
City Cast Pittsburgh
🥇 Pittsburgh gets Olympic gold
February 23, 2026 · — Francesca Dabecco
Good morning, Pittsburgh.
It’s hard to know what to do when your neighbors are in crisis — and a ton of residents are on high alert after reports of ICE “snatch-and-grabs” in their neighborhoods.

Frontline Dignity founder Jaime Martinez joins us on today’s City Cast Pittsburgh podcast to explain what’s really happening on the ground and how you can help.

What's CITY Talking About

Local Hockey Players Win Olympic Gold
Ava McNaughton of the North Hills snagged a medal last week when Team USA defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime. She’s the first Pittsburgh-area player to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics since the games began in 1924. [Axios Pittsburgh]
- Two more players with Pittsburgh connections won Olympic gold for the men's team on Sunday — in another 2-1 overtime win against Canada. Vincent Trocheck is from Upper Saint Clair, and J.T. Miller lived in Coraopolis and played for the Pittsburgh Hornets. Both now play for the New York Rangers.
- Sidney Crosby decided not to play in the gold medal game after suffering a lower-body injury in a game against Czechia last week. [📝 City Cast Pittsburgh / 🔒 Post Gazette]
Pirates Legend Bill Mazeroski Dies
Hall-of-Famer and 7-time All-Star Bill Mazeroski died at 89 on Friday. “Maz” hit one of the most famous home runs in World Series history, bringing the Pirates to victory in their 1960 game against the Yankees at Forbes Field. His legacy is cemented with a statue on the North Shore. [🔒 New York Times / Pirates]
County Program To Invest in Main Streets
Communities across Allegheny County can apply for funds to help fill vacant buildings and spruce up business districts. The new program, Main Streets Allegheny, will direct $4 million in grants to support small businesses and local jobs. See if your town is eligible. [Allegheny County]
What Actually Caused the Clairton Blast
A new lawsuit alleging negligence says the deadly explosion at Clairton Coke Works in August never should've happened. The valve that cracked was made of cast iron and 72 years old, and OSHA warned U.S. Steel of potential danger decades ago. [TribLive]
Is the County Sheriff Working With ICE?
Sheriff Kevin Kraus’ office says no, but questions are being raised around a memo from last year that directed deputies to detain people sought by ICE at the courthouse — a policy immigrant advocates say would limit court access for immigrants and reduce trust in local law enforcement. [Public Source]
- Allegheny County Council is currently considering a bill that would prohibit county employees from cooperating with ICE. [📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]
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7 Ways To Learn About Black History in Pittsburgh

There’s a new bus tour in town, and it’s hitting up important landmarks in Pittsburgh’s Black history — from a famous playwright’s house to a legendary newspaper office. Hop on Culturvate Enterprise's History & Heritage tour through the Hill District on Feb. 28.
Can’t make it? Learn about our city’s Black trailblazers, activists, artists, and athletes year-round with the guide below ⬇️
1. Hear the ‘Sound of the Steel City’
For over seven decades, the radio station WAMO was the rhythm and voice of the Black community, and a new documentary is sharing its cultural impact on Pittsburgh. See exclusive interviews, rare archival footage, and stories from the station's top talent and community leaders at the premiere of “WAMO: The Sound of the Steel City” on Feb. 28.
Fun fact: WAMO initially started as “WHOD” — where Homestead native Mary Dee Dudley became the first Black female disc jockey in the nation.
2. Visit August Wilson’s House
Renowned Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson, who died in 2005, is best known for his series of 10 plays called the “American Century Cycle” — each set in a different decade of the twentieth century, and all but one set in Pittsburgh. Today, you can find his legacy preserved at the August Wilson House in Crawford-Roberts. The restored 1840s home isn’t just a museum; it's a creative hub for theatrical productions, art exhibitions, literary workshops, and more.
Save the date for the annual August Wilson Birthday Block Party on May 9, featuring musical performances, vendors, food trucks, and tours of the house.

3. Explore the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum
Pittsburgh was once a powerhouse for Negro League baseball, with teams like the Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords. Some players even wore uniforms for both teams— like Hall-of-Famer Josh Gibson, who’s considered the greatest hitter in baseball history. See this history on display with a short film, memorabilia, and a virtual tour of the Hill District’s Greenlee Field.
4. Pour Through the ‘Teenie’ Harris Archives
Carnegie Museum of Art holds more than 75,000 negatives shot by Charles “Teenie” Harris, a legendary local photographer best known for capturing the Black experience during the 20th century. On display, you’ll find pictures of everything from ordinary life in Pittsburgh to visiting stars like jazz great Duke Ellington. Visit for a tour, or browse the collection online.

What To Do
Monday, Feb. 23
- 💌 Mail Mavens at Transitional Characters (Shadyside)
- 🚚 Food Truck Public Webinar with City of Pittsburgh (virtual)
- 💻 Inclusive Workplaces at the Friendship Circle (Squirrel Hill)
- 🧩 Competitive Puzzle Night at Happenstance Cafe (Bloomfield)
- 🎶 Mystery Musik Monday: Black Voices at Club Cafe (South Side)
Tuesday, Feb. 24
- 🎨 Creative Hive with Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council (Oakland)
- 👖 Community Clothing Swap at Bantha Tea Bar (Bloomfield)
- 🎤 Improv Jam at Bottlerocket Social Hall (Allentown)
- 🌱 Composter School with Grow Pittsburgh (virtual)
- 🎥 Johnny Tsunami Screening at Two Frays (Garfield)
- ✏️ Intro to Journaling at War Streets Art Salon (North Side)
- 🪡 Online Meetup with Repair Cafe (virtual)
- 🏰 Beauty and the Beast at Benedum Center through March 1 (Downtown)
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🌱 Looking forward to spring planting? Save the date for Grow Pittsburgh’s open house and volunteer fair on March 3. You can learn how to get involved with a community garden, workshops on composting and seed starting, and more.
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