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. 

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

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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

ICE Drops PA Warehouse Plans. Plus, Sliding Bridge & Century III's Future

Earlier this year,ICE  bought two warehouses in Pennsylvania with plans to convert them into immigrant detention centers. Now they're looking to offload the buildings instead. Executive producer Mallory Falk and Sophia Lo explain what happened. Plus, we're sharing what you need to know about PRT's new payment system, the demolition of a major Pittsburgh bridge, and a potential redevelopment plan for Century III Mall.

Where should Sophia watch the Commercial Street Bridge demolition and replacement? Call or text us our SLIDING BRIDGE hotline 412-212-8893.

Party with us on the Andy Warhol Bridge! The county is hosting a 100th birthday party for the Warhol Bridge and we're emceeing. Join us on Saturday, June 27 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. More details here.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• ICE Spent $700 Million on 7 Warehouses. Now It Wants To Get Rid of Them [NYTimes]
• ICE Plans to Offload Berks County and Schuylkill County warehouses, report says [Pennsylvania Capital-Star]
• PODCAST: Does Our State Bird Suck? Plus, ICE Updates & Vacant Lots [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• ReadyFare Card [Pittsburgh Regional Transit]
• Commercial Street to close June 29 for bridge project [Axios Pittsburgh]
• Commercial Street Detours [PennDOT]
• ‘Phenomenal’ plan for Century III Mall site could emerge soon [Public Source]
• PODCAST: So Long, Century III Mall [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• PODCAST: Can Pittsburgh Mills Avoid Century III's Fate? [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, June 23rd episode:

AIDS Free PGH

The Frick Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh CLO

Quantum Theatre

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

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June 23rd, 2026 2:00am

The Best Local Potato Chips

It's backyard barbecue season, and no cookout feels complete without a big bag of chips. And if you like your summer snacks to be locally-sourced, you're in luck. Pennsylvania is actually considered the potato chip capital of the world! How did we earn this distinction, and which PA-made chips are the best? The City Cast Pittsburgh crew is joining forces with our friends at City Cast Philly to taste as many locally-made potato chips as we can find, crown a winner, and explain how the commonwealth became the number one spot for this crunchy snack.

**This episode originally aired on March 13, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, June 18th episode:

Westmoreland Museum

Athens County Visitors Bureau

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Feeling snacky? The next time you're grocery shopping, pick up one of the many potato chips made right here in Pennsylvania! The City Cast Pittsburgh crew is crunching it up with our friends at City Cast Philly to taste test as many PA-made potato chips as we can find, explore how the commonwealth became the "potato chip capital of the world," and crown the tastiest snack in the first ever (maybe?) Chippy Awards.

June 18th, 2026 2:00am

Bone Rooms, Power Outages & Primanti’s ‘Stolen’ Art

Pittsburgh International Airport (briefly) lost power during the big storm last week – something that wasn't supposed to happen because of our first-of-its-kind microgrid. With more bad weather on the horizon, host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and producer Sophia Lo explain how likely this is to happen again, and why PIT is usually the envy of other airports when it comes to backup power. We also discuss some legal updates involving Primanti's, our "Big Five" nonprofits, and ICE, plus Pittsburgh's role in discovering new dinosaurs.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Primanti Bros. faces lawsuit over mural [TribLive]
• City of Pittsburgh quietly reverses course on legal challenges to tax-exempt properties [P-G]
• PODCAST: Why Doesn't UPMC Pay Property Taxes? [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Death of Haitian immigrant ruled a homicide. ICE denies responsibility. [Public Source]
• Pittsburgh International Airport loses power after "extraordinary" storm causes surge, officials say [KDKA]
• Carnegie museum paleontologist co-leads discovery of a new dinosaur species in China [P-G]
• Bone To Pick: First T. Rex Skeleton, Complete At Last [NPR]
• 4 Ways To Have Dino-mite Fun This Summer in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, June 16th episode:

Westmoreland Museum

Athens County Visitors Bureau

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. 

June 16th, 2026 2:00am

'Your City Could Be Better': Why Every Region Needs A Park Map Tool Like Salt Lake’s — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Do you know how many parks Pittsburgh has? Residents of Salt Lake County have wondered about their parks for years — that is, until City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta set out to catalog them all. Over the course of two years, she visited all 511 parks in the county, seeking to record their amenities (e.g., bathrooms, playgrounds), write helpful summaries, and track down the people in charge. The resulting map has already become a valuable tool for locals, who now not only know who to call when trash cans are overflowing: they can also find outdoor spaces that meet their needs.

Mentioned on the show:

• Every Park SLC - The First-Ever Guide to Every Park in Salt Lake County (City Cast Salt Lake)

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 14th, 2026 2:00am

The Best Chicken Dishes in Pittsburgh

Ordering chicken when you're eating out doesn't feel like the sexiest option, but City Cast contributor and Post-Gazette dining critic Hal B. Klein is here to change your mind. He's telling host Megan Harris about the best chicken dishes at our fine dining restaurants and why it's time to pick chicken over steak.

Have a recommendation for Hal? Call or text our WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER hotline at 412-212-8893.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, June 11th episode:

Pittsburgh CLO

The Frick Pittsburgh

Westmoreland Museum

Athens County Visitors Bureau

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.

June 11th, 2026 2:00am

Does Our State Bird Suck? Plus, ICE Updates & Vacant Lots

Ever wanted to make public art or host an event in an abandoned lot? City Council is considering a proposal to let residents put vacant lots and underutilized park space to good use. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk explain the proposal, plus discuss the unannounced visit U.S. Reps. Summer Lee and Chris Deluzio made to Moshannon Valley Processing Center — the largest immigrant detention facility in the northeast, just a couple hours outside of Pittsburgh. Then City Cast's Elizabeth Kauma joins to diss the ruffed grouse as our state bird (game bird?) and make the case for why Pennsylvania should be repped by the scarlet tanager instead. 

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Pittsburgh seeks to turn its green space, vacant lots to productive uses [TribLive]
• Adopt-A-Lot Program [City of Pittsburgh]
• O'Connor to seek state funding to prep city's vacant lots for new housing [Business Times]
• Two Pa. Democrats become first members of Congress to access Pennsylvania’s largest ICE detention facility [Philadelphia Inquirer]
• ICE detainee who spoke out about conditions in Moshannon was punished, transferred [Spotlight PA]
• How many people held by ICE in Pa. have criminal records? Fewer than you might think [PennLive]
• When Do 'Detention Centers' Become 'Concentration Camps'? Experts Look to History [Marshall Project]
• ICE has detained hundreds in Pennsylvania in ‘collateral’ arrests, most of whom have no criminal record [P-G]
• Should the scarlet tanager be our official state migratory bird? [P-G]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, June 9th episode:

Pittsburgh CLO

The Frick Pittsburgh

Westmoreland Museum

Athens County Visitors Bureau

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

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June 9th, 2026 2:00am