City Cast Pittsburgh

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Episode Riverfront Trails Expand, Exercise for Beginners & Tim Burton Takeover

Riverfront Trails Expand, Exercise for Beginners & Tim Burton Takeover

29 minSep 29, 2026

Have you ever been enjoying a bike ride along the riverfront, only for the trail to end abruptly? Good news! The city is planning to close some longstanding gaps along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and creative producer Boen Wang explain which sections are getting extended (including a particularly harrowing stretch between the Strip District and Lawrenceville) and what it all has to do with a railroad company. Plus, we share beginner tips and tricks for braving the hills and exercising outdoors in Pittsburgh and recommend some events for the week ahead, including a trip into the Tim Burton-verse and storytime for adults. Notes and references from today’s show: “City partners with CSX to connect, expand Three Rivers Heritage Trail” [🔒 Post-Gazette ] Map of proposed trail projects [ Friends of the Riverfront ] “Restaurants, Party Barges & Bathrooms on the Riverfront” [ City Cast Pittsburgh ] “Bike Pittsburgh's Best Kept Secrets” [ City Cast Pittsburgh ] “Adam Voith Author Visit” on Sept. 30 [ Poetry Lounge ] “ Week Without Driving ” from Oct. 1-8 “House of Burton” from Oct. 1-31 [ Mixtape ] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram !  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter .  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads .  Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, September 29th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh P3R Pittsburgh Opera Visit Athens Ohio

Create Your Own Pittsburgh Food Tour

17 minSep 28, 2026

Looking for your next fall getaway? What about a curated road trip with lots of tasty stops and local history? Our state's tourism site includes six official culinary trails with themes like maple, bread, and charcuterie. Food historian Mary Miller, the mastermind behind several of our state trails, joins host Megan Harris to share her inspiration and offer tips for designing your own food crawl, tour, or trail. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram !  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter .  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads .  Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, September 28th episode: Carnegie Library The Frick Pittsburgh P3R Pittsburgh Opera Visit Athens Ohio

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

17 minSep 27, 2026

What’s a seemingly small project in Pittsburgh that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just been fitted with a seamless electrical turbine, so that an existing utility can now have a dual purpose. David is joined by Nic Westendorf, Tualatin’s deputy public works director, to talk about the power of thinking local, using existing tools, and looking ahead to a sustainable future to inform what we do today. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options .

UPMC Yields to Trump, County Bans Big Data Centers & Goodbye Millennial Gray?

31 minSep 25, 2026

UPMC just placed a decade-long moratorium on gender-affirming care for patients under 19 and agreed to pay the federal government $950,000 as part of a settlement with the Department of Justice. Host Megan Harris is with City Cast contributors Sophia Lo and Colin Williams to talk about what comes next. Plus, we're debating whether Pittsburgh Paint Company's 2027 color of the year truly counts as a departure from Millennial Gray, discussing a new ban on large-scale data centers on county property, and bemoaning the influencer stunt that led the Star Wars vending machine on a cross-country journey. And in our members-only bonus segment, Colin shares what he learned about the future of journalism on a recent trip to Germany — and the successes that could be duplicated here in Pittsburgh. Notes and references from today’s show: UPMC to pay DOJ nearly $1M, agrees to 10-year moratorium on gender-affirming care for trans youth [ WESA ] Under pressure from Trump, UPMC canceled a trans patient's scheduled top surgery [ City Paper ] Pittsburgh Paints' 2027 Color of the Year calls for homeowners to 'recalibrate' [ WESA ] Sophia's Color Swatches A Behind-the-Scenes Look at How PPG Paints Decides Its Color of the Year [ Architectural Digest ] Orange Era [ n+1 ] Allegheny County Council unanimously bans large data centers on county property [ TribLive ] Pa. approves steep rate hikes for 2027 Pennie health insurance plans [ TribLive ] "Star Wars" vending machine visits Los Angeles [ Axios Pittsburgh ] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram !  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter .  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads .  Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, September 25th episode: Carnegie Library The Frick Pittsburgh Hazelwood Local

A Warrant, a Budget & Pittsburgh’s Missing $250M

30 minSep 24, 2026

Former Mayor Ed Gainey is under investigation and facing allegations of improper contracts, questionable financial decisions, and potentially misleading information in bond documents. No charges have been filed, but the details revealed this week in a newly unsealed search warrant follow a pattern of rumors we've been hearing for years. Host Megan Harris is with the Post-Gazette's Hallie Lauer to talk about the many nonprofits, vendors, and city employees who've been implicated, what we know about what's real, and the very serious consequences if Pittsburgh deceived its creditors — plus what Mayor Corey O’Connor faces as his first budget deadline approaches on Wednesday. Notes and references from today’s show: Gainey administration may have rigged Pittsburgh’s contract-bidding system, unsealed search warrant says [ Post-Gazette ] ‘We are sounding the alarm’: Mayor says the city’s financial picture is far more dire than previously known [ Post-Gazette ] PODCAST: Can Pittsburgh Afford the NFL Draft? (with Jake Pawlak) [ City Cast Pittsburgh ] PODCAST: Does Mayor Gainey Have Any Regrets (with Ed Gainey) [ City Cast Pittsburgh ] PODCAST: Is Pittsburgh Going Broke? (with Rachael Heisler) [ City Cast Pittsburgh ] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram !  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter .  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads .  Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 24th episode: Carnegie Library The Frick Pittsburgh Hazelwood Local

Pittsburgh’s Flock Camera Problem

17 minSep 23, 2026

Allegheny County the most Flock cameras and automated license plate readers in PA, according to crowdsourced data . Host Megan Harris is with Axios Pittsburgh's Ryan Deto to discuss how exactly these cameras work, why they're so controversial, and whether the state legislature could end up regulating or even outright banning them. Plus, they explain the difference between Flock cams and other tech used for parking tickets and toll violations. Notes and references from today’s show: Allegheny County tops Pa. in Flock cameras [Axios Pittsburgh] The Growing Fight Over Flock Cameras [ Axios Pittsburgh] Pittsburgh Parking Authority: “We don’t use Flock” [Axios Pittsburgh]  👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram !  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter .  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads .  Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 23rd episode: Carnegie Library The Frick Pittsburgh Hazelwood Local

Can $25M Make Smithfield Cool Again?

26 minSep 22, 2026

In the midst of Downtown’s larger $600 million makeover, Smithfield Street’s been waiting its turn. Crews are breaking ground today on the first of dozens of small projects, including sidewalk repairs, better lighting, landscaping, and more. It’s unlikely the historic 10-block stretch will ever return to its heyday, but can it be something we all use and enjoy again? Host Megan Harris is with freelancer Adam Smeltz and Public Source’s Stephanie Strasburg to talk about Smithfield’s past and present — and mostly who and what it’ll serve next. This episode originally aired January 8, 2025. Notes and references from today’s show: What’s the Future for Pittsburgh’s Smithfield Street? [Pittsburgh Magazine / Public Source]   Work begins soon to reimagine Smithfield Street in Downtown Pittsburgh [Post-Gazette] $25 million project to make Smithfield Street more pedestrian friendly to begin soon [Post-Gazette] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram !  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter .  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads .  Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, September 22nd episode: Carnegie Library The Frick Pittsburgh Hazelwood Local

Paid Parental Leave Proposal Gets a Makeover

23 minSep 21, 2026

After weighing over 1,400 public comments — mostly from parents, health care workers, and small business owners — the county health department made some major edits to its paid parental leave proposal. That includes cutting the length from 18 weeks to 12 and exempting the county's smallest businesses. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and Public Source's Oliver Morrison discuss the changes, why this policy has been so much more divisive than the county's paid sick leave proposal, and what comes next. Plus, Oliver shares his takeaways after reading through every single public comment. Notes and references from today’s show: Parents say paid leave would be a savior, but employers say costs could shut them down [ PublicSource ] Paid parental leave compromises emerge at Allegheny County health board meeting [ Public Source ] Paid Parental Leave Would Strengthen Allegheny County Families and Economy at Minimal Cost [ Keystone Research Center Data ] 1,400 paid parental leave comments show support, deep split, room for change [ Public Source ] Allegheny County’s paid parental leave proposal: 13 questions answered [ Public Source ] Innamorato’s paid parental leave push is personal, political and maybe a national precedent [ Public Source ] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram !  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter .  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads .  Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, September 21st episode: Carnegie Library The Frick Pittsburgh Hazelwood Local

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

26 minSep 20, 2026

Would Pittsburgh be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and depression recorded near newly transformed, “greened” neighborhood lots. But how did they do it? David talks with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and special guest Matt Rader, president of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, about how Philly prioritized revitalizing its abandoned outdoor space, the ways that having a nonprofit partner has made all the difference, and what still needs to be done. Mentioned on the show: Study showing 29% decrease in gun violence near transformed lots: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1718503115 Study showing 41% decrease in reported depression: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2688343   Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options .

Ripping Out Skill Games, Mandatory Fun & RIP Annie Dillard

28 minSep 18, 2026

Will state police start ripping skill games out of convenience stores, vape shops, and other spots? That's what could happen if lawmakers don't come up with a plan to regulate the machines by Oct. 13. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are joined by Public Source's Oliver Morrison to explain how we got here, what measures the state might consider, and the scale of gambling addiction in Pennsylvania. (Did you know we take in more gambling revenue than any state except Nevada?) Plus, we discuss the CDC's continued failure to count measles-related deaths in PA, a new rule requiring recess in K-5 schools, and the legacy of Pittsburgh-born, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard. And in our members-only bonus segment, we're talking about another important restaurant group, the future of Penn Brewery — including conjectures about the mysterious new buyer — and sharing some of our favorite Pittsburgh meals. **This episode contains a reference to suicide. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts thoughts of suicide, you can always call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. There's help available 24 hours a day. Notes and references from today’s show: Skill games are slot machines, must adhere to Pa.’s gambling law, state Supreme Court rules [ Spotlight PA ] ‘I’m not going to be alive tomorrow’: Is gambling addiction Pa.’s next public health crisis? [ PennLive ] How Pennsylvania Got Hooked on Games That Look a Lot Like Slot Machines [ New York Times ] Pennsylvania Gambling Addicts Hope That ‘Skill Games’ Will Go Bust [ New York Times ] Attorney General Sunday Responds to Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ruling ‘Skill Games’ Illegal [ PA Office of Attorney General ] PODCAST: Does Pgh Have a Gambling Problem? [ City Cast Pittsburgh ] A Psychiatrist Tried to Quit Gambling. Betting Apps Kept Her Hooked. [ The Wall Street Journal ] How a sports gambling addiction devastated one Western Pa. family — and sparked a fight for change [ Post-Gazette ] House Democrats demand answers from CDC on Pennsylvania measles deaths [ The Hill ] Pennsylvania asks for CDC measles help amid Kennedy dispute [ Reuters ] Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro signs legislation guaranteeing 30 minutes of recess to elementary students [ WHYY ] Annie Dillard, Pittsburgh-born Pulitzer Prize-winning author, dies at 81 [ Post-Gazette ] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram !  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter .  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads .  Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, September 18th episode: Carnegie Library City Theatre Visit Athens Ohio

Pittsburgh Restaurant Empires, Explained

30 minSep 17, 2026

Did you know a ton of Pittsburgh's most influential dining spots are run by the same six restaurant groups? Some are massive, some are low-key, and some have quietly shaped the city’s food and beverage scene for decades. Host Megan Harris is with Post-Gazette dining critic and City Cast contributor Hal B. Klein to meet the people behind the well-known places — from the legacy of Eat’n Park and big Burrito to Richard DeShantz’s ever-evolving lineup, Independent Restaurant Group’s tiki brilliance, and the splashy new Opal and Legacy groups. We talk about how these restaurant groups work, why size can be both a blessing and a curse, and how chefs and restaurant staff carry ideas from one kitchen to the next. Plus, Titusz made the NYT’s 50 best restaurants list , the Gobblerito is turning 20 , and we celebrate the highs and lows of Pittsburgh dining.  👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram !  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter .  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads .  Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 17th episode: Carnegie Library City Theatre Visit Athens Ohio

Measles, Go-Karts & Wylie’s Opening Lineup

29 minSep 16, 2026

Pennsylvania’s measles outbreak is getting worse. At least four people have died and nearly 700 cases are being tracked statewide. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are talking about what’s happening, the response from state and local health officials, and what Pittsburghers need to know — including the latest on measles exposures at UPMC Children’s Hospital. Then, Axios Pittsburgh’s Ryan Deto jumps in to recommend some of the city’s newest attractions, from the Kamin Science Center’s new go-karts to Pittsburgh International Airport’s outdoor terraces, plus the soon-to-open Citizens Live at The Wylie. Notes and references from today’s show: The Measles-Stricken Mother Who Lost Her Newborn Son [ The Atlantic ] Mom of infant exposed to measles at UPMC Children’s frustrated by hospital system response [ TribLive ] Immunity lost: How Pennsylvania’s falling school vaccination rates and enforcement failures put thousands of children at risk [ Post-Gazette ] PODCAST: Pittsburgh’s Measles Risk, Explained [ City Cast Pittsburgh ] Pa. lawmakers propose requiring health care provider consultation for vaccine exemptions [ Post-Gazette ] PIT opens first public outdoor airport terrace [ Axios Pittsburgh ] Inside look: Citizens Live at The Wylie [ Axios Pittsburgh ] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram !  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter .  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads .  Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 16th episode: Carnegie Library City Theatre Visit Athens Ohio