Edible Mascots, New City Budget & Leave Our Bootleg Merch Alone!

The NFL Draft is finally here! Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo and contributor Colin Williams share what we're looking forward to (a Pop-Tart sacrifice!), questioning (a crackdown on bootleg sports merch), and still waiting to see (a fully-open-to-the-public Arts Landing). Plus, we talk about a court ruling that strikes down a state ban on Medicaid-funded abortions, a hunger strike at PA's largest ICE detention center, and a new, costlier city budget. In our members-only segment, we discuss whether Heinz is trying too hard, in light of the news that it's offering a lifetime supply of ketchup to the 57th draft pick.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Pittsburgh International Airport is 'absolutely ready' to be the city's front door during the NFL Draft [P-G]
• Authorities seize counterfeit NFL merchandise in Strip District [TribLive]
• Pittsburgh has quietly started replacing colorful Wayfinder Signs with black and gold [P-G]
• Pennsylvania judges say blocking Medicaid for abortion violates state constitution [Spotlight PA]
• Commissioners respond to claims of hunger strike at Clearfield County immigration detention center [WTAJ]
• Council approves Pittsburgh city budget changes, including cuts to food justice program [WESA]
• As Trump proposes further cuts to science spending, this Pittsburgh researcher is moving to China [WESA]
• Popular convenience store chain plans to spend nearly $1 billion on 100 stores [PennLive]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, April 24th episode:

Pittsburgh Opera

Allegheny County Poll Workers

Brew House Arts

PGH Cultural Trust Serial Killer

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

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April 24th, 2026 2:00am

Are All Pghers Hot? Plus, Furries, Strip Club Lore & More from 'The Pitt' S2

The latest season of 'The Pitt' is a wrap! And we're still doing our best Nurse Dana, "Baby Jane Doe" impressions. City Cast's Megan Harris and Mallory Falk are with Josh Axelrod, a local film critic and comms director at the Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center. We're talking about our favorite moments of the season, how the writers room rep’ed Pittsburgh, and what we think just barely missed the mark. Plus, our City Cast colleagues from across the country are sharing their impressions of the city based solely on watching the show.

Haven't caught up with the finale yet? Listen to our review of the first half of Season 2 here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, April 22nd episode:

Pittsburgh Opera

Allegheny County Poll Workers

Brewhouse Arts

PGH Cultural Trust Serial Killer

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. 

April 22nd, 2026 5:00am

Strawberry Pretzel Standoff, Wine Walks & More Can't-Miss Food & Drink

Spring in Pittsburgh means one thing: it’s officially food fest season. From Vegan Restaurant Week and a mac-and-cheese marathon in the Strip to Greek festival favorites (yes, baklava sundaes included), host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo are sharing the can’t-miss spring food and drink events worth planning your weekends around right now.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, April 20th episode:

Pittsburgh Opera

Allegheny County Poll Workers

Brewhouse Arts

PGH Cultural Trust Serial Killer

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.

April 20th, 2026 2:00am

$68K for a Pittsburgh AirBnB?! Plus, Post-Gazette Saved & Smiley Cookie’s Big Win

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is not shutting down after all! The Baltimore Banner's parent nonprofit just bought the paper from Block Communications Inc. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Colin Williams share the details. Plus, we celebrate Colin's return to the newly-revived City Paper, which started back up this week, and give an update on when to expect the alt-weekly's first print issue. (It's been a big few days for Pittsburgh media!) We also take a mail bag question about whether Mayor Corey O'Connor can do anything about our high utility bills, explain why Airbnb hosts aren't exactly making bank on the NFL Draft, and share some big wins for the Eat 'n Park smiley cookie and the old PIT terminal. Plus, in a members-only bonus segment, we share where you can find public bathrooms Downtown during the draft and all year round.

Update! In our conversation we said a local McMansion was listed for $63k during the NFL Draft — but it's actually listed for an even more eye-popping $68k!

We need your help! We're making a list of 1,000 things we love about living in Pittsburgh. Fill out this form to let us know your favorite things about the city.  It could be anything from your go-to breakfast order to your favorite feral animals (real example) — or maybe it’s the way the lights twinkle on the Sister Bridges.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• “More things you should know before coming to Pittsburgh for the Draft: how to properly use a pothole.” [Instagram]
• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to continue publishing after sale to nonprofit media group [Post-Gazette]
• The Baltimore Banner’s parent nonprofit acquires the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [NiemanLab]
• PODCAST: Mayor O'Connor on Life After the Draft, Taxing Nonprofits & Public Bathrooms [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• PODCAST: Pittsburgh's Best Bagels [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Allegheny County Council puts term limit questions on ballot this fall [WESA]
• Allegheny County Council proposes bill banning law enforcement — including ICE — from wearing masks [Post-Gazette]
• Pittsburgh Airbnb hosts seeing low demand for NFL Draft [Post-Gazette]
• Lights, camera, takeoff: Former Pittsburgh airport terminal rebranded as film set [TribLive]
• A cookie beat out central Pa. coffee as the coolest thing made in the state [PennLive]
• Downtown Public Restroom Directory [Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, April 17th episode:

Sustainable Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Poll Workers

Window Nation

Pittsburgh Steelers

Taskrabbit

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

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• Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

April 17th, 2026 2:00am

12 Rules Every Pittsburgh Driver Should Know

Company is coming, and a lot of out-of-town drivers don't know how to zipper merge. But let's be honest, some of yinz don't either! Driving down steep hills and navigating tight streets can be a challenge, and people have been complaining about our city's layout for decades. In the 1930s, renowned journalist Erine Pyle wrote, "Pittsburgh is the cockeyedest city in the United States. Physically it is absolutely irrational. It must have been laid out by a mountain goat.” Before tens of thousands of visitors descend on our city, we're revisiting our conversation with friend of the pod and former Uber driver Jakob Lazzaro. Together, we're talking about why the streets are like this, share some very important rules for navigating our narrow, hilly streets, and – of course – debate the efficacy of the Pittsburgh Left. 

**This episode originally aired September 4, 2024.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Topography and annexation shaped mismatched Pittsburgh streets [WESA]
• Drivers, you're not alone. Pittsburgh really does have frustrating and short on-ramps [WESA]
• Choose a color and buckle up: Allegheny County's belt system is low tech, but navigable [WESA]
• Rainbow Connections [City Paper]
• U.T.B.A.P.H. [99% Invisible]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, April 15th episode:

Allegheny County Poll Workers

Window Nation

Pittsburgh Steelers

Taskrabbit

AIDS Free 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.

April 15th, 2026 3:00am

Free Parties, Concerts & Hidden Gems of Draft Week

The NFL Draft is taking over Pittsburgh, and even if you're not a football fan, there's still probably something up your alley. We've got concerts, brunches, happy hours, block parties, and so many more activities, and there's even plenty to do beyond Downtown and the North Shore. To help you navigate it all, content creator Brenasia Ward-Caldwell created the Pittsburgh Draft Week Guide. Brenasia tells host Megan Harris which events she's looking forward to the most, what's free to enter, and what she hopes visitors will take away from the big weekend.

If you enjoyed today's interview with  Chelsea Kovak Senior Manager at Taskrabbit, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, April 13th episode:

Allegheny County Poll Workers

Window Nation

Pittsburgh Steelers

Taskrabbit

AIDS Free 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.

April 13th, 2026 2:00am

Michelin Guide Proves Us Wrong! Plus, Music Crawl & Underground Park

The Michelin Guide is coming to Pittsburgh! The timing is kind of hilarious, since we just did an episode about why our city doesn't have — or need – Michelin star restaurants. Host Megan Harris and City Cast contributors Colin Williams and Hal B. Klein chat about this development, laugh about our clairvoyant conversation, and share which restaurants they think might (or might not) get a star. Plus, executive producer Mallory Falk joins to discuss a Washington Post editorial chiding Pittsburgh Public Schools for going remote during the NFL Draft. The team also gets into concerns about how our unhoused community might get treated during the draft, PA's first underground state park, and more bad news for Pittsburgh's brewery scene. Then, in a members-only fourth segment, we unpack a juicy profile of the Block brothers and share the latest gossip about the future of the Post-Gazette.

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. We'll be cheering on everything we love about our city.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• VisitPITTSBURGH Unveils “PicksBURGH” Downtown Celebrations Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft Presented by Bud Light [VisitPITTSBURGH]
• Schools are closing for the NFL draft. What does this teach students? [The Washington Post]
• Pittsburgh Public Schools to lease parking lots for NFL Draft as students move remote [WTAE]
• Advocates ask for Pittsburgh’s homeless to be treated humanely during 2026 NFL Draft [TribLive]
• PODCAST: Why Pittsburgh Doesn't Have (or Need) Michelin Star Restaurants [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• The Michelin Guide is Coming to Pittsburgh. How Does it Work? [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• PODCAST: ICE at PIT, Weird Heinz Products & Kennywood's (Almost) Open [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• “Go help save some lives”: Give blood with the Red Cross [American Red Cross]
• Penn Brewery closes Pittsburgh International location amid financial struggles [Post-Gazette]
• Inner Groove Brewing says its closing one of its taprooms in Pittsburgh [WTAE]
• With 2 more Pittsburgh-area locations set to close, Primanti Bros. looks to recalibrate [Post-Gazette]
• ‘I Will Destroy You’: The Battle Inside a Midwestern Media Dynasty [WSJ]
• The Nation’s Longest Ongoing Strike Is Over—but the Battle Isn’t [Columbia Journalism Review]

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 10th episode:

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

City Theatre

Clearview FCU

Sustainable Pittsburgh

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.

April 10th, 2026 2:00am

Legal Weed, Raising the Minimum Wage & More High Hopes in the PA House

Pennsylvania is one of the few states with a split legislature, which makes it extra hard for a bill to become law. The Democratic-controlled House recently passed a whole slew of bills, including ones to gradually raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15, require data centers to give more information to the state, and codify same-sex marriage. But do any of these proposals stand a chance in the Republican-controlled state Senate? Host Megan Harris and City Cast Philly’s Trenae Nuri are turning to Ian Karbal, government reporter for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, to get the details about what the relationship between PA's House and Senate look like and where these ideas might land.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Pa. House passes bill to raise minimum wage to $15 by 2029 [Pennsylvania Capital-Star]
• A nonprofit linked to a combative PR firm is opposing a minimum wage hike in PA [Pennsylvania Capital-Star]
• Lawmakers advance bill to give state additional oversight of new data center water use [Pennsylvania Capital-Star]

Learn more about the sponsors of this April 8th 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.

April 8th, 2026 2:00am

How Pittsburgh Became the World's Roller Coaster Capital

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. 

April 6th, 2026 2:00am

$200 Parking, Money for Parks & Pour One Out for Fat Head’s

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. 

April 3rd, 2026 3:00am

Your Guide to April 2026 in Pittsburgh

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.

April 1st, 2026 3:00am

Rate Yinz Landlord, Population Ups & Downs, and 100 PA Bird Towns

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.

March 31st, 2026 2:00am

'Your City Could Be Better': How Austin is Succeeding at Affordable Housing — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

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.

March 29th, 2026 2:00am

How To Bike in Pittsburgh

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.

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March 26th, 2026 2:00am

ICE at PIT, Weird Heinz Products & Kennywood's (Almost) Open

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.

March 24th, 2026 2:00am