Episodes

  • Who Wins Summer in the USA? Pittsburgh Makes Its Case

    Who Wins Summer in the USA? Pittsburgh Makes Its Case
    May 21 2026
    City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Megan beat out her competitors from Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities? Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, May 21st episode: ⁠PGH Cultural Trust⁠ ⁠PGH Book Fest⁠ ⁠Window Nation⁠ ⁠Pittsburgh Steelers⁠ ⁠The Frick Pittsburgh⁠ Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at ⁠membership.citycast.fm⁠. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning ⁠newsletter⁠. We’re on Instagram ⁠@CityCastPgh⁠. Text or leave us a voicemail at ⁠412-212-8893⁠. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info ⁠here⁠.
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    54 mins
  • Sara Innamorato on Paid Leave, Term Limits, and a Fancy New Hotel

    Sara Innamorato on Paid Leave, Term Limits, and a Fancy New Hotel
    May 20 2026
    Allegheny County could become the first in the U.S. to require 18 weeks of paid parental leave for all employees. County Executive Sara Innamorato tells host Megan Harris why she thinks it would improve outcomes for both growing families and the county's economy. Plus, hear how taxes helped land the new Loews hotel (20 years in the making!!), how we snatched someone’s headquarters from New Jersey, term limits for several elected county officials, and why she’s getting hyped up for Nelly's return to Pittsburgh this summer. Have thoughts about the county's proposed parental leave policy? Submit a comment to the county or register to speak at a public hearing Downtown on June 2, and check out the Forward with Families child care tool here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, May 20th episode: PGH Cultural Trust PGH Book Fest Window Nation Pittsburgh Steelers The Frick Pittsburgh Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
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    42 mins
  • What's On Your Primary Ballot?

    What's On Your Primary Ballot?
    May 19 2026
    It's primary election day! Local voters are being asked to weigh in on one ballot measure: If Pittsburgh loses its print newspapers, should the city be allowed to post some public hearing notices online instead? Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk explain what's behind this measure, the arguments for and against it, and why it matters. (Spoiler: It's about the future of local journalism and how government agencies keep people informed.) Before you go vote, double check your polling place and take a peek at your sample ballot. If you requested a mail-in ballot, it's too late to actually send it via snail mail, but you can bring it to one of the county's ballot return sites. Notes and references from today’s show: Pittsburgh's Ballot Question, Explained [Instagram] Pittsburgh's Guide To Voting in the 2026 Primaries [City Cast Pittsburgh] Pittsburgh ballot question asks voters for options if print newspapers go away [WESA] City of Pittsburgh ballot question explainer [League of Women Voters] Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, May 19th episode: PGH Cultural Trust PGH Book Fest Window Nation Pittsburgh Steelers The Frick Pittsburgh Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
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    25 mins
  • Pittsburgh's Dangerous Drop in Vaccination Rates

    Pittsburgh's Dangerous Drop in Vaccination Rates
    May 18 2026
    Measles is on the rise across the U.S., and experts say outbreaks aren't hypothetical anymore. At least 40,000 PA students are missing required vaccines, and many schools have dropped below the 95% herd immunity threshold that helps stop epidemic-like spread. (Some Pittsburgh-area schools are dangerously low in the 70% range.) Why are districts letting kids attend school without vaccines or valid exemptions, and why isn't the state consistently stepping in? Mike Wereschagin, a reporter and editor with the Post-Gazette's investigative team, joins host Megan Harris to discuss his revelatory investigation and where we go from here. Mike and his team built a database where you can look up the vaccination rate at any school in PA, something the state itself doesn't provide. Check it out here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, May 18th episode: PGH Cultural Trust PGH Book Fest Window Nation Pittsburgh Steelers The Frick Pittsburgh Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
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    30 mins
  • 'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

    'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
    May 17 2026
    Would Pittsburgh be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more than 500 automated traffic enforcement cameras — including a single camera that issued $9 million in tickets. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host Bridget Todd about how these cameras work, the congressional scrutiny they've been getting, and whether they make DC safer. Plus, is DC becoming the new rave capital? Mentioned on the show: "The deadliest road in America" (Vox) 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.
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    30 mins
  • Tattoo Regulations, Steelers in Paris & Debating the Essence of Sheetz

    Tattoo Regulations, Steelers in Paris & Debating the Essence of Sheetz
    May 15 2026
    Allegheny County Council is taking steps to oust Pat Catena as the group's president, after his campaign sent out a mailer claiming his opponent is "supported by an extreme left group that advocates for transgender athletes in our sports." Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams discuss the latest, plus the county's attempts to regulate tattoos and mandate paid parental leave. We're also opening up the mailbag and sharing your thoughts on local stories like the Market Square teen curfew, questioning how many Steelers fans can truly exist in Paris, and mourning one half of the duo behind our beloved Pamela's Diner. And in our members-only bonus segment, we're joined by Pittsburgh Business-Times reporter Jake Dabkowski to debate whether Sheetz is a gas station or convenience store — and explain why the answer could determine whether it can open in city limits. Notes and references from today’s show: Angry crowd demands County Council president’s resignation [P-G] WESA Voter Guide: 2026 Primary Election [WESA] Pittsburgh ballot question asks voters for options if print newspapers go away [WESA] Allegheny County is exploring how to regulate tattoo shops in the Pittsburgh region [WESA] Pittsburgh youth, community members question Market Square restrictions at forum [WESA] Youth Forum on Safety and Mental Health with 1Hood Media [Eventbrite] More than 180,000 used free transit for NFL Draft in Pittsburgh [P-G] Unwind by DollTrap [YouTube] Steelers to play Saints in 2026 NFL Paris Game [Steelers] Gail Klingensmith, co-owner of Pamela’s Diner for nearly a half century, has died [TribLive] Riverlife's Shore Thing returning to Pittsburgh for second season [KDKA] Gas station or convenience store? Sheetz faces zoning dispute over first city location [Pittsburgh Business Times] Have a question for our county executive? Call or text our PARENTAL LEAVE Hotline at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 15th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Fulton Commons City Winery Pittsburgh PGH Cultural Trust Pittsburgh Power & Fitness Festival PGH Book Fest Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
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    47 mins
  • Can Pittsburgh Fix Its Budget Problems?

    Can Pittsburgh Fix Its Budget Problems?
    May 14 2026
    City Controller Rachael Heisler has been sounding the alarm on Pittsburgh's budget for actual years, and her latest report shows the city overspent by almost $45 million in 2025. How did we get here, and what can we do to get on better financial footing? Heisler joins host Megan Harris to explain why Act 47 isn’t in the cards and what it'll take to get our revenue on track. Notes and references from today’s show: Annual Comprehensive Financial Report [City of Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Is Pittsburgh Going Broke? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, May 14th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Fulton Commons City Winery Pittsburgh PGH Cultural Trust Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
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    40 mins
  • Mid-Century Sleepover, Tiki Cruise & More Pittsburgh Milestone Birthday Ideas

    Mid-Century Sleepover, Tiki Cruise & More Pittsburgh Milestone Birthday Ideas
    May 13 2026
    Got a big birthday coming up? Sure, you could make a fancy dinner reservation, but there are so many more exciting ways to celebrate. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing recommendations for marking you milestone birthday in style, from a tiki cruise down the Allegheny River to sleepover at a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, May 13th episode: AIDS Free Pittsburgh Fulton Commons City Winery Pittsburgh PGH Cultural Trust Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning newsletter. We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh. Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
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    36 mins