Pgh's Next Epidemic? Plus, Trash Talk & Playoff 'Passion'

Pennsylvania's state Supreme Court ruled that skill games — like those poker machines you see at gas stations — are effectively the same as gambling. City Cast's Megan Harris, Sophia Lo, and contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams are talking about how and why Pittsburgh's city council is jumping in to set regulations before state legislators make their move. We're also explaining how Pittsburgh accrued 10,000 trash complaints and our history of creative (questionable?) solutions for dealing with excess garbage. Plus, the Hoffman Group officially bought the Penguins, the Citizen Science Lab celebrated a new home, and the Pittsburgh Passion are vying for their fourth national championship. 

And in today's members-only bonus segment, we're sharing some hacks for making the most out of Anthrocon, Pittsburgh's premiere furry conference, which is open to all! 

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:

• Pittsburgh City Council moves quickly to tax 'skill games' and other amusements [WESA]
• The clock is ticking for Pa. lawmakers to regulate skill games. Here are the hurdles in their way. [Spotlight PA]
• ‘I’m not going to be alive tomorrow’: Is gambling addiction Pa.’s next public health crisis? [PennLive]
• Missed trash pick-up complaints have jumped in Pittsburgh [Public Source]
• The stench of “toasted garbage” once incensed East Enders [City Paper]
• NHL officially approves sale of Penguins to the Hoffmann Family. Here's what comes next. [KDKA]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, June 26th episode:

AIDS Free PGH

The Frick Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh CLO

Quantum Theatre

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June 26th, 2026 2:00am

Bike Pittsburgh's Best Kept Secrets

Tired of sitting in traffic? Try biking instead! But if you need a pep talk to get on the road with all those cars, we're here to help. We're bringing back executive producer Mallory Falk's conversation with Ted King-Smith, education manager at Bike Pittsburgh, where he's explaining how cyclists can smoothly navigate the city. Plus, he's sharing what bikers and drivers need to know to safely share the road.

Want to put Ted's tips into practice? Bike Pittsburgh is hosting OpenStreetsPGH this Sunday, and they're shutting down roads to car traffic Downtown and in the South Side. The City Cast Pittsburgh crew will be there handing out fun swag, so come say hi!

**This episode originally aired on September 24, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, June 24th episode:

AIDS Free PGH

The Frick Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh CLO

Quantum Theatre

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Warmer weather is on its way, which means it's the perfect time to break out your bike and start taking leisurely rides around Pittsburgh's trails or even commuting on two wheels. But if you aren't sure where to start or are intimidated by car traffic and our hilly streets, we're here to help. Executive producer Mallory Falk is chatting with Ted King-Smith, education manager at Bike Pittsburgh, about how cyclists can smoothly navigate the city. Plus, he's sharing what bikers and drivers need to know to safely share the road.

June 24th, 2026 2:00am

A Pittsburgher's Guide to Erie

If you're looking for a summer beach vacation but don't want to travel too far or spend a small fortune, consider a two-hour drive up north to Erie, PA! Whether you're looking for a bike ride along the bay or a roller coaster ride over a peninsula, there's so much to enjoy in the Gem City. 

Rachel Carlson, City Cast Pittsburgh's new audience development manager and a born-and-bred Erieite, joins host Megan Harris to make the case for planning a summer getaway up north.

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

Westmoreland Museum

Athens County Visitors Bureau

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June 22nd, 2026 2:00am

Debunking Pittsburgh Myths

As Pittsburghers, we have so much pride in our city. After all, we're the City of Champions and the City of the Bridges! But can we really say we have the most bridges? And did we actually invent the rally towel? City Cast contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams is joining host Megan Harris to set the record straight about Pittsburgh's favorite myths — and celebrating the wins and firsts we can actually claim.

**This episode originally aired on January 20, 2026.

If you enjoyed listening to today's interview with Hazell Azzer, Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, from AIDS Free Pittsburgh, learn more. 

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, June 17th episode:

Westmoreland Museum

Athens County Visitors Bureau

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OG: Pittsburghers love bragging about ourselves. We're the City of Bridges and the City of Champions. But can we really say we have the most bridges? Did we actually invent the rally towel? Do we truly have the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the country? Journalist and City Cast contributor Colin Williams is joining host Megan Harris to set the record straight about Pittsburgh's favorite myths — and celebrating the wins and firsts we can actually claim.

June 17th, 2026 2:00am

Dirty Pasta, Swedish Candy & Dinner Under a Volcano?

Still mourning Stuntpig's closure in Squirrel Hill? Executive producer Mallory Falk and producer Sophia Lo have recommendations for new sandwich shops and some hot takes about what's considered an ideal pool sandwich. We're also talking about Butcher and the Rye's triumphant return to Downtown, rumors that we may finally be getting a restaurant with a volcano, and why you should splurge on sour gummy candy from a truck.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• PODCAST: Are Pittsburgh Breweries OK?! [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Mayfly Market & Deli Brings New Life to North Side’s Historic Garden Theater [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, June 15th episode:

Pittsburgh CLO

Westmoreland Museum

Athens County Visitors Bureau

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

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June 15th, 2026 2:00am

Morgan Wallen Drama, Vape Shop Regulations & YMCA's Log Cabin

You know you've messed up when both the National Weather Service and Mayor Corey O'Connor have to call you out for your lies! The City Cast Pittsburgh team is digging into the drama around country star Morgan Wallen's concert cancellation. Plus, we're discussing some new life for old spaces – including a slice of forest life at the North Side YMCA! – layoffs at UPMC, and new regulations for vape shops.

And in today's members-only bonus segment, we're talking about an infamous Pittsburgher (who was an answer on this week's Jeopardy!), and why the people of our city don't claim her.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• 6 tornadoes confirmed in Western Pa. during weekend storms [P-G]
• O'Connor says city wasn't consulted on Wallen cancelation [KDKA Radio]
• PennDOT considers repurposing site of old Western Penitentiary [TribLive]
• How Western State Penitentiary went from a global role model to an undesired derelict [Public Source]
• There Were Big Plans For Former SCI Pittsburgh: What Happened? [WESA]
• Allegheny YMCA reopens with accessibility, public health benefits front and center [City Paper]
• Pitt backs out of using Hampton Inn for additional housing amid permitting questions [Post-Gazette]
• Virtual Climate Action Plan Feedback Event Registration [Allegheny County]
• Advocates make final push to influence Allegheny County’s climate plan [Public Source]
• UPMC lays off 200 workers, cuts another 300 open positions [WESA]
• New vape shops banned from opening within 1,000 feet of Pittsburgh schools [TribLive]
• PODCAST: PIT Says No to Noem, City Paper Goes Online & IZ Drama Continues [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Bari Weiss Knows Exactly What She's Doing [New York Times]
• Scott Pelley on His Firing and the ‘Massacre’ at ’60 Minutes’ [The Daily]
• Bari Weiss is such an embarrassment for Pittsburgh [Reddit]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, June 12th 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 12th, 2026 2:00am

8 Pittsburgh Home Tours You Have To Take this Summer

If you love scrolling through Pittsburgh's wildest Zillow listings, don't miss your chance to actually go inside some of those fancy homes. City Cast's Megan Harris and Francesca Dabecco are running through some of the best home and garden tours this summer, where visitors can peek through Victorian-style mansions, restored rowhouses, and edible gardens.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, June 10th 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 10th, 2026 2:00am

Are Pittsburgh Breweries OK?!

Is Pittsburgh's beer scene in trouble? Earlier this year, Fat Head's closed down, and now both Penn Brewery and the Abbey on Butler have filed for bankruptcy. With these beloved spots in limbo and Voodoo Brewing hitting the brakes on their once-rapid expansion, we're wondering if this signals a bigger shift in our brewhouse culture. Host Megan Harris is with City Cast's Owen Gabbey to explain what's behind the struggles and why the landscape might not be as bleak as it seems.

Need a beer recommendation? Call or text us our OWEN GABBEY hotline at 412-212-8893.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, June 8th 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.

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June 8th, 2026 2:00am

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

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

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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

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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

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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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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