ahead, and whether he has any regrets. 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 was in the national spotlight this week, when NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas broadcast live from the North Shore. But our hopes of being represented as more than just a football down were quickly dashed. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco discuss our city's primetime moment. Plus, we talk about the new trailer for the 'Pitt,' share some local movie recommendations for the holiday break, and talk about the things that are bringing us joy this week. Notes and references from today’s show: New details emerge about Maryland investigation of Jason Lando, O'Connor's pick for Pittsburgh police chief [TribLive] From not wanting to leave to coming home: Police Chief Jason Lando leaves the comfort of Maryland for the uncertainty of Pittsburgh [Post-Gazette] PODCAST: Does 'The Pitt' Get Pittsburgh Right? [City Cast Pittsburgh] 5 Things ‘The Pitt’ Gets Right and Wrong About Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh] The Best Pittsburgh(ish) Holiday Movies [City Cast Pittsburgh] Immortalizing Forbes Field: MGM Drafts Pittsburgh for Big Film [Heinz History Center] Pittsburgh is just a bunch of mutual friends for real [Instagram] Learn more about the sponsor of this December 19th episode: 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 also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Pittsburgh Tomorrow recently placed a dog-friendly, holiday billboard in New York City’s Times Square, inviting the nearly 400,000 people who pass by every day to consider moving to Pittsburgh. While some locals say they don’t love it, head of storytelling Caroline Fisher says the city needs to take big swings if we want Pittsburgh’s stagnant population to grow. Host Megan Harris asks about the cost, the mission, and how they’re feeling about people’s reaction to the ad. Check out Pittsburgh Tomorrow's guide to starting a new life in Pittsburgh or get in touch at hello@pittsburghtomorrow.org Learn more about the sponsors of this December 18th episode: Heinz History Center Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code 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.

After all the leaves fall, you can see what exactly sits on all of Pittsburgh's hills. You might be noticing steep steps all around the city, and these staircases were actually the city's first form of mass transit. Cataloging and preserving these steps is a relatively new priority, and the City Cast Pittsburgh team explored a set of steps with three authors of City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide. They're  sharing our city's history with the steps and tips for exploring them yourself.  Thanks to Laura Zurowski, Matthew Jacob, and Charles Succop for taking us on the field trip! **This episode originally aired on July 16, 2025. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 17th episode: Heinz History Center Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code 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 got a nice, big snowfall, and if you're feeling inspired to get out in the cold there are plenty of options, from snowshoeing through our city parks to ice skating under the stars. Marcus Shoffner, founder of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, joins host Megan Harris to share his favorite spots for skiing, snowboarding, winter camping and more, plus his tips for staying warm and finding free or very discounted winter gear. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 16th episode: Heinz History Center Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code 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.

While most of us aren't jumping at the chance to watch commercials, there's one holiday ad that Pittsburghers have loved for more than 40 years. When we hear the little flute melody leading into Eat'n Park's Christmas star commercial, we know those cozy feelings are coming — and it all started as the chain's special thank you note to our city. Executive producer Mallory Falk is with Kristy Graver, food editor at Pittsburgh Magazine, to learn about why Eat'n Park created Pittsburgh's most enduring commercial and talk about why it's still on screens today. **This episode originally aired on December 9, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 15th episode: Heinz History Center Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code 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.

Your taxes could be going up. City Council and Pittsburgh Public Schools both officially proposed increases for next year. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and producer Sophia Lo explain how we got here and how much extra you might be paying if the tax hikes do, in fact, get approved. Plus, they discuss a new direct flight to one of Pittsburgh's favorite places, new state restrictions on GLP-1 drugs, the Terrible Towel's big milestone birthday, and your final opportunity to snag an exclusive City Cast Pittsburgh beanie. 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 Request a song for our holiday show! Call or text the HOLIDAY HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Notes and references from today’s show: Our Ultimate Pittsburgh Gift Guide [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: 'Sloppy' City Budget, Zombie Studies & Giant Eagle vs. Everybody [City Cast Pittsburgh] Same budget, different universes: Pittsburgh council, mayor diverge on 2026 spending plan [TribLive] Pittsburgh City Council grapples with competing narratives surrounding budget [P-G] Sharply contrasting views of Pittsburgh budget emerge ahead of looming votes [WESA] Property Record Search [Allegheny County] PODCAST: Can Pittsburgh Afford the NFL Draft? [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Are Pittsburgh Schools Closing Or Not?! [City Cast Pittsburgh] Without closures, Pittsburgh Public Schools projects $6M deficit with 4% tax hike [TribLive] Pa. cyber charter reforms give PPS budget unexpected 'wiggle room' amid last-minute revisions [WESA] Pennsylvania restricts weight-loss drugs for Medicaid patients amid budget woes [Spotlight PA] Pittsburgh-area ICE arrests through mid-October more than triple last year’s level [Public Source] PODCAST: What Actually Happens During an ICE Raid? [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Lo que realmente ocurre durante una redada de ICE [City Cast Pittsburgh] HHS changed the name of transgender health leader on her official portrait [NPR] Former Gov. Wolf, Pa. Democrats slam deadname of Rachel Levine portrait [Go Erie] The Terrible Towel Turns 50 [Pittsburgh Magazine] Pittsburgh lands direct flights to Dublin [Axios Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this December 12th episode: Fulton Commons Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code 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 also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Are you the kind of Pittsburgher who always shows up to Light Up Night and puts up your holiday decorations right after Halloween? Today, we're bringing together a few local media outlets to see who knows the most about our city's seasonal traditions, and we want you to play along with us! We're asking questions about our prolific pop-up bars, iconic local commercials, and favorite winter events.  What was your final score? Tell us how you did at our TRIVIA HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Thanks to our guests Colin Williams at City Paper, John Rhoades at Next Pittsburgh, and Jeff Freedman at QBurgh, and special shout out to CCP contributor and quizmaster Kevin Gavin. 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: PODCAST: The Story Behind Eat’n Park’s Iconic Christmas Commercial [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Why Pittsburgh’s Menorah Went to the U.S. Supreme Court [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: The Best Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Pittsburgh in 2025 [City Cast Pittsburgh] Find Holiday Cheer at These Pittsburgh Pop-Up Bars [City Cast Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this December 11th episode: Fulton Commons Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code 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.

Pittsburgh Public Schools spent two years and a quarter million dollars on a plan to save money and make the district more equitable — only for the school board to reject it in the 11th hour. The controversial plan would've closed and consolidated a bunch of schools and made other dramatic changes to address declining enrollment, a growing deficit, and student achievement gaps, but many worried it was happening on a rushed timeline. Now the district is back to the drawing board and considering a tax increase. Host Megan Harris is with James Fogarty, executive director of A+ Schools, to explain what happened, what comes next, and why the fate of our local schools should matter to everyone who lives here. Want to learn more about the district, including its bright spots and successes? Read A+ Schools' latest report on PPS. 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 December 10th episode: Fulton Commons Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code 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.

Some of our favorite restaurants are celebrating their 10th anniversaries! That includes places like Driftwood Oven (home of the ever-popular sourdough pizza) and Butterwood Bake Consortium (known for its late night cakes). What was happening a decade ago that allowed these restaurants to flourish — and how did they change Pittsburgh's food scene? Post-Gazette dining critic Hal B. Klein joins host Megan Harris to discuss his Class of 2015 series and share how spots like Senti and Scratch & Co. totally rocked our local dining scene. 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 or gift a membership at https://membership.citycast.fm/gifts. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 9th episode: Fulton Commons Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code 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.

We are inching closer and closer to the holidays, and if you've been putting off your shopping, we want to help you find the perfect Pittsburgh gift! Host Megan Harris is with writer and historian Virginia Montanez, who's been putting together a yinzer gift guide for nearly two decades, to share their topics for 2025. Plus, the rest of the City Cast Pittsburgh team got in on the fun. Get our recommendations for home decor, food and drink, 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 or gift a membership at https://membership.citycast.fm/gifts Learn more about the sponsors of this December 8th episode: Fulton Commons Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code 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.

The Esplanade development finally broke ground in Chateau, after nearly a decade of planning, which means we're one step closer to a permanent Ferris Wheel on the North Side. Plus, there are fresh hopes and dreams for Station Square now that a new developer is taking over. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and producer Sophia Lo discuss what they'd like to see on the riverfront site, why alcohol sales are dipping in PA (and why Pennsylvanians can't get enough of Fireball and pink lemonade vodka), and why you'll soon see driverless taxis cruising down city streets. How should Pittsburghers be celebrating their milestone birthdays? Call or text the BIRTHDAY HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Notes and references from today’s show: Shapiro calls $740M Esplanade Project a 'game changer' as Pittsburgh project breaks ground [TribLive] Developers break ground on historic Esplanade project [P-G] PODCAST: Restaurants, Party Barges & Bathrooms on the Riverfront [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Can the North Side Get a Ferris Wheel & Still Stay Affordable? [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Coffee, Corn Dogs & The Latest on Manchester’s Freeman Family Farm [City Cast Pittsburgh] Station Square primed for next act as developer with waterfront expertise buys iconic destination [Business-Times] PA wine, spirits sales slip as tariffs, dwindling bar crowds take toll [TribLive] PODCAST: What Tariffs Mean for Pittsburgh Wine [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Why Pittsburgh's a Pioneer in Non-Alcoholic Drinks [City Cast Pittsburgh] Are Americans drinking less? New data says yes, but not by much [Reuters] Costco pursues liquor license for Cranberry store amid grocery competition [Business-Times] New Mosaic Apartments in Oakland aim to be welcoming to LGBTQ+ seniors [WESA] Shapiro signs CROWN Act against hair discrimination [TribLive] PODCAST: Grabby Boss? Racist Landlord? This Pittsburgh Office Can Help [City Cast Pittsburgh] Nonprofit asks Pittsburghers to clean out play rooms, donate to kids in need [WESA] Drop off locations for Play it Forward Toy Drive [Play it Forward] What's new on the slopes this season at Seven Springs, Hidden Valley and other resorts? [P-G] 23rd Annual Gingerbread House Display & Competition [City of Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this December 5th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh The Frick Pittsburgh Honeygirls Wraphaus 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.

If you love coffee and pizza, then you're in luck. Pittsburgh's got a bunch of new cafes and restaurants with plenty of warm drinks and delicious slices. Producer Sophia Lo and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco are deep diving the menus, plus discussing other new eats around the city, from noodle shops to a Mexican spot. We're so sad Bae Bae's closed! Where should we be getting japchae instead? Call or text our KOREAN FOOD HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 4th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh The Frick Pittsburgh Honeygirls Wraphaus 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.

The 2026 Farmers' Almanac predicted that Pittsburgh would see its first snow around December 1, and if the rest of their forecast pans out, then we're in for a "chill, snow, repeat" winter. As we break out our shovels and salt, we've been wondering how often our region actually deals with this kind of winter weather and when it’s been bad enough to break records or shut down the city. Host Megan Harris and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco are digging into the worst snowstorms and cold snaps in Pittsburgh history – and how we even started measuring this data in the first place.  **This episode originally aired on January 21, 2025. If you enjoyed today's interview with AIDS Free Pittsburgh's Chief Relationship Officer and Project Director, Richard Smith, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 3rd episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh The Frick Pittsburgh Honeygirls Wraphaus 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 officials agreed to pay $6 million last year to make a master plan — a blueprint for how the city should grow and improve over the next 25 years. But now many months in, City Council and some community leaders say the contractor responsible for gathering ideas didn’t do enough. Should we have gotten more bang for our buck? And if Council quits now, how much money can we get back? Post-Gazette reporter Hallie Lauer joins host Megan Harris to explain why the expensive plan might stall out and how you can still get involved. Learn more about Pittsburgh's 2050 Comprehensive Plan and share your input here. Learn more about the sponsors of this December 2nd episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh The Frick Pittsburgh Honeygirls Wraphaus 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 are in the thick of the holiday season here in Pittsburgh, and there's so many ways to bask in the glow of cheery light displays. Explore a photography exhibit, shop at seasonal markets, and consider getting a pretzel to celebrate New Year's. Plus, if you want to lean into the festive spirits, be sure to visit one of the city's many pop-up holiday bars. Want to make a request for our holiday music show? Call our HOLIDAY MUSIC HOTLINE at 412-212-8893, and let us know what song you want to hear, where you're calling from, and if you want to dedicate your request to a loved one.  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 November in Pittsburgh, check out Hey Pittsburgh’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Pittsburgh is made possible by our awesome sponsors, AIDS Free Pittsburgh, The Frick Pittsburgh, and Honeygirls Wraphaus. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Reach us at pittsburgh@citycast.fm.

Join City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris alongside fellow hosts from Austin, Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities for a special episode that’ll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a handlebar mount (and app!) that’ll turn your phone into a bike cam, to a mustard-of-the-month subscription box, our hosts are here to tell the stories of local businesses in their cities making cool stuff that you can order online right now.  Visit our website to find the full list of recommendations with links for holiday shopping! Learn more about the sponsor of this November 26th episode: AIDS Free 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.

99% of Pittsburgh's businesses are considered "small," and so many of our favorite small businesses make about a third of their revenue for the whole year during the holidays. So while you might be tempted by Amazon's Black Friday Deals, consider perusing a neighborhood's main street on Small Business Saturday instead. Host Megan Harris is with YaJagoff's Rachael Rennebeck to make the case for shopping small all year long. Feeling inspired to support small and local shops? Visit one of our many holiday markets to find the perfect gift. If you enjoyed today's interview with AIDS Free Pittsburgh's Chief Relationship officer and Project Director Director, Richard Smith, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsor of this November 25th episode: AIDS Free 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.

It's Pittsburgh's birthday week! To celebrate, we're diving into some history about how our city spells its name. Today, we all agree that Pittsburgh ends with an H, but in our earlier days, people were very split on the issue. We’re bringing back a conversation between host Megan Harris and historian and author Virginia Montanez to learn about the basic rules of how we spell things (really), why Pittsburgh was so bad at it (shocking), and how newspapermen and intellectuals made everything worse (¯\_(ツ)_/¯).  **This episode originally aired on July 22, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 24th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership 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.