
City Cast Pittsburgh
❓Is John Fetterman OK?
May 19, 2025 · — Francesca Dabecco
Tomorrow’s election day! Psst... if you got a mail-in ballot, it's too late to send it with postage, but you can still drop it off in person at one of the county's ballot return sites or at the election office Downtown. Prep for the primary with our procrastinator’s guide to the election 🗳️
Want to test your knowledge of Pittsburgh’s past mayors? Take our latest trivia quiz 💡

What's CITY Talking About?

😰 Fetterman Speaks to New Reporting
Stories in multiple outlets, including a bombshell piece from New York Magazine, detail what current and former staffers call worrying behavior from U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, like an outburst at a meeting with a state teachers union and disengagement from his job. [🔒 NYMag / AP / Inquirer]
- 🧠 Fetterman says his health is “better than ever” and called one story a “hit piece.” [🔒 NYMag / NBC]
- 🎙️ We’re talking about all this, plus what we know about how Pittsburgh voters may react. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

🚑 Pittsburgh’s Fire & EMS Fleet is in Crisis
Pittsburgh’s safety fleet is out-of-date and needs major repairs, but city officials say that it could take more than 10 years. Many cities used COVID relief funding to order new firetrucks and ambulances, creating a production backlog amid existing supply-chain issues. [90.5 WESA]
- ➡️ It's a point of contention in the mayor’s race — particularly between Democratic candidates Mayor Ed Gainey and County Controller Corey O’Conner. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
💊 Rite Aid Goes Bankrupt, Closes Locations
The Philly-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and stores that aren’t sold within a few months are expected to close. The chain is already shutting down stores in Carrick, Lawrenceville, and Oakland. [TribLive]
⚾ Pirates To Give Out Mac Miller Bobbleheads
The Pirates will honor the late Pittsburgh-born rapper Mac Miller by giving out commemorative bobbleheads on July 19. The Buccos announced the giveaway with a tribute video from fans. [Pittsburgh Pirates]
- 🧱 Remember the Bucco Bricks fiasco? Pittsburgh’s Sports and Exhibition Authority did an independent investigation and found the Pirates had the opportunity to preserve or return the nearly 10,000 fan-purchased bricks but threw them out anyway. [WTAE]
- 👀 Visit this Mac Miller mural in Larimer, and get some ginger beer while you’re in the neighborhood! [📝 Hey Pittsburgh]
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Where To Buy, Rent, or Tune Up a Bike in Pittsburgh

Gear up for a fun season ahead with these Pittsburgh shops, rentals, and repair services.
Makeshift Bikes
📍East Allegheny
Visit this small, scrappy shop on East Ohio Street for a used bike or tune up. Want to learn to work on your own bike? Classes are held Saturdays at 3 p.m. Call ahead at 412-586-5410. It’s free for members, and a suggested donation of $5-10 for nonmembers.
Iron City Bikes
📍Lawrenceville
From wheels to chains, this Butler Street spot has everything you need for, as they put it, your “two-wheeled freedom machine.” Need help finding parts? The staff is super helpful and can guide you to the right gear.
Free Ride Bicycle Collective
📍Point Breeze North
This collective doesn’t just offer repairs and new bikes for sale — it’s also a community space where you can volunteer to help others with repairs and get store credit in return. Want to learn? Take their Useful Repairs Course.
Kindred Cycles
📍Strip District
This full-service bike shop offers a range of services, from flat tire fixes to complete overhauls. They also service e-bikes, which are gaining popularity with daily commuters who traverse Pittsburgh’s hills.
West Liberty Cycles
📍Brookline
Find bikes for on- and off-road use, racing, and all-purpose riding at West Liberty Cycles. Does your bike need a specific repair? Check their pricing for a variety of services.

What To Do
Monday, May 19
- 🪻 Spring Planter Workshop at Armful of Flowers (Mt. Washington)
- 🐟 Fishing & Kayaking with Venture Outdoors (Cannonsburg)
- ✨ Evening Yoga at Wilkins School Community Center (Wilkinsburg)
- 🪕 Music on the Patio with 3ROC (Regent Square)
- 🎨 Handmade Museum at Heinz History Center (Strip District)
Tuesday, May 20
- 🎤 Understanding Exile at City of Asylum (North Side)
- 🪲 Prep for Insects & Diseases with Grow Pittsburgh (Larimer)
- 🍅 Farmers Market Opening Day (Lawrenceville)
- 📰 Role of Music, Art & Journalism in Political Dissent at City of Asylum (North Side)
- 👟 Night Trail Run with 3ROC (Regent Square)
Wednesday, May 21
- 🍾 Uncorked for Summer at the PA Market (Strip District)
- 🥃 Flight Night / Asian Market at Kingfly Spirits (Strip District)
- 📝 Multiple Jazz Poetry Month events at City of Asylum (North Side)
- 🍿 Bad Movie Bingo at Bottlerocket (Allentown)
- 🍻 Thinkers & Drinkers at Two Frays (Garfield)
Today’s bike shop article is dedicated to City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor Susan H., who came to our members-only happy hour last week.
Susan told us that our newsletter and podcast were instrumental in her decision to move back to the Burgh 🥹 and she's excited to bike around the city this summer 🚲
Welcome home, Susan! 💛
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