44 minDec 5, 2025

Fireball, Ferris Wheel & More Self-Driving Cars

Show Notes

The Esplanade development finally broke ground in Chateau, after nearly a decade of planning, which means we're one step closer to a permanent Ferris Wheel on the North Side. Plus, there are fresh hopes and dreams for Station Square now that a new developer is taking over. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and producer Sophia Lo discuss what they'd like to see on the riverfront site, why alcohol sales are dipping in PA (and why Pennsylvanians can't get enough of Fireball and pink lemonade vodka), and why you'll soon see driverless taxis cruising down city streets.

How should Pittsburghers be celebrating their milestone birthdays? Call or text the BIRTHDAY HOTLINE at 412-212-8893.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Shapiro calls $740M Esplanade Project a 'game changer' as Pittsburgh project breaks ground [TribLive]
Developers break ground on historic Esplanade project [P-G]
PODCAST: Restaurants, Party Barges & Bathrooms on the Riverfront [City Cast Pittsburgh]
PODCAST: Can the North Side Get a Ferris Wheel & Still Stay Affordable? [City Cast Pittsburgh]
PODCAST: Coffee, Corn Dogs & The Latest on Manchester’s Freeman Family Farm [City Cast Pittsburgh]
Station Square primed for next act as developer with waterfront expertise buys iconic destination [Business-Times]
PA wine, spirits sales slip as tariffs, dwindling bar crowds take toll [TribLive]
PODCAST: What Tariffs Mean for Pittsburgh Wine [City Cast Pittsburgh]
PODCAST: Why Pittsburgh's a Pioneer in Non-Alcoholic Drinks [City Cast Pittsburgh]
Are Americans drinking less? New data says yes, but not by much [Reuters]
Costco pursues liquor license for Cranberry store amid grocery competition [Business-Times]
New Mosaic Apartments in Oakland aim to be welcoming to LGBTQ+ seniors [WESA]
Shapiro signs CROWN Act against hair discrimination [TribLive]
PODCAST: Grabby Boss? Racist Landlord? This Pittsburgh Office Can Help [City Cast Pittsburgh]
Nonprofit asks Pittsburghers to clean out play rooms, donate to kids in need [WESA]
Drop off locations for Play it Forward Toy Drive [Play it Forward]
What's new on the slopes this season at Seven Springs, Hidden Valley and other resorts? [P-G]
23rd Annual Gingerbread House Display & Competition [City of Pittsburgh]

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 5th episode:

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

The Frick Pittsburgh

Honeygirls Wraphaus

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh!

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