City Cast Pittsburgh

‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

When Pittsburgh looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City did in order to integrate flood mitigation into public housing. Inspired by places like Rotterdam, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) collaborated with other groups to give Queens a state-of-the-art, climate-resilient amenity — in this case, a basketball court. David talks with Katy Burgio from NYCHA and Runit Chhaya of Grain Collective, one of the involved design firms, about the larger infrastructure the court is a part of and how it’s setting up NYC for climate resilience.

Mentioned on the show:

Water Square and its creative facilitators: https://www.dezeen.com/2025/11/25/grain-collective-basketball-courts-flood-prevention/
Rotterdam’s own “water square”: https://landezine.com/water-square-benthemplein-by-de-urbanisten/

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 4th, 2026 2:00am

CMU Miami, Bleak Budgets & Duquesne Light’s Strike

Carnegie Mellon University is opening a new campus in Miami, thanks to a $3 billion gift from hedge fund manager Ken Griffin. It's the largest single donation ever made to a U.S. university. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor and City Paper Managing Editor Colin Williams discuss the school's Florida expansion (spring breaaaaaaak forever), Griffin’s status as a GOP megadonor, and why so many colleges are opening branch campuses in the Sunshine State. Plus, Mayor Corey O’Connor just released his proposed city budget — long story short, our finances are still looking pretty bleak — paid parental leave is one step closer to reality in Allegheny County, and a long-lost candy bar gets resurrected just in time for Halloween. And in our members-only bonus segment, we take you on a tour of former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin’s truly massive virtual city in Minecraft.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Carnegie Mellon University Announces Historic $3 Billion Gift from Ken Griffin, Pioneering a New Model for Higher Education [CMU]
Carnegie Mellon to open Miami campus after multibillion-dollar gift from hedge fund CEO Ken Griffin [Post-Gazette]
Hedge Fund Executive Gives $3 Billion to Carnegie Mellon in Largest-Ever Gift [New York Times]
Billionaire investor Ken Griffin calls on Harvard to embrace ‘Western values’ [Reuters]
Pittsburgh's Point Park University exploring potential partnership and location in Florida [KDKA]
Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor proposes 2027 budget that raids reserves but avoids tax increase and layoffs [TribLive]
Rec center roulette: Critical Pittsburgh facilities suffer from uneven funding [TribLive]
Allegheny County’s paid parental leave approved by health board, moves to council [WESA]
Long-forgotten Clark candy bar variation returns [TribLive]
PODCAST: PA Candy Trivia! How Pennsylvania is Your Halloween Haul? [City Cast Pittsburgh]
Duquesne Light Company and union fail to reach agreement, strike begins [WTAE]

October 2nd, 2026 2:00am

Your Guide to October in Pittsburgh

October in Pittsburgh is packed with things to eat, see and do — from campy musicals and a pizza opera to the Pittsburgh Art Book Fair and the (maybe?) final Living Dead Weekend at Monroeville Mall. We’ve also got fall house tours, family-friendly trolley adventures, a food hall to try, and a few ideas for getting out of town. Plus, host Megan Harris wants your vote on where she should spend a few days away: the Finger Lakes, Cuyahoga Valley, New River Gorge, Cumberland, or somewhere else within driving distance of Pittsburgh. Help!

Looking for more things to do? Check out our massive lists of local fall festivals and haunted houses.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Meet some of our new colleagues at their upcoming events. City Cast Pittsburgh’s audience development manager Emma Honcharski is a co-director of the annual Pittsburgh Art Book Fair on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, and creative producer Boen Wang is accompanying his wife Grace, a poet and visual artist, for a reading from their debut book Holly at City of Asylum on Oct. 12.
Glamping in State Parks [PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]
PODCAST: How Pgh Became the Roller Coaster Capitol of the World [City Cast Pittsburgh]

October 1st, 2026 2:00am

Pittsburgh’s Best Fall Frights, From Terrifying To Totally Tame

How scared do you actually want to be this Halloween? Pittsburgh has plenty of options! Whether you want chainsaw-wielding killers chasing you through a haunted house or you’d rather stick to haunted history and mini golf, we’ve got something for you. Host Megan Harris and creative producer Marla Kauffman are rounding up the region’s best fall frights from the truly terrifying haunts — like Crawford School of Terror and Portals of Fear — to the not-so-scary return of ScareHouse, quirky Halloween events, and family-friendly fun. Plus, which haunted attraction has bars inside, where you can explore a creepy old mine, and why sometimes for a haunted house, the devil is truly in the details.

Check out even more of our recs for haunted houses and Halloween fun, plus our mega-list of fall festivals, Oktoberfests, and autumn activities.

September 30th, 2026 2:00am

Riverfront Trails Expand, Exercise for Beginners & Tim Burton Takeover

Have you ever been enjoying a bike ride along the riverfront, only for the trail to end abruptly? Good news! The city is planning to close some longstanding gaps along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and creative producer Boen Wang explain which sections are getting extended (including a particularly harrowing stretch between the Strip District and Lawrenceville) and what it all has to do with a railroad company. Plus, we share beginner tips and tricks for braving the hills and exercising outdoors in Pittsburgh and recommend some events for the week ahead, including a trip into the Tim Burton-verse and storytime for adults.

Notes and references from today’s show:

“City partners with CSX to connect, expand Three Rivers Heritage Trail” [

September 29th, 2026 2:00am

Create Your Own Pittsburgh Food Tour

Looking for your next fall getaway? What about a curated road trip with lots of tasty stops and local history? Our state's tourism site includes six official culinary trails with themes like maple, bread, and charcuterie. Food historian Mary Miller, the mastermind behind several of our state trails, joins host Megan Harris to share her inspiration and offer tips for designing your own food crawl, tour, or trail.

September 28th, 2026 2:00am

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

What’s a seemingly small project in Pittsburgh that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just been fitted with a seamless electrical turbine, so that an existing utility can now have a dual purpose. David is joined by Nic Westendorf, Tualatin’s deputy public works director, to talk about the power of thinking local, using existing tools, and looking ahead to a sustainable future to inform what we do today.

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.

September 27th, 2026 2:00am

UPMC Yields to Trump, County Bans Big Data Centers & Goodbye Millennial Gray?

UPMC just placed a decade-long moratorium on gender-affirming care for patients under 19 and agreed to pay the federal government $950,000 as part of a settlement with the Department of Justice. Host Megan Harris is with City Cast contributors Sophia Lo and Colin Williams to talk about what comes next. Plus, we're debating whether Pittsburgh Paint Company's 2027 color of the year truly counts as a departure from Millennial Gray, discussing a new ban on large-scale data centers on county property, and bemoaning the influencer stunt that led the Star Wars vending machine on a cross-country journey. And in our members-only bonus segment, Colin shares what he learned about the future of journalism on a recent trip to Germany — and the successes that could be duplicated here in Pittsburgh.

Notes and references from today’s show:

UPMC to pay DOJ nearly $1M, agrees to 10-year moratorium on gender-affirming care for trans youth [WESA]
Under pressure from Trump, UPMC canceled a trans patient's scheduled top surgery [City Paper]
Pittsburgh Paints' 2027 Color of the Year calls for homeowners to 'recalibrate' [WESA]
Sophia's Color Swatches
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How PPG Paints Decides Its Color of the Year [Architectural Digest]
Orange Era [n+1]
Allegheny County Council unanimously bans large data centers on county property [TribLive]
Pa. approves steep rate hikes for 2027 Pennie health insurance plans [TribLive]
"Star Wars" vending machine visits Los Angeles [Axios Pittsburgh]

September 25th, 2026 2:00am

A Warrant, a Budget & Pittsburgh’s Missing $250M

Former Mayor Ed Gainey is under investigation and facing allegations of improper contracts, questionable financial decisions, and potentially misleading information in bond documents. No charges have been filed, but the details revealed this week in a newly unsealed search warrant follow a pattern of rumors we've been hearing for years. Host Megan Harris is with the Post-Gazette's Hallie Lauer to talk about the many nonprofits, vendors, and city employees who've been implicated, what we know about what's real, and the very serious consequences if Pittsburgh deceived its creditors — plus what Mayor Corey O’Connor faces as his first budget deadline approaches on Wednesday.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Gainey administration may have rigged Pittsburgh’s contract-bidding system, unsealed search warrant says [Post-Gazette]
‘We are sounding the alarm’: Mayor says the city’s financial picture is far more dire than previously known [Post-Gazette]
PODCAST: Can Pittsburgh Afford the NFL Draft? (with Jake Pawlak) [City Cast Pittsburgh]
PODCAST: Does Mayor Gainey Have Any Regrets (with Ed Gainey) [City Cast Pittsburgh]
PODCAST: Is Pittsburgh Going Broke? (with Rachael Heisler) [City Cast Pittsburgh]

September 24th, 2026 2:00am

Pittsburgh’s Flock Camera Problem

Allegheny County the most Flock cameras and automated license plate readers in PA, according to crowdsourced data. Host Megan Harris is with Axios Pittsburgh's Ryan Deto to discuss how exactly these cameras work, why they're so controversial, and whether the state legislature could end up regulating or even outright banning them. Plus, they explain the difference between Flock cams and other tech used for parking tickets and toll violations.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Allegheny County tops Pa. in Flock cameras [Axios Pittsburgh]
The Growing Fight Over Flock Cameras [Axios Pittsburgh]
Pittsburgh Parking Authority: “We don’t use Flock” [Axios Pittsburgh]

September 23rd, 2026 2:00am

Can $25M Make Smithfield Cool Again?

In the midst of Downtown’s larger $600 million makeover, Smithfield Street’s been waiting its turn. Crews are breaking ground today on the first of dozens of small projects, including sidewalk repairs, better lighting, landscaping, and more. It’s unlikely the historic 10-block stretch will ever return to its heyday, but can it be something we all use and enjoy again? Host Megan Harris is with freelancer Adam Smeltz and Public Source’s Stephanie Strasburg to talk about Smithfield’s past and present — and mostly who and what it’ll serve next.

This episode originally aired January 8, 2025.

Notes and references from today’s show:

What’s the Future for Pittsburgh’s Smithfield Street? [Pittsburgh Magazine / Public Source]
Work begins soon to reimagine Smithfield Street in Downtown Pittsburgh [Post-Gazette]
$25 million project to make Smithfield Street more pedestrian friendly to begin soon [Post-Gazette]

September 22nd, 2026 2:00am

Paid Parental Leave Proposal Gets a Makeover

After weighing over 1,400 public comments — mostly from parents, health care workers, and small business owners — the county health department made some major edits to its paid parental leave proposal. That includes cutting the length from 18 weeks to 12 and exempting the county's smallest businesses. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and Public Source's Oliver Morrison discuss the changes, why this policy has been so much more divisive than the county's paid sick leave proposal, and what comes next. Plus, Oliver shares his takeaways after reading through every single public comment.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Parents say paid leave would be a savior, but employers say costs could shut them down [PublicSource]
Paid parental leave compromises emerge at Allegheny County health board meeting [Public Source]
Paid Parental Leave Would Strengthen Allegheny County Families and Economy at Minimal Cost [Keystone Research Center Data]
1,400 paid parental leave comments show support, deep split, room for change [Public Source]
Allegheny County’s paid parental leave proposal: 13 questions answered [Public Source]
Innamorato’s paid parental leave push is personal, political and maybe a national precedent [Public Source]

September 21st, 2026 2:00am

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Would Pittsburgh be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and depression recorded near newly transformed, “greened” neighborhood lots. But how did they do it? David talks with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and special guest Matt Rader, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, about how Philly prioritized revitalizing its abandoned outdoor space, the ways that having a nonprofit partner has made all the difference, and what still needs to be done.

Mentioned on the show:

Study showing 29% decrease in gun violence near transformed lots: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1718503115
Study showing 41% decrease in reported depression: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2688343

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.

September 20th, 2026 2:00am

Ripping Out Skill Games, Mandatory Fun & RIP Annie Dillard

Will state police start ripping skill games out of convenience stores, vape shops, and other spots? That's what could happen if lawmakers don't come up with a plan to regulate the machines by Oct. 13. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are joined by Public Source's Oliver Morrison to explain how we got here, what measures the state might consider, and the scale of gambling addiction in Pennsylvania. (Did you know we take in more gambling revenue than any state except Nevada?) Plus, we discuss the CDC's continued failure to count measles-related deaths in PA, a new rule requiring recess in K-5 schools, and the legacy of Pittsburgh-born, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard.

And in our members-only bonus segment, we're talking about another important restaurant group, the future of Penn Brewery — including conjectures about the mysterious new buyer — and sharing some of our favorite Pittsburgh meals.
**This episode contains a reference to suicide. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts thoughts of suicide, you can always call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. There's help available 24 hours a day.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Skill games are slot machines, must adhere to Pa.’s gambling law, state Supreme Court rules [Spotlight PA]
‘I’m not going to be alive tomorrow’: Is gambling addiction Pa.’s next public health crisis? [PennLive]
How Pennsylvania Got Hooked on Games That Look a Lot Like Slot Machines [New York Times]
Pennsylvania Gambling Addicts Hope That ‘Skill Games’ Will Go Bust [New York Times]
Attorney General Sunday Responds to Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ruling ‘Skill Games’ Illegal [PA Office of Attorney General]
PODCAST: Does Pgh Have a Gambling Problem? [City Cast Pittsburgh]
A Psychiatrist Tried to Quit Gambling. Betting Apps Kept Her Hooked. [The Wall Street Journal]
How a sports gambling addiction devastated one Western Pa. family — and sparked a fight for change [Post-Gazette]
House Democrats demand answers from CDC on Pennsylvania measles deaths [The Hill]
Pennsylvania asks for CDC measles help amid Kennedy dispute [Reuters]
Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro signs legislation guaranteeing 30 minutes of recess to elementary students [WHYY]
Annie Dillard, Pittsburgh-born Pulitzer Prize-winning author, dies at 81 [Post-Gazette]

September 18th, 2026 2:00am

Pittsburgh Restaurant Empires, Explained

Did you know a ton of Pittsburgh's most influential dining spots are run by the same six restaurant groups? Some are massive, some are low-key, and some have quietly shaped the city’s food and beverage scene for decades. Host Megan Harris is with Post-Gazette dining critic and City Cast contributor Hal B. Klein to meet the people behind the well-known places — from the legacy of Eat’n Park and big Burrito to Richard DeShantz’s ever-evolving lineup, Independent Restaurant Group’s tiki brilliance, and the splashy new Opal and Legacy groups. We talk about how these restaurant groups work, why size can be both a blessing and a curse, and how chefs and restaurant staff carry ideas from one kitchen to the next. Plus, Titusz made the NYT’s 50 best restaurants list, the Gobblerito is turning 20, and we celebrate the highs and lows of Pittsburgh dining.

September 17th, 2026 2:00am

Measles, Go-Karts & Wylie’s Opening Lineup

Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak is getting worse. At least four people have died and nearly 700 cases are being tracked statewide. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are talking about what’s happening, the response from state and local health officials, and what Pittsburghers need to know — including the latest on measles exposures at UPMC Children’s Hospital. Then, Axios Pittsburgh’s Ryan Deto jumps in to recommend some of the city’s newest attractions, from the Kamin Science Center’s new go-karts to Pittsburgh International Airport’s outdoor terraces, plus the soon-to-open Citizens Live at The Wylie.

Notes and references from today’s show:

The Measles-Stricken Mother Who Lost Her Newborn Son [The Atlantic]
Mom of infant exposed to measles at UPMC Children’s frustrated by hospital system response [TribLive]
Immunity lost: How Pennsylvania’s falling school vaccination rates and enforcement failures put thousands of children at risk [Post-Gazette]
PODCAST: Pittsburgh’s Measles Risk, Explained [City Cast Pittsburgh]
Pa. lawmakers propose requiring health care provider consultation for vaccine exemptions [Post-Gazette]
PIT opens first public outdoor airport terrace [Axios Pittsburgh]
Inside look: Citizens Live at The Wylie [Axios Pittsburgh]

September 16th, 2026 2:00am

Won't You Be a Reader? The Campaign to Raise Lifelong Readers {SPONSORED}

On this bonus episode sponsored by the Grable Foundation, we're talking about a local push to make sure every child has access to the books they actually want to read, plus adults who can foster a love of reading. "Won't You Be a Reader" brings together more than a dozen organizations and civic leaders to help young readers thrive, through everything from free book fairs to community reading events.

Casey Mindlin, the campaign's co-chair, and First Lady Katie O'Connor join executive producer Mallory Falk to discuss the campaign's successes so far, what else is in store, and why everyone should care about our region's literacy rates.

Thank you for listening to this special bonus Sponsored Episode by The Grable Foundation. To learn about this episode sponsor visit Grable.org kidsburgh.org/topic/read.

September 15th, 2026 10:00am

What To Do During an ICE Encounter in Pittsburgh

Community leaders and business owners in Beechview — the heart of Pittsburgh's Latino community — say ICE activity has been increasing in the neighborhood over the past few weeks. It's hard to get reliable data, but incidents at Las Palmas grocery store have left residents rattled. One business owner ⁠described ICE as⁠ "terrorizing the whole neighborhood right now." With this in mind, we're bringing back our conversation with Vanessa Stine, senior staff attorney for the ⁠ACLU of Pennsylvania⁠. She joins us to explain what happens during an ICE stop or raid, what rights immigrants have regardless of their legal status, and how bystanders can help during an ICE encounter.

⁠Read⁠ or ⁠listen⁠ to a summary of this conversation in Spanish.

**This episode originally aired April 2, 2025.

Looking for more help and resources?

The ACLU of Pennsylvania has Know Your Rights guides available in ⁠English⁠ and ⁠Spanish⁠.
If you believe you've witnessed ICE activity in the Pittsburgh area or have any other concerns, you can call the main line at ⁠Casa San José⁠: ⁠412-343-3111⁠.
If you are experiencing ICE detention, you can call their emergency response line: ⁠412-736-7167⁠.
Find the latest data on ICE arrests and removals at ⁠TRAC⁠.
Listen to our ⁠podcast episode⁠ about Frontline Dignity, a local rapid response network, and learn how you can ⁠sign up⁠ for their next training.

September 15th, 2026 2:00am

Does Pittsburgh Have the Meats? A Guide to Pittsburgh BBQ

Can Pittsburgh hold its own when it comes to barbecue? We definitely don’t have the smoked-meat reputation of Texas or the Carolinas, but there are still plenty of spots serving excellent brisket, ribs, and pulled pork with all the fixins.’ Contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams joins host Megan Harris to discuss which Pittsburgh barbecue spots are worth the trip.

**This episode originally aired September 18, 2025.

September 14th, 2026 2:00am

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Las Vegas Is Handling Record-Breaking Heat — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

It may not feel like it right now, but extreme heat is coming for Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas might have the answers you need. An already sizzling city, Vegas has continued to experience record-breaking heat in recent years, essentially forcing it to lead the charge in protecting residents from increasingly rising temperatures. City Cast Las Vegas host Jesse Merrick talks with David about the bold moves of Nevada’s lawmakers, like mandating heat mitigation and giving away trees, and how some time-tested strategies still need to be tweaked as rising global temperatures present new problems every day.

Mentioned on the show:

Europe’s 10,000 recorded deaths during June 2026 heatwave

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.

September 13th, 2026 2:00am

Iceburgh Loaf Pan, Fetterman's GOP Lovefest & Pittsburgh Remembers 9/11

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Western PA was directly affected: one of the hijacked planes crashed into a field in Shanksville — around 80 miles outside Pittsburgh — killing 40 passengers and crew members. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and creative producer Boen Wang (in his podcast debut) discuss memories from that day, how new generations are learning about the attacks, and ways to commemorate the anniversary. Plus, we discuss Sen. John Fetterman's surprise video appearance at the GOP midterm convention, the best giveaways you can snag from our local sports teams (including a singing Jeff Jimerson bobblehead), and the new teaser trailer for "The Pitt."

And in today's members-only segment, we're talking about "Butler," a new movie about the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump that's being filmed…in Beaver? (That's not the only reason we have questions.)

Notes and references from today’s show:

Effects still reverberate at Pittsburgh International Airport 25 years after Sept. 11 [Triblive]
Designer of Flight 93 memorial receptive to changes [Post-Gazette]
Flight 93 National Memorial Livestream [Youtube]
Remembering the 9/11 Attacks in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh]
Pittsburgh Pirates Giveaways [MLB]
Pittsburgh Penguins Theme Nights and Giveaways [NHL]
Tuck into a Pittsburgh twist on pigs in a blanket and other new eats at Acrisure Stadium [Post-Gazette]
Celebrate the Steelers Home Opener, Pittsburgh Style [Pittsburgh Magazine]
Fetterman praises Trump, McCormick in appearance at Republican convention [WESA]
John Fetterman’s RNC Video Appearance [YouTube]
PODCAST: The Latest John Fetterman Bombshell, Explained [City Cast Pittsburgh]
"The Pitt" Season 2 Teaser [YouTube]
Pennsylvania emergency room visits among the nation’s longest [Axios]
Citizens Live at the Wylie sets preview event for Sept. 28 [Pittsburgh Business Times]

September 11th, 2026 2:00am

Piggy Races, Corn Pits & More Pittsburgh Fall Fun

Is apple picking overrated? Are ping pong and piggy races uniquely autumnal? Would you like to make a snow (corn?) angel in a pit of dried grain? Nevermind the heat wave — fall is here in Pittsburgh. Host Megan Harris, contributor Sophia Lo, and creative producer Marla Kauffman (in her first pod appearance!) share their favorite fall festivals, farm lore, Oktoberfests, and more for the season.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 10th episode:

Carnegie Library

P3R

For the Love of Our Parks

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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September 10th, 2026 2:00am

The Latest John Fetterman Bombshell, Explained

U.S. Senator John Fetterman’s former staffers have a lot to say about his public behavior and private comments, according to a new exposé from the Wall Street Journal. Some highlights: complaining that a funeral for police officers killed in the line of duty was over three hours long (he ultimately didn’t attend), cancelling a meeting with paralyzed veterans over an upset stomach (while still feeling well enough for a Fox News interview the same day), and much more. We discuss the Journal’s findings, responses from other Pennsylvania lawmakers, and why Fetterman’s memoir might actually be worth a (hate) read.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Behind Closed Doors, John Fetterman Shows Little Interest in the Work of a Senator [Wall Street Journal]
Exclusive: Fetterman blasts ‘disgruntled staffers’ and ‘smears’ after report details apathy toward his work [CNN]
Sen. John Fetterman on Democratic Divides, DSA & Israel [The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart]
PODCAST: Is Conor Lamb Back? [City Cast Pittsburgh]
Pa. Dems blast Sen. Fetterman as a ‘disgrace’ and ‘pathetic’ following scathing report [PennLive]
Report: Fetterman called Wall Street Journal story ‘a hit piece’ and apologized for a text message dismissing CHOP leaders [Philly Inquirer]
“Former Fetterman Staffers” on X

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 9th episode:

Carnegie Library

P3R

For the Love of Our Parks

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.

September 9th, 2026 2:00am

Perfecting the Pittsburgh Dialect

Pittsburghese is full of fun terms and quirks, like (lovingly) referring to your nosy neighbor as nebby or saying it's slippy aht. But how exactly did it develop, and how tricky is it to pick up? Actor, voice coach and speech teacher Don Wadsworth joins us to explain what makes our dialect so distinct, and give host Megan Harris a master class in speaking Pittsburghese.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, September 8th episode:

Carnegie Library

P3R - use code CITYCAST20 for 20% off any event.

For the Love of Our Parks

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.

September 8th, 2026 2:00am

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Nashville Is Beating Flock — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Do you know what kind of surveillance technology is being used in Pittsburgh? In Nashville, the city government has blocked numerous measures to install and use it. From license plate readers to drone cameras, the technology is routinely rejected by the Metro Council and mayor, and locals are somewhat split on if that’s for the better. City Cast Nashville host Rachel Iacovone joins “Your City Could Be Better” to walk through all the measures that the Nashville government has reviewed and rejected, why people have reason to fear the tech, and what the city may lose by saying no to surveillance.

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.

September 6th, 2026 2:00am

Duolingo’s Iran War Problem, Airport Auctions & Eviction Wins

The Trump Administration’s latest round of sanctions against Iran, dubbed “Operation Economic Outcast,” includes restrictions on cooperation between Iran and American universities. Starting this month, Duolingo banned Iranian citizens from taking its English Test, which many U.S. colleges require for international applicants. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Colin Williams discuss how the language learning company has been swept up in the U.S.-Iran War. We also share our favorite finds from PIT’s annual auction of lost items (thousands of earbuds, stuffed animals, a Mercedes… the list goes on); how the shift to fall signals earlier sunsets but also a Dolly Parton-themed corn maze; and a win for renters and housing advocates around evictions.

And in our members-only bonus segment, we track the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s itinerary for its big biannual European tour and why that matters here at home.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, September 4th episode:

Carnegie Library

Propel Schools

Film Pittsburgh

For the Love of Our Parks

Notes and references from today’s show:

Duolingo D-Day: Iranians question latest US sanctions targeting education [Al Jazeera]
U.S. Sanctions Cut Off Aspiring Iranians From Tests Needed for Study Abroad [New York Times]
U.S. blocks Duolingo English Test in Iran as part of sweeping economic crackdown [Biz Times]
New visa rules to go into effect for international students [Pitt News]
At the airport auction, a catalogue of what people lose [Pittsburgh City Paper]
Looking for a Picasso original? You might find one at annual auction of lost-and-found items at Pittsburgh International [Post-Gazette]
Airport auction, full catalog [Joe R. Pyle]
PODCAST: Why is PIT the Gold Standard? [Your City Could Be Better]
Pittsburgh International Airport Takes Home the Gold [Pittsburgh Magazine]
The risk of eviction may be higher than you think. Here’s what you should know [Public Source]
Pittsburgh sees its final 8pm sunset this week [Axios Pittsburgh]
Eviction filing rates drop statewide; study says eviction prevention programs help [Triblive]
Local farmstead opens themed corn maze paying tribute to country music legend [WPXI]
Mad Mex’s Gobblerito returns for the 20th year [Triblive]
PETA’s Traveling Truck Is Giving Away Vegan Chicken Nationwide [PETA]
The Pittsburgh Symphony is touring Europe. Once again, it’s the only U.S. orchestra at the world’s top classical festival [Post-Gazette]

Learn more about our sponsor TK.

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.

September 4th, 2026 2:00am

Respect the Parking Chair! Plus More Essential Pgh Rules

Pittsburgh is full of unwritten rules and weird quirks, like reserving your parking space with a rickety chair, taking a left turn the moment the light turns green, and holding a lifelong grudge against anyone who honks in the tunnels. If you're new to the city or just need a refresher on local etiquette, we're sharing some essential rules for surviving and thriving in Pittsburgh.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 3rd episode:

Carnegie Library

Propel Schools

Film Pittsburgh

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September 3rd, 2026 2:00am

Ranking the Restaurants at Rivers Casino

If you're making a trip to Rivers Casino, it's probably not for the food, but City Cast Pittsburgh contributor and Post-Gazette dining critic Hal B. Klein argues there are some pretty tasty dishes there. He joins host Megan Harris to talk about a months-long challenge to eat at all the casino's restaurants, and he’s sharing what each of them is best at, from legitimately great burgers and broccolini to confusingly terrible rice.

**This episode originally aired February 25, 2026.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 2nd episode:

Carnegie Library

Propel Schools

Film 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.

September 2nd, 2026 2:00am

Your Guide to September 2026 in Pittsburgh

September in Pittsburgh means fall is coming! Check out a new regal-looking harpy eagle at the National Aviary, drive some golf balls off the upper deck of PNC Park, and toss a cast iron skillet at the Pittsburgh County Fair. Host Megan Harris, contributor Sophia Lo, and friend of the pod Rachel Carlson are sharing their picks, including The Lion King at the Benedum and a Mario Kart tournament at Bottlerocket. Plus, where to find Southern-style green beans in Homestead, the best Korean barbecue in the region, and the ALCOSAN open house literally everyone has told us to attend.

For even more tips on how to make the most of September in Pittsburgh, check out our newsletter's take.

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

Carnegie Library

Propel Schools

Film Pittsburgh

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

Reach us at pittsburgh@citycast.fm.

September 1st, 2026 2:00am

Pittsburgh’s High-Speed Rail Fantasy

Should Pittsburghers stop dreaming about high-speed rail and start celebrating the trains we already have? The reality of having one is a lot more complicated and Axios Pittsburgh’s Ryan Deto is here to explain why. He and host Megan Harris talk about why geography, money and politics make high-speed rail such a long shot and why Pittsburgh’s slower Amtrak service might actually be the thing worth discovering…or rediscovering. Plus, they talk about the upcoming expansion of service between Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and New York and what it could mean for train travel in the region.

Notes and references from today’s show: