36 minSep 4, 2026

Duolingo’s Iran War Problem, Airport Auctions & Eviction Wins

Show Notes

The Trump Administration’s latest round of sanctions against Iran, dubbed “Operation Economic Outcast,” includes restrictions on cooperation between Iran and American universities. Starting this month, Duolingo banned Iranian citizens from taking its English Test, which many U.S. colleges require for international applicants. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Colin Williams discuss how the language learning company has been swept up in the U.S.-Iran War. We also share our favorite finds from PIT’s annual auction of lost items (thousands of earbuds, stuffed animals, a Mercedes… the list goes on); how the shift to fall signals earlier sunsets but also a Dolly Parton-themed corn maze; and a win for renters and housing advocates around evictions.

And in our members-only bonus segment, we track the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s itinerary for its big biannual European tour and why that matters here at home.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, September 4th episode:

Carnegie Library

Propel Schools

Film Pittsburgh

For the Love of Our Parks

Notes and references from today’s show:

Duolingo D-Day: Iranians question latest US sanctions targeting education [Al Jazeera]
U.S. Sanctions Cut Off Aspiring Iranians From Tests Needed for Study Abroad [New York Times]
U.S. blocks Duolingo English Test in Iran as part of sweeping economic crackdown [Biz Times]
New visa rules to go into effect for international students [Pitt News]
At the airport auction, a catalogue of what people lose [Pittsburgh City Paper]
Looking for a Picasso original? You might find one at annual auction of lost-and-found items at Pittsburgh International [Post-Gazette]
Airport auction, full catalog [Joe R. Pyle]
PODCAST: Why is PIT the Gold Standard? [Your City Could Be Better]
Pittsburgh International Airport Takes Home the Gold [Pittsburgh Magazine]
The risk of eviction may be higher than you think. Here’s what you should know [Public Source]
Pittsburgh sees its final 8pm sunset this week [Axios Pittsburgh]
Eviction filing rates drop statewide; study says eviction prevention programs help [Triblive]
Local farmstead opens themed corn maze paying tribute to country music legend [WPXI]
Mad Mex’s Gobblerito returns for the 20th year [Triblive]
PETA’s Traveling Truck Is Giving Away Vegan Chicken Nationwide [PETA]
The Pittsburgh Symphony is touring Europe. Once again, it’s the only U.S. orchestra at the world’s top classical festival [Post-Gazette]

Learn more about our sponsor TK.

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