Tattoo Regulations, Steelers in Paris & Debating the Essence of Sheetz

Allegheny County Council is taking steps to oust Pat Catena as the group's president, after his campaign sent out a mailer claiming his opponent is "supported by an extreme left group that advocates for transgender athletes in our sports." Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams discuss the latest, plus the county's attempts to regulate tattoos and mandate paid parental leave. We're also opening up the mailbag and sharing your thoughts on local stories like the Market Square teen curfew, questioning how many Steelers fans can truly exist in Paris, and mourning one half of the duo behind our beloved Pamela's Diner. And in our members-only bonus segment, we're joined by Pittsburgh Business-Times reporter Jake Dabkowski to debate whether Sheetz is a gas station or convenience store — and explain why the answer could determine whether it can open in city limits.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Angry crowd demands County Council president’s resignation [P-G]
• WESA Voter Guide: 2026 Primary Election [WESA]
• Pittsburgh ballot question asks voters for options if print newspapers go away [WESA]
• Allegheny County is exploring how to regulate tattoo shops in the Pittsburgh region [WESA]
• Pittsburgh youth, community members question Market Square restrictions at forum [WESA]
• Youth Forum on Safety and Mental Health with 1Hood Media [Eventbrite]
• More than 180,000 used free transit for NFL Draft in Pittsburgh [P-G]
• Unwind by DollTrap [YouTube]
• Steelers to play Saints in 2026 NFL Paris Game [Steelers]
• Gail Klingensmith, co-owner of Pamela’s Diner for nearly a half century, has died [TribLive]
• Riverlife's Shore Thing returning to Pittsburgh for second season [KDKA]
• Gas station or convenience store? Sheetz faces zoning dispute over first city location [Pittsburgh Business Times]

Have a question for our county executive? Call or text our PARENTAL LEAVE Hotline at 412-212-8893.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 15th episode:

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

Fulton Commons

City Winery Pittsburgh

PGH Cultural Trust

Pittsburgh Power & Fitness Festival

PGH Book Fest

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

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May 15th, 2026 2:00am

Mid-Century Sleepover, Tiki Cruise & More Pittsburgh Milestone Birthday Ideas

May 13th, 2026 2:00am

7 Ideas To Make Voting Better in PA

Our primary election is just around the corner on May 19, so it feels like a good time to take stock of how well our voting process actually works. There are lots of ideas for improving elections here in Pennsylvania, from opening our primaries to making Election Day a holiday. Host Megan Harris joins State Rep. Chris Rabb and Armin Samii, a volunteer with March on Harrisburg, to discuss some proposals — and learn what ranked choice voting has in common with Baskin-Robbins.

Check out RCVis, Armin's ranked choice voting data visualization tool, and read up on the history of closed primaries in PA.

**This episode originally published on October 20, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, May 11th episode:

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

Fulton Commons

City Winery Pittsburgh

PGH Cultural Trust

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

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• Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
• We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
• Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.

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May 11th, 2026 2:00am

Shapiro v. Chatbots, Market Square Curfew & Summer Music Fests

Gov. Josh Shapiro is suing Character.AI, saying its chatbots are posing as doctors and offering medical advice. Executive producer Mallory Falk, producer Sophia Lo, and contributor Colin Williams dig into the jaw-dropping details from the lawsuit. Plus, we talk about a new teen curfew at Market Square, staffing cuts at the Post-Gazette, an exciting summer music festival lineup, and the city's plan to add chairs and loungers at its public pools. And in our members-only segment, we talk about the drama around PNC's return-to-office mandate.

Want to unlock the bonus segment? Become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.

Don't miss it! Host Megan Harris is moderating a debate about Pittsburgh's brand on Wednesday, May 27 from 5-7pm at the Pittsburgh Foundation. Reserve your ticket for the free event here. 

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Pittsburgh's pools get chairs, loungers for the first time ever [WTAE]
• 2026 Citiparks Lifeguard Survey [Citiparks Aquatics]
• New policy restricts when unaccompanied teens can enter Pittsburgh’s Market Square [WESA]
• Walnut Capital to take over The Terminal in the Strip District [P-G]
• Pennsylvania sues Character.AI over claims chatbot posed as doctor [NPR]
• Shapiro wants Pennsylvania to regulate AI chatbots. How would that work? [WESA]
• Newspaper Guild members allege anti-union discrimination in Post-Gazette offer letters [City Paper]
• More than 40 news sources remain in Pittsburgh’s fragmented media landscape [Public Source]
• As Spirit Airlines shuts down, businesses inside Arnold Palmer Regional Airport feel impact [KDKA]
• 15 Pittsburgh Music Festivals for Good Tunes and Community [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 8th episode:

Bike PGH

Union Project

PGH Cultural Trust

Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

PGH Power & Fitness Fest

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.

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May 8th, 2026 2:00am

10 Essential Rules for Surviving Pittsburgh

Pittsburghers have a lot of pride in our city, including our weird quirks and unwritten rules. Like why do neighbors keep putting old folding chairs in front of their houses? And why do drivers immediately turn left instead of yielding at a green light? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is running through all the essential rules for surviving and thriving here in the city. 

**This episode originally aired on March 12, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, May 6th episode:

Bike PGH

Union Project

PGH Cultural Trust

Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

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

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• Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
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• Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.

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May 6th, 2026 2:00am

Could Pittsburgh Host the Super Bowl?

Pittsburgh just proved we're able to throw a great party for the NFL Draft. Could the Super Bowl be next? Host Megan Harris talks with Sean Gentille, senior writer for the Athletic, about why the Steelers (and Pirates!) want taxpayer money for stadium upgrades; the prerequisites for hosting a Super Bowl; and the likelihood of that even happening if our stadium doesn't have a roof.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Pittsburgh talks upgrades of Acrisure, PNC in era of billion-dollar stadiums [Public Source]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, May 4th episode:

Bike PGH

Union Project

PGH Cultural Trust

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. 

May 4th, 2026 2:00am

Your Guide to May 2026 in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh really comes to life in the spring, so don't miss out on exploring the city this month. We're looking forward to the 59th Carnegie International, food trucks at the park, neighborhood music festivals, and so much more. Plus, farmers market season is kicking off, and if you need help navigating the space, check out our etiquette guide to Pittsburgh farmers markets.

For even more tips on how to make the most of May in Pittsburgh, check out our website.

City Cast Pittsburgh's guide to May is made possible by our awesome sponsors, City Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera, PGH Cultural Trust, and Window Nation.

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 30th, 2026 2:00am

Zip Lining, Alpacas, and Video Games— Your Guide to Remake Learning Days {SPONSORED}

On this bonus sponsored episode by the Grable Foundation, we're celebrating a Pittsburgh original. What if learning looked like meeting an alpaca, zip lining through a park, or building your first AR/VR game — and it was all free? Remake Learning Days is marking its 10th anniversary this year, and the festival has grown into something genuinely remarkable: 266 mostly free events, 240 organizations, and more than 50 school districts across Southwestern Pennsylvania, all opening their doors from May 1–23.

Yu-Ling Cheng, co-producer, and Stephanie Lewis, director of relationships at Remake Learning Days, join Executive Producer, Mallory Falk to talk  through what's happening this year, from archaeology at Fort Macintosh to downtown fishing to performing arts — and why families keep coming back. They also share how the festival has become a way for Pittsburgh families to discover resources right in their own backyard, and how you can find or even host an event at remakelearningdays.org.

Thank you for listening to this special bonus Sponsored Episode by the Grable Foundation. To learn about this episode sponsor visit Remakelearning.org and Grable.org,

April 28th, 2026 10:14am

What's Next for Downtown After the Draft?

Local leaders hustled to fix sidewalks, fill storefronts, and revamp public spaces ahead of the NFL Draft. But what's in store for the Golden Triangle now that the party's over? How much will Pittsburghers continue to benefit from the big push to make everything pretty before company came to town? Host Megan met up with Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, to talk about what's next for the neighborhood — including a roller skating rink in Market Square! — and why he'd like to regularly host the draft rather than court a Super Bowl. 

Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, April 27th episode:

City Theatre

Pittsburgh Opera

PGH Cultural Trust

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.

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April 27th, 2026 2:00am

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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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 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.

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April 13th, 2026 2:00am