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City Cast Pittsburgh

City Cast Pittsburgh

🚑 ‘The Pitt’ goes to Washington

June 17, 2025 · — Francesca Dabecco

Executive producer Mallory Falk standing in front of a Zambelli Fireworks sign at PNC Park
Heading to a Buccos game? Here are our favorite eats at PNC Park. (Megan Harris / City Cast Pittsburgh)

Hi, neighbor! This Friday’s Pirates game against the Texas Rangers is a Zambelli fireworks night. Plus, the city’s preparing for its biggest show of the year on July 4 💥

Did you know that Pittsburgh is sorta the center of the fireworks boom?

Learn the backstories of Zambelli, Pyrotecnico, and Starfire — three of the nation’s largest fireworks makers — and how they each built their spark in the Burgh on today’s City Cast Pittsburgh podcast.

Why Fireworks are Everywhere in Pittsburgh

What's CITY Talking About?

💰 Trump’s Budget Would Cut PA Programs, Grants

College could become even more expensive under Trump’s “big beautiful bill,” which was passed by the U.S. House and awaits Senate approval. The budget puts limits on federal student loans, penalizes schools for students’ unpaid loans, and cuts Pell Grant eligibility. [90.5 WESA]

🇨🇦 Crosby Named to Canada’s Olympic Team

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will play for his home country in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. It’s his third time representing Team Canada. Crosby is a part of the “Triple Gold Club,” holding Stanley Cup, World Championship, and Olympic gold metal wins. [KDKA]

🏥 ‘The Pitt’ Star Advocates for Health Care Workers

Actor Noah Wyle, who plays an ER physician on Max’s “The Pitt,” went to Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to address the “lack of mental health support, crushing administrative burden, and financial strain” in the health care industry. The grassroots effort was led by the apparel company and advocacy group, FIGS. [USA Today / CBS]

  • 📺 “The Pitt” series is based in Pittsburgh and was partially filmed at Allegheny General Hospital. Here’s what we think the show got right (and wrong) about the Burgh. [📝 Hey Pittsburgh / 🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Sponsored Content

Explore the History Center’s Newest Exhibit!

Explore the History Center’s Newest Exhibit!

It’s a cornucopia of curiosity. A magical menagerie of memories. A little bit of this n’at! Wander through a whimsical world of wonders inside the Heinz History Center’s new exhibit, Pittsburgh’s Hidden History, featuring a yinzsplosion of never-before-seen objects that tell stories from Pittsburgh’s past like never before.

Where Is It?

display shelves of home goods in a shop
Have you shopped here? (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)

Let’s play a game! Which Pittsburgh store has this display of home goods and gifts? 👀

🌟 Congrats to Laura Z., Dave M., Dana T., Lauren H., Grace D., Mary R., and Corey E. who guessed the last “Where Is It?” challenge! ⬇️

not so secret garden sign at Happenstance Cafe
Photo reveal: Happenstance Cafe in Lawrenceville! (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)

Follow the “not so secret garden” sign at Happenstance Cafe on Penn Avenue to dine al fresco in an unexpected oasis.

The all-day cafe — filled with colorful artwork, splashy wallpaper, and a bartop stacked with fresh baked goods — is perfect for early risers or evening meetups. Go for breakfast tacos and an iced latte, or grab one of their signature cocktails to sip over fried chicken and “croffles” or pulled pork mac and cheese.

And don’t miss a chance to relax on the two-tired patio with friends or attend a cafe event, like game nights, live music, comedy, and happy hours.

👀 Looking for more to see and do?

What To Do

Tuesday, June 17

Wednesday, June 18

Thursday, June 19

🎉 Permit issues have been resolved, and Juneteenth celebrations in Mellon Park are a go! Find live music, cultural events, and small business vendors June 19-22 and more festivities in our events calendar.

Until tomorrow,

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