What Happened to Station Square?

Station Square has been many things: a festival marketplace ("think outdoor shopping mall with razzamatazz"), a home to megaclubs and warehouse parties, a destination for all-you-can-eat Brazilian steak. While it's nearly abandoned now, there are still some restaurants worth checking out – and hopes that new ownership could turn the tide around. City Cast contributor and Post-Gazette dining critic Hal B. Klein tried the food at all seven remaining spots and joins host Megan Harris to share who's putting out great cuisine (Kiku) and who could be trying harder (cough cough Grand Concourse). He also talks about Station Square's heyday, why it's been on the decline, and what it would take to restore the site to its former glory…or become something exciting and new.

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August 4th, 2026 2:00am

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Do you know how zoning laws affect Pittsburgh’s housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it physically impossible to build tall buildings downtown, even for housing — that is, until the local government finally aligned to overturn it. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with Eli Sabin, a New Haven native and one of the alders (aka city council members) responsible for passing this change in recent months. Eli spent years working toward this goal, and he talks with David about what now needs to happen to fully realize its potential and increase affordability for locals.

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! 

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

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August 2nd, 2026 2:00am

Paid Leave, Doxxing & Teen Curfew Lawsuit

Allegheny County's paid parental leave proposal has sparked tons of debate, and now the conversation has veered somewhere darker. Host Megan Harris is joined by executive producer Mallory Falk and contributor and Pittsburgh City Paper managing editor Colin Williams to unpack some misinformation surrounding the proposal and why speculation about County Executive Sara Innamorato's pregnancy crossed a line. Plus, a lawsuit is challenging Market Square's new youth curfew and chaperone policies, the Parkway East is (probably) reopening ahead of schedule, and Steelers training camp kicks off next week. And on today’s members-only bonus, City Cast’s Owen Gabbey and Sophia Lo get into The Odyssey lore and where to watch 70mm films, even though Pittsburgh doesn’t have the biggest and best screens. 

Today is also Sophia’s final day as our full-time producer. But good news! They’ll stay in rotation on the podcast as a City Cast Pittsburgh contributor. Stay in touch with Sophia and help them make an amazing food podcast here.

Heads up: We're taking a summer planning break next week, which means you won't see the podcast in your feed. We'll be prepping for what's ahead: extra juicy content, new voices on the team, and even an additional newsletter launching this fall. We'll be back in your inbox and feed on Aug. 3.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• In apology note, Allegheny County previews more support for 911 operators [WPXI]
• Lawsuit filed over Pittsburgh's Market Square youth curfew policy [KDKA]
• Town hall sees conversation between Pittsburgh adults, youth, and officials [WESA]
• Pennsylvania ranks last in new study of 18-year-olds’ voter registration rates [Spotlight PA]
• Disney and a major food manufacturer ink multiyear deal. Here are the brands involved. [Business-Times]
• License of Utah boarding school where Paris Hilton alleged she was abused is revoked [CBS News]

Learn more about the sponsor of this Friday, July 24th episode:

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh

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July 24th, 2026 2:00am

A Controversial Plan To Fund Downtown

Downtown Pittsburgh has seen a lot of investment lately, from a revamped Market Square to the newly built Arts Landing. Now City Council's considering a proposal that would divert future tax revenue from construction in Downtown and parts of the North Shore and Strip District to fund Downtown revitalization projects. Supporters say the special tax district — known as a TRID — is a once-in-a-generation investment tool, but critics say it's essentially robbing two neighborhoods to pay for another. TribLive's Julia Burdelski is with host Megan Harris to talk through the pros and cons and how soon we might see movement on the proposal.

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July 22nd, 2026 2:00am

5 Things Worth the Money in Pittsburgh

Everyone on social media is sharing the five things they think are worth the money, and we're hopping on the trend! Producer (and treatmaster) Sophia Lo is with audience development manager Rachel Carlson and interim newsletter editor Laura Tsutsu to share what's worth the splurge in Pittsburgh, from season passes and chef's counter dinners to river excursions and fancy cold brew.

We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.

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

Woodward Summer Camps

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh

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July 20th, 2026 2:00am

Exploding Bridge, Explosive Poops & Pittsburgh's Newest Pool

It's been an explosive week for Pittsburgh. Executive producer Mallory Falk, producer Sophia Lo, and contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams share what to know about the cyclosporasis cases in Allegheny County, the cooked veggie dishes you should be eating instead of summer salads, and what to do if you think you might have this parasitic infection. Plus, we discuss whether the Commercial Street Bridge demolition looked as cool as we expected and whether the traffic disruptions live up to the doomsday predictions. Finally, we talk about another taproom closure, a new pool opening, and leadership changes at the Allegheny County Jail and Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.

And if you've been hooked on the Commercial Street Bridge livestream, tune in for our members-only segment, where we recommend a few more Pittsburgh-area livestreams worth checking out.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Cases of diarrhea-causing parasite infection rise in Allegheny County [P-G]
• What to know about cyclosporiasis, the intestinal illness hitting the U.S. [NPR]
• Will my lettuce give me diarrhea? [What's Next]
• 5 Cooked Veggie Dishes To Try in Pittsburgh Right Now [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Crowd leaves disappointed after Parkway East bridge implosion postponed [WTAE]
• And... boom goes the dynamite. [Reddit]
• Parkway East worker proposed on PennDOT webcam [Instagram]
• Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire chief Darryl Jones to retire following internal review [WESA]
• What’s next for the Allegheny County Jail? Leaders, activists wary as search for new warden begins [P-G]
• Helltown Brewing closing Strip District location ahead of redevelopment [TribLive]
• PODCAST: Are Pittsburgh Breweries OK?! [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Pittsburgh’s new pool rule: What families need to know before they go [TribLive]

We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card—and City Cast City swag.

Have thoughts about Family Swim or other chaperone policies in the city? Call or text our KIDS IN PUBLIC hotline at 412-212-8893.

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

Woodward Summer Camps

AIDS Free PGH

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July 17th, 2026 2:00am

Pittsburgh's Best Ice Cream. Plus, an Ode to Texas de Brazil

If you're out in this heatwave, don't forget to hydrate — and make a stop at a local ice cream shop! Host Megan Harris is with City Cast contributor and Post-Gazette dining critic Hal B. Klein, who's sharing his favorite spots to get a scoop. From gelato made with real Italian pistachio paste to a seasonal corn custard, Hal's got a recommendation for everyone. Plus, he takes a little detour to explain why Texas de Brazil is worth a visit this summer.

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

Woodward Summer Camps

AIDS Free PGH

The Frick Pittsburgh

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July 15th, 2026 2:00am

Trace Brewing vs. Bloomfield Neighbors

Trace Brewing in Bloomfield has been both dishing and taking a lot of heat online. About a week ago, they announced on Instagram that the brewery is pausing indoor drag shows and DJ sets because some of their neighbors are “racist and homophobic” and have been weaponizing a PA law that's led to armed state police at some events. Meanwhile, Neighbors of Trace say this is about the noise and mess along and beyond Graffiti Alley — and that before Trace opened, the owner promised not to hold events with amplified sound outside. Host Megan Harris is bringing questions about safe spaces, amusement permits, and more to Aadam Soorma, Trace's head of marketing and guest experience.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Trace Brewing fights for its right to party while its neighbors fight for peace and quiet [City Paper]

Want to share your perspective? Call or text us at 412-212-8893.

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

Woodward Summer Camps

AIDS Free PGH

The Frick Pittsburgh

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July 13th, 2026 2:00am

Meatball Mergers, PennDOT Hellscapes & Emmy Noms for ‘The Pitt’

Part of the Parkway East is closing tonight so PennDot can explode the old Commercial Street Bridge and slide a new one in its place. Traffic will be a nightmare and "demons shall walk the earth," but at least we can watch it on a live stream! Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams explain how, exactly, you move a giant bridge, share what snacks we'd bring to a demolition viewing party, and warn you about even more road closures up I-79. Then Colin gets his soapbox moment about why more Western PA municipalities should consider consolidating. Finally, we dig into the controversy over a Pride display at the Monroeville Public Library and celebrate 'The Pitt' getting more Emmy noms than any other show this season.

And in today's members-only bonus segment, we're sending off our incredible senior newsletter editor, Francesca Dabecco. 

Notes and references from today’s show:

• PODCAST: Your City Could Be Better [YouTube]
• PODCAST: Why Pittsburgh is Giving Rent Discounts Downtown. Plus, Why Local Sports Matter [Apple Podcasts]
• Here's how PennDOT is going to move the new Commercial Street Bridge into place on the Parkway East [KDKA]
• PennDOT to livestream Parkway East bridge demolition and replacement [TribLive]
• Interstate 79 Wexford Interchange Phase Change and Restrictions Thursday Night in Allegheny County [PennDOT]
• Mars Borough leaders approve merger ordinance with Adams Township [KDKA]
• So much fragmentation [Public Source]
• Boldly going to the Duquesne Club and Rivers Club, where few but rich white men had once gone before [City Paper]
• Monroeville turns out in force to spar over library’s Pride display removal [City Paper]
• Henry L. Hillman Foundation becomes latest nonprofit to donate to Pittsburgh [TribLive]
• PODCAST: Why Doesn't UPMC Pay Property Taxes? [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• One year after ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’: 98K fewer Pennsylvanians on SNAP [Public Source]
• ‘The Pitt’ leads Emmy nominations with 25 total nods [P-Gci]

What Pittsburgh stories should Megan take nationwide? Call or text us YOUR CITY COULD BE BETTER Hotline at  412-212-8893.

Learn more about the sponsor of this Friday, July 10th episode:

Woodward Summer Camps

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July 10th, 2026 2:00am

Where To Get a Spa Treatment in Pittsburgh

There's never a bad time for a spa day, and if you're in need of a pick-me-up, we want you to treat yourself! The City Cast Pittsburgh team is rounding up some of the treatments we've tried around the city and planning our next self-care splurges. We're talking about mud wraps, massages, saunas, facials, LED red light therapy, and more. 

Did we miss your favorite spa treatment? Swear by LED therapy? Let us know how you relax! Call or text the SPA DAY HOTLINE at 412-212-8893.

**This episode originally published on February 12, 2026.

Learn more about the sponsor of this Wednesday, July 8th episode:

Woodward Summer Camps

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July 8th, 2026 2:00am

Why Pittsburgh Has 20K Vacant Homes AND a Housing Shortage

Pittsburgh lost more than half its population since peaking in the 1950s, and our city has more than 20,000 vacant homes. How do we also have a housing crisis? Public Source's Charlie Wolfson joins host Megan Harris to explain why so many houses are sitting empty, what (if anything) the city can do about it, and why our neighbors in Cleveland are doing a much better job turning abandoned houses into affordable homes.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• How does Pittsburgh have 20,000 vacant homes — and a housing shortage? (Public Source)
• Where does Cleveland clobber Pittsburgh? Its land bank. (Public Source)
• 'A really steep lift': Pittsburghers in their 20s and 30s find home ownership less and less attainable (Public Source)

Learn more about the sponsor of this Monday, July 6th episode:

Woodward Summer Camps

**This episode originally published on January 26, 2026. 

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July 6th, 2026 2:00am

Can You Swim in Pittsburgh's Rivers? Plus, Teens in Public & Train Tours

If the hot weather has you considering a dip in the Allegheny, Mon, or Ohio, take heed! City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit joins host Megan Harris to answer, once and for all, whether it's actually safe to swim in Pittsburgh's rivers. We're also talking about the curfews, chaperone policies, and restrictions making it harder for teens to exist and public, and sharing some fun events and attractions for the train nerds among us — including a special chance to see the world's largest operating steam locomotive.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Pittsburgh youth, community members question Market Square restrictions at forum [WESA]
• More than 400 teenagers take over Pittsburgh park, prompting police to use pepper spray [KDKA]
• Should you swim in Pittsburgh’s rivers? A water researcher breaks down the answer [The Conversation]
• Union Pacific Steam Schedule [Union Pacific]

We're hiring! 

• The City Cast Pittsburgh team is looking for a Creative Producer to help shape the daily conversation across our podcast, newsletter, and social channels. Apply here.
• City Cast is looking for on-call roving producers and writers to support city teams across the network. Apply here.
  

Learn more about the sponsor of this Thursday, July 3rd episode:

Woodward Summer Camps

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July 2nd, 2026 2:00am

Is AI Pittsburgh's Next Labor Fight?

Ever wonder how exactly our city employees are using AI…and whether there are safeguards in place to make sure these tools are being used safely? How exactly will artificial intelligence shape our city's workforce in the coming years? In the second episode in our two-part series about Pittsburgh's biggest challenges on the eve of America's 250th anniversary, Technical.ly Pittsburgh's Alice Crow joins host Megan Harris to talk about why our city government abandoned ChatGPT, the local jobs that AI isn't taking (yet), and why the future of our local labor market may depend less on the technology than the policies we build around it.

This story is part of a Pittsburgh Media Partnership collaborative reporting project exploring how Southwestern Pennsylvania communities are marking America’s 250th anniversary — and how local history continues to shape civic life today. Technical.ly, City Cast Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh’s Public Source teamed up to explore the region’s economic horizons.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, July 1st episode:

Woodward Summer Camps

Pittsburgh CLO

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June 30th, 2026 2:00am

'Your City Could Be Better': How Denver Is Fixing Its Sidewalks — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Just how good are the sidewalks in Pittsburgh? The state of a city’s sidewalks can be a good indicator of how healthy that city is — and pedestrian safety is just the beginning. In Denver, voters approved a new fee a few years ago to fund much-needed sidewalk repairs, and after a lot of back-and-forth, those repairs are finally underway. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about what drove this initiative, how it’s going, and who’s paying for it. And speaking of sidewalks, do bikes, scooters, and people playing music belong on public sidewalks?

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! 

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

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June 28th, 2026 2:00am

Pittsburgh's Fireworks Boom

Pittsburgh's going all out for America250! We've got a Ferris Wheel on the North Side, a free Nelly and Third Eye Blind concert, and of course, the city's annual fireworks display, which is run by a company from Western Pennsylvania. But they're not the only fireworks team in town. We're bringing back a conversation from host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk, where we take a deep dive into the the birthplace and backstories of Zambelli, Pyrotecnico, and Starfire — and how our region became a hotbed for three of the largest U.S. fireworks makers in the world.

**This episode originally aired July 2, 2024.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, June 25th episode:

AIDS Free PGH

The Frick Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh CLO

Quantum Theatre

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Pittsburgh’s Independence Day celebration may have moved from Point State Park to the North Shore, but you can still expect some really big booms — and the company in charge this year is from Western Pennsylvania. But they’re not the only game in town! City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris and Mallory Falk are talking about the birthplace and backstories of Zambelli, Pyrotecnico, and Starfire — and how our region became a hotbed for three of the largest U.S. fireworks makers in the world.

June 25th, 2026 2:00am