City Cast Pittsburgh

Make room in your wallet for your Real ID and your season passes for our local amusement parks, including Kennywood, Sandcastle, and Idlewild. We’re making the case for both — plus how and when to get them — and introducing yinz to Kennywood’s new-old mascot, Jeeters. Pittsburgh Regional Transit is using pickle cartoons to shame us for bad behavior on the buses and T stops. The University of Pittsburgh has issued a hiring freeze, and officials say it’s not entirely because of changes in federal policy and funding. Pittsburgh technology startups KEF Robotics and Swan are working with Ukraine on drone technology and testing on the front lines against Russia. The National Labor Relations Board is reviewing claims by the United Steelworkers union against U.S. Steel, but it’s not clear whether they can make an official ruling. And Pittsburgh’s Fringe Fest is coming! We’re sharing a bit about its history and how you can get involved. Notes and references from today’s show: How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [Hey Pittsburgh] How to Get Your Real ID in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh] REAL ID Document Check [Commonwealth of Pennsylvania] Kennywood's Steel Curtain roller coaster won't be ready for 2025 opening day [WTAE] Kennywood knew Steel Curtain would be closed before asking people to buy season passes: lawsuit [KDKA] Jeeter’s Instagram Account [Instagram] Rider Etiquette Pickle Campaign [PRT] America Turns to Ukraine to Build Better Drones [Wall Street Journal] Steelworkers' union accuses U.S. Steel of discouraging workers from speaking out against company sale [KDKA] How Trump’s Firings “Paralyze” the NLRB [Mother Jones] The University of Pittsburgh orders a hiring freeze for faculty, staff [WESA] Pitt says hiring freeze not entirely Trump’s fault [PublicSource] Pittsburgh Fringe Festival 2025 Shows [Pittsburgh Fringe] Learn more about the sponsors of this March 14th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens KESEM 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing Bhutan’s Radical Approach to Overtourism from Peak Travel.Follow the show: Peak Travel Many places allow tourists to visit with little restrictions. But Bhutan is different. Nestled in the Himalayas, this tiny, land-locked country has implemented a “high-value, low-impact” tourism model, including a fee that tourists have to pay each day that they visit. As more destinations grapple with the effects of overtourism, what can Bhutan teach us about how to manage it?    Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

National Potato Chip Day is this Friday! So the City Cast Pittsburgh crew is crunching it up with our friends at City Cast Philly to taste test as many PA-made potato chips as we can find, explore how the commonwealth became the “potato chip capital of the world,” and choose our favorites in the first ever (maybe?) Chippy Awards. Special thanks to all the PA brands we tried, including nationally distributed Wise, Utz, and Herr’s, plus more regionally available Rap Snacks, Dieffenbach’s (or Uglies), and Snyder of Berlin.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 13th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens KESEM 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just like every other city, we have our quirks and unwritten rules. Like why is someone turning left instead of yielding to me at the green light? And what’s up with that rickety old chair sitting in front of my neighbor’s house? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing our essential rules for surviving and thriving in the city. 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 March 12th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens KESEM 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is the deadline to declare yourself an official candidate in Pennsylvania, and it’s never too soon to start planning for future elections. We’re with Spotlight PA’s Min Xian to talk about what you need to know if you want to run for elected office here in Allegheny County, plus why it’s so important for regular people to bring an “amateur” spirit to the more than 13,000 elected positions in the commonwealth, including hundreds that go unfilled or unopposed every election cycle.  Want to run before the May 20 primary? There’s still time for a write-in campaign. Check your eligibility with the Allegheny County Board of Elections and your registration — that deadline is May 5 — with PA.gov. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 11th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens KESEM 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Got spring breakers coming to visit you soon? You may have already taken your friends and family to the Carnegie Museums and admired the skyline from Mt. Washington, but there’s so much more for tourists to take in. We’re bringing back our conversation with City Cast Pittsburgh contributor and travel writer Meg St-Esprit, who’s sharing all the spots she takes visitors — from the first-timers to the folks who come by every year.  Check out Meg’s City Paper story about Pittsburgh boat tours. **This episode originally aired November 27, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 10th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens KESEM 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pittsburgh’s acting police chief, Christopher Ragland, is stepping down just a few months after taking over the bureau (and just a few weeks after he was nominated to become permanent chief). Host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo discuss the latest development in the ongoing saga. Plus, they share how the state and county are trying to help federal workers who’ve been laid off, why public library use is up while public transit use is down, and one crafty and extremely Pittsburgh way people are measuring potholes at a local mall. Notes and references from today’s show: Federal workers: US announced job cuts surge 245% in February on federal government layoffs [Reuters] How NIH cuts could stall Pittsburgh's economy [Axios Pittsburgh] At Steelworkers HQ, Deluzio and Lee speak with Pitt researchers about impact of NIH funding cuts [WESA] 3 Western Pa. federal buildings listed, then removed, to be closed or sold [TribLive] Employees cut by feds could get Pa., Allegheny County jobs [TribLive] From psychosis to sleep to drug resistance, these Pittsburgh research efforts are threatened by Trump spending cuts, orders [PublicSource] Trump administration plans to cut 80,000 employees from Veterans Affairs, according to internal memo [AP] JOBS: Career Opportunities for Impacted Federal Workers [Allegheny County]  JOBS: Continue Your Public Service with the Commonwealth [Commonwealth of Pennsylvania] Acting police chief resigns: Mayor Ed Gainey's pick for Pittsburgh police chief, Christopher Ragland, is withdrawing name, leaving force [KDKA] Leadership vacuum: Ragland withdraws as Pittsburgh police chief candidate, plans to retire [TribLive] Pittsburgh City Council members say 'good riddance' to former acting police chief in ethics debate [WESA] Police Chief Out, Broken Vending Machines, & Big Bucks for Downtown [City Cast Pittsburgh]  Library & PRT: Pittsburgh's Carnegie Library sees rise in patrons, but worries about balancing books in the future [WESA] Pittsburgh Regional Transit service report shows minor ridership drop [Pittsburgh Union Progress] Annual Service Report [Pittsburgh Regional Transit]  What else we’re thinking about: How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [City Cast Pittsburgh] Pittsburgh Mills potholes — much frustration, few answers [TribLive] A young great horned owl is rescued after falling down 100 feet from its Pittsburgh nest [KDKA] Waddle-ful News: The National Aviary is overjoyed to share the arrival of not one but TWO African Penguin chicks! [@national_aviary]  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 7th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens City Theatre Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra KESEM 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fish fry season is back! There are hundreds of fish fries in Pittsburgh and just a few short weeks to visit as many as possible. If you’re struggling to decide where to go, Pittsburgh hero Hollen Barmer has an idea for you: the Pittsburgh Lenten Fish Fry Map. With the help of Pittsburgh Code for Good volunteers, they’ve been updating it every year so the whole city can see at a glance who’s returning; which fries are open for lunch; which serve handmade pierogi, desserts, or vegan items; and so much more.  **This episode originally aired February 22, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 6th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens City Theatre Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra KESEM 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The retail giant Walmart bought the Monroeville Mall, and while it’s not clear what their plans are for the property, the mall holds a very important place in the hearts of George Romero fans who hope at least part of the building gets preserved. Host Megan Harris is with Axios Pittsburgh reporter Chrissy Suttles to talk about why the Monroeville Mall is an important zombie landmark and how folks are planning to honor our local film legacy for years to come.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 5th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens City Theatre Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra KESEM 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While families all over our region try to make sense of big, potential funding cuts to local schools, it’s also not clear how refugee children and parents — many already in our region — will fare, thanks to freezes in federal resettlement money. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is talking about how folks have stepped up and ways you can funnel your frustration into some great local organizations, including a new, (free!) thrift store serving our LGBTQ community. Have another group that should go on our growing list of organizations that could use support right now? Let us know! Email us at pittsburgh@citycast.fm. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 4th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens City Theatre Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Kesem 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re breaking all kinds of records lately… but not good ones. This January was the hottest one on record, and last year, Pennsylvania had an increasing number of tornadoes. These severe weather events mean more disasters, and the state can’t always handle the aftermath alone. Host Megan Harris is with Inside Climate News reporter Kiley Bense to discuss what it means for Pennsylvania to face more threats from climate change as Trump considers cutting FEMA.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 3rd episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event City Theatre Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After two rounds of deer culling in a few city parks, archers have provided thousands of venison meals, but it turns out, that’s not enough to keep the animal population at bay. We’re talking about how and why guns are getting added to the mix. Pittsburgh Public Schools announced the next phase in proposed school closures, Steelers players reported another round of failing grades in the annual union report card, and we still have not recovered from a recent police substation press conference that got Mayor Gainey so fired up. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are talking through some of Pittsburgh’s biggest stories! Notes and references from today’s show: Superintendent’s report endorses closures and consolidations for PPS schools [PublicSource] PPS leadership supports consultant recommendations to close 14 schools [WESA] Facility Feasibility Report [Pittsburgh Public Schools] PPS Superintendent on School Closures, ICE Policy & Funding Freezes [City Cast Pittsburgh] Sharpshooters Will Begin Culling Deer in Pittsburgh’s Frick and Riverview Parks [Pittsburgh Magazine] Gainey defends public safety record a day after Downtown shooting [TribLive] Is Ed Gainey okay? [Breathing Space] Pittsburgh Steelers Report Card [NFLPA] Pitt resumes PhD admissions after pause over NIH funding cap concerns [WTAE] Learn more about the sponsors of this February 28th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event City Theatre 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! Call or text us at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you love fish fries, book fairs, or the St. Patrick’s Day parade, there’s much to do in and around Pittsburgh this month. We’re sharing some of our favorite events and activities, from outdoor dance parties to a gumbo fest. And if you want to learn more about where to snag the perfect fish sandwich, check out our episode about the ultimate Pittsburgh fish fry map. 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.  City Cast Pittsburgh’s guide to March is made possible by our awesome sponsors, The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens, City Theatre, and Pittsburgh Marathon (use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event). We’re 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever been in a situation where your boss or landlord is doing something shady — maybe even discriminatory — and you don’t know what to do? There’s an office in Pittsburgh 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 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 the sponsors of this February 26th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event City Theatre 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pittsburgh Public Schools is facing a lot of big questions: Does it need to close schools due to lower enrollment and, if so, how many? Is federal funding about to disappear under the Trump administration? What does it take to build a district where every student has the same opportunities to thrive? District superintendent Wayne Walters joins us to share his vision for the district and talk about how he’s navigating a constantly-shifting education landscape. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 25th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event City Theatre 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Planning a spring break trip or just need a weekend away from the cold? You don’t need to splurge to take your dream vacation, at least for your flight. Travel expert and Going founder Scott Keyes is sharing his top tips for finding cheap flights out of Pittsburgh International Airport.  **This episode originally aired on July 17, 2024. If you enjoyed today's interview with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Director of Audience Experience, Erin Lynn, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 24th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event City Theatre 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been another frigid week, and while we’ve got plenty of salt to melt the ice, not all of Pittsburgh’s snowplows are out on the roads. In fact, do we even know how many snowplows are in the city? Big upgrades at our sports stadiums should be helping our tourism numbers, and we’re thinking about Penguins broadcaster Mike Lang. Plus, a lawsuit is bringing Novo Asian Food Hall vendors away from the food court and into the courtroom. Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo, and City Cast Pittsburgh contributor Meg St-Esprit are talking through the week’s biggest stories.  Notes and references from today’s show: Pittsburgh’s Role in Curing Polio [City Cast Pittsburgh] How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [City Cast Pittsburgh] Coghill laments not using more federal funds to upgrade Pittsburgh's battered snowplows [TribLive] 11 Investigates uncovers a third of Pittsburgh’s snow plows are out of commission [WPXI] Pretty much everywhere, it’s gonna be wet: Pittsburgh-area planners prep for climate future [WESA] State should offer landslide insurance, say two Pittsburgh-area state House members [WESA] Allegheny County Landslide Dashboard Legal battle stirs the pot at Novo Asian Food Hall [Post-Gazette] “Sell the team, Bob:” Meet the yinzer behind the fight to oust Bob Nutting [Next Generation Newsroom] Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park, PPG Paints Arena all get approval for upgrades from SEA board [KDKA] Millions in stadium upgrades approved for Steelers, Pirates and Penguins [Post-Gazette] Pittsburgh's newest skyscraper opens for business [Axios Pittsburgh] 'He's back': Marc Fogel lands at Pittsburgh airport in quiet homecoming [TribLive] Shady Side Academy middle school to be donated to National Aviary [TribLive] National Aviary gets 7 new species [KDKA] The Architect Behind the Civic Arena and Three Rivers Stadium Designed This Bradford Woods Home [Pittsburgh Magazine] Learn more about the sponsors of this February 21st episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event 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 also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The family behind one of Pittsburgh’s favorite treats is celebrating 150 years of baking in the Burgh. To mark this tasty occasion, we’re talking about the history and future of swirl bread, why you may have seen it on QVC of all places, and the delicious new ways you can experience Jenny Lee. And we’re doing it with the help of Scott Baker from 5 Generation Bakers — great-great grandson of the man who started it all. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 20th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event 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 also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the most dreaded time of the year: tax season! If you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed, we’re sharing some local resources that can make the process a little less painful. Executive producer Mallory Falk and Hey Pittsburgh editor Francesca Dabecco are rounding up sites where you can get free tax prep help, explaining what you need to know about Allegheny County’s property tax increase, and sharing tips for saving money when you file. Notes and references from today’s show: Does Allegheny County Really Need a Tax Increase? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Property Tax Calculator [Allegheny County] Homestead Exemption Information [Allegheny County] Allegheny County property tax bill lacks new payment deadlines [TribLive] Push for property tax reassessment likely to continue, per Pittsburgh schools’ top lawyer [PublicSource] Where To Get Free Tax Help in Pittsburgh in 2025 [City Cast Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this February 19th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us know how our city got its name — from the British earl and Prime Minister William Pitt. But the spelling of Pittsburgh is far less straightforward. Over time, we’ve debated, lost, and reclaimed our H. So why was it so complicated to agree on one letter? 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 July 22, 2024. Learn more about the sponsors of this February 18th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens Pittsburgh Marathon - Use code CITYCAST15 for 15% off any event 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices