
City Cast Pittsburgh
🚑 ‘The Pitt’ goes to Washington
June 17, 2025 · — Francesca Dabecco

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.


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]
- 🏥 An estimated 300,000 PA residents would lose Medicaid coverage under the proposal, according to the state Department of Human Services. Hear local doctors explain how federal medical cuts hurt Pittsburgh residents and researchers. [SpotlightPA / 🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
🇨🇦 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!
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?

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! ⬇️

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?
- 🍓 Go strawberry picking at these local farms.
- ☀️ Make the most of June with our guide to events.
- 🌊 Cool off with our guide to Pittsburgh’s pools.
- 🏡 Buy tickets to these home & garden tours.
- 🌮 Mark your calendar for summer food & drink fests.
- 💡 Test your knowledge with our latest trivia quiz.

What To Do
Tuesday, June 17
- 🐦 Birding on Three Rivers Heritage Trail (South Side)
- 🌽 Farmers Market in South Park (Bethel Park)
- 🥕 Farmers Market at Bay 41 (Lawrenceville)
- 🎤 Story Club at Bottlerocket (Allentown)
- 📽️ Film Series at Heinz History Center (Strip District)
- 🍄 Mushroom Club at Frick Environmental Center (Squirrel Hill)
- 🎨 Sh*tty Art Night with Wick Monet (Shadyside)
Wednesday, June 18
- 🎼 Dolly Parton’s Music with Pgh Symphony Orchestra (Downtown)
- 📹 Mystery on the Mon Video Fest at Glitterbox Theater (Homestead)
- 🍹 Poolside Cocktail Class with Wigle Whiskey (Strip District)
- 💡 Summer Trivia League at Strange Roots (Millvale)
- 🧵 Sip & Stitch at War Streets Art Salon (North Side)
- 🎣 Lunchtime Fishing with Venture Outdoors (North Shore)
- 🍓 Farmers Market in Bayne Park (Bellevue)
- 🎶 Live Music in the Biergarten (Downtown)
- 🍿 "Fences" Screening at Cinema in the Park (Oakland)
Thursday, June 19
- 🚲 Juneteenth Free Rides with POGOH (various locations)
- ☀️ Summer Yoga at the Community Library (Millvale)
- 🍅 Farmers Market at Harold Young Parklet (Wilkinsburg)
- 📸 Juneteenth Teenie Harris Tour at Carnegie Museum of Art (Oakland)
- 🧗♀️ Climbing Meetup at FA Climbing & Fitness (Station Square)
- 🎶 ANQWENIQUE and Friends at Emerald City (Downtown)
- 🌳 Solstice Forest Bathing in Montour Woods (Coraopolis)
- 🎉 Inside Out at Carnegie Museum of Art (Oakland)
🎉 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,
Free · Daily
