South Side Bar Closures, ICE Arrest Data & Squonk Gets Its Due

A new report from U.S. Rep Chris Deluzio's office found that more than half of immigration detentions in his district were because of local law enforcement partnerships with ICE. Host Megan Harris, creative producer Boen Wang, and contributor Colin Williams break down the numbers and explain how these partnerships are driving up arrests. Plus, we discuss how U.S. Steel is facing opposition to its a proposed $3 billion facility in Braddock due to pollution concerns, the closure of two so-called nuisance bars on the South Side, and new stamps that will finally give local cryptids their due. (Will someone please give the squonk a hug?) And in our members-only bonus segment, in honor of Friday the 13th, we discuss the strangest, most inexplicable Pittsburgh superstitions. (respect the towel)

Notes and references from today’s show:

• ICE detention surge tied to pacts with police in Beaver County, says congressman [Public Source]
• REPORT: Analysis of ICE Detentions and the Impact of 287(g) Agreements in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District [Office of Congressman Chris Deluzio]
• How ICE and a data center turned a small Pittsburgh suburb into a civic battleground [Public Source]
• Public sounds off on U.S. Steel’s proposed hot strip mill in Braddock [Allegheny Front]
• U.S. Steel’s proposed hot strip mill faces criticism and support at permit public hearing [WTAE]
• Clairton Coke Works to resume work at battery that saw fatal explosions in August [TribLive]
• Safety Failures Led to Last Year’s Fatal Explosion at U.S. Steel Plant [Inside Climate News]
• Star Wars vending machine returns to Pittsburgh fire station [KDKA]
• Pittsburgh's Best Thanksgiving Takeout in 2026 [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Where To Order Thanksgiving Takeout in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• DA shuts down Linx, another South Side bar snared in crackdown on trouble spots [TribLive]
• Crime down in Pittsburgh’s South Side since start of Street Fest [WPXI]
• U.S. Postal Service Announces Stamp Subjects for 2027 [USPS]

November 13th, 2026 2:00am

Pgh Restaurants Are Getting Pricier. Who’s Profiting?

Remember when dining out didn’t feel quite so expensive? Post-Gazette dining critic and City Cast contributor Hal B. Klein has the literal receipts to show just how much prices have increased at Pittsburgh’s favorite restaurants. He joins host Megan Harris to explain what’s driving up the cost of dining out, why restaurants aren’t necessarily making more money, and how some local spots are trying to keep their doors open without pricing their customers out. Plus, who’s actually making the most money off our increasingly expensive meals?

Notes and references from today’s show:

‘Profitability is down quite a bit’: Patrons to restaurateurs, everyone is feeling the cost of dining out [

November 11th, 2026 2:00am

Snail Mail Group, Silent Book Club & More Cozy Pittsburgh Activities

The days are shorter, temperatures are dropping, and Pittsburgh’s gray skies will soon be making their comeback. But instead of dreading the next few months, why not lean into them? Host Megan Harris and contributor Sophia Lo are sharing their favorite ways to stay cozy in the Burgh, from quilting circles to silent book clubs to high tea with homemade marshmallows. Plus, they have tips for staying social even as the cold weather moves in.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Find Your Next Read at Pittsburgh’s Best Independent Bookstores [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• A New Way to Celebrate Queer Romance in Pgh [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Massages, Mud Wraps & More Pgh Spa Day Ideas [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• It's fall. Let's get cozy! [Life Kit]

November 9th, 2026 2:00am

Fetterman-Proof Senate, Fish Nor Fowl Closure & Page's Ice Cream Truck Crash

The dust has settled after Election Day, and there’s a lot to unpack! Democrats’ big wins have changed the political landscape but nationally and locally, and John Fetterman may not have as much sway as he used to. Executive producer Mallory Falk and contributors Sophia Lo and Colin Williams are talking about what that means for Congress, why Josh Shapiro had such a strong showing in Allegheny County, and what Democrats might actually get done now that they control Harrisburg. Plus, could the Pittsburgh Mills mall finally make a comeback under new ownership? And who crashed into Page’s ice cream truck? Then in today’s bonus segment for City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors, we’re getting into all the animal antics at this weekend’s Pittsburgh Pet Expo.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Track John Fetterman’s Senate voting record [Fetterman Voting]
• John Fetterman votes with his party less frequently since Trump took office, rarely attends meetings [Philly Inquirer]
• Fetterman’s voting record compared to fellow senators amid Democratic fury [Newsweek]
• Democrats ‘Fetterman proofed’ the Senate with wins in longtime red states, Pa. senator’s critics say [Philly Inquirer]
• Pennsylvania voters flip 4 congressional districts to Democrats [Pennsylvania Independent]
• Democrats win majority in Pa. state Senate, achieving elusive ‘trifecta’ in Harrisburg [WHYY]
• Election maps: How the blue wave rippled in Allegheny County [Public Source]
• Voters overwhelmingly approve plan to merge Mars Borough and Adams Township [KDKA]
• Garfield's Fish nor Fowl of the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group closes [
  Play Audio

  November 6th, 2026 2:00am

Did PA Dems Win a Trifecta?

Pennsylvania Democrats have declared a trifecta, saying they've taken full control of the state House, state Senate, and governor's office for the first time in decades. But a few key races still haven't been called. Executive producer Mallory Falk and creative producer Marla Kauffman break down what we know so far, from Gov. Josh Shapiro's quick and easy victory to PA's role in reshaping the U.S. Congress.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Pa. Gov. Shapiro wins second term against GOP challenger, state Treasurer Garrity [WESA]
• Democrats say they’ve won the Pennsylvania House and Senate, handing Shapiro a powerful trifecta [Spotlight PA]
• Allegheny County voters reject effort to grant more spending power, bigger role for council [WESA]

November 4th, 2026 7:15am

A Procrastinator's Guide to the 2026 PA Election

Tomorrow is Election Day! If you haven't done your homework yet, host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are here to guide you through. We're talking about the ballot question for Allegheny County voters — asking whether county councilors should get more resources and benefits — plus the handful of races that could determine control of the Pennsylvania legislature. Finally, we share some important Election Day tips and a few fun events to check out this week…in addition to hitting the polls.

Before you vote: Check your polling place or find a mail-ballot return site. If you're voting at your polling place for the first time, you'll need to show identification. Here's the list of valid forms of ID.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• What does the Allegheny County ballot question mean? [WESA]
• The 2026 races that could decide control of the Pennsylvania House and Senate [Spotlight PA]
• Three local races to watch on Election Day in the Pittsburgh region [Public Source]
• Pennsylvania 2026 election voter guide [WESA]
• Voter guide 2026: Where candidates stand on ICE, war, and data centers [Public Source]

November 2nd, 2026 2:00am

Your Guide to November 2026 in Pittsburgh

It's officially the season of giving thanks, and while there's plenty to complain about (looking at you, endless construction!), there's also so much to be grateful for when it comes to living here — including the multitude of fun and quirky activities. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing our favorite ways to make the most of November, from enjoying a pop-up sauna to catching a juggling fest to sipping a "Waterfront cocktail."

Wanna meet the team in person? Reserve your FREE ticket to “What is Pittsburgh’s Brand? Challenged by the Future" on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Host Megan Harris is hosting a conversation between local teens and civic leaders on topics like safety, belonging, and mental health. Get your ticket now!

October 30th, 2026 2:00am

Tax the Rich? Plus, Día de Los Muertos & Your Next Favorite Gym

Pittsburgh has a new proposal to tax the rich, Allegheny County’s fully paid parental leave policy is officially law, and local listeners have more gym recommendations than we can fit in a workout. City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris and Mallory Falk are answering listener questions about who qualifies for leave, celebrating another Pittsburgh-area union win, and giving a shoutout to an overlooked (and much-needed) local invention on TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026 list. Plus, we’ve got listener-recommended gyms around the region and a guide to celebrating Día de los Muertos in Pittsburgh, with community altars, family-friendly activities, and events worth adding to your calendar.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Where to Celebrate Día de los Muertos Around Pittsburgh in 2026 [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• PODCAST: Parental Leave Proposal Gets a Makeover [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Allegheny County Council passes parental leave mandate in 11-4 vote [Public Source]
• The Best Inventions of 2026 [Time]
• PODCAST: How To Die Sustainably in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh]

October 28th, 2026 2:00am

Mallo Cup Lore, Hot Tamale Goss & More PA Candy Trivia

If you're planning to go trick-or-treating this weekend, a lot of your haul will probably be made right here in Pennsylvania. We have one of the largest candy economies in the nation. City Cast contributor and quizmaster Kevin Gavin is quizzing the team about all the sweet treats made and produced in the Commonwealth — and we want you to play along!

**This episode originally aired on October 31, 2024.

October 26th, 2026 2:00am

Garrity’s Slopaganda, Paid Leave Passes & How Pgh Humbled Emmanuel Macron

It’s official: Allegheny County council just passed a first of its kind paid parental leave policy. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Colin Williams break down what this means for workers and employers in the region. We also react to republican gubernatorial candidate Stacy Garrity’s absolutely wild, AI-generated campaign ad attacking Josh Shapiro, and why the Steelers are still playing in Paris amid mass uprisings.

And in our members-only bonus segment, creative producer Marla Kauffman shares the best Pittsburgh-themed Halloween costumes. (What if the Sherdovich twins … were actually triplets???)

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Allegheny County Council passes parental leave mandate in 11-4 vote [Public Source]
• PODCAST: Paid Parental Leave Proposal Gets a Makeover [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Paid parental leave not an option in Westmoreland County, commissioner says [TribLive]
• Council approves strengthened law to ensure tenant safety in Allegheny County [TribLive]
• County council passes law to regulate AI in Allegheny political ads [TribLive]
• AI-generated political ads have appeared in Pennsylvania. Are these kinds of ads allowed? [KDKA]
• Council approves strengthened law to ensure tenant safety in Allegheny County [TribLive]
• NFL in Paris: League eyes big debut as Steelers-Saints game comes amid security concerns [AP]
• Le Torchon Terrible [Steelers]
• Allez les Steelers Poster [Steelers]
• PODCAST: Sports Bars & Specials for Steelers in Paris [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Where to Watch Football in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Union workers approve new contract with Pittsburgh Regional Transit [
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  October 23rd, 2026 2:00am

Sports Bars & Specials for Steelers in Paris

The Steelers are heading to Paris to take on the New Orleans Saints this Sunday, but you don’t need to be in the City of Love (and tbh, you might not want to be right now) to get in on the fun. With kickoff at 9:30 a.m., it's a perfect excuse to trade in your usual game-day snack for some breakfast and Bloody Marys — and a bunch of bars around the city are hosting very early happy hours. City Cast's Megan Harris and Zack Durkin are talking about their favorite sports bars in Pittsburgh and what makes them special, whether it's top-tier wings, an enormous screen, or breakfast buffets. 

Need even more recommendations? Here's our full list of sports bars for Steelers season.

*A version of this episode originally published September 25, 2025.

October 21st, 2026 2:00am

Why Pittsburgh's at the Center of the Grocery Store War

For better or worse, Giant Eagle has long been the main grocery store in town — beloved for its sheetcakes, bemoaned for its high prices. But that could soon change. Kroger is planning to buy the local chain, Wegmans and Meijer are coming to Cranberry, and Trader Joe's is allegedly looking to expand into the Strip District. It suddenly feels like we're at the center of the grocery store wars. What's going on? Could all this competition drive down prices? And can one region sustain so many chains? Host Megan Harris is with Chloe Jad, tech and retail reporter at the Post-Gazette, to discuss her reporting on these expansions and consolidations and what it all means for the average Pittsburgher who just wants some decent quality, reasonably priced groceries.

**This episode originally aired on August 10, 2026.

Since this episode first aired, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to the feds asking them to take a closer look at the Kroger deal. Check out Chloe's reporting on the new development.

October 19th, 2026 2:00am

Exploding Tick Bombs, Expensive Office Conversions & How Spooky is Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh's slated to get a lot more housing, from new apartments in the Hill District to converted office buildings Downtown to a decommissioned steam plant that's being turned into apartments. But who exactly will live in these units, and how tricky will it be to get them online? Executive producer Mallory Falk and City Cast contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams discuss. We also share horror stories about a new type of tick that's wreaking havoc in our neighborhoods and how to protect yourself from larval bombs. Plus, some transit wins and disturbing news about a local restaurateur. 

And in today's members-only bonus segment, we're talking about why Pittsburgh was named one of the spookiest cities in the country and recommending some creepy attractions to get you in the Halloween spirit.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• $170 million development would bring hundreds of apartments to Hill District [TribLive]
• Officials celebrate new affordable housing in the Hill District [WESA]
• Downtown investor gets started on Penn Avenue residential conversion project [Biz-Times]
• Pittsburgh officials celebrate three major housing projects downtown [Biz-Times]
• Historic downtown tower hits market for sale [Biz-Times]
• Office Space [99% Invisible]
• As longhorned tick populations soar in Allegheny County, 'larval bombs' surprise residents [P-G]
• Allegheny County Vector Control is the first line of local defense against bug-born illnesses [City Paper]
• Tips for Tick Season in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Alstom to open transportation innovation hub in Pittsburgh, only U.S. location [Biz-Times]
• Prominent Pittsburgh restaurateur Richard DeShantz charged with assaulting girlfriend [TribLive]
• Breeze Airways chosen as new airline at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport [WTAE]

October 16th, 2026 2:00am

The True Tale of Pittsburgh's Glowing Green Man

There's an urban legend that's left an eerie mark on generations of local kids: a story about a spectre with a glowing green face doomed to roam the highways of Western Pennsylvania. He may have been burned by acid or fire, or maybe got struck by lightning. The details are squishy, but the real story behind "The Monster of Beaver County" is a tragic one. City Cast's Wil Fulton joins us to explain how the Green Man's story has been told and misunderstood for decades, and what we can learn from the legend.

Special thanks to City Cast's Elizabeth Kauma for her work on this one. Music and some sound effects courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

**This episode originally published October 18, 2023.

October 14th, 2026 2:00am

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Another Pittsburgh school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict no-phone school day can work, and they’ve got the (mostly) positive feedback to show for it. City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson joins David to talk about how St. Paul Central High School is succeeding at enforcing a phone-free school environment, the surprising ways that some students approach it, and how these kinds of bans can even affect adults like Sean.

Listeners, it’s that time again! Send us the dilemmas you’re facing living in a city, and we might debate them on our upcoming call-in show. Email us or submit using this Google Form.

Mentioned on the show:

• Kids using public radio comment sections as ad hoc communication

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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October 11th, 2026 2:00am