
City Cast Pittsburgh
🤑 5 things worth your money in Pgh
July 20, 2026 · — Laura Tsutsui

Happy Monday, neighbors! Have you seen folks on social media sharing their top five picks for things worth spending money on? Today on the podcast, we’re joining the trend and sharing what we think is worth it in Pittsburgh: from flowers to river excursions for both low-key floaters and adventure seekers.

What's CITY Talking About
New Pitt Dorm Plan Goes Before City Planners
The University of Pittsburgh has shared its vision for a nine-story, 450-bed dorm on Fifth Avenue with the City Planning Commission. It would house first-year students and be the university's first new brand new dorm since 2013. Pitt had to put up students in a Hampton Inn last year when a record number of freshmen enrolled. [🔒 Business Times / City Planning Commission / City Cast Pittsburgh ]
Medicaid Can Now Cover Abortions in PA
The Commonwealth Court overturned a decades-long ban on using Medicaid funds for abortions earlier this year, but PA's Attorney General Dave Sunday appealed the ruling and the court's order was automatically paused. A judge lifted the ban last week, allowing Medicaid patients to access coverage while the case makes its way through the state Supreme Court. [WESA]
Pedestrian Deaths Down For Third Year
The number of people killed while walking has dropped in PA and nationally since 2022, but it's still higher than it was at the start of the pandemic. Learn about Pittsburgh's efforts to reduce traffic-related deaths through a global initiative called “Vision Zero.” [🔒 Post-Gazette / City Cast Pittsburgh]
Need for Cooling Centers Expected to Rise
The city has activated six cooling centers during various heat waves this year, but it may need to do more to help residents find relief as intense heat becomes a regular part of Pittsburgh summers. [Public Source]
- Other options? Sunrise Movement Pittsburgh built a map of additional free places and shady spots to stay cool, including libraries across the region. [Sunrise Movement Pittsburgh]
Sponsored Content

Come Play Outside The Lines At Woodward
Woodward PA is the ultimate overnight summer camp for action sports & creatives: skateboard, scooter, BMX, mountain bike, parkour, BMX race, creative arts, and roller skate. With options of youth camp (ages 7-17), adult camp for anyone aged out of youth camp, and family camp (you and your kids!), there’s something for everyone. There’s an opportunity for everyone to learn something new, progress skills, create unforgettable moments, and have FUN.

Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle

What To Do
Monday, July 20
- 🏎️ Bario Kart: World! at Bottlerocket Social Hall (Allentown)
- 🎨 Creative Mondays at Aslin Beer Company (Strip District)
- 🎸The Elastics at The Government Center (East Allegheny)
- 🍸 Mini Tini Monday at Field Day (Lawrenceville)
- 🍅 Farmers Market at Archangel Gabriel (Robinson)
Tuesday, July 21
- 🎭 Leap Into Action with Attack Theatre (Hazelwood)
- 🎨 Roving Art Cart at Marmaduke Park (Brighton Heights)
- 🧬 Super Science at CLP (Mt. Washington)
- 🥤 Wild Herbal Sodas with Community Cultures (West End)
- 🗳️ Suffs at The Benedum Center through July 26 (Downtown)
- ❓ Trivia at Bottlerocket (Allentown)
What could you do with $250? We want to know more about you (our readers) and how we can better serve this city, so we’re doing our annual survey! It takes less than 10 minutes and once you’re done you’ll also get the chance to win a $250 Visa gift card, some City Cast swag, and my eternal gratitude.
Free · Daily

