Picklesburgh Abominations, Schenley Park Drama & World Cup Watch Parties

It's been a big week for Pittsburgh public hearings! People turned out to share their passionate takes on the city's revised affordable housing bill, the county's paid parental leave proposal, and a debate about whether to keep Serpentine Drive in Schenley Park car-free. Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo, and contributor Colin Williams dig into the debates. Plus, we share the best local spots for watching the World Cup, some bittersweet Mister Rogers news, and the pickle "delicacies" we plan to avoid at this year's expanded Picklesburgh. (No offense to any vendors, it's tough to pull off an edible pickle ice cream!)

And in our members-only bonus segment, Megan is sharing a dispatch from the first Costco in PA to sell alcohol — and whether it's worth a trip to Cranberry for some bulk booze.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Pittsburgh planners swing behind optional affordable housing proposal [Public Source]
• Parents say paid leave would be a savior, but employers say costs could shut them down [Public Source]
• The long and winding history of Serpentine Drive in Squirrel Hill takes another twist [P-G]
• Steelers and Acrisure Stadium announce lineup for Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone [KDKA]
• U.S. Soccer World Cup Watch Party [Riverhounds]
• Top 6 Soccer Bars in Pittsburgh [Visit Pittsburgh]
• Pittsburgh City Council advances rules for new vape shops, though existing stores unaffected [WESA]
• Police warning Pennsylvania drivers before law banning cell phone use while driving goes into effect [WPXI]
• Pittsburgh jazz guitarist Joe Negri, known as Mister Rogers' 'Handyman Negri,' dies at 99 [WESA]
• ‘It’s a loss for the street’: Jam on Walnut summer concert series canceled in Shadyside [TribLive]
• 4-Day Picklesburgh Festival Expands to Include Market Square & Arts Landing [Picklesburgh]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, June 5th episode:

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust - TRAF

Bike PGH

Athens County Visitors Bureau

Pittsburgh CLO

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June 5th, 2026 2:00am

Pittsburgh's Secret Stairways

If your summer bucket list involves exploring more of Pittsburgh, consider making a visit to a set of our city steps, aka our first form of mass transit. Pittsburgh has the most public staircases in the U.S., but cataloging and preserving them is a relatively new priority. We're revisiting our conversation (and city step tour!) with the three authors of City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide, who share the history of these public gems and tips for scouting them for yourself.

Thanks to Laura Zurowski, Matthew Jacob, and Charles Succop for taking us on a field trip to the Basin Street city steps!

**This episode originally aired on July 16, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, June 3rd episode:

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust - TRAF

Bike PGH

Athens County Visitors Bureau

Pittsburgh CLO

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

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June 3rd, 2026 2:00am

Your Guide to June 2026 in Pittsburgh

Summer in Pittsburgh means neighborhood festivals, yard sales, and so much more! This June, we're checking out movie series, signing up for summer reading programs, and celebrating Pride and Juneteenth. Plus, we're emceeing a 100th birthday party for the Andy Warhol Bridge! And if summer reading is on your list too, don't miss our episode about all the other cool things you can borrow with your library card.

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

City Cast Pittsburgh's guide to June is made possible by our awesome sponsors, PGH Cultural Trust - Liberty Magic, PGH Cultural Trust - Three Rivers Arts Fest, Bike PGH, Athens County Visitors Bureau, 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.

June 1st, 2026 2:00am

Taxing Pool Tables, School Closure Aftermath & Breweries in Bankruptcy

After almost three years of debates and hearings, the Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted to close nine school buildings and make other big changes to the district. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Colin Williams are taking their questions about what's next to James Fogarty, the executive director of A+ Schools. Then, Megan, Mallory, and Colin dig into the latest on Pittsburgh's budget (which remains bleak) and wonder whether a proposed tax on skill games, pool tables, and jukeboxes will add much to the city coffers. Plus, we get into some brewery closures and bankruptcy filings, Pride celebrations, and a very special Mister Rogers stamp.

And in today's members-only segment, we're talking about a local influencer who tries sketchy gas station pills so you don't have to.

A+ Schools is hosting its 4th annual Pittsburgh Collaborative Learning Summit today! Learn more here.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• PPS approves plan to close and consolidate schools, reversing board’s November rejection [Public Source]
• Allegheny County Council elects 1st female president following Pat Catena fallout [TribLive]
• Pittsburgh’s finances are looking worse than expected [P-G]
• Deluzio rail-safety reforms find bipartisan support, advance to full House [WESA]
• Welcome Back to the Neighborhood, Mister Rogers [USPS]
• New Brookline LGBTQ+ community group builds plans for Pride Month and beyond [WESA]
• The Big Pittsburgh Pride Guide [City Paper]
• Meet the local taking gas station boner pills so you don’t have to [City Paper]
• Gas Station Drugs: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO) [YouTube]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 29th episode:

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Book Fest

Window Nation

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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May 29th, 2026 2:00am

Why Pittsburghers Love Cleveland

Looking for a low-cost, easy getaway this summer? Look no further than Cleveland! From free art to giant pastrami sandwiches, there's a lot to enjoy just across state lines. We're revisiting host Megan Harris' conversation with City Cast contributors Colin Williams and Meg St-Esprit about all the sights the 'Land has to offer, plus sharing listener recommendations for making the most of the City of Trees.

**This episode originally aired on July 29, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, May 27th episode:

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Book Fest

Window Nation

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

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May 27th, 2026 2:00am

Lion McBaby Face, Catena’s Defeat & Inclusionary Zoning Returns

A new iteration of Pittsburgh’s contentious inclusionary zoning policy is headed back to the City Planning Commission. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are with contributor Colin Williams to talk about how we got here and what we expect at the public hearing June 2. Plus, primary election results, a new baby lion, and our hopes for the NFL Draft clock. 

Stick around for the members-only segment, featuring our picks for our Pittsburgh summer bucket list. Not a member? Become one now at membership.citycast.fm. 

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Voters pass ballot referendum on Pittsburgh’s public notice practice [TribLive]
• Primary loss by Allegheny County Council president a sign of the times [Public Source]
• Most Pittsburgh votes go to Democrats in PA primary election 2026 [USA Today]
• Write-in votes in four Allegheny County House races could have an impact in November [WESA]
• Citywide inclusionary zoning swapped for bonus program [Public Source]
• Pennsylvania fruit crops decimated by warm April and hard freezes [WESA]
• Lion Cub Born at Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium [Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium]
• Second Glen Hazel bald eaglet dies; avian flu suspected and testing nixed [P-G]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 22nd episode:

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Book Fest

Window Nation

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Frick Pittsburgh

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

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• We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
• Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.

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May 22nd, 2026 2:00am

Sara Innamorato on Paid Leave, Term Limits, and a Fancy New Hotel

Allegheny County could become the first in the U.S. to require 18 weeks of paid parental leave for all employees. County Executive Sara Innamorato tells host Megan Harris why she thinks it would improve outcomes for both growing families and the county's economy. Plus, hear how taxes helped land the new Loews hotel (20 years in the making!!), how we snatched someone’s headquarters from New Jersey, term limits for several elected county officials, and why she’s getting hyped up for Nelly's return to Pittsburgh this summer. 

Have thoughts about the county's proposed parental leave policy? Submit a comment to the county or register to speak at a public hearing Downtown on June 2, and check out the Forward with Families child care tool here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, May 20th episode:

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Book Fest

Window Nation

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Frick Pittsburgh

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

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May 20th, 2026 2:00am

Pittsburgh's Dangerous Drop in Vaccination Rates

Measles is on the rise across the U.S., and experts say outbreaks aren't hypothetical anymore. At least 40,000 PA students are missing required vaccines, and many schools have dropped below the 95% herd immunity threshold that helps stop epidemic-like spread. (Some Pittsburgh-area schools are dangerously low in the 70% range.) Why are districts letting kids attend school without vaccines or valid exemptions, and why isn't the state consistently stepping in? Mike Wereschagin, a reporter and editor with the Post-Gazette's investigative team, joins host Megan Harris to discuss his revelatory investigation and where we go from here.

Mike and his team built a database where you can look up the vaccination rate at any school in PA, something the state itself doesn't provide. Check it out here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, May 18th episode:

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Book Fest

Window Nation

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Frick Pittsburgh

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

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May 18th, 2026 2:00am

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

Got a big birthday coming up? Sure, you could make a fancy dinner reservation, but there are so many more exciting ways to celebrate. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing recommendations for marking you milestone birthday in style, from a tiki cruise down the Allegheny River to sleepover at a Frank Lloyd Wright house.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, May 13th 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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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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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.
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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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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? 

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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