City Cast Pittsburgh: Recent Episodes
City Cast
Join us weekdays at 6 a.m. for a fast-paced daily news podcast that will get you talking — and make you question what’s going here in Western Pennsylvania. In just 15 minutes a day, City Cast Pittsburgh is a smart new way to connect with the Steel City you love. Add us to your feeds today!
This week 67 years ago, President Dwight D. Eisenhower launched the sister cities program, and in the decades since, Pittsburgh has become an especially popular international partner. How do these diplomatic hook-ups happen, who greenlights the match, and how did Pittsburgh end up with so many? Kathy Risko, director of the Sister Cities Association of Pittsburgh, says some of it is personality and a lot comes back to steel. Want some more Pittsburgh news?
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When Andrew Carnegie started opening libraries in southwest Pennsylvania in the 1890s, he wanted to bring books and knowledge to everyone — not just those who could afford to pay. Now libraries are taking that spirit beyond the printed word, offering everything from power tools to ukuleles to genealogy databases. We’re exploring the unique collections available for you to check out at local libraries. **This conversation originally published May 30, 2023. Want some more Pittsburgh news?
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Almost a decade after it was created, Pittsburgh’s land bank made its first few sales this summer. Why did the land bank take so long to get off the ground, and does this portend a more productive future? Jon Moss, co-editor of the Pittsburgh Union Progress, shares the renewed hopes and continued challenges for the city’s grandest residential housing experiment. Find Jon’s reporting on the land bank here. He and others remain on strike from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Act 47 is Pennsylvania’s state oversight program to help financially distressed municipalities, but thankfully, Pittsburgh got out of Act 47 in 2018. Want some more Pittsburgh news?
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Days after a standoff in Garfield over a home ejectment, the Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group released a studythat found corporate home buyers have been buying more and more property in the region. Lead producer Mallory Falk joins host Megan Harris to break down the impact of corporate purchases on homeowners, including when buying practices become predatory. We love to cite our sources:
Check out Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group’s new study on corporate home buyers in the region
The New York Times covered the ways first-time home buyers are losing out in markets where investors and corporations are buying up houses
ProPublica did a deep dive on the “We Buy Ugly Houses” company and how it targets desperate homeowners
The P-G’s editorial board found a local example of a family who’d been pressured into a home sale at a vulnerable moment
Bloomberg covered a new tactic some Pittsburgh flippers may be taking to try to get homeowners to sell
Philadelphia requires flippers to provide prospective sellers with a homeowner bill of rights
Senator Sherrod Brown introduced legislation to crack down on larger corporate investors
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Where officially is the Steel City? It's a conversation we've all had plenty of times, everyone thinks they're right, and no one is ever fully satisfied with the answer. So we made it an official debate. We’re throwing it back to one of our favorite conversations ever on this show that, of course, came on the heels of a very silly social media moment. What do you think- Midwest, Appalachia, East Coast, or Mid-Atlantic? Or as @pittsburghpersonified says, “a secret third thing,” lol.
We’ve got two guests who each feel passionately that they know they answer.
James Santelli is the communications manager for the Allegheny Regional Asset District, and
Ryan Deto is a reporter for the Pittsburgh Trib.
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**This conversation originally published March 15, 2023.
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A record number of Pennsylvania teachers left the profession last school year, and experts say there aren’t enough qualified candidates to replace them. City Cast Philly and City Cast Pittsburgh are teaming up to unpack the problem, the causes, the consequences, and a few potential solutions. We always cite our sources:
Check out PA’s teacher retention data for yourself, courtesy of Penn State’s Center for Education Evaluation and Policy Analysis
Here’s the latest from WHYY on staffing at Philadelphia Public Schools, and from the Post-Gazette on staffing in Pittsburgh
Chalkbeat did a great two-part breakdown on the problems and potential solutions
The Learning Policy Institute shared suggestions for how to improve teachers’ first years
The Hechinger Report wrote about a couple PR campaigns trying to change public opinion about teaching
The Center for Black Educator Development is based in Philly and does a lot of great work around recruiting teachers of color
It’s still pretty tough to navigate the licensure process if you’re moving state-to-state, but the AP reports some states are trying to ease
Ten years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to see 3,000 to 4,000 applicants pop up for a single job listing on PA-educator.net, the PA’s main jobs board
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It’s the Friday news roundup! A new study found Pennsylvanians eat dinner surprisingly early so we asked yinz what time you eat. Big layoffs and a store expansion put a spotlight on Dick’s Sporting Goods this week. Plus, Duquesne City School District could get its high school back — which may bode well for other schools still struggling financially from our unconstitutional funding formula. We love to cite our sources!
Andrew Goldstein has been following the Duquesne City news for awhile, first for the PG and now for the Pittsburgh Union Progress
After years of budget cuts, Erie schools considered closing all their high schools in 2016
PublicSource wrote about Sto-Rox’s plan to recruit charter school students back to the school district
After a Commonwealth Court judge decided Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional, we teamed up with City Cast Philly to break down what comes next
Dick’s announced layoffs early this week citing lower-than-expected quarterly earnings, but it was right on the heels of a new store launch
Nike and Puma both promised to stop using kangaroo leather in their shoes a few years ago; the animal welfare group Center for a Humane Economy made a short but graphic video about the practice, which they’re calling on Dick’s to take a stand against
Find the PA dinner time analysis and reader feedback in the Hey Pittsburgh newsletter
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Fermentation might sound tricky, but in Pittsburgh, we have an expert to guide you through everything from pickles and pop to kimchi and miso. Trevor Ring of Community Cultures hosts workshops that give you a tingly taste of the art of fermentation. Listen along as the whole City Cast Pittsburgh team makes delicious blueberry pop, and get the recipe to try at home! You can check out Trevor’s upcoming workshops or book a private fermentation class at the Community Cultures website, and pick up his fermented sodas at the Bloomfield Farmer’s Market.
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We’re in the final few days of summer, school’s about to start, and traffic in Oakland is about to get a whole lot worse. But if you’re looking for a way to celebrate, the City Cast Pittsburgh team has got you covered with the perfect gifts to refresh, relax, and recharge. Support these local businesses:
Virginia Montanez’ new book, “Nothing. Everything”
Fresh flower picking at Shenot Farms, Soergel Orchards, and Triple B Farms.
Tote bags from Nalonkuru
Get a delicious dessert from Ritual House
Eye drops from Revitalize Energy
Play a round at Kniess Mini Golf or Puttery, or one of these other spots
Barmy Soda at East End Brewing
L'Épicurien’s zucchini & ramp spread from Chantal’s Cheese Shop
Take a stroll up Canton Avenue, one of the world’s steepest streets
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Pittsburghers tend to be pretty nostalgic — we love giving directions based on what something used to be — and our city is filled with relics from the past. But until recently, there hasn’t been a map of all these artifacts. Local writer Virginia Montanez (aka Jane Pitt) decided to change that. She joins us to discuss her interactive map project Pittsburgh Remains to Be Seen, and how you can get involved with the hunt for local relics.
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The car parked outside of Evergreen Cafe on Penn Avenue in Point Breeze has frustrated Pittsburgh drivers for decades. Despite complaints to police and social media outrage, it’s remained there day after day. Hannah Kinney-Kobre from Pittsburgh City Paper got the man behind the dusty brown Buick to break his silence, and she’s here to tell us what(arguably) the most hated parker in Pittsburgh has to say for himself. ***This conversation originally published May 3, 2023. Want some more Pittsburgh news?
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It’s the Friday news roundup! The research is in and (surprise, surprise) Pittsburgh is not the fittest city in America; an iconic Kennywood ride is closing for preservation; and details are still trickling about about how and why a house exploded in Plum Borough — we’ve got a few ways you can help the affected families in the coming days. We love to cite our sources:
Pittsburgh scored 29th overall in an annual survey on personal and community fitness markers
The PG dug into more details about the American Fitness Index study and specific Pgh-area markers
Learn more about Kennywood’s Turtle ride, once known as the Tumble Bug, and efforts to preserve it
This is is one of the more comprehensive roundups we’ve found about what happened in Plum. The he story is still developing.
The Trib has more details on previous house explosions in Plum.
GoFundMe pages have been set up for the Clontz family and the Oravitz family, who each lost two members. There’s also a GoFundMe for the Smith family, who survived but lost their house.
To honor Casey and Keegan Clontz’s love of fishing, community members Angela and Mike Blasko created a raffle fundraiser. Tickets are $10, and one winner will get an all-expenses paid, full-day offshore fishing trip on Lake Erie.
The nonprofit Angels in DaSkys is partnering with the Renton Volunteer Firefighter Department to handle relief efforts for Plum residents. They’re accepting monetary and gift card donations. More information on how to donate is available on their Facebook page and this story from the Trib.
KDKA has a look at how local businesses are supporting families who’ve been affected by the explosion.
For events this weekend, check out the Uptown Partners Community Day Festival, the Reservoir of Jazz in Highland Park, and City of Asylum’s Dog Days of Summer Sale
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The Steel City has a bunch of classic eats, but one of our all-time favorites — the pepperoni roll! — actually hails from West Virginia. We’re talking about its industrial history and modern reinvention with Katt Schuler, the altruistic, story-loving owner and founder of Rolling Pepperoni in Lawrenceville. Plus, why you really don’t need to eat them with sauce. ***This conversation originally published April 27, 2023. Want some more Pittsburgh news?
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When the city announced the appointment of new police Chief Larry Scirotto, they didn’t mention his gay and biracial identities. He said that’s because he wanted to be introduced on merit rather than factors outside his control, but that he’s proud to serve as Pittsburgh first openly LGBTQ+ figurehead and hopes his lived experience will have a lasting effect on local policing. So how did our LGBTQ+ advocacy community feel about it? Reporter Jordana Rosenfeld worked with host Megan Harris for Pittsburgh City Paper to talk to folks about their expectations, and whether even just acknowledging historical harms is an OK place to start. ICYMI: Megan talked to Chief Scirotto yesterday. Hear their full conversation on queer representation in the Pittsburgh bureau, how and why he decided to come out when he did, and what he hopes his influence means to people in Pittsburgh. This conversation is the second in a two-part series. Check out the great work of the people and organizations we cite in this episode:
Proud Haven
Pgh Lesbian Correspondents
Dade Lemanski
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Larry Scirotto is our city’s first openly gay police chief. And while he says that’s something he’s deeply proud of, it’s not something he’s spent a bunch of time talking about. Today, that changes. Hear his take on queer representation in the Pittsburgh bureau, why he decided to come out when he did, and how he hopes his identities — gay and biracial — will inform his tenure as chief.
This conversation is part one in a two-part series. Both were pursued in partnership with Jordana Rosenfeld and Pittsburgh City Paper.
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Century III Mall is condemned, but that doesn’t mean it's getting demolished — at least not yet. But it is an eyesore and it's pretty unsafe, so if it's not possible to bring it back to life anymore, what should happen next?
Writer, publisher, and shopping mall enthusiast Matthew Newton is here to share our nostalgia and explain exactly what went wrong. Check out his beautiful tome “Shopping Mall,” which is usually available at White Whale Bookstore in Bloomfield.
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It’s the Friday news roundup! Heinz Field is back in the Burgh (or just barely north of it), there’s a beautifully local backstory behind the @pgh_scanner Twitter account, and Chomper may be out of the Kiski, but the Steel City still has a wild and wonderful history with stray reptiles.
We love to cite our sources:
Francesca wrote all about Pgh’s fascination with alligators for the Hey Pittsburgh newsletter
City Paper wrote about @pgh_scanner and how it got started
Aliquippa has a history of Hall of Famers, not to mention an incredible recent win record
Learn more about the Quips and how they became emblematic of the former steel town with S.L. Price’s book “Playing through the Whistle”
Barrel and Flow Fest will be at The Stacks in the Strip District on Saturday
Learn more about the Steel Valley Yarn Crawl here
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In a quest to get to know Pittsburgh better, coffee enthusiast Zach Lucas visited a local coffee shop for every letter of the alphabet. He joins us to share his picks for everything from coziest vibes to the most unusual to the all-around best coffee (and tea!).
See where Zach has been on his map of the ABCs of Pittsburgh Coffee.
Sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library here.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are back at their rightful summer home in Latrobe for training camp. To celebrate, join us for a throwback to when City Cast’s Morgan Moody and Megan Harris made the pilgrimage to talk to players and fans about the half-century-long tradition at Chuck Noll Field.
Fans are welcome every day at 1:55 p.m. Get your free tickets here. And while you’re out there, check out today’s newsletter for a fun scavenger hunt of other fun ways to hang out in Latrobe.
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The synagogue shooting trial ended last week — when the man who killed 11 worshipers at a Squirrel Hill synagogue was sentenced to death. It was a long trial, with lots of challenging testimony. And someone close to us attended almost every day: Mallory’s mom.
City Cast Pittsburgh’s Mallory Falk sits down with her mother, Ellen Surloff, who was president of Dor Hadash at the time of the shooting. Hear what she learned from attending nearly every day of the two-month capitol trial, and why it was so important to her and others to bear witness.
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On October 27, 2018, a man walked into a Squirrel Hill synagogue and turned an ordinary Shabbat morning into the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history. Nearly five years later, he has been sentenced to death for killing 11 Jewish worshipers from three congregations: Tree of Life, New Light, and Dor Hadash.
City Cast’s Mallory Falk grew up at Tree of Life, attended part of the trial, and spoke to some of those affected. She joins host Megan Harris to discuss the trial, the sentence, and where we go from here.
Many local outlets have been dedicating a ton of time and effort to this coverage:
Jewish Chronicle https://jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/topic/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting/
WESA: https://www.wesa.fm/tags/pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting-trial
TribLive: https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh/robert-bowers-trial/
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It’s the Friday news roundup! We’ve got a wild story about the county giving in on a lawsuit brought by a paramilitary jail “expert,” who may have never done any real work, plus a send off to our departing friends at The Incline and 90.5 WESA’s The Confluence. Host Megan Harris is joined by Brian Conway, founder of the Pittsburgh Independent, and NEXTpittsburgh columnist Tony Norman to break it all down.
**Note: If you’re looking for more on the synagogue shooting trial, please stick with us. We’ll have more for you early next week.
We always cite our sources:
Brian Conway’s piece about the county payment to Joseph Garcia dropped Wednesday
Nieman Lab picked up the Pittsburgh Independent’s story about the final days of The Incline
City Paper wrote a great piece explaining what’s going on at WESA
The Pittsburgh Union Progress has chronicled their strike from the start. Check out the latest here
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The city’s biggest celebration of all things vegan, animal advocacy, and environmental friendliness takes over Allegheny Commons Park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The City Cast Pittsburgh crew has you covered with a full day of noms and veggie-forward recommendations, plus our very own Francesca Dabecco shares her tips for a successful day aht.
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A few hours ago, Pittsburgh got some big news: a jury ruled that the man behind the synagogue shooting in 2018 should be put to death. The gunman was found guilty earlier this summer on 63 federal counts, including 11 counts of a hate crime that resulted in death. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Mallory Falk discuss the ruling and what comes next. Additional sentencing will follow and we think there’s more to say, so please stay tuned to our shows next week.
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Developers want to build a 162-apartment complex at the site of former Irish Centre at the edge of Frick Park, but neighborhood and community groups are not having it. So what's at the heart of this? Reporter Ryan Deto with the Tribune-Review explains the environmental and traffic challenges, plus his experience with a certain faction of Pittsburgh NIMBYs.
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There’s a difference between spaces that allow our best pals and the ones who are truly dog friendly. Pet expert Tori Mistick of WearWagRepeat is with us to share her favorite local spots for a paw-fect Pittsburgh day — plus how to pack ahead, what to consider about temperament and environment, and the quick rules for her newly christened four-paw rating system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pittsburgh-area teachers often spend their own (very hard-earned) money on classroom supplies. But twice a year, they can stop by The Education Partnership’s Teacher Resource Center and fill up shopping carts with everything they need — from notebooks and glue sticks to Clorox wipes and air purifiers — at no personal cost. City Cast visited the center last year and spoke with executive director Josh Whiteside, program director Sarah McKay, and several teachers about how the nonprofit supports students and schools in need. Stick around to the end to hear how you can help!
*** This conversation originally published September 28, 2022.
We checked back in with Sarah McKay and she said the Teacher Resource Center is now serving 191 schools — 20 more than last year. They’re always looking for volunteers and donations.
Here are their 10 most needed school supplies right now:
Pencils
Notebooks
Markers (8-pack)
Crayons (24-pack)
Colored Pencils
Dry Erase Markers
Scissors
Copy paper (8.5x11” white)
Headphones
Desk chairs
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It’s the Friday news roundup! The heat is insufferable but does it qualify as a wave? A new police academy class is in session, but the bureau will need to recruit a lot more people if they plan to get back up to 900 like they plan. And Brittany Hailer, director of the Pittsburgh Institute for Nonprofit Journalism, shares one thing — on Facebook, of all places — that’s bringing her joy this summer. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Mallory Falk are here to round it out!
We love to cite our sources:
Pittsburgh City Paper has a roundup of city cooling centers and air conditioned rec centers that are open through Friday evening
WESA delves into a new study on police force staffing
WPXI has a great roundup of Pittsburgh police officers’ responses to questions about morale and more
Learn more about the city’s old 1:1:1:1 diversity hiring rule, and why it went away
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Pittsburgh may historically be a drinking town (hello, Whiskey Rebellion!), but we’re also on the map as a sober-curious destination. The Open Road in Allentown is the oldest (still open) non-alcoholic specialty retailer in the nation, lined with zero-proof spirits, botanical seltzers, and even dry versions of your favorite classics. We visited the shop to talk to owner Mel Babitz about how this booze-free business is growing, the toughest alcoholic drinks to recreate, and how to pick your perfect NA adult beverage.
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Goat Fest is this weekend, but what makes these critters so special? From meat, milk, and fiber to keeping invasive species out of our parks, hear how they’ve captured the heart of City Cast producer Maria Carter, plus tons of recommendations for local goat products and activities.
Celebrate goats at Goat Fest this Saturday, July 29, noon to 4 p.m. in South Side Park.
Learn about how goats can be used to fend off invasive species from Allegheny GoatScape.
Try goat cheese from Goat Rodeo Farm & Dairy or Cherish Creamery.
Cook your own goat dish with meat from Salem’s Market & Grill, or order the goat curry at Pauline’s Caribbean Soul Cuisine or Taste of India.
Knit or crochet something warm and cozy with mohair yarn from Underhill Farms.
Get clean with goat milk soap from Smiling Goat Company.
Head to Freedom Farm Spa to relax with goat yoga and a beer.
Goats in the city? It can be done, but there are a few restrictions.
If you don’t have room for a pet goat, try volunteering at Kindred Spirits Rescue Ranch.
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Pennsylvania’s laws can sometimes feel like they were written for another time. That’s because many of them were. From a ban on fishing with dynamite, to a prohibition on for-profit fortune-telling, we get into some of the weirdest state laws still on the books. Host Megan Harris talks with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri, plus reporter Harrison Cann at City & State PA.
Check out Harrison’s reporting on some of Pennsylvania’s most bizarre, outdated laws.
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Water rates could rise as much as 70% over the next three years, and as homeowners, you stand to pay a lot more than a big commercial business. City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris chats with Ann Belser, the editor and publisher of Print, about why PWSA says it needs so much more money, how the state’s getting involved, and what you can do to have your voice heard before the price per gallon goes up.
Ann’s work also publishes online with NEXTpittsburgh. Check out her piece detailing why the rate hike got delayed from its proposed July 8 start date. Another one should be dropping soon.
The state wants to hear from you! If you want to weigh in on the proposed rate hike, the Public Utility Commission is holding in-person hearings on tomorrow, July 25 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Jeron X. Grayson Community Center in the Hill District, and via Zoom at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 27. You can use the event links on the PWSA website, check in with the PUC schedule directly, or send letters of support or objection to:
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Post Office Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 17105-3265
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It’s the Friday news roundup! The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to end affirmative action has universities all over our region re-evaluating how they handle legacy admissions; the city has a new $3 million fund to help folks and institutions feed their neighbors; and an old hillside novelty got a humongous glow-up, but we bet you don’t know the real history behind Pittsburgh’s “Hollywood” sign.
We love to cite our sources:
Most of the details around the Food Justice Fund were ironed out at a Council meeting last week, and WESA covered it well
The Post-Gazette followed up when the Fund finally passed
Advocates of the Food Justice Fund have a nifty website, including a cool timeline explaining their victories along the way
Check out the Food Justice Fund’s full list of goals here
Take the city’s Food Justice Fund survey to weigh in on how the money gets spent or indicate whether you might like to apply for an upcoming grant
The USDA publishes annual reports on our nation’s food insecurity levels
Just Harvest advocates on behalf of programs and policies that they feel will help lawmakers make better political choices, end poverty, and abolish hunger
After the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action in college admissions, more colleges ended legacy admissions
Some colleges nationally started reconsidering their legacy admissions after the Supreme Court decision.
In Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon and Pitt had already ended legacy admissions, as first reported in the Tribune Review
Pro-tip: If you know someone applying to college, google the college’s name and “common data set.” On the common data set, you can find how important each college considers everything from class rank to extracurriculars when making admissions decisions.
Read about the history of the Iron City Beer sign from the Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.
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Building a charcuterie board is like creating a work of art with cheese, meats, fruits, and other colorful fixings. But where do you start? The City Cast Pittsburgh team took a field trip to The Cheese Queen’s brick-and-mortar in Mt. Oliver to learn the secrets to plating and pairing. Megan McGinnis, of the former local grocery family The McGinnis Sisters, shares what inspired her to become a cheese enthusiast and how she shares that love with Pittsburgh.
Celebrate The Cheese Queen’s first birthday tonight with other local woman-owned businesses at the Queens Market from 6-9 p.m., right beside her shop. The event features Polska Laska, Armful of Flowers, Brown Bear Bread, Ripepi Wineryand lots more.
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For two years, Spin scooters have been everywhere here in Pittsburgh. Helping people get from A to B, but also getting in the way. The pilot program that brought them here has ended, and their future is caught up in a complicated budget brawl. And it turns out, neither the company nor the city were keeping very good records about how people used or got abused by their presence here. We’re with Ann Belser, editor and owner of Print, to talk about the dozens of injuries folks reported, the bad data collected by the city, and what she hopes to see if they stick around.
You can also find Ann’s reporting in NEXTpittsburgh. She’s dropping a fresh story there later this week!
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If the summer heat has your friends and loved ones feeling a little cranky, why not surprise ‘em with a nice local gift? The City Cast team is sharing our top Pittsburgh merch, treats and activities for all your July celebrations. From patterned shirts that look like PAT bus seats to sunset kayaking trips, we’ve got recommendations for all your favorite yinzers.
Here’s where to find all of our top picks. Let us know what we should feature next!
Things to buy:
Pittsburgh Bus Seat Co sells shirts, fanny packs, and other items that look like, well, Pittsburgh bus seats
Wicked Skatewear in Bloomfield has a great collection of roller skates
Everyone’s favorite meme account, Pittsburgh Personified, has all kinds of fun merch available on Etsy
Stuff to eat & drink:
The PA Market in the Strip District has a cocktail and popsicle special — try pairing a strawberry ginger lemonade paleta with a mezcal and gin concoction
Serve your favorite summer snack in a Pittsburgh baseball stadium serving bowl from Fort Pitt Clay Works
Treat a friend to a delicious brunch at Scratch & Co. in Troy Hill
Stuff to do:
Bring up to five friends to Sandbox VR in the Strip district for a “socially immersive gaming experience”
Go on a night paddle on the Allegheny River with Venture Outdoors
Take a craft workshop with Tal & Bert in their store or at a local brewery. You can make a live air plant wreath, a hanging terrarium, or a resin charcuterie board
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In past years, the basement at Smithfield United Church of Christ opened its doors to those in need of a place to stay in the winter, but as homelessness surged, Allegheny County kept the shelter open indefinitely. A community quickly developed among those who slept there or hung out on the church steps, but neighbors started objecting. We talk with PublicSource’s Stephanie Strasburg and Eric Jankiewicz about their reporting on how the county handled the shelter’s closing and what it reveals about our local housing crisis.
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It’s the Friday news roundup! NEXTpittsburgh columnist Tony Norman joins lead producer Mallory Falk and producer Maria Carter to discuss concerns around how Mayor Gainey’s office communicates with the public. They also talk about the growing number of guns getting seized at the Pittsburgh airport (we’re on track to break a record!) and the latest local athlete to grace the cover of a Wheaties box.
We love to cite our sources:
P-G’s editorial on the city’s communications
TribLIVE on the increase in guns at TSA security checkpoints, and TravelPulse on how this is part of a national trend
T.J. Watt announcing he’s on the Wheaties box
Smithsonian Magazine’s deep dive on Wheaties history
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Whether you love a good taco or some crunchy chilaquiles, the Pittsburgh area has a growing number of restaurants with tasty Mexican dishes. Oscar Zapata, a Mexico City native who came to the Steel City for grad school, joins us to share his go-to spots when he’s craving a taste of home — including some of his favorite family-owned restaurants.
Oscar rounded up some of his picks for the first-ever print copy of the Pittsburgh Independent, which includes some beautiful photos from freelancer Tom O’Connor. You can order a copy online or find it in coffee shops and record stores around town.
Oscar’s Long List:
El Paisano in Beechview
El Colibrí at the Bloomfield Saturday Market
Panadería Jazmín in Mt. Lebanon
Alquisiras Paletería in Beechview
El Rincón Oaxaqueño in the Strip District
Taqueria El Pastorcito in New Kensington
Tasty Taquitos in Garfield, Point Breeze and South Side Works
Los Bajitos in Canonsburg
La Poblanita in Coraopolis
BTOS Kitchen in Dormont
Edgar’s Best Tacos in the Strip District
Las Palmas in Brookline, Beechview and Oakland
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Pittsburgh has one of the oldest city flags in the U.S., but the design leaves something to be desired — at least, according to Ted Kaye. He's the nation's leading flag scholar and author of the flag design bible "Good Flag, Bad Flag." Kaye joins lead producer Mallory Falk to explain what makes a good flag, where Pittsburgh ranks compared to other cities, and whether we should be considering a new look.
Want to check out some proposed alternatives to our current flags? Artist Lucy Chen designed a couple Pittsburgh flag options for Pittsburgh City Paper, and Tara Stark came up with a new design for the Pennsylvania flag.
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Why does Pittsburgh insist on changing the names of our sports heroes, and why do the athletes let us do it? We take a deep dive into the origins of Merry-o Lemieux, shortening Evgeni to Geno, and a bunch of other Steel City favorites with Rob Rossi, a senior writer at The Athletic. Check out our long history of this via Fansided, which published an absurdly detailed list of Pittsburgh nicknames. And there’s a fun new development in the Tito House saga — the city agreed to save the home, but not the infamous garage. Hear how we got here in this 2022 episode of City Cast Pittsburgh. Want some more Pittsburgh news?
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Before Dr. Jonas Salk, polio killed or paralyzed more than a half million people worldwide every year, and survivors often faced lifelong consequences. Host Megan Harris & producer Maria Carter talk through his mid-century, lifesaving developments for the University of Pittsburgh, how the disease had been terrorizing local parents and kids, and how thousands of Pittsburgh-area children ultimately helped Salk and his team refine the groundbreaking vaccine—starting with Salk’s own sons. The new Jonas Salk Legacy Exhibit at Pitt Public Health is free and open to the public during regular building hours. Learn more about his son, part-time Pitt professor Dr. Peter Salk, here. Want some more Pittsburgh news?
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It’s the Friday news roundup! The big talk in Harrisburg is about Gov. Josh Shapiro pulling his support for private school vouchers after state budget talks stalled — much to the dismay of many Republicans. After Beyoncé canceled her stop at Acrisure Stadium, the BeyHive was buzzing with theories about why and a lot of disappointment. And a team from CMU has built a robot prototype that could help stop the invasive spotted lanternfly.
We love to cite our sources:
The PA budget is late (again) and SpotlightPA explains school choice is one big reason why
What are Pa.'s lifeline scholarships? SpotlightPA deep dives school choice and vouchers
For all the ruckus, NPR finds Betsy DeVos didn’t get that much done
Tweet from Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) with a Lisa Simpson meme about missing former Gov. Tom Wolf
How to spot a spotted lanternfly (with pretty graphics) via Axios
CMU team develops autonomous robot to stave off spotted lanternflies
Taylor Swift fans are being totally normal about Beyonce’s tour cancellations
Bad news: Our favorite mac & cheese spot, Smoke, is now for sale
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National Macaroni Day is tomorrow, and National Mac & Cheese Day is July 14, so we put our sharpest minds to finding the best in the Burgh. The City Cast team broke down what makes a good mac and cheese and where to get the best classic and elevated takes on the dish in the city.
Here are the mac’s that were gouda‘nough to make our list:
The Rear End GastroPub and Garage in Etna has a classic mac meal
Kelly’s Bar and Lounge’s mac-n-cheese is an East Liberty staple
Bigham Tavern in Mt. Washington has a mac n’ cheese
The Double Wide Grill on the South Side has two mac and cheeses we recommend, brisket and the “gas can mac”
Smoke in Lawrenceville was an overall winner for both their classic and specialty dishes
Macs we’ve heard are worth a try:
Urban Tap’s smoked gouda mac
The food truck Blowfish BQQ has a mac and cheese entree
Crafty Jackalope has a build your own option
Fortuitea Cafe & Bakery has a ton of vegan mac-n-cheese options
Carmi Soul Food has a macaroni and cheese side dish
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This week marks the 131st anniversary of the Battle of Homestead. No, it wasn’t part of any war, and technically, it didn’t even happen in Homestead. Just outside the Pump House in what is now the Waterfront, labor leaders walked out for six days to defend their rights while on the job. What followed was a brutal clash with Pinkerton “detectives” that ended with dozens of injuries and the slow collapse of the budding union. People died, and the movement didn’t stick, but the conflict left an indelible mark on union organizers and the company leaders who would stop them. Historian Maura Bainbridge explains the particulars, plus why that legacy still matters today.
***This conversation originally published July 6, 2022.
The Battle of Homestead Foundation is commemorating the anniversary tomorrow, July 6 at 6 p.m. at the Pump House in Munhall. No registration or admission necessary — just stop by and enjoy a casual meetup with music and food to discuss and remember the significance of the heroic struggle of workers and townspeople to preserve their dignity, their livelihood and their right to organize.
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For a long time, the birthday of 19th century composer Stephen Foster was a big deal in Pittsburgh. People here were proud that Foster, who was born on July 4th in Lawrenceville, was the popular songwriter behind a bunch of hits at the time — “Beautiful Dreamer,” “Camptown Races,” “O Susanna,” and more. And while Foster himself was not a confederate leader, there was a statue of him in Oakland for 118 years depicting a barefoot Black man playing a banjo at his feet. The controversial piece came down by unanimous decision in 2018, and we wondered where it’s been since. It turns out, there’s a museum director in LA who wants it, and has a plan. We’re with co-curator Hamza Walker of LAXART.
***This conversation originally published June 29, 2022.
Check out the city and surrounding region’s fireworks itineraries here.
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It’s the Friday news roundup! If you’ve been struggling with Pittsburgh’s air quality the past few days, we’ve got a DIY solution to breathing easier. Plus hear more about hometown legend Mac Miller’s posthumous drop and what you can do to welcome fursuiters during Anthrocon this weekend.
We cite our sources:
Confused about Code Red? Here’s a handy explainer on AQI
The effects of ozone vs particulate matter
60 years since the Clean Air Act and what’s going wrong
PA’s poor grades in the American Lung Association’s annual report card
These “toxic ten” are responsible for nearly 80% of industrial air pollution in Allegheny County
KDKA’s catalog of closures due to poor air quality this week
City Cast’s guide to making your own air purifier
Pgh’s favorite convention is Anthrocon
Pittsburgh City Paper on how the Steel City became a furry mecca
Honor a native at the 5th Annual Celebration of Mac Miller
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Pittsburgh is the undisputed ketchup capitol, but it turns out our city can (at least partly) lay claim to one of America’s most recognizable frozen desserts. Brian Butko, director of publications for the Heinz History Center, joins us to share the origin story of the Klondike bar — and how the original 1920s classic compares to today’s iconic, foil-wrapped treat.
Read more about western Pennsylvania grocery history via Brian’s great book, “Isaly's Chipped Ham, Klondikes, and Other Tales from Behind the Counter.”
Klondike is hosting a nationwide contest through July 16 asking fans to post videos and photos on Instagram to find the town with the most creative, community-oriented answer. Learn more in Tuesday’s Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.
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Maybe you played sports in middle school, or maybe it took another 20 years before you found something fitness-y you actually enjoy. For the more than 10,000 older athletes on their way to Pittsburgh for the 2023 National Senior Games next week, it’s a mixed bag! Nancy Brown, coveted volleyball hitter and president of the Senior Olympics of Western PA, explains the community (diverse) and competition (fierce), plus what it takes to find and pursue a sport in your 50s, 60s, and beyond.
Want to see the Senior Games, including basketball, archery, cornhole, and more — and root for the Western PA teams in person? Check them out for free July 7-18 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
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Pittsburgh is a cradle for technology, innovation, and discovery — but that doesn’t mean we love everything AI spits out. From writing poems about Pittsburgh to paranoid comparisons to nuclear weapons, what should we be paying attention to? And what have we learned? Dr. Maarten Sap, an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Language Technology Institute, explains what it means to call something intelligent, why we should be nice to our smart speakers, and if the robot wars aren’t quite on the table yet, what should scare us instead.
The City Cast Pittsburgh crew put ChatGPT to the test. How well do you think it knows the ‘Burgh?
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Early summer is the peak season to buy a house in Pittsburgh, but the process can feel overwhelming. How do you find an agent or figure out your price range? Does a Pittsburgh potty count as a half-bath? What the heck is hand money? Local realtor Jessica Baker joins us to help demystify the home-buying process — and explain why an ugly bathroom or outdated cabinets shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
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Pittsburgh professor Alex Waibel is proud to call himself an explorer, but today he’s mourning. All this week, a lot of the world was sort of obsessed with the rescue efforts for the submersible that went missing on its descent to the Titanic shipwreck. A big part of the problem was how the sub and others like it communicate with would-be support above water, and Waibel had been working on a way to solve that. Last summer, he tested it on Titan, and he planned to return in a few months. Host Megan Harris connected with him from Germany, where he was waiting to hear the fates of his friends and former colleagues alongside everyone else.
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From sandwiches to salads, Pittsburgh has a long history of putting fries on just about everything. But where does this tradition come from? We’re revisiting our conversation with O’Reilly Media’s Sarah Grey, who dug into Pittsburgh’s unique culinary tastes and history for Serious Eats.
Support our advertisers! Join the Art of Living in the special, one-night event Sixth Sense - Meditation & Wisdom with Sri Sri Ravishankar on Thursday, June 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the Omni William Penn. The Art of Living is a non-profit, humanitarian organization they’re active in 180 countries, teaching meditation, non-violence, and service for humanity. Tickets are available at tiny.cc/sixthsensepitt.
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It’s the summer entertainment guide — three weeks of recommendations for what to do in Pittsburgh, and how to do it best. This week, the City Cast team is sharing our top local giftable experiences, including treats and activities to mark Pride, the start of pool season, and more. Here’s where to find all of our top picks: Things to buy:
Shop with pride from local vendors at the Queer Craft Market this Friday at the Union Project in Highland Park.
Learn about dinosaurs, space, art and everything else with a membership to the Carnegie Museums.
Dive into a summer of fun with passes for Allegheny County pools or a tag for Pittsburgh city pools.
Stuff to eat & drink:
Sign up to be in the Queer Beer Club at Necromancer Brewing in Ross Township with deals on drinks and merch.
Cook up a stir fry with your favorite summer veggies at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden.
Capture the taste of summer by fermenting berries for wild soda during the Pickles n’ Pop class at the East End Food Co-op.
Stuff to do:
Attend a pottery workshop with Eva Conrad at the Gay Clay Play Day every other Wednesday.
Pack up your car and head to the drive-in movies to watch your favorite summer blockbusters in Moon Township, Mount Pleasant, Vandergrift or Grindstone.
Go camping at Ohiopyle State Park, where you can also whitewater raft, cruise along incredible bike trails, and ride two natural waterslides. And swing by 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. to rent anything equipment you might need before you head out.
Support our advertisers! Join the Art of Living in the special, one-night event Sixth Sense - Meditation & Wisdom with Sri Sri Ravishankar on Thursday, June 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the Omni William Penn. The Art of Living is a non-profit, humanitarian organization they’re active in 180 countries, teaching meditation, non-violence, and service for humanity. Tickets are available at tiny.cc/sixthsensepitt.
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We’re two weeks out from Pennsylvania’s state budget deadline and a lot is new this year. Like, ahem, the governor himself. We’re with SpotlightPA’s capitol reporter Stephen Caruso to talk about the wildest additions to recent budget seasons (looking at you, Spin scooters), what could get funded this year, and what happens if lawmakers botch the deadline… again.
Support our advertisers! Join the Art of Living in the special, one-night event Sixth Sense - Meditation & Wisdom with Sri Sri Ravishankar on Thursday, June 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the Omni William Penn. The Art of Living is a non-profit, humanitarian organization they’re active in 180 countries, teaching meditation, non-violence, and service for humanity. Tickets are available at tiny.cc/sixthsensepitt.
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It’s the Friday news roundup! The City Cast Pittsburgh team is getting you ready for a weekend worth celebrating. We’re talking about local Juneteenth history and events, Taylor Swift mania, and a bunch of other activities elsewhere in the city to help you avoid the crowds — all while celebrating Father’s Day, the pup in your life, and more.
**Reminder: City Cast won’t be publishing on Monday in observance of Juneteenth.
Special thanks to all the great reporting out there that helps us fuel our shows:
There’s a petition to change the “Iron City Beer” sign to welcome Taylor Swift
The Trib estimates the economic impact of Taylor’s visit to Pittsburgh
Gallup tracked awareness of Juneteenth the first year after it became our newest federal holiday
Pittsburgh Magazine had a great explainer on what happened with Juneteenth vendors and planning
Juneteenth organizer B Marshall told WESA he thinks its about racism
Find more Juneteenth event details here & here
Pride celebrations are happening this weekend in Mt. Lebanon, Bellevue & Lawrenceville
Doors Open in Millvale looks like a blast. Note: Millvale Pride is this weekend
Enter your pup in a gay dog pageant
Celebrate the dad in your life at a Father’s Day BBQ Brunch at The National Aviary
And for music lovers, check out the Franklin Blues & BBQ on Saturday and Sunday
Find links to all of the Taylor Swift-themed goodies in today’s Hey Pittsburgh newsletter or at https://pittsburgh.citycast.fm/
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More farmers and gardeners are growing native plants to increase biodiversity and promote conservation, but for people from other countries, planting the fruits and vegetables that they grew up with in Pittsburgh gives them something else — a sense of home. Rafael Vencio of Amboy Urban Collective tells about his experiments with growing tropical plants from the Philippines in a much colder and grayer climate. Support our advertisers! Join the Art of Living in the special, one-night event Sixth Sense - Meditation & Wisdom with Sri Sri Ravishankar on Thursday, June 22 from 7-9 p.m. at the Omni William Penn. The Art of Living is a non-profit, humanitarian organization they’re active in 180 countries, teaching meditation, non-violence, and service for humanity. Tickets are available at tiny.cc/sixthsensepitt. Want some more Pittsburgh news?
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Summer’s finally here and so is the stress of trying to fit in every warm-weather activity you dreamed about all winter. We’re trying to make things a little easier over here with our summer entertainment guide — three weeks of recommendations for what to do in Pittsburgh, and how to do it best. This week you’re joining us live from the Bottlerocket Social Hall in Allentown where we’re celebrating the best of summer music with the Pittsburgh Independent.
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Three of Pittsburgh’s 18 city pools will stay closed this summer (miss you already, Bloomfield Beach) but there’s still a lot to celebrate. From the best snack options and kiddie areas to the spots in closest proximity to bars, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know ahead of opening weekend. Special shoutout to our guest Jill Terner, aka @jillratespools, for her incredible efforts in 2022 to rate the best pools in the Burgh for The Incline. Check out her iconic rubric and get the skinny on the city’s lifeguard shortage, plus stick around to the end to hear what to expect from her rankings in 2023. Want some more Pittsburgh news?
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Cars were essential in the early 20th century — not just to get Black folks from A to B, but as a key part of establishingmobility, freedom, and a place in the middle class. But even with a car, travelers had to be careful where they stopped, relying on resources like the Green Book to tell them where they might be welcomed. Tony Norman, a columnist for NEXTpittsburgh, joins us to talk about two new exhibits at the Frick Car & Carriage Museum and the Heinz History Center, plus his piece honoring Pittsburgh’s place in the Great Migration.
If you want to learn more about how Black Pittsburgh revolutionized emergency care, check out our episode on the Freedom House Ambulance Service.
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It’s the Friday news roundup! A local program for movie and theater professionals is getting a reboot, we’ve found yet another thing the state is worst at (lyme disease, eep!), and there’s a new multi-million proposal to study exactly how to replace our city’s thousands of sodium-vapor streetlights over the next few years.
Thanks to all those who’ve done the great reporting we discussed today:
Julia Felton in the Trib on potential plans to convert the city’s streetlights to LED lights
Emily Payne with CMU on an ordinance to dim Pittsburgh’s light pollution
Our interview with Dark Sky Defender Diane Turnshek
Karen Hicks in StateImpact Pennsylvania on PA leading the nation in Lyme disease
Bill O’Driscoll in WESA on the new workforce training program from the Pittsburgh Film Office and Pittsburgh Public Theater
Maria Sciullo in Pittsburgh Magazine on our city's status as “Hollywood on the Mon”
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Summer is the perfect time for an ice cold brew, and it turns out many of the top producers in the country are right here in Pennsylvania. Host Megan Harris joins City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri to break down Pittsburgh’s local craft brewery boom and sample some of the best beers in the commonwealth.
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Summer’s finally here and so is the stress of trying to fit in every warm-weather activity you dreamed about all winter. We’re gonna try to make things a little easier over the next three weeks with our summer entertainment guide full ofrecommendations for what to do in Pittsburgh, and how to do them best. Today, we’re starting with a guide to the best guided tours in the Steel City.
Find more info on them all here:
Burgh Bus
Bike the Burgh & Golden Triangle Bike Tours
Molly’s Trolley
Double decker hop-on, hop-off bus
Pirate ship
Doors Open new Clipper tour
Cruisin tikis
City Brew Tours
Wigle Whiskey Tour
‘Burgh Bits & Bites food tour
Carrie Furnace
Frick House & Museum
Allegheny Observatory
Observatory Hill House Tour
Mexican War Streets House & Garden Tour
Nationality rooms
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Friday is National Donut Day, and we’re celebrating early. The City Cast crew tasted 21 different donuts from all corners of Pittsburgh, including old standards like cinnamon sugar and glazed plus more creative fare like huckleberry and buckeye. Which would be crowned your favorite? Special thanks to all the shops we sampled, plus those we missed that were recommended by our Hey Pittsburgh readers:
West End: Better Maid (Crafton Heights) and Big Daddy’s Donuts (Crafton)
East End: Olivers (Lawrenceville), Kaibur (Polish Hill), Dana's (Homewood), Stoeckleins (Penn Hills)
South Hills: Just Good Donuts (South Side), Party Cake (Brookline), Grand View Bakery (Mt. Washington), Duck Donuts (Upper St. Clair), Madsen (Castle Shannon & South Fayette)
North Hills: Father & Son Family Bakery (Observatory Hill), Lincoln Bakery (Bellevue), Oakmont Bakery (Oakmont), Oram's (Beaver Falls)
Take our survey! We’re doing an audience survey to learn more about our listeners. It only takes 5 minutes. Anyone who finishes can enter to win a $250 Visa gift card. That’s at citycast.fm/survey Want some more Pittsburgh news?
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It’s the Friday news roundup! Today the team’s discussing the controversy around funds for Pittsburgh parks, why Republicans will have a (temporary) majority in the state House even though Democrats won control, and where to get local holiday gifts.As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism.Ladimir Garcia, Terryaun Bell, and Jack Troy with PublicSource on the city’s park tax: https://www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-budget-city-parks-tax-conservancy-mayor-ed-gainey-equity/Kiley Koscinski with WESA discussing park funding on The Confluence: https://www.wesa.fm/show/the-confluence/2022-11-30/pittsburgh-parks-conservancy-questions-citys-spending-of-parks-tax-funding-on-equipmentStephen Caruso with Spotlight PA on why PA Dems will lose their majority in the state house, at least temporarily: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2022/11/pa-election-2022-results-democrat-house-control-speaker-election/ and https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2022/11/pa-election-2022-democrats-majority-summer-lee-austin-davis/Stephen Caruso’s interview on The Confluence: https://www.wesa.fm/show/the-confluence/2022-11-23/airport-travel-is-up-but-not-yet-rivaling-pre-pandemic-passenger-volumeChris Potter with WESA on the debate over setting a special election date to replace late state rep. Tony DeLuca: https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2022-12-01/special-election-scheduled-for-late-pa-rep-tony-delucas-seat Our own Francesca Dabecco’s list of local holiday markets: https://us14.campaign-archive.com/?u=47857f2c492a1dda05a4762b9&id=1fd734c75aOur newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Between eggnog, spiked cider, and mulled wine, the holiday season is a time for cheers and indulgence. But for those of you who prefer to take part in the happiest season sober - or just want the occasional break from booze - the City Cast team is rounding up our favorite Pittsburgh mocktails. Plus, we answer the question: what's the fuss about a fussfungle and why should more Pittsburghers know about this drink?In today's episode we mentioned these restaurants, bars and bottle shops:Open RoadOnion MaidenThe Foundry Hidden HarborYuzuAddaKayaBar BotanicoPusadee’s GardenAptekaSporkOur newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh!Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tereneh Idia has been a voice for local Black women through her art and writing, but she is taking a break from the city. In her last column for the Pittsburgh City Paper, she decided to answer a question she's been posed before: “What would I tell a Black woman about moving to Pittsburgh?" Idia opens up to us about the challenges of being a Black woman in our city and where she's headed next.
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The Pittsburgh Glass Center may be the hottest recurring character on reality shows this year. The local institution has been renowned in the glass art community for years, but the average Pittsburgher might not have realized what a gem we had in our city. That changed with shows like Netflix’s “Blown Away” and the Disney+ Christmas Special “Best in Snow,” which feature glass artists from the center.
Heather McElwee, the executive director of Pittsburgh Glass Center, joins us to talk about what the exposure has meant for the art studio, what it was like to be a guest judge on "Blown Away," and how Pittsburghers can try their hands at glassmaking this holiday season.
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Getting a tattoo requires trust and vulnerability, and some tattoo artists have taken advantage of that. The #TattooMeToo movement started several years ago, when women and queer folks began speaking up about the sexual abuse they’ve faced in tattoo shops.
Around that time, local tattoo artist Susie Humphrey opened Sanctuary in Lawrenceville with the goal of providing a safe space for people to get inked. Susie joins us to talk about what it takes to build an inclusive tattoo studio.
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Let’s face it, the holiday season can be stressful. Whether you’re visiting family or spending it alone, we’ve got tips on how to find peace this winter from former Pittsburgh ballerina Eva Trapp, who left the competitive dance world to found the new Sneha Yoga and Wellness Collective in Lawrenceville.
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In the 1960s, sick or injured people would get taken to the hospital in the backseat of a cop car or hearse — if they were picked up at all. It wasn’t until a trailblazing group of Black men from the Hill District started saving lives in their own community that the country began to develop a system for emergency medicine. Known as the Freedom House Ambulance Service, this team of Pittsburghers became the nation’s very first paramedics. Kevin Hazzard, author of “American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America’s First Paramedics,” joins us to talk about the group’s lasting legacy in our city and beyond.
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Have you ever gotten a tattoo that you regret? It's the risk that comes with permanently inking your skin, and local tattoo artist Jess Scutella wants to help cover up harmful imagery. They join us to talk about designing beautiful coverup tattoos, free of charge, for people who've had a change of heart and want to erase symbols of hate or violence on their body. You can find Jess on Instagram and at Kyklops Tattoo on the South Side. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the Friday news roundup! The team's getting you prepped for Light Up Night this weekend, sharing some fun funicular history as we wait for the Monongahela Incline to reopen, teasing a cool new walking tour on Downtown’s Fourth Avenue, and tackling how to have a holiday with less food waste. As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism.
Our own Francesca Dabecco on how to help your hungry neighbors: https://us14.campaign-archive.com/?u=47857f2c492a1dda05a4762b9&id=eae0a4d5da
And Thanksgiving takeout options: https://us14.campaign-archive.com/?u=47857f2c492a1dda05a4762b9&id=bda7890da8 & https://us14.campaign-archive.com/?u=47857f2c492a1dda05a4762b9&id=dd44dff26c
Katie Blackley in WESA on the rise and fall of Pittsburgh’s inclines: https://www.wesa.fm/arts-sports-culture/2018-08-07/the-rise-and-fall-of-pittsburghs-inclines
Ed Blazina in the Pittsburgh Union Progress on upgrades to the Mon incline: https://www.unionprogress.com/2022/11/14/mon-incline-may-open-for-light-up-night-but-work-remains-to-be-done/
Julia Felton in the Tribune-Review on Light Up Night plans: https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-unveils-plans-for-light-up-night-saturday/
Richard Cook in Pittsburgh Magazine on weekend road closures: https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/want-to-know-which-roads-will-be-closed-this-weekend-for-light-up-night/
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We just had our first snow day in Pittsburgh! While some local ski bums might be ready to hit the slopes, both Seven Springs and Hidden Valley are set to open later than in previous years. Why? You can probably guess: climate change. Vail Resorts, which bought both hills, announced that they wouldn’t open Seven Springs until after Thanksgiving and Hidden Valley until December 23rd. Charles Donnellan, the head coach of Western Pennsylvania Racing Club, is here to talk about what change looks like on the hill.
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Dietary restrictions and food allergies can be a real damper on all of the delicious holiday dishes, but they don’t have to be. Pittsburgh food blogger Liz Fetchin is with us to dish on all of the allergy-friendly recipes in her new e-cookbook, An Octofree Thanksgiving. With a grocery list, timeline, and alternatives to comforting classics, Fetchin will have you ready to serve everyone at your table this season. Follow Fetchin on Instagram at @octofree and buy her e-book at https://octofree.com/shop/. You can find our episode on the Ethane Cracker in Beaver County here: https://pod.link/citycastpittsburgh/episode/15bef512652791d0755c2c9feaf1b475 Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pittsburgh’s immigration court closed six months ago, forcing people to either travel across the state to make their case in Philadelphia or attend their hearings virtually, which can be a challenge for immigrants without a computer or stable internet connection. Laura Perkins from the Latino advocacy group Casa San Jose joins us to discuss where things stand six months since the closure and how her team has stepped up to fill in the gaps.
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From sandwiches to salads, Pittsburgh has a long history of putting fries on just about everything. City Cast Pittsburgh host Morgan Moody speaks with Sarah Grey, a development editor for O'Reilly Media, about the city’s obsession with fries. You can read her fantastic article about Pittsburgh’s unique culinary tastes and history here.
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It’s the Friday news roundup! A blue wave swept through Pennsylvania on Election Day. Democrats won both the races for governor and U.S. Senate, and they even seem poised to take back control of the State House. City Cast Pittsburgh host Morgan Moody and City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri speak with Spotlight PA’s Capitol Reporter Stephen Caruso about what the blue wave means for the future of politics in Pennsylvania.
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Funeral director Sarah McAlee is a soup-lebrity on the North Side. She goes by brothmonger, and you’ll have to sign up for her newsletter if you want to where to snag her hearty creations. Hear about her journey from the morbid kid to comfort-maker-in-chief, plus all her best-kept, soup-making secrets.
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Ahead of the election, all eyes were on the Keystone State thanks to competitive races for US Senate, governor, and more. So, what happened yesterday? From the gubernatorial race to local contests, the City Cast Pittsburgh team is breaking down which way the swing state swung. If you want to read up a bit more on our elections, WESA has been covering them in detail.
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This time of year stinks in Pittsburgh, and not just because it’s election season. City Cast Pittsburgh producer Elizabeth Kauma is with Ana Hoffman, Director of Air Quality Engagement at CMU’s CREATE Lab, to talk about the other source of stench in our city: pollution. The CREATE Lab worked on an app that lets Pittsburghers report and track smells across the county.
Here is the link to check whether you mail-in ballot was undated or had the wrong date: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/elections/incorrect,-no-date-ballots.aspx
And here's more information on what to do if you need to fix your ballot: https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2022-11-06/allegheny-county-posts-lists-of-voters-whose-mail-in-ballots-are-at-risk-offers-remedy
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Mid-term elections are tomorrow! While our statewide races are getting a lot of national attention, we wanted to help you make sense of some of the local contests and ballot questions that matter. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is breaking downeverything you need to know ahead of November 8th.
Here are a few great resources for getting up to speed on the election:
Pittsburgh City Paper’s Election Guide: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/election-guide/Category?oid=14973309
WESA’s Voter Guide: https://www.wesa.fm/pa-election-guide-2022
PublicSource on the Wilkinsburg ballot question: https://www.publicsource.org/wilkinsburg-home-rule-ballot-question-referendum-november-annexation-pittsburgh/
You can check your voter registration status, polling locations, and districts here: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/voterregistrationstatus.aspx
And you can find our episode about Wilkinsburg and annexation here: https://pod.link/citycastpittsburgh/episode/3e2d20781f0bd725cdf199515fd314b5
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It’s the Friday news roundup! Election Day is around the corner, so our own Morgan Moody is breaking down some of the biggest statewide races with the help of City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri. Looking to move past the ridiculous campaign ads, cut through the misinformation, and get down to where the candidates actual stand on important issues? We’ve got you covered.
As always, our Friday shows are powered by great journalism.
Steven Lee Meyers in the New York Times on disinformation in PA elections: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/31/technology/midterm-disinformation-pennsylvania.html
Katie Meyer in WHYY on Shapiro and Mastriano’s stances on crime: https://whyy.org/articles/pa-governor-midterm-election-shapiro-mastriano-on-gun-trafficking-crime-public-safety/
Charles Thompson in PennLive on Mastriano’s approach to the opioid epidemic: https://www.pennlive.com/news/2022/06/doug-mastriano-touts-three-part-plan-to-fight-opioid-abuse-in-capitol-appearance.html
Caroline Vakil for The Hill on Oz closing gap with Fetterman in new Pennsylvania poll https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/3694903-oz-closes-gap-with-fetterman-in-new-pennsylvania-poll/
Bo Koltnow with WFMZ on Dr. Oz ads criticizing opponent John Fetterman's stance on criminal justice reform https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/pennsylvania/behind-the-ballot-dr-oz-ads-criticize-opponent-john-fettermans-stance-on-criminal-reform/article_8b80ed34-2e2d-11ed-9996-d34781b33cab.html
Matt Enright in the York Dispatch on more women registering to vote in Pa. since Roe reversal https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2022/09/12/more-women-registering-vote-pa-since-roe-reversal-changing-political-dynamic/8021956001/
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A new Pittsburgh-shot film is premiering this weekend! “Dear Zoe” follows Tess, a teenage girl played by “StrangerThings” star Sadie Sink, who grapples with the tragic death of her younger sister, Zoe. It’s based on the book by Pittsburgh author Philip Beard, who joins us to talk about what inspired the story and how it got to the big screen. Plus, our very own Morgan Moody talks about her experience working on set. The Oaks Theater in Oakmont is holding a special screening of “Dear Zoe” tonight at 7:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. You can also catch the film at The Manor Theatre, Waterworks, Cranberry, and Century Square Luxury cinemas. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
While Philly sports teams are killing it on the other side of the state, Pittsburgh’s on the struggle bus. And we’re wondering: would things be different if we had a professional basketball team? So we’re revisiting our conversation with Steel City transplant Tyler Batiste about the ‘Burgh’s on-court legacy and whether — someday — we just might get a team of our own.
Tyler is the managing editor of the Athletic's NBA vertical. You can check out all his basketball coverage here: https://theathletic.com/author/tyler-batiste/
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It’s officially raccoon hunting season in Pennsylvania. While these garbage-loving creatures make some of us uneasy, wildlife advocates want us to think twice before laying traps. Rebecca Reid, cofounder of Scrap the Trap, is here to talk about dealing with our furry frenemies more humanely.
Here are Rebecca’s top tips for responsible wildlife management:
Think preventatively. Just because you don’t have wildlife issues now doesn’t mean you won’t later, so inspect your house for any holes in or around your basement and keep your doors closed.
If you have urban agriculture, protect it. Try putting a wobbly fence around your vegetable garden; if a fence is too structurally sound, creatures can easily climb it and munch on your future lunch. Another fun fact: hardware cloth will keep your poultry protected better than chicken wire.
If you don’t want a raccoons biting into your old banana bread, wait to put your garbage out until collection day or keep your trash secured.
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George Romero’s 1968 movie “Night of The Living Dead” is a cult classic. The horror flick is considered the godfather of the flesh-eating zombie genre and it was filmed in Pittsburgh with local talent. Judith O’Dea, better known as Barbara in the movie, may have been turned into a ghoul in the end, but she’s joining us to talk about what it was like making the iconic film. Consider this your Halloween treat!
You can catch a Halloween screening of "Night of the Living Dead" tonight at 7:05 p.m. at Row House Cinema.
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It’s the Friday news roundup! Prepping for Election Day is stressful but not to worry, the City Cast team is clearing up some candidate confusion and talking about important voting deadlines. Plus, we’re learning why Pittsburgh pigeonsshould be revered and discussing the the Pens’ 90s throwback jerseys.
As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism.
Pigeons at Acrisure Stadium: https://triblive.com/sports/faster-than-a-steeler-or-buccaneer-a-flock-of-pigeons-stayed-in-the-game-sunday/
Rob Rossi’s article for the Athletic about the Robo Penguins logo: https://theathletic.com/3709886/2022/10/20/penguins-reverse-retro-jersey/
Where to see your sample ballot on the Allegheny County website: https://apps.alleghenycounty.us/website/ElectPollPlace.aspx
The City and State PA explainer on the Keystone Party: https://www.cityandstatepa.com/politics/2022/08/what-keystone-party-city-state-explainer/376294/
More Information about the saga of the two Mike Doyles: https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2022-10-13/mike-doyle-pa-congress-2022-election
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Four years ago today, a gunman killed 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill. The city of Pittsburgh, and especially the Jewish community, is still grappling with grief from that tragic day. City Cast’s Mallory Falk grew up attending services there. She spoke with Maggie Feinstein, director of the 10.27 Healing Partnership, about how to process heavy emotions and honor the memory of those we lost.
The 10.27 Healing Partnership is hosting a Commemoration Ceremony at 4 p.m. this afternoon on Prospect Drive at Schenley Park. You can find more information here: https://1027healingpartnership.org/event/commemoration-ceremony/
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After years of teaching abstinence as the “expected norm,” Pittsburgh Public Schools recently updated its sex ed curriculum to be more comprehensive and inclusive. But some of our listeners are still scarred by what they learned — or didn’t! — in schools throughout the region. Mary Jo Podgurski, director of the Washington Health System Teen Outreach Program, is the sex ed teacher we wish we had. With the help of listeners’ stories, she breaks down some of the most harmful lessons young people can receive in sex ed, how schools should be approaching the subject, and why it all got so complicated in the first place. In today’s newscast, we mention our June episode on how the pandemic widened learning gaps in Pittsburgh. You can listen here: https://pod.link/citycastpittsburgh/episode/6022e188d65db755d5562e0910d78aa6 Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Does it seem like election ads are getting worse and more unavoidable every election...and like candidates get away with stretching the truth or outright lying? Stephen Caruso, Capitol Reporter for Spotlight PA, is here to talk about the wild claims ads make, who they're intended for, and what the memeification of campaigns could mean for future elections. You can find all of Stephen's election coverage here: https//www.spotlightpa.org/authors/stephen-caruso/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Both state officials and Bigfoot believers have a bone to pick with a batch of fraudulent flyers posted across Pennsylvania state parks and forests since August. Trib reporter Mary Ann Thomas explains the dangers and what both sides see as an affront to wildlife management.
Check out Mary Ann’s reporting here: https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-officials-bigfoot-isnt-lurking-in-pennsylvania-parks-and-forests-fake-flyers-reported/
And a website run by Bigfoot researcher Stan Gordon here: https://www.stangordon.info/wp/
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It’s the Friday news roundup! If you’re scrambling to come up with a last-minute Halloween costume and plans, we’ve got you covered. The team has everything you need for a scary weekend, from pumpkin carving tips to Pittsburgh-centric costume ideas to bone-chilling events and parties for all ages.
Check out the Halloween activities we mentioned in the show:
Brendan Conaway aka Pittsburgh Pumpkin Guy will be live carving pumpkins all around tahn. You can get the full rundown of events on his Facebook page.
Buffalo Bill’s House is holding guided tours on Halloween weekend.
Check out our episode all about the “cinematic destination” where some of the most iconic scenes from Silence of Lambs were shot: https://pod.link/citycastpittsburgh/episode/bbbec4bcf6f7f7c1fe50d6ad47c25a94
Southside Works and Fred Rogers Productions are hosting a full day of free family fun with pumpkin carving and painting, a Great Pumpkin Patch, and an outdoor screening of new Halloween programming on 10/22.
The event will also celebrate the 10th anniversary of “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.” Check out our episode all about that: https://pod.link/citycastpittsburgh/episode/ed8fef927fb61a930d76a6745e00fc4f
POGOH is hosting a Bike or Treat Halloween Scavenger Hunt on 10/29.
Beers of the Burgh and Brew Gentleman are throwing a Scary Furnace Halloween Party at Carrie Blast Furnaces on 10/22.
Arie Cole will be DJ-ing at Zombie Prom on 10/28 and Slappers N Bangers on 10/29.
Cobra is hosting a Halloween party on 10/29.
Pittsburgh’s ultimate haunted house, ScareHouse, is open Friday-Sunday through early November.
And here's Lisa Cunningham's statement on her departure from Pittsburgh City Paper: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TZQI5gNB5l3bANdsTwBWIJwNll0wKXG7nTNyVmm11o8/edit Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ten years ago, a new children’s show premiered on PBS starring 4-year-old Daniel Tiger, the animated son of the beloved puppet from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The series was the first TV show from Fred Rogers Productions since Rogers died in 2003, and the team behind it wanted to honor his legacy while reinventing the neighborhood for a new generation. Chris Loggins, supervising producer on “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” talks about his creative process, shares some Pittsburgh Easter eggs in the series, and invites the city to help celebrate 10 years of a fuzzy new friend. Stop by South Side Works on Saturday for a family-friendly celebration, including show trivia, art, a Great Pumpkin Patch, pumpkin carving, and more — plus a free outdoor screening of new Halloween programming at 5:30 p.m. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What would it mean to lose a fixture in Pittsburgh news? It's a grim future we’re getting a glimpse of as portions of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette newsroom, represented by the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh, walked out in the city’s biggest newspaper strike since 1992. NEXTPittsburgh media columnist Andrew Conte joins us to talk about how this will affect the community — and working journalists — who depend on the outlet to “tell our stories from birth to death and everything in between.” City Paper did a great write-up about the labor strike, which more deeply considers the perspective of folks who are opting out of the strike: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/post-gazette-reporters-leave-union-over-striking-disputes/Content?oid=22630472 Here's the PG's 30th anniversary story about the Pittsburgh Press strike in 1992: https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/insight/2022/05/22/great-newspaper-strike-30-years-later-post-gazette-press/stories/202205220031 This is the fantastic Art Rooney investigation that explores how the Steelers founder made his initial fortune. We learned belatedly that it was written by journalist Sean Hamill: https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/investigation-art-rooney-steelers/ And if you're curious about all those references to Styx's "Renegade," check out our episode on the song's affect on the Steelers here: https://pod.link/citycastpittsburgh/episode/ce46373ef70afbba6a6d53a4755f75ee Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We can’t stop talking about ghosts during spooky season, but we’re inviting City Cast contributor Rossilynne Skena Culgan on the pod to discuss a different kind of ghost…the faded old-timey advertisements on building across Pittsburgh known as ghost signs. A self-proclaimed ghost sign hunter, Rossilynne shares how these relics help us learn more about our history and what it could mean if we lose them.
You can check out Rossilynne’s photos of these fading local treasures on Instagram @ghostsigngrrl
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From having the most coffee shops per capita to being center stage for the coffee union movement, the Steel City has a lot to celebrate in its 8th annual Coffee Week. City Cast’s Francesca Dabecco and Morgan Moody share some fun history, plus lots of events all focused on community collaboration. Here's where they're getting a boo and a brew.
Coffee & wine tasting at Adda in the North Side | Today | 7 p.m.
Movie night at Redhawk in Sharpsburg | Today | 7 p.m.
Aeropress competition at Colombino Coffee in the Strip District | Tomorrow | 5 p.m.
Coffee release celebration at La Prima in Downtown | Wednesday | 5 p.m.
Sustainability seminar at KLVN Coffee Lab in Larimer | Thursday | 5 p.m.
Coffee & cocktails at De Fer in the Strip District | Friday | 6 p.m.
Plant popup at Hilltop Coffee in Arlington | Saturday | 10 a.m.
Closing party & latte art throwdown at Trace Brewing in Bloomfield | Saturday | 11 a.m.
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It’s the Friday news roundup! The team is talking about John Fetterman’s first on-air interview since his stroke — and the ableist response — plus the Penguins’ return to the ice. We also explain why Pennsylvania’s the best place in the world for fall foliage. (No, really!) If you want to read up on some of today’s topics, check ‘em aht!
Buzzfeed on ableism in Fetterman rhetoric: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/davidmack/fetterman-nbc-closed-captioning-ableism
More on the history of how politicians’ medical records became a common part of campaigns: https://time.com/4472265/clinton-trump-health-reports-history/
Pennsylvania DCNR’s latest fall foliage report: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Conservation/ForestsAndTrees/FallFoliageReports/Pages/default.aspx
And two great lists for spots around Pittsburgh to peep your heart out, HERE: https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/a-leaf-peepers-paradise-your-ultimate-guide-to-fall-foliage-in-pittsburgh-and-beyond/ and HERE: https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2022/10/15/best-fall-foliage-spots-pa/stories/202210140087
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this episode said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was the longest tenured coach in the NFL. We fixed it, but thought you might wanna know — he’s actually the second longest. New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has been with that team for 22 years. So Tomlin’s gotta log a few more in the hot seat before he catches up! Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Did you know Pittsburgh is the backdrop for one of the most thrilling horror movies ever made? The Silence of the Lambs was mostly filmed around Pittsburgh in the early 1990s. When the house of the film’s skin-conscious serial killer, Buffalo Bill, went up for sale a couple of years ago, a fan bought it. Filmmaker Chris Rowan recreated parts of the set — including the infamous basement well — and converted the house into a “boutique accommodation and cinematic destination.” City Cast’s Mallory Falk and Morgan Moody join him for a tour. Dying to learn more about Buffalo Bill’s? Chris is leading special guided house tours on Halloween weekend. You can book a tour here: https://buffalobillshouse.com/upcoming-tours/ He’s also hosting an event with paranormal investigator Brian J. Cano on Halloween eve. Snag a ticket here: https://buffalobillshouse.com/upcoming-events/ You can book an overnight stay at the Buffalo Bill House here: https://buffalobillshouse.com Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There’s a locally developed app called Dashcam for your Bike and it works by recording your rides and reporting any hazards like cars parked in bike lanes, to 3-1-1. One of those reports showing a Pittsburgh police officer parked in the bike lane, and when the creator of the app—Armin Samii— approached him about moving it, the officer told him to “get a life.” We spoke with Samii about the incident, cyclist safety in Pittsburgh, and what we can all do to make the city more bike friendly. Here is a link to the full Video, and here is a link Dashcam for your Bike’s website. You can download the app here. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Steel City loves to revel in its own history, but many of those stories are rooted in colonialism and the generations of immigration that followed. Why don’t we learn more about the Native peoples who preceded them? The Council of Three Rivers Indian American Center’s Miguel Sague is with City Cast’s Elizabeth Kauma to talk about whose land we’re actually on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the Friday news roundup! Do you know the history of the Point of View statue on Mt. Washington? Plus, a judge ruled city officials can remove the Christopher Columbus statue in Schenley Park after years of fighting, and one of Pittsburgh’s native sons is on the docket for the U.S. Supreme Court. As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism.
A good primer on the Andy Warhol case via The Art Newspaper: https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2022/10/05/supreme-court-briefs-andy-warhol-lynn-goldsmith-prince
TribLIVE’s Paula Reed Ward on the decision to remove Columbus from Schenley Park: https://triblive.com/local/judge-pittsburgh-officials-have-right-to-remove-christopher-columbus-statue-in-schenley-park/
And check out Francesca’s list of ways to honor Indigenous People’s Day in Thursday’s newsletter. (And please subscribe if you don’t already!) https://mailchi.mp/citycast/pollutions-effect-on-the-allegheny-alligator?e=1673fc6220
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If you find yourself Downtown and need to use the bathroom, you might be out of luck. Journalist Adam Smeltz gets into the findings and what the city is doing to provide solutions for safe, clean restrooms for the unhoused, as well as people visiting areas like the Golden Triangle. Read the full piece here, which includes great data from Point Park University: https://www.pittsburghmagazine.com/what-should-be-done-about-the-lack-of-public-restrooms-in-downtown-pittsburgh/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We love spooky season, but lots of local and regional haunts make us feel sorta gross. Across the nation, many former prisons and psychiatric hospitals, including a few near us, have been revamped into haunted houses that rely on the cruel, scary, and sensational aspects of prison life to entertain. We're with journalist Hope Corrigan, who wrote a story about it all for The Marshall Project. Here is a link if you want to give it a read: https://www.themarshallproject.org/2022/06/09/rethinking-prison-tourism Hope also recommends checking out Clint Smith’s book, How the Word is Passed, for more on "prison tourism." Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up at https://pittsburgh.citycast.fm. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
SCOTUS is back in session this week, but what does that mean for us in PA? Oh, you know, just our basic human rights, plus a couple very nerdy process cases that could affect our elections for years to come. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Morgan Moody are chatting through what to watch out for this coming term. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sweater weather is already here in the burrrrgh and you can find some real gems if you’re into thrifting. Christen Malone, aka the Thrifty Yinzer, joins us to share her tips and tricks for scoring the best vintage and secondhand items in the city — and to explain why thrifting is about more than just saving a few bucks. Plus, she offers the ultimate guide to garbage picking for gold.
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It’s the Friday news roundup! The City Cast pod-squad is talking the Pittsburgh Zine Fair and federal funding for better internet access and speed in PA, plus we pay homage to the legendary rapper Coolio, who we were shocked to learn was born here in the 'Burgh. As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism.
Kiley Koscinski with WESA on the Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition: https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2022-09-28/pittsburgh-allegheny-county-to-develop-plan-to-confront-digital-inequity-by-2027
Charlotte Keith in SpotlightPA on federal funding for broadband, broadband maps, Pennsylvania’s outdated broadband definition, and more: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2022/09/pennsylvania-broadband-internet-expansion-map/
And WESA's The Confluence where an expert calls the broadband maps “pretty much bunk:” https://www.wesa.fm/show/the-confluence/2022-09-22/the-state-legislature-could-establish-a-statewide-rape-kit-tracking-system
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Thanks to climate change, the seasonal part of “seasonal allergies” is a bit of a misnomer in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our newest producer, Elizabeth Kauma, explains what local plants are likely to get a reaction out of you, plus and what you can do to stop the achoo! Here's the state’s take on how to control and identify any ragweed in your neck of the woods! https://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Air/BAQ/GeneralInformation/Pollen/Pages/Ragweed-Control.aspx Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pittsburgh-area teachers often spend their own (very hard-earned) money on classroom supplies. But twice a year, they can stop by the Education Partnership’s Teacher Resource Center and fill up shopping carts with everything their hearts’ desire — from notebooks and glue sticks to Clorox wipes and air purifiers — at no personal cost. City Cast’s Mallory Falk and Morgan Moody visited the center and spoke with executive director Josh Whiteside, program director Sarah McKay, and several teachers about how the nonprofit supports students and schools in need. And the partnership is always looking for donations. Learn how you can help in today’s newsletter. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Shell is opening an Ethane Cracker in Beaver County, but we still have some questions. Like why here, in Western Pennsylvania of all places? How it will impact jobs and our rivers? And what does an ethane cracker even… do? The Allegheny Front’s Reid Frazier is with us to explain why the plant picked us, and what it means for both the economy and wellbeing of our region. Check out the great reporting from he and his colleagues here. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
From the courthouse to the Clark Building, Doors Open Pittsburgh lets Pittsburgh get nebby about all kinds of Downtown spaces, including theaters, government offices, artist spaces, hotels, bank vaults, and more. This year’s event takes place Saturday, October 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We're with Bonnie Baxter, founder and executive director with a few of her favorites on this year's list. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the Friday news roundup! This week, we dive deep into Banned Books Week, explore the intersection of race and policing in Pittsburgh through film, and celebrate a regional, indigenous delicacy, the pawpaw fruit! As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism.
Our own Mallory Falk in WHYY on student organizing against a book ban: https://whyy.org/episodes/schooled-after-the-spotlight-book-ban/
Emily Rizzo with WHYY on the anatomy of a school book ban: https://whyy.org/episodes/schooled-from-covid-to-censorship-bucks-county/
Ariana Figueroa in the Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Pennsylvania book bans: https://www.penncapital-star.com/dc-bureau/pa-a-national-leader-as-an-unprecedented-flood-of-book-bans-engulfs-u-s-school-districts/
The Allegheny Front’s story about the indigenous roots of pawpaws: https://www.alleghenyfront.org/searching-for-the-pawpaws-indigenous-roots/
Grow Pittsburgh’s Garden Dreams pawpaw tasting: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pawpaw-parties-at-garden-dreams-tickets-408013508387?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
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Billboards, discos, murals, and more will light up Pittsburgh over the next six months as part of the 58th Carnegie International. This year's iteration Is it morning for you yet? features new local, national, and global commissions, plus historical works from institutions and estates. Dana Bishop-Root, the Carnegie Museum of Art’s director of education and public programs, shares her local favorites and what to watch for ahead of the opening bash this weekend. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For most organizations, an expansive job training program might be enough, but not the Hazelwood nonprofit Community Kitchen Pittsburgh. Executive director and founder Jennifer Flanagan says everything they do — from hunger relief and catering to running a cafe and butchery — is about empowering people to work through life change and rewarding those efforts with a strong, growing wage. Plus, student Christopher Hickman shares the tea on his favorite class and what it might take to convince his dad to try jerk chicken. Hungry for more? Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Roughly 20% of Pittsburgh land and 10% in Allegheny County is owned by nonprofits exempt from paying property taxes, including UPMC and Allegheny Health Network, as well as major universities like Pitt, CMU, and Duquesne. Officials say that missing money is holding local government back from supplying necessary services that benefit the whole community. PublicSource reporter Emma Folts is on to explain how we got here and what could come next. A co-report via city and county governments this year outlined the issue. Check it out here: https://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/redtail/images/18106_PILOT_Special_Report_Final.pdf And read Emma and her colleagues’ full reporting here: https://www.publicsource.org/category/the-exempt-dilemma/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There’s a path that takes you from Pittsburgh to D.C. with almost no car traffic — you just have to bike a few hundred miles. The Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath lead you over railroad bridges, through a national park, and along a waterway where mules used to pull barges, all while passing little towns with hotels and cafes that cater to cyclists. Sebastian Modak, the editor-at-large for Lonely Planet, recently wrote about the 335-mile journey. He joins us to explain why this trail is a great place to start if you’d like to try your first (really) long bike trip. Check out Sebastian’s story, “Finding a different tempo on a bike ride from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC.” Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the Friday news roundup! This week, the City Cast team is talking about how city officials are tackling what they call an open-air drug market in Downtown; why hundreds of nursing home workers went on strike across the state; and how the Carnegie Science Center is paying homage to George Romero with a mini “Night of the Living Dead” model. As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism. This week, check out:
Andy Sheehan with KDKA on the “open-air drug market”: https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/pittsburgh-drug-dealing-homeless-encampments-fort-duquesne-boulevard/
Stephen Caruso in Spotlight PA on the lead-up to the nursing home worker strike: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2022/09/pa-nursing-home-strike-taxpayer-money-transparency/
Sarah Boden with WESA on nursing home workers’ new contracts: https://www.wesa.fm/health-science-tech/2022-09-13/after-striking-for-a-week-plus-workers-at-22-nursing-homes-have-a-contract
Joshua Axelrod in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on the George Romero tribute: https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/movies/2022/09/13/carnegie-science-center-miniature-railroad-village-night-of-the-living-dead-evans-city/stories/202209130006
Our own Francesca Dabecco with places to get pumpkins & find fall fests in the City Cast Pittsburgh newsletter: https://us14.campaign-archive.com/?u=47857f2c492a1dda05a4762b9&id=7b39e3a496
Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The national 988 hotline, which went live in July, provides free and confidential emotional support for people with mental health emergencies. But as it's been rolled out, crisis intervention centers that handle the calls say they're in need of more staff and other resources. We're with Dr. Jack Rozel, medical director of resolve Crisis Services in Allegheny County, to talk about the promise and pitfalls of the new hotline.
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Can you imagine sitting down with a crispy plate of fries, reaching for your trusty bottle of ketchup, and watching it explode? It was a real problem in the late 19th century! But our very own H.J. Heinz figured it out — or rather, he had one very special fan who did it for him. We're with writer Sam Lin-Sommer of Gastro Obscura to talk about how it all went down. Check out his story, “When Every Ketchup But One Went Extinct,” which draws a ton from a book by Andrew F. Smith called “Pure Ketchup: A History of America’s National Condiment.” Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the rest of this month, people with non-violent cannabis convictions can apply for clemency through the “Marijuana Pardon Project.” But those charges generally come compounded with a slew of other ones. So realistically, how many people are actually going to benefit? City Cast Pittsburgh & City Cast Philly are joining forces to talk through the loopholes and how it could help at least a few thousand deserving Pennsylvanians. We’re joined by criminal defense attorney Patrick Nightingale, who has some statewide perspective on the pardoning project. You can find information on the “Marijuana Pardon Project” here: https://www.pa.gov/guides/mj-pardon/ And you can apply for a pardon now through September 30th here: https://mjpardon.pa.gov Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In her new book “How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water,” Pittsburgh author Angie Cruz tells the story of Cara Romero, a Spanish-speaking immigrant in her mid-50s who's done speaking softly about her life experience. City Cast‘s Meg Dalton is with the writer, who says the novel’s funny, open, and flawed main character will resonate with readers in the Steel City and beyond. Cruz is also an associate professor of English at the University of Pittsburgh. Check out her event this Tuesday with City of Asylum here. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's the Friday news roundup, but a special Fall Fest edition! The whole team is previewing some of the best festivals the Steel City has to offer this autumn. Check out our working list here: Original Pittsburgh Taco Festival Sept 10 Corn Festival Sept 10 Hilltop Harvest Fest Sept 10 2022 Highmark Blues & Heritage Fest Sept 14-15 Penn Brew Oktoberfest Sept 16-18 & 23-25 Ohiopyle Wine and Arts Festival Sept 24 Observatory Hill Arts & Culture Fest Sept 24 Hard Cider & Donut Fest - Oct 1 Three Rivers Beer Week: First Pour Beer Fest Oct 1 Bingham Street Fall Festival Oct 2 Festival of Combustion @ Carrie Furnace Oct 8 Grow Pittsburgh 5th Annual Braddock Fall Fest Oct 8 Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Fest Oct 15-16 Hartwood Fest 2022 Oct 22 2022 Western PA Lamb Fest Oct 23 Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We’re (hopefully) out of the “Hell’s Front Porch” part of summer — and what’s better than a fall picnic?! City Cast’s Mallory Falk and Morgan Moody are with travel writer and Pittsburgh native, Abbie Synan, to give us tips on how to select the plan and plan the perfect Burgh basket. Check out her full list of suggestions in today's newsletter and for NEXTPittsburgh here: https://nextpittsburgh.com/eatdrink/how-to-plan-and-pack-the-perfect-pittsburgh-picnic-and-the-best-spots-to-enjoy-it/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Have you ever heard of the “Rooney Rule?” It’s been an NFL hiring policy for decades, but it’s not clear how well it’s working. (At the end of last season, Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin was the only Black head coach left standing.) City Cast’s Morgan Moody is with her friend Martenzie Johnson, a sports writer for ESPN’s Andscape, talking about how it got passed, why it’s named after Steelers ownership, and why it’s still very relevant today. The Steelers kick off the regular season on the road Sunday in Cincinnati. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s pretty convenient to leave your recycling at the curb, but it can be a lot more convenient for facilities to process those materials when they’re pre-sorted. The first of several new glass drop-off facilities opened this summer in Allegheny County, and officials hope it’ll mean a lot more of our waste gets back on the shelf. We’re with The Allegheny Front’s Julie Grant. The Pennsylvania Resource Council also has a traveling glass recycling bin. Check out its schedule here: https://prc.org/programs/collectionevents/glass/traveling-glass-bin/ Learn more about broader local recycling efforts here: https://www.alleghenyfront.org/packaging-group-makes-the-case-for-better-glass-recycling/ And no, your recycling isn’t just going to the landfill. Or, well, most of it isn’t. Check it out: https://www.alleghenyfront.org/no-your-recycling-is-not-just-going-to-the-landfill-well-most-of-it-isnt/ Editor’s note: This episode originally aired March 17, 2022. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's the Friday news roundup! Today the team previews their picks for an eventful Labor Day weekend, including parades and Presidential visits; BBQ and soul food; plus the latest on how Allegheny County's Police Review Board could come together by the fall. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Have you ever heard the drum line under Styx's 1979 hit "Renegade" pick up on the speakers at a Steelers game? What started as your average in-game timeout song in 2002 became an iconic good luck charm in the minds of thousands of Pittsburgh fans all over the world. City Cast's Megan Harris figured it was all superstition, but thanks to researchers at Point Park University, we now know there's data to back it up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The best rivalry in college sports is back — and it usually ends with some furniture going up in flames. Pitt and West Virginia have been facing off in the Backyard Brawl since 1895, but the matchup’s been on hiatus since Pitt left the Big East Conference over a decade ago. That’s all changing tomorrow, when the Panthers will play the Mountaineers once more at Acrisure Stadium. Brian Batko, sports writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, joins us to talk about the long-standing rivalry and why couch-burning became such a popular West Virginia tradition.
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Hundreds of people from our surrounding states have been coming to Pittsburgh for abortion care since was Roe was overturned, but local clinics say they need more providers to keep up with demand. Pallavi Muluk, a second-year Pitt med student, thinks medical schools can help by making abortion care and reproductive health a bigger part of the curriculum. She’s here to talk about her work leading the local chapter of Medical Students for Choice.
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Pittsburgh is known as a cloudy and rainy city, but this summer has been unseasonably dry. Climate and forestry scientists say the change in climate could mean more severe wildfires in places like Western Pennsylvania, where there are large forested areas. Wildfire expert and Penn state professor of geography and ecology Alan Taylor joins us to talk about the risks our forests could face over the next decade and what can be done to get ahead of the problem.
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It's the Friday news roundup! The team is embracing its love for the Pittsburgh potty. This week, hear all about a free transportation pilot program for some residents on the North Side; where you can see a tiny home in Pittsburgh this weekend made from totally repurposed materials; and how Duquesne is hoping to woo Lebron James’ son, Bryce. And don’t forget:
CITY CAST IS HIRING: If you’re looking for a full-time, temporary audio job, then we’ve got the project for you. Apply to work with the City Cast team here: https://citycast.fm/audio-producer-city-cast-pittsburgh-temporary/
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Host Morgan Moody is adjusting her gears and facing her fears today with a pedaling lesson from a pro, Black Girls Do Bike founder Monica Garrison. The group started as a local effort to build a community of women of color who love to bike, and it’s grown to have over 100 chapters worldwide. This weekend, the international collective is expecting hundreds of members from the U.S. and abroad to meet in Pittsburgh for PedalPGH, Pennsylvania’s biggest bicycling race with 10-, 25-, 40-, or 62-mile treks starting at 7 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28 at Southside Riverfront Park. You can pre-game with Monica and her crew Friday with a $20 luncheon and pool party at the Sherwood Event Center where there will be giveaways, entertainment, and more. Find more at blackgirlsdobike.org
NOW HIRING: If you’re looking for a full-time, temporary audio job, then we’ve got the project for you. Apply to work with the City Cast team here: https://citycast.fm/audio-producer-city-cast-pittsburgh-temporary/
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Median home prices have tripled in Lawrenceville and surrounding communities over the last decade, forcing many residents out — particularly people of color. So in 2019, the city tried something new: inclusionary zoning, which put strict rules on new development. The city tested out the policy in Lawrenceville, then expanded it to Bloomfield and Polish Hill. Advocates say it’s helping, or it could, with enough time, but now the ordinance is being challenged in federal court. We’re with Dave Breingan, the executive director of the neighborhood advocacy group Lawrenceville United.
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Five people have died in custody at the Allegheny County Jail this year, putting it on track for the deadliest year in recent memory. County Executive Rich Fitzgerald announced a new contract with the National Commission on Correctional Health Care to look into what happened, but there’s almost no transparency about the process. Brittany Hailer, the director for the Pittsburgh Institute for Nonprofit Journalism, joins us again to talk about the last time the NCCHC stepped in, how it helped (and didn’t), and what she expects from this latest review. Check out our last conversation with Hailer from March 14: https://pod.link/citycastpittsburgh/episode/a0ad088bf379a45e00e1a0ac2c6f0c13
NOW HIRING: If you’re looking for a full-time, temporary audio job, then we’ve got the project for you. Apply to work with the City Cast team here: https://citycast.fm/audio-producer-city-cast-pittsburgh-temporary/
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Thousands of plant-loving Pittsburghers will gather on the North Side this weekend for the eighth annual VegFest — a summer celebration with rescue animals, local artists, vendors, and of course, killer food (that doesn’t kill). City Cast Pittsburgh’s resident vegetarians, Francesca Dabecco and Mallory Falk, are with VegFest co-founder Leila Sleiman to talk about how this event has grown and what fun is in store for this Saturday.
Learn more and buy your VIP swag bag here: https://pittsburghvegfest.org/shop/vip-hour-swag-bag/
NOW HIRING: If you’re looking for a full-time, temporary audio job, then we’ve got the project for you. Apply to work with the City Cast team here: https://citycast.fm/audio-producer-city-cast-pittsburgh-temporary/
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It’s the Friday news roundup! The team is talking about how a new executive order from Gov. Wolf could help protect kids from conversion therapy, and why two former Pa. judges were ordered to pay $200 million to victims of a “kids-for-cash” scheme. Plus, with an immersive psychedelic conference in town, when could tripping for science become legal? As always, our Friday shows are powered by great local (and national) journalism. This week, check out:
Marley Parish in the Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Wolf’s executive order discouraging conversion therapy: https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/wolf-issues-executive-order-discouraging-conversion-therapy-urges-legislative-action/
Michael Rubinkam in the Associated Press on the $200 million award in the kids-for-cash case: https://apnews.com/article/crime-trending-news-government-and-politics-6f30f575dc739415af1e5b47b1be50f0
The MySpace Misdemeanor episode of the podcast Crime Show, for more on the kids-for-cash corruption scandal: https://open.spotify.com/episode/11gO9KlTvnBbAmfaTqxKq5
City Cast Denver’s “Ballot Trip” series: https://pod.link/citycastdenver/episode/14faae3395082af7df1ac1206fcf0ae8
Brian Howard in Philly Mag on the journey to legalized psychedelics in Pa.: https://www.phillymag.com/news/2022/01/15/pennsylvania-legal-psychedelics/
You can learn more about Saturday’s Entheocon event here: https://www.entheocon.com/ And don’t forget:
CITY CAST IS HIRING: If you’re looking for a full-time, temporary audio job, then we’ve got the project for you. Apply to work with the City Cast team here: https://citycast.fm/audio-producer-city-cast-pittsburgh-temporary/
VOTE FOR US: City Cast Pittsburgh is among the finalists for City Paper’s annual “Best of Pittsburgh” contest. Scroll down to Best Podcast and smash that vote button here: https://bit.ly/voteforCCP
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In the year following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban, Pittsburgh has welcomed more than 700 Afghan evacuees. The non-profit Jewish Family and Community Services has helped many of them get settled in their new homes, but they’re still facing issues within the U.S. immigration system. City Cast’s Morgan Moody speaks with Ivonne Smith-Tapia, the Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services at JFCS, and Zubair Babakarkhail, an Afghan journalist and interpreter, about where things stand one year out from the evacuation. Zubair wrote about his new life in Pittsburgh for Postindustrial. You can learn more about JFSC’s work, and how to support Afghan evacuees here.
NOW HIRING: If you’re looking for a full-time, temporary audio job, then we’ve got the project for you. Apply to work with the City Cast team here: https://citycast.fm/audio-producer-city-cast-pittsburgh-temporary/
VOTE FOR US: City Cast Pittsburgh is among the finalists for City Paper’s annual “Best of Pittsburgh” contest. Scroll down to Best Podcast and smash that vote button here: https://bit.ly/voteforCCP
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Jasmine Green — aka Black Girl Absolute — wants young people struggling with depression and anxiety to know they’re not alone. That’s what inspired the visual artist, poet, and mental health advocate to start writing the book “A Field Guide for Blue Girls.” She joins City Cast to talk about putting pen (and paint) to paper during her time as the first-ever recipient of the Exposure Tongue River Artist/Activist Residency, and how her experience as an artist informs her work as the education director for 1Hood Media.
NOW HIRING: If you’re looking for a full-time, temporary audio job, then we’ve got the project for you. Apply to work with the City Cast team here: https://citycast.fm/audio-producer-city-cast-pittsburgh-temporary/
VOTE FOR US: City Cast Pittsburgh is among the finalists for City Paper’s annual “Best of Pittsburgh” contest. Scroll down to Best Podcast and smash that vote button here: https://bit.ly/voteforCCP
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For decades now, Pittsburghers have been told we have the most bridges of any city in the world. And it makes sense — they dot our landscape by the hundreds. Butttt it turns out, that long-held point of pride isn’t true. And like, it’s not even close. Historian and author Mark Houser is here to talk about our past prominence and current failures, plus what we can glean from the federal database keeping track of it all. Check out his wonderful book “MultiStories: 55 Antique Skyscrapers & the Business Tycoons Who Built Them,” and listen to his TedX talk here. Editors note: This episode first aired Feb. 2, 2022, just after the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge.
NOW HIRING: If you’re looking for a full-time, temporary audio job, then we’ve got the project for you. Apply to work with the City Cast team here: https://citycast.fm/audio-producer-city-cast-pittsburgh-temporary/
VOTE FOR US: City Cast Pittsburgh is among the finalists for City Paper’s annual “Best of Pittsburgh” contest. Scroll down to Best Podcast and smash that vote button here: https://bit.ly/voteforCCP
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ASMR is supposed to be relaxing, but for the creators behind the content, platforms like YouTube often fall well short of protecting the people who keep it so popular. Pittsburgh-based artist Lilliana Dee, aka Lily Whispers, is here to explain how she uses her day job in cyber security to help educate fellow creators on red flags like fetish mining. And stick with us to the end — Lily offered some very fun, very Pittsburgh bonus content you don’t want to miss.
NOW HIRING: If you’re looking for a full-time, temporary audio job, then we’ve got the project for you. Apply to work with the City Cast team here: https://citycast.fm/audio-producer-city-cast-pittsburgh-temporary/
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It’s the Friday news roundup! The team is talking about how long standing college football rivals, Pitt and WVU, are facing off for the first time in more than a decade; what the grand opening celebration of the August Wilson House means for the Hill District; and how the big bird, Giant Eagle, is using (and sharing) our shopping data, and ways that it could be targeting those who are, want to become, or don’t want to be pregnant. Check out some of the great local journalism that powered today’s show:
A local’s guide to the Backyard Brawl next month: https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/blog/backyard-brawl/
City Paper’s Jordana Rosenfeld on Giant Eagle collecting our shopping history: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/giant-eagle-consumer-info-could-be-used-to-target-pregnant-shoppers/Content?oid=22197884
A little more about criminal charges in that Nebraska abortion case: https://abc7chicago.com/nebraska-abortion-facebook-medication/12116031/
And Gizmodo’s investigation into how pregnancy is targeted by data brokers: https://gizmodo.com/data-brokers-selling-pregnancy-roe-v-wade-abortion-1849148426
City Paper’s article about Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company’s production of Wilson’s play, Jitney, in August Wilson’s backyard: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/pittsburgh-playwrights-commits-to-the-hill-district-with-jitney-and-new-project/Content?oid=22198633
Francesca’s interview with Denise Turner in the newsletter: https://us14.campaign-archive.com/?u=47857f2c492a1dda05a4762b9&id=a26c24d5ce
NOW HIRING: If you’re looking for a full-time, temporary audio job, then we’ve got the project for you. Apply to work with the City Cast team here: https://citycast.fm/audio-producer-city-cast-pittsburgh-temporary/ VOTE FOR US: City Cast Pittsburgh is among the finalists for City Paper’s annual “Best of Pittsburgh” contest. Scroll down to Best Podcast and smash that vote button here: https://bit.ly/voteforCCP And check us out on social. We’re on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Becoming a billionaire doesn’t come down to odds like the lottery—but it might be in the stars. In honor of the 103rd anniversary of Pittsburgher Andrew Carnegie's death, we take the steel tycoon's ruling planets to astrologist Maggie Negrete, aka lamamamagia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For the first year since the start of the pandemic, the Pittsburgh Steelers are back at their rightful summer home in Latrobe for training camp. City Cast’s Morgan Moody and Megan Harris make the pilgrimage to talk to players and fans about the half-century long tradition at Chuck Noll Field. Fans are welcome every day at 1:55 p.m. Register for your free tickets here. And while you’re out there, check out today’s newsletter for a fun scavenger hunt of other fun ways to hang out in Latrobe.
NOW HIRING: If you’re looking for a full-time, temporary audio job, then we’ve got the project for you. Apply to work with the City Cast team here: https://citycast.fm/audio-producer-city-cast-pittsburgh-temporary/
VOTE FOR US: City Cast Pittsburgh is among the finalists for City Paper’s annual “Best of Pittsburgh” contest. Scroll down to Best Podcast and smash that vote button here: https://bit.ly/voteforCCP
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Last year, something shady happened at the nation’s first Black brew festival, but that won’t put a damper on the bigger, better version returning this year — now in a new home at 3 Crossings in the Strip District. Barrel and Flow communications and ops director Cat Bruno shares what’s on tap all this week, plus how to get the full festival experience on Saturday. Check out a full event listing here. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Some foods are just quintessentially Pittsburgh, and today the City Cast team is celebrating a summertime staple: the strawberry pretzel salad. Show contributor Rossilynne Culgan recently wrote about the classic dish for Saveur Magazine and brought along a cooler full of treats created in homage of its OG flavors, including Millie’s ice cream, Mary Mac Bakehouse’s delicious cookies and Dewey’s new gose-style dessert beer. Want to make the classic local version yourself? Here’s Rossilynne’s family recipe: https://www.saveur.com/recipes/strawberry-pretzel-salad/ NOW HIRING: If you’re an audio wiz looking for a full-time, temporary gig, then we’ve got the project for you. Apply to work with the City Cast team here: https://citycast.fm/audio-producer-city-cast-pittsburgh-temporary/ VOTE FOR US: City Cast Pittsburgh is among the finalists for City Paper’s annual “Best of Pittsburgh” contest. Scroll down to Best Podcast and smash that vote button here: https://bit.ly/voteforCCP Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the Friday news roundup! The show team talks about a lawsuit that could dramatically change how Pennsylvania funds its public schools; the latest on monkeypox in Allegheny County; and some new locally-filmed movies and shows worth checking out, including a reboot of the beloved baseball classic “A League of Their Own.” As always, our Friday shows our powered by great local journalism:
City Cast’s own Mallory Falk covered the school funding trial as a reporter for WHYY, and has a summary here: https://whyy.org/articles/a-catastrophic-failure-or-above-the-constitutional-threshold-pas-school-funding-trial-comes-to-a-close/
WHYY’s Katie Meyer reports on the final arguments in the school funding case and what’s happening next: https://whyy.org/articles/pa-public-school-funding-lawsuit-post-trial-arguments/
TyLisa C. Johnson with PublicSource breaks down what you need to know about monkeypox: https://www.publicsource.org/monkeypox-virus-vaccine-pittsburgh-allegheny-county-need-to-know-2022/
Jessie Sage shares her struggle trying to get a monkeypox vaccine in Pittsburgh City Paper: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/pittsburgh-sex-worker-on-why-monkeypox-vaccine-access-needs-expanded/Content?oid=22152528
And check out a lil preview of our upcoming Pgh-filmed movies and show via the Post-Gazette’s Joshua Axelrod: https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2022/06/07/a-league-of-their-own-series-release-date/stories/202206070083
Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For generations of Pittsburghers, nothing quite quenches their thirst like Turner’s Premium Iced Tea from those iconic, bright-orange cartons. And this weekend, Turner‘s is celebrating 50 years of the “champagne of Pittsburgh” with a ParTEA at the Carrie Furnaces. City Cast Pittsburgh’s Mallory Falk and Francesca Dabecco got the tea on how Pittsburgh’s most beloved beverage is made at the Turner’s facility in Penn Hills from marketing director Steve Turner. You can get tickets for the anniversary ParTEA here. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today, we're bringing back a conversation where host Morgan Moody talks candidly about her sobriety experiences with Pittsburgh author Brian Broome. Broome wrote an award-winning memoir, “Punch Me Up To The Gods,” and you can hear him talk about his writing process at the free virtual event, A Conversation About Writing, with The Cream Literary Alliance tomorrow evening. NOTE: This conversation originally aired on January 13, 2022. And if you're looking for support in your recovery here in Pittsburgh, check out these resources and opportunities:
Onala Recovery Center https://www.onala.org/
POWER (PA Organization for Women in Early Recovery) https://power-recovery.com/
Pittsburgh Recovery Walk happening in September https://pghrecoverywalk.org/
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Knotweed, nettle, tree of heaven, and garlic mustard — if you live in Pittsburgh, odds are you’ve been exposed to these pesky plants. But what can we do to get rid of them? And what are the ecological impacts if we succeed? Mason Heberling is the assistant curator of botany at Carnegie Museum of Natural History. He says the best solution is prevention, and lacking that, a whole lot of patience. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy recently shared a comprehensive guide to local invasive plants. Check it out here: https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/415693/assets/docs/invasiveplantsofpittsburgh.pdf?utm_content=135049138&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-7163241268&fbclid=IwAR3co4dplZNmJ3Dsnl3aiuPGOp29fwgxu1_qGa6TjtD90_DWZKLIwEwLzRU And our state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources keeps a running list of plants you shouldn’t nurture here. Check out the whole thing here: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Conservation/WildPlants/InvasivePlants/InvasivePlantFactSheets/Pages/default.aspx Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pittsburgh is on the forefront of a growing national trend — trying to understand and treat what doctors are calling “long covid.” If coughing and chronic fatigue still has you down more than 12 weeks after infection, UPMC’s Dr. Michael Risbano tells people to hang in there. “The vast majority of people will get better… but it’s going to mean some hard work.” Learn more about the Post-Covid Recovery Clinic here. Plus, city officials want your ideas for a public art project at the new Fern Hollow Bridge. Share your feedback here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=QSiOQSgB1U2bbEf8Wpob3qHKbJE0XX9Ot-PkmqsPSCJUMkY2OTREMlVGNVZHMkI2T0lWNjFPM1ZTOC4u Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the Friday news roundup! Today the gang is talking about the U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania who voted against legislation for same-sex marriage, just days before celebrating his gay son’s wedding; all those new “Protect Trans Kids” signs popping up in Pittsburgh neighborhoods; and the real story behind PA’s Klondike claims. Check out local author Brian Butko book about Isaly’s, available now in the Heinz History Center bookshop: https://shop.heinzhistorycenter.org/products/isalys-chipped-ham-klondikes-and-other-tales-from-behind-the-counter And request your own “Protect Trans Kids” sign here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe-YqcEVdkrWUDHJS41XUMf28sgfUIst7xy87YCYuNBl8175Q/viewform Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pittsburgh might not have the most bridges in the U.S. (we debunked that claim back in a February episode), but we do have the most public staircases. One intrepid yinzer has climbed them all. Laura Zurowski, also known as Mis.Steps, takes City Cast on a field trip to one of her favorite set of steps and explains how Pittsburgh became the staircase capitol . You can sign up for a city steps walking tour with Laura or scroll through her Instagram account for lots of staircase great photos. Laura was inspired to start the project after reading Bob Regan’s “Pittsburgh Steps: The Story of the City’s Public Stairway.” It’s the original guide to Pittsburgh’s 739 sets of steps. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pittsburgh’s City Council is on their version of a summer vacation. The 9-member board is on recess until August 19th and City Cast’s Megan Harris and Morgan Moody are running down what they’ve accomplished this year, plus what legislation is waiting for them when council resumes next month. The Post-Gazette has an excellent roundup of some of these measures: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2022/07/25/pittsburgh-city-council-summer-break-agenda-stop-and-frisk-bill-airbnb-rentals/stories/202207200083 Here’s a handy map of our new City Council districts. Learn more about District 5 candidates Barb Warwick here and Doug Shields here. And check out PublicSource’s great breakdown of DOMI’s challenges, especially now that the city’s Bridge Asset Management Program has been approved: https://www.publicsource.org/gainey-pittsburgh-bridges-infrastructure-lucas-domi/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Black women in Allegheny County earn significantly less than their colleagues — the wage gap between Black women and white men here is even worse than the national average. But a new campaign is trying to change that by encouraging employers to look at existing gaps in their own companies and commit to raising wages for women of color. Rochelle Jackson, founder and director of the Black Women’s Policy Center, joins us to discuss the Level Up initiative. As she says, you can’t address what you won’t acknowledge. The campaign is led by the Black Women’s Policy Center, YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, and the Women and Girls Foundation. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last year, an officer with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police alleged another officer sexually assaulted her at home after a social gathering on city property. The public safety director chose not to fire him, and the county declined to prosecute. So on her own, she found a little-used Pennsylvania law called the Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation Act. In the first part of a new series, City Cast Pittsburgh, with our news partner PublicSource, looks into the incident and what followed. Can't handle the wait for part 2? Read the full story here: https://publicsource.org/Sexual-violence-protection-victims-intimidation-pennsylvania-Pittsburgh-police City Cast's newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the Friday news roundup! City Cast’s Morgan Moody and Francesca Dabecco chat with roving producer Meg Dalton about how worried we should be about the BA.5 subvariant; climate advocates’ plans to shut down next week’s Congressional Baseball Game if climate change legislation doesn't pass (local Rep. Mike Doyle is coaching!); and a new way to share your Yinzer preferences while properly disposing of cigarette butts around tahn. Plus, the whole team shares the best things they learned about the city this week. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pittsburgh’s first-ever Paddlesport Weekend kicks off this Friday, so to celebrate, City Cast’s Morgan Moody and Mallory Falk are testing the waters with a first-timers kayaking lesson. They’re with Christine Iksic, owner of 3 Rivers Outdoor Company (3ROC), to learn more about how she makes the outdoors more accessible through her retail store in Regent Square and riverfront outpost in Aspinwall, and how locals can dive into the city’s waterways this weekend. Paddlesport Weekend is hosted by 3ROC, Outkast Paddlers, and Friends of the Riverfront. You can check out 3ROC’s other events — like paddling trips, outdoor rock climbing, and live music on the water here. And if you’re looking for more ways to get out on the river, Christine also recommends 10.7 Marina, SurfSUP Adventures, and Kayak Pittsburgh. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's kitten season in Pittsburgh, but cats can get pregnant any time — and at just four months old with up to five litters every year. That creates a lot of mouths to feed, and if they aren’t brought into a shelter as babies, they often end up in overpopulated, outdoor cat colonies. That’s where local rescues like Conquer the Colony step up to help maintain the population through trap, neuter, and return programs. Founders Erin Hartman and Kelly Kraus join us to talk about how — with a crate and some patience! — anyone can get involved. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Climate change is a global issue, but Pittsburgh is already feeling its effects: rising temperatures, poor air quality, extreme precipitation, flooding and drought, and even landslides. So how do we make changes on the local level? The state Department of Environmental Protection is offering local governments trainings through its Local Climate Action Program, which helps municipalities develop plans to reduce emissions and implement on-the-ground strategies like weatherizing homes, tree planting, curb-side recycling, bike-share programs, and more. Sharpsburg Mayor Brittany Reno says the training really grounded her work in data, and a year and a half later, she’s still inspired by the process. Sound like a good fit for your neighborhood? PA townships and boroughs interested in the program can apply through July 31. You can hear our March 17 episode about glass recycling here. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Homestead Grays catcher Josh Gibson hit something like 800 home runs during his career, but Major League Baseball has never counted Negro League stats alongside white players of the same era. Two years ago, MLB officials promised to change that, but so far – no dice. Fifty years since Gibson’s induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, his great-grandson, Sean Gibson, shares more about that legacy on and off the field, plus efforts to honor Gibson as the new namesake for the MLB’s annual MVP Award. “If Josh Gibson’s name is on the MVP Award, it will not just be about Josh Gibson. It’ll be about the 3,400 men who were denied the opportunity to play.” Vote for Josh here. And if you’re looking for a way to celebrate the anniversary, Sean runs the Josh Gibson Foundation, which is hosting events all summer, including one on Wednesday in Washington, Pa. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the Friday news roundup! By the time their new contracts expire, Penguins legends Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang will have played around 20 years together — and with the same team. It’s unprecedented in this era of professional sports. Meanwhile, inflation continues to rise, and we’re all feeling it. But there’s good news: the Black Music Festival is this weekend! Plus, the team share’s their picks for the very worst of Pgh this week. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When children go through treatment for cancer, there’s a risk it could affect their fertility. Pittsburgh is on the cutting edge of something that could help: a process called pediatric fertility treatment. But how does it work for kids who haven’t gone through puberty yet? And what’s it like to broach this subject with families who’ve just received a life-altering diagnosis? Amy Jutca, the fertility preservation program navigator at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, joins us to talk about helping kids and families with their options. Check here for more about fertility preservation programs at Children’s Hospital and Magee-Womens Hospital. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The everything pickle and pickled festival includes quirky dishes, merchandise, live performances and more — and they’re expanding this year to the Rachel Carson Bridge, plus an exclusive spot for shade and food on the 10th Street bypass. City Cast’s Morgan Moody & Megan Harris talk to the guy who helped make it happen, Jack Dougherty, about the shindig USA Today calls the best specialty food festival in North America. There’s a can’t miss Picklesburgh roundup in our newsletter today. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The long-time home of the Pittsburgh Steelers has a new name: Acrisure Stadium. The team made it official late yesterday, and fans went wild making fun of the choice. Minority owner Thomas Tull allegedly brokered the deal with Michigan-based insurance firm Acrisure, which Reuters reports is a growing member of the fintech industry — and one that’s profited recently from the war in Ukraine. While the terms of the deal aren’t public, Pittsburgh-based Kraft Heinz says the company hopes to remain involved with the Steelers. The Post-Gazette’s Brian Batko explains what comes next. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Artist Andy Warhol grew up in Oakland, but his iconic influence started later — mostly because of a soup can that made its debut 60 years ago in Los Angeles. Back then, the reception to his paintings was... lukewarm. City Cast contributor Rossilynne Skena Culgan is covering the anniversary of Warhol’s inaugural show for Pittsburgh City Paper. Check out the full story here: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/sixty-years-ago-this-week-warhol-began-his-souper-success/Content?oid=21989740 Look here for complete list of the Pennsylvania General Assembly's proposed amendments to our state constitution: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2022/01/pennsylvania-constitution-amendments-tracker-complete-guide/ Find more information about your legislators here: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s the Friday news roundup! Morgan is away celebrating her birthday (we see you, Cancer season) so the rest of the squad gets nerdy with state budget talks and all those anti-trans bills announced recently, plus why the spotted lanternfly is on everyone’s seasonal kill list. There’s always great reporting behind these convos:
The Pennsylvania Capital-Star and the Associated Press break down the latest bills on LGBTQ instruction: https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/senate-approves-limits-on-sexually-explicit-content-gender-identity-discussions-in-schools/ and https://apnews.com/article/education-pennsylvania-gender-identity-tom-wolf-government-and-politics-2fb27c1be186f2e36095b308523286af
Spotlight PA really goes into detail on different budgetary sticking points this year: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2022/07/pennsylvania-state-budget-explainer-late/
Check out this meaty report from Old Dominion University that really details PA’s past budget woes: file:///Users/meganharris/Downloads/289-Article%20Text-915-1-10-20201112.pdf
And here’s Penn State’s Spotted Lanternfly sighting reporting tool https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly
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There are hardly any independent butchers left in the region, but these seven institutions — most of them more than 50 years old — offer high-quality meat with service you can’t find at the big-box stores. In one of his final stories for Pittsburgh Magazine, City Cast contributor Hal B. Klein talk about his local favorites and why this could be the moment for more would-be butchers to learn the craft. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today marks the 130th anniversary of the Battle of Homestead. No, it wasn’t part of any war, and technically, it didn’t even happen in Homestead. Just outside the Pump House in what is now the Waterfront, labor leaders walked out for six days to defend their rights while on the job. What followed was a brutal clash with Pinkerton “detectives” that ended with dozens of injuries and the slow collapse of the budding union. People died, and the movement didn’t stick, but the conflict left an indelible mark on union organizers and the company leaders who would stop them. Historian Maura Bainbridge gets into the particulars, plus why that legacy still matters today. Catch her today at 9:30 a.m. for a free event commemorating the anniversary. Additional speakers include Steffi Domike (filmmaker of “The River Ran Red”), Mike Stout (labor singer/songwriter), Tammy Hepps (Homestead community historian), Joel Woller (labor historian), and Joe White (U.S. political scientist). Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Super Bowl champ — and forever Pittsburgher — Ryan Mundy thrived on the field in the shadow of groundbreaking concussion research. But as he pondered his post-game career, he wondered what was out there for folks like him looking for guidance on how to heal himself from the inside out. Now he’s created a tech platform, Alkeme Health, aimed at addressing mental health by and for the Black community. "We’re focused on the Black community and we designed our platform to meet the needs of the Black community but we are not Black exclusive. … What’s good for Black people is good for all people.”
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The Friday news roundup is back! This week, the team discusses a GOP move to block state funding for Pa. schools that use fetal tissue for medical research; new legislation that could allow companies to test driverless vehicles in Pittsburgh; and one woman’s gripe with the Pittsburgh city flag. Plus an update on local Starbucks unions. As always, the Friday roundup is powered by great local (and national) journalism. This week, check out:
Kate Giammarise and Chris Potter with WESA on the threat to tuition aid: https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2022-06-28/republican-legislators-university-pittsburgh-tuition-fetal-tissue
An-Li Herring with WESA on autonomous vehicles: https://www.wesa.fm/economy-business/2022-04-25/autonomous-vehicles-drive-investment-to-pittsburgh-but-companies-say-government-buy-in-is-key
Dontae Washington in Pittsburgh City Paper on a strike at the Bloomfield Starbucks: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/union-protests-corporate-obstructions-at-bloomfield-starbucks/Content?oid=21940316
Ali Francis in Bon Appétit on Starbucks and abortion access: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/starbucks-union-battle
Our own Francesca Dabecco in Pittsburgh City Paper on LGBTQ-led efforts to unionize Starbucks: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/starbucks-unions-pick-up-steam-among-lgbtq-workers/Content?oid=21908834
Lucy Chen in Pittsburgh City Paper on the problem(s) with Pittsburgh’s flag: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/an-artists-plea-for-pittsburgh-to-redesign-its-city-flag/Content?oid=21441677
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A handful of school boards across the country are causing a fresh stir, alleging a growing number of schools are putting litter boxes in bathrooms to accommodate kids who identify as furries and only communicate by barking or meowing. Some politicians and political candidates have spread the rumors, including in Nebraska, Texas, and even one south central PA school. On the eve of Anthrocon — Pittsburgh’s annual celebration of furry culture — we talk to Xanni Novak, a longtime convention attendee, about what’s behind the fear-mongering and how it connects to conversations about critical race theory and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Also, check out the latest research and writings from Furscience, aka the International Anthropomorphic Research Project, which found 12-19% of furries identify as trans, and upwards of 80-85% identify as LGBTQ+. Researcher Dr. Sharon Roberts says both numbers are trending up: “You have all of these marginalized identities that people have struggled with because the rest of the world is nasty about them, or they have been historically, and (furry culture) is a safe environment just for people to be their most authentic selves.”
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You know the one — Stephen Foster is well-dressed and seated, looking down over a barefoot Black man playing a banjo at his feet. After 118 years in Oakland, the controversial piece came down by unanimous decision in 2018, and we wondered where it’s been since. It turns out, it’s still in a local basement. But there’s a museum director in LA who’s got a plan. We’re with co-curator Hamza Walker of LAXART. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ridership along Norfolk Southern’s Pennsylvanian train line has been growing in recent years, and the state says the whole operation needs a little TLC if it’s going to accommodate expanded service from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg. Today we talk to City Cast subscriber Keegan Gibson during his commute back to the ‘Burgh about what he’s seeing, how he figures the experience could be improved by a newly announced influx of $200 million, and the best train car snacks to chew chew for his money. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We knew it was coming: the landmark doctrine legalizing choice in America was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday. Abortion rights in Pennsylvania are protected, but not guaranteed, and with a governor’s race coming in November, abortion rights advocates say Pittsburgh should expect a wave of out-of-state patients in the coming months and years. The Pittsburgh team talks about the immediate aftermath locally, how other City Cast teams around the country are talking about next steps, and what it'll mean for Pittsburgh to become a beacon for access for hundreds of miles. Friend-of-the-pod Katrina Lipinsky shared a bunch of resources on Instagram for folks interested in getting involved. She's a certified nurse midwife at the Allegheny Reproductive Health Center here in Pittsburgh:
Info on where to get an abortion around the country as the laws evolve: @ineedanacom
Abortion pills available online, based on where you live: @plancpills
Medical support when self-managing at home: @ma_hotline
Legal support for self-managing: @ifwhenhow & @reprolegaldefensefund
Funds available to help cover travel, food, child care, and other needs incurred as part of seeking an abortion: @abortionfunds (national) & @wpafundforchoice (Pittsburgh)
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The coffee giant prides itself on being an inclusive workplace for the LGBTQ+ community, but Pittsburgh workers say the benefits it offers — like gender-affirming health care — are often inaccessible. City Cast’s Francesca Dabecco talks to union organizer and author of “On The Line,” Daisy Pitkin, about how queer folks are at the center of this historic workers rights movement. Plus, local Starbucks partners share their perspective. Please read the written version for Pittsburgh City Paper here: pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/starbucks-unions-pick-up-steam-among-lgbtq-workers/Content?oid=21908834 And check out these bonkers stories about the local Airport Authority…
Post-Gazette: https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2022/06/20/pittsburgh-international-airport-airmall-fraport-christina-cassotis-allegheny-county-airport-authority-common-pleas-court/stories/202206200084
TribLIVE: https://triblive.com/business/allegheny-county-airport-authority-company-in-legal-battle-over-concessions-contract/
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The temps last week were brutal, and now we're in the midst of another stretch of near 90-degree days. While most of us take cover indoors, City Cast’s Morgan Moody & Megan Harris share their favorite ways to get a little sunshine while also staying safe and cool around the ‘Burgh. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This Sunday is Juneteenth, so we took a trip to the Heinz History Center in the Strip District to walk through their From Slavery to Freedom exhibit. Today, hear from Director of African American Programs Samuel Black about the cultural importance of the nation's newest bank holiday — and Pittsburgh’s abolitionist roots! Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pittsburgh students struggled with math even before the pandemic, but the latest round of standardized test scores paints a dire picture. Learning gaps have only gotten worse, especially for Black, brown and low-income children — at some local elementary schools, the math proficiency rate among Black students was 0%. Reporter Mary Niederburger with the Pittsburgh Institute for Nonprofit Journalism explains how we got here and what happens next. Read Mary’s piece about student math scores here: https://pinjnews.org/does-tutoring-culturally-relevant-lessons-double-math-periods-math-proficiency And follow all her reporting on the pandemic and Pittsburgh schools here: https://pinjnews.org/unfinished-learning/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Isn’t it more fun to eat alfresco? Outdoor dining got a boost during the pandemic, and Pittsburgh is blooming with pretty patios, rooftop tables, beer gardens, and sidewalk seating. We invited Pittsburgh foodie blogger Sophia Chang — aka @sopheating on Instagram — to help us dish on some of the best spots for romance, ambiance, and a strong summer sipper. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Five years ago, a refrigerator caught fire in an apartment inside the Grenfell Tower in London. It burned to the ground, ultimately killing 72 people — many of them children. And there’s a Pittsburgh manufacturing firm at the center of that story. Local filmmaker and multimedia artist Chris Ivey has interviewed dozens of survivors about their trauma. He’s with us to talk about how he got involved, how you can see his new film, and what justice means for the hundreds of displaced people looking to Arconic for answers. Read the NYT piece about Arconic’s actions in Russia here: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/20/world/europe/russia-ukraine-arconic-samara.html Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since the pandemic, Pittsburgh’s Pride has been kinda muted. Still proud, but a little quieter. That’s likely to change this weekend as the Steel City welcomes back dozens of community concerts, craft fairs, marches and more, plus a slew of new celebrations in smaller boroughs. QBurgh’s Jason Shavers and Jim Sheppard are here to talk through them all, share their top recommendations and explain an evolving court battle still being championed by Pride’s former organizers. Check out QBurgh’s full itinerary here: https://qburgh.com/heres-your-pride-2022-itinerary/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s been two weeks since Pennsylvania’s primary election, and we still don’t know everyone who’ll be on our ballots for the general election in November. But we can expect at least two defining talking points — gun control and abortion access. Today on the pod, the City Cast team talks through the big takeaways, what we've learned since the Uvalde shooting and what's likely to come next. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pittsburgh is consistently rated among the nation’s worst cities for air quality, but how does that affect our mental health -- especially in the hardest-hit lower income communities along the Mon Valley? Environmental Health News journalist Kristina Marusic explains how folks are coping with the continued effect of "climate anxiety," and what you can do to help. The series is a collaboration between Environmental Health News and The Allegheny Front: https://www.ehn.org/mental-health-2655533166/what-we-found PublicSource did some excellent reporting about one of the hardest-hit communities, Clairton. Check it out here: https://www.publicsource.org/clairton-city-of-prayer-portraits-illness-trauma-advocacy-resilience/ And please read these lists of local organizations helping to make change:
https://www.ehn.org/mental-health-solutions-2655533540/take-care-of-your-mental-health
https://www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-mental-health-organizations-filling-access-gaps/
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Pittsburgh doesn’t just not have an NBA team. A lot of locals straight-up loathe professional basketball. But why all the venom? City Cast’s Morgan Moody is with Steel City transplant Tyler Batiste to talk about the ‘Burgh’s on-court legacy and whether — someday — we just might get a team of our own. Keep up with Tyler’s basketball coverage for The Athletic here, and pay homage to our ABA squad, the Steel City Yellow Jackets, for bringing home their first franchise championship last week! PLUS:
Hit up our newsletter for a historical photo from the championship-winning Pittsburgh Pipers.
And check out The New York Times' coverage of a 'Burgh-based company cutting ties with Russia.
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The food scene here in Pittsburgh has been booming for years, but like a lot of businesses, the pandemic hit hard. City Cast contributor Hal B. Klein is here to talk about his annual Pittsburgh Magazine list of the city’s best restaurants and why he tightened it to just 25 in 2022. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We have a huge primary election today to decide the major candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, Pat Toomey’s old U.S. Senate seat, several for the newly-redistricted U.S. House, gobs of state legislators and more. The field is crowded, and since the City Cast team hasn’t had the opportunity to meet a ton of candidates personally this round, we thought we’d check in with someone who has. Journalist Natalie Bencivenga has been chatting up candidates and thought leaders for months now on Instagram Live in a regular segment called “After Hours” for Pittsburgh City Paper. Hear how she got started, which candidates surprised her, what issues they’re most focused on, and why she (and they) think you should cast a ballot today. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
With names like Billy Porter, Toi Derricote, Jan Beatty, and Sharon Flake, the first-ever Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books promises to have a little something for everyone. The all-day celebration is free, family-friendly, and spread across six locations in East Liberty, each paying tribute to Pittsburgh's rich literary community and love of reading. Co-chairs Marshall Cohen and Laurie Moser share with us what finally spurred them to take the plunge and create an event like the ones they’ve adored in other cities, plus how they chose this year’s more than 40 local and nationally renowned authors – all with special ties to the Steel City. Check out the full lineup and register for author readings, signings, children’s events, and Q&A sessions here. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Since news broke that SCOTUS is likely to strike down Roe v. Wade, folks in Pittsburgh have been coping in different ways. Today, City Cast's Megan Harris is with a few educators who’ve decided to address their fear and frustration by sharing their knowledge with others. And we’ve got a full house!
Alecia Ott is an abortion doula and community resource for folks navigating reproductive care. She’s leading a step-by-step workshop through Prototype PGH for anyone who finds themselves pregnant and doesn’t want to stay that way. Find more information here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-get-an-abortion-a-step-by-step-guide-for-you-your-friends-tickets-331009868427?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Katrina Lipinsky is leading a workshop through her work as a certified nurse midwife at the Allegheny Reproductive Health Center. In her upcoming “papaya” clinic, she’s going to demonstrate to medical and non-medical attendees alike how procedural abortions can be safely administered using a handheld device.
And Nikki Terney is the director of abortion care at the Health Center. She shares more about the Western Pennsylvania Fund for Choice, which pays for procedures, transit, lodging, child care and food for anyone with barriers to access. Nikki and Katrina both serve on the Fund’s board. More details about the hands-on workshop and ways to help are available on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CdHahyntRko/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
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For sisters Raynise and TaRay Kelly, gardening is more than a seasonal hobby — it's a means of self-sufficiency, opportunity, and food access far beyond their bursting home nursery in Mount Oliver. City Cast's Morgan Moody and Megan Harris stopped by the Soil Sisters’ home base and took away a few pointers for any novice planters out there looking to cultivate their own green thumbs. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Disciplinary action against Pittsburgh police officers has doubled over the last 10 years, but community activists and experts wonder whether an uptick in internal investigations represents a problem or a solution. The detailed data dump is unprecedented in Pittsburgh, and City Cast’s Megan Harris is here with Rich Lord of PublicSource to talk about what the more than 5,600 allegations really mean for us moving forward. It’s all written up for PublicSource here: https://www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-police-accountability-discipline-data-jim-rogers-ed-gainey/# You can check out the raw data for yourself here: https://www.publicsource.org/pittsburgh-police-accountability-discipline-data-jim-rogers-ed-gainey/#data 1Hood Media collaborated with the Alliance for Police Accountability on a report last year considering a different approach to public safety. It's available here: https://www.1hood.org/publicsafety And if you're still looking for your precinct, check out our newsletter or hit up the county here: https://apps.alleghenycounty.us/website/electpollplace.aspx Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Happy (almost) Arbor Day to all our fellow tree huggers! Ahead of celebrations on Saturday, we’re talking about why it can be so complicated to get a tree planted in some parts of the city — from high rentorship to bad sidewalks to absentee or investor homeowners who can’t be located to even get permission. Danielle Crumrine is about to celebrate her 15th year leading the nonprofit Tree Pittsburgh, and she’s with City Cast’s Megan Harris to talk about what local lawmakers could be doing to help. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History has a lot of weird wonders in its collection, but few have plagued management quite like the diorama “Lion Attacking a Dromedary.” It’s got a lot of inaccuracies, from the meshing of several Middle Eastern and North African cultures, to placements that reinforce violence, colonialism and misogyny. Modern curators struggle to even call it art — which was also the consensus in 1899 when industrialist Andrew Carnegie first acquired it for his new museum in Pittsburgh from a private collection being sold off in France. But more recently, scientists also discovered it contains human remains, likely acquired from the original taxidermists, who were well-known grave robbers. Museum director Gretchen Baker joins City Cast’s Megan Harris to talk about what comes next and what local patrons have had to say about it. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A moment of silence for some of our now-closed East End favorites: Bitter Ends, B52, and Reed & Co. But there’s still a lot to look forward to on the Pittsburgh food scene, including our first non-alcoholic bottle shop and a Pan-Asian food hall set to open this winter. Our very own Morgan Moody and Francesca Dabecco join City Cast contributor Hal B. Klein, who’s covering it all for Pittsburgh Magazine. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pennsylvania’s Senate Finance Committee is set to hear testimony tomorrow in Pittsburgh about potentially raising the Film Tax Credit, which is currently capped at $70 million. While lawmakers consider what to do, we thought we’d tap into what the film scene here is really like. Is the food good? Why is Lawrenceville in every shot? How do you become an extra? Luckily our own Morgan Moody has a few credits to her name and knows how the sausage gets made. Check out more on tomorrow’s hearing, including expected testimony here. Pittsburgh Film Office director Dawn Keezer will also share her perspective at 9 a.m. on 90.5 WESA’s The Confluence. Check it out via podcast, too. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the grand tradition of building throughways through immigrant neighborhoods, Pittsburgh’s once-thriving Chinatown was decimated in the 1910s and ’20s with the downtown construction of the Boulevard of the Allies. It’s been a long time coming—12 years and four separate appeals to the state—but the neighborhood is finally getting the historic landmark it deserves. Marian Lein, president of the Pittsburgh chapter of the OCA, joins newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco to talk about that history and the Pan-Asian celebrations this Saturday. Check out a full event listing here: https://ocapghpa.org/ And check back soon for ways to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in May. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pregnancy and childbirth should be happy and safe, but for way too many Black and brown women, complications before, during and even months after the birth are stealing that joy — and even some women’s lives. Dr. Sharee Livingston, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at UPMC Lititz, joins City Cast’s Megan Harris for a conversation about Black Maternal Health Week and what Pittsburgh could learn from a promising new doula project in Lancaster. If you want to follow the legislation on these topics, check out:
House Bill 1175, which would extend Medicaid coverage to doula services and create a Doula Advisory Board;
House Bill 1419, which would prohibit the shackling and solitary confinement of pregnant women, provide for trauma informed care training of corrections officers interacting with pregnant and postpartum women, and provide for up to three days of post-delivery bonding time between mother and newborn child; and
House Resolution 959, better known as the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021. The bill is composed of 12 individual acts, all sponsored by the Black Maternal Health Caucus.
And in honor of 4-1-2 Day, redd up Mark Belko’s great Pirates scoop here: https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2022/04/10/pirates-ticket-sales-revenue-player-investment-mlb-payroll-special-report/stories/202204100006 Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week’s Friday news roundup, the team talks about the latest round of affordable housing evictions in East Liberty; what we know about the loss of outdoor climbing access in Fayette County; and when Pittsburghers should start stocking up on reusable totes for the inevitable plastic bag ban. Check out the wonderful local journalism and residents that made it possible:
TribLive’s Julia Felton on Pgh’s new affordable housing committee: https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-city-council-establishes-affordable-housing-committee/
Margaret J. Krauss with 90.5 WESA is the go-to source on what’s gone wrong with redevelopment in East Liberty: https://www.wesa.fm/development-transportation/2022-04-05/east-liberty-will-lose-more-affordable-housing-but-seller-aims-to-fight-long-term-displacement
The state’s announcement that game lands in Fayette County will be closed to climbers going forward: https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/game-commission-details.aspx?newsid=537
Stay posted to SWPACC for the latest on how local enthusiasts hope to handle that: https://www.swpacc.org/2022/04/05/important-pa-game-commission-announces-closure-of-state-game-lands-51-and-138-to-climbing/
90.5 WESA’s Ariel Worthy on the likelihood of plastic bag bans in Pittsburgh: https://www.wesa.fm/politics-government/2022-04-06/pittsburgh-city-council-preliminarily-approves-long-delayed-ban-on-single-use-plastic-bags
SpotlightPA’s Colin Deppen on how the bag bans have worked across the state: https://www.spotlightpa.org/newsletters/papost/apr-5-pennsylvania-plastic-bag-bans-are-taking-root-do-they-work/
Plus a look at how New Jersey residents prepared: https://www.nj.com/business/2022/04/dont-stockpile-plastic-bags-before-bag-ban-starts-heres-how-to-use-the-ones-you-have.html
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Spirits are high for Opening Day, but Pirates fans should keep their expectations low. We were the worst team in baseball last year, and in the off-season, long-time owner Bob Nutting signed off on a collective bargaining agreement that won’t help small market teams at all. (We spend less money on the whole team than some clubs do for individual player salaries!) Why won’t “Bottom Line Bob” spend more to give us a shot? Post-Gazette beat writer Jason Mackey has a few answers, and he’s just as frustrated as we are. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On March 12, 2020, the drop-in group Tube City Writers met for their final pre-pandemic session. In addition to agreeing that future meetups would need to happen virtually, they also decided a daily blog could be a good way to occupy their time. Mon Valley resident Jim Busch led the charge. For more than a year, he documented life in the shadow of the pandemic, plus one very personal loss — his wife, Glenda, was diagnosed with end-stage pancreatic cancer. He and Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Martha Rial are here to talk about the project, what it took to keep building their community online, and what they hope to accomplish next. The Tube City Writers are hosting a reading and book signing on Friday at the Carnegie Library of McKeesport at 2PM. And they’re always looking for new members! No experience necessary. Contact Martha at mrial@pointpark.edu and pick up a copy of “The Corona Diaries” here: https://www.amazon.com/Corona-Diaries-Tube-Writers/dp/B09Q1VDNM3 Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Last month, the communications giant Audacity — which already owned KDKA and a slew of radio and television stations across the country — purchased WAMO, an iconic and influential radio station for Pittsburgh’s Black community. Today City Cast Pittsburgh host Morgan Moody talks with Brian Cook, president of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation, about the history of WAMO, his own experiences with the station, and whether a new owner could bring WAMO back to prominence.
Read more about Audacity’s purchase from Jordana Rosenfeld in Pittsburgh City Paper: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/wamo-1073-pittsburghs-home-for-hip-hop-purchased-by-audacy/Content?oid=21344112
And follow Brian Cook and WAMO on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldenskymedia — https://www.instagram.com/wamo1073pgh/
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Students and professors at Carnegie Mellon University have been leaving their mark on the world for generations. Now they're taking it a bit further by leaving their mark on the moon. Red Whitaker is a roboticist and a professor at CMU who has led robotic missions to space and built self-driving vehicles long before Elon Musk. Now he's helping students land a Rover on the moon in search of water. He talks with City Cast Pittsburgh host Morgan Moody about the next space frontier — and how many dollars the U.S. could save on space ventures if they thought just a little smaller. Read more about Red here: https://www.ri.cmu.edu/ri-faculty/william-red-l-whittaker/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On this week's Friday news roundup, the team discusses a massive infusion of cash for schools and mental health programs in Pittsburgh (including a few dollars from philanthropist, writer, and ex-wife of Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott); a new plan for recreation along Pittsburgh’s rivers; and plenty of options for what to do this weekend. As always, the Friday roundup is powered by great Pittsburgh journalism. This week, check out:
Julia Felton from the Trib: https://triblive.com/local/pressley-ridge-receives-10-million-gift-from-philanthropist-mackenzie-scott/
The journalists at South Pittsburgh Reporter: https://www.sopghreporter.com/story/2022/03/22/news/steel-smiling-secures-grant-to-help-scale-and-deepen-the-impact-of-its-work-connecting-community-members-to-mental-health-support/21731.html
Oliver Morrison from PublicSource: https://www.publicsource.org/allegheny-county-school-districts-covid-relief-funding-esser/
Kiley Koscinski at WESA: https://www.wesa.fm/development-transportation/2022-03-29/246-8-million-plan-would-complete-loop-of-trails-and-parks-along-pittsburghs-downtown-riverfronts
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A Republican-led proposal in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, House Bill 972, aims to ban trans girls and women from school sports teams aligning with their gender identity. Though it was tabled in the House, it’s almost guaranteed to pop back up in April, when the House session resumes. Today — on Trans Day of Visibility — host Morgan Moody talks with activist Dena Stanley, who founded TransYOUniting, to discuss the bill and the many other issues that the trans community faces. Find out more about TransYOUniting here: https://www.transyounitingpgh.org/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mila Sanina, until recently the executive director of PublicSource, has family in Russia and Ukraine. To her aunt in Donetsk, the war in Ukraine is one of liberation, and Vladimir Putin is a “man of peace” rather than a tyrant. Mila wrote about her family situation for The Independent, and today she talks with City Cast Pittsburgh host Morgan Moody about how she’s trying to continue relationships — often by making and discussing borsht — with her family when she knows they’re being misled. Read Mila’s story about her family conversations in The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/putin-russian-propaganda-family-b2028809.html Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For almost two years, a group of neighbors out in Churchill have been fighting a Goliath. The retail giant Amazon has been lobbying to bulldoze the old Westinghouse Research & Technology Park to build a new distribution facility, bringing jobs but also trucking traffic to the largely residential borough. Officials now say that’s over — that Amazon will look elsewhere — but residents and developers are still expected in court on Thursday to make their case. Senior producer Megan Harris is with vocal Churchill Future member Cathy Bordner to talk about why she’s skeptical and what may come next. The 150-acre Westinghouse campus is considered an important example of postwar corporate architecture. Metropolis Magazine asks, can it be saved? https://metropolismag.com/viewpoints/westinghouse-research-development-som/ And Preservation Pittsburgh is watching. Check out their piece from late last year that discusses its merit for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places: https://docomomo-us.org/news/you-can-be-sure-if-its-westinghouse Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Marijuana is an approved medical treatment for opioid addiction in Pennsylvania. But Ed Mahon of SpotlightPA discovered that researchers don’t recommend cannabis as a primary treatment for opioid abuse — and that questionable claims by cannabis certification companies could put people’s lives in danger. Lead Producer Matt Stroud talks with Mahon today about his reporting, and whether anyone can stop these companies from making these claims. Read Mahon’s reporting for SpotlightPA here: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2022/02/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-addiction-misleading-dangerous-websites/ And more about Diamonte Walker’s exit from the URA here: https://www.wesa.fm/development-transportation/2022-03-25/pittsburgh-ura-powerhouse-diamonte-walker-to-leave-the-agency Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Today on City Cast Pittsburgh’s Friday roundup, Megan, Francesca, and Morgan sit down to discuss how structural racism impacts dementia; why food stamp enrollment numbers are on the rise, and whether you’ll ever be able to walk around with open alcohol containers in Pennsylvania. As always, the Friday roundup is powered by local journalism. Check out:
Jesse Bunch in the Post-Gazette: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2022/03/19/state-senators-bipartisan-cocktails-restaurants-pandemic-pennsylvania/stories/202203150093
Jordana Rosenfeld in Pittsburgh City Paper: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/new-study-to-examine-how-structural-racism-affects-dementia-in-citys-black-communities/Content?oid=21307438
And Kate Giammarise reporting for WESA: https://www.wesa.fm/economy-business/2022-03-21/pennsylvanias-food-stamp-enrollment-is-climbing-toward-levels-not-seen-since-the-early-pandemic
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Writer, astronomer, and Carnegie Mellon University researcher Diane Turnshek has been encouraging cities to address light pollution for decades — and Pittsburgh finally caught on. Today, she talks about the new city ordinance she helped create, what it’ll take to replace 40,000 streetlights in Pittsburgh, and how much humans have in common with birds, bats, and the springtime flora we love most. And don’t forget to set your alarm for 8:30 p.m. on Saturday to participate in Earth Hour, where people across the globe turn off their lights as a symbol of solidarity — and a catalyst for change — to benefit both people and the planet. Read more about the plan to replace Pittsburgh’s streetlights here: https://www.wesa.fm/environment-energy/2021-11-02/behind-the-city-of-pittsburghs-plans-to-outfit-35-000-streetlights-with-leds Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As Pennsylvania adopts the CDC’s new, lower threshold for children exposed to “high lead levels,” more Pittsburgh families are becoming eligible for home lead testing and remediation. City Cast Pittsburghers Morgan Moody and Megan Harris talk about what this means for families — and how it might help folks still affected by Pittsburgh’s lingering water crisis. Read the Post-Gazette’s latest reporting on the new lead threshold: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2022/03/14/lead-remediation-children-pa-high-level/stories/202203130011 And a fantastic piece from The Intercept that lays out all the background on the parallels between Flint and Pittsburgh, a la Veolia: https://theintercept.com/2018/05/20/pittsburgh-flint-veolia-privatization-public-water-systems-lead/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sometimes it can be a real pain to get around Pittsburgh. Especially lately, with Port Authority’s service disruptions causing delays and missed routes. Senior producer Megan Harris and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco catch up with Bonnie Fan and Paul O’Hanlon from the advocacy group Pittsburghers for Public Transit to talk about what it would take to create a more equitable transit system for everybody. Read PPT’s latest report here: https://www.pittsburghforpublictransit.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Mobility-for-Who_-Rebuilding-Bridges-to-Transportaiton-Justice.pdf Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Pittsburgh Author Damon Young released his memoir, “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker,” it earned him international praise, a spot on NPR’s “Best Book of the Year” list, and took the VerySmartBros founder and former Wilkinsburg high school teacher from Pittsburgh to the world. Tomorrow, his new podcast, "Stuck with Damon Young,” drops, in partnership with Crooked Media and Spotify. Today, he talks with City Cast Pittsburgh Host Morgan Moody about banned books, the plight of middle school teachers, and the literature even he won’t let his kids read. Read Young’s writing for the Washington Post (where he recently snuck the word ‘jagoff’ into a column): https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/damon-young/ Devour his book, “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker”: https://www.damonjyoung.com/book And listen to “Stuck With Damon Young”: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/stuck-with-damon-young/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The team is back for the Friday roundup. This week, we’re discussing understaffing at the Allegheny County Health Department, municipal police departments bringing in social workers, and a full-scale pirate ship — with water cannons! — soon to set sail on the three rivers. As always, the Friday roundup is powered by incredible local journalism. This week, check out:
Charlie Wolfson for PublicSource on restaurant inspections: https://www.publicsource.org/allegheny-food-safety-health-inspection-salary-staffing-shortage/
Allegheny County’s website to look up the health safety status of a restaurant: https://eapps.alleghenycounty.us/restaurant/
Sandy Trozzo for PublicSource on social workers at local police departments: https://www.publicsource.org/police-arent-social-workers-some-local-departments-want-them-at-the-scene/
And Kristy Locklin for NEXTPittsburgh on “The Kraken,” a new pirate ship taking to the high seas of Pittsburgh: https://nextpittsburgh.com/latest-news/pittsburgh-pirate-ship-will-sail-into-the-season-with-a-larger-vessel-and-a-liquor-license/
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It’s pretty convenient to leave your recycling at the curb, but it can be a lot more convenient for facilities to process those materials when they’re pre-sorted. Two of 10 new glass drop-off facilities just opened in Allegheny County, and officials are hopeful it’ll mean a lot more of our waste gets back on the shelf. (According to the EPA, about 5% of the waste stream is glass.) The Allegheny Front’s Julie Grant is here to explain how that happens. Learn more about local recycling efforts here: https://www.alleghenyfront.org/packaging-group-makes-the-case-for-better-glass-recycling/ And no, your recycling isn’t just going to the landfill. Or, well, most of it isn’t. Check it out: https://www.alleghenyfront.org/no-your-recycling-is-not-just-going-to-the-landfill-well-most-of-it-isnt/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In a press conference yesterday, the Venango County District Attorney ruled the fatal shooting of Pittsburgh resident Peter Bernardo Spencer as a “justifiable act of self defense,” and cited Pennsylvania's "Use of force in self-protection" — also known as stand your ground — law. A 29-year-old Black man and Jamaican immigrant, Spencer was shot nine times at a cabin in Rockland Township four months ago. The case is complicated, and there’s been a lot of rumors and criticism surrounding what happened and how investigators handled the case. There’s a lot of new information to digest, and City Cast producers Matt Stroud and Megan Harris are back with Post-Gazette columnist Tony Norman to talk about what we’ve learned. Check out the Post-Gazette’s coverage here: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2022/03/15/peter-spencer-pittsburgh-death-venango-county-killing-self-defense-district-attorney/stories/202203150097 Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Recent protests at Sewickley Academy have revolved around the school’s approach to — and avoidance of — teaching anything that could be considered “critical race theory.” But what is CRT? And how should we think about it — both as adults, and as adults explaining it to kids? PublicSource’s TyLisa Johnson explains how to have these conversations — and why they’re so important. Is your child asking about critical race theory? Here’s a guide to navigate those talks: https://www.publicsource.org/parents-talk-with-kids-about-race-critical-race-theory-1619/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
No one wants to end up behind bars, but if you are arrested, it's a reasonable expectation that you’ll survive to get your day in court. New reporting out today from the Pittsburgh Institute of Nonprofit Journalism shows deaths inside Allegheny County Jail are happening at higher rates than they have in years. Investigative reporter Brittany Hailer explains who’s dying and what needs to be done. Follow Hailer on Twitter here, and read more of her reporting here. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For our Friday news roundup, the team hears about student demands at Sewickley Academy; a former lawyer’s five-year federal prison sentence for marijuana distribution; the Warhol docu-series (and the artificial intelligence that replicates his voice); and, finally, some bridge news that doesn’t end in collapse… we hope. Today’s conversation is powered by local journalism, including:
Paula Reed Ward has some great background from the Tribune-Review on the antics of former attorney and rapper Daniel Muessig, aka Dos Noun, including the infamous video: https://triblive.com/local/former-pittsburgh-defense-attorney-gets-5-years-in-prison-for-marijuana-distribution/
Like Morgan, 90.5 WESA’s Julia Zenkevich attended the student press conference about the happenings at Sewickley Academy: https://www.wesa.fm/education/2022-03-10/sewickley-academy-students-seek-public-apology-petition-administration-for-concessions
Ed Blazina's got a great scoop at the Post-Gazette on Norfolk Southern’s NDA: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2022/03/07/norfolk-southern-pittsburgh-bridges-construction-modification-double-stacked-trains-north-side-allegheny-commons/stories/202203070012
And City Paper’s Amanda Waltz lets us know what to look for in Netflix’s new six-part series, “The Andy Warhol Diaries”: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/the-andy-warhol-diaries-looks-at-intensely-private-life-of-pittsburgh-born-pop-artist/Content?oid=21245880
Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March Madness is almost here! The NCAA men’s tournament is coming through the Steel City this year for the first and second rounds of games. Here to walk us through what changes to expect is Pittsburgh native, color commentator, and pro scout Ashley Battle, who played professionally and won three championships with the University of Connecticut. Plus, Ashley gets real about what’s happening in Russia to WNBA phenom Brittney Griner. The Pittsburgh Foundation and local United Way is collecting donations for the #UnitedForUkraine campaign. Here’s how to donate: https://nextpittsburgh.com/latest-news/pghunitedforukraine-campaign-gives-pittsburghers-a-direct-way-to-assist-ukrainian-refugees/ Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
New investments in local transportation have brought more options to help residents commute — but who are all these bikes and rideshares and e-scooters for? Newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco is with disability advocate and leader of Access Mob Pittsburgh, Alisa Grishman, to talk about what it’s like to be a wheelchair user in Pittsburgh and what our neighbors — with or without disabilities — can do to help to create a safer, more accessible city. And tomorrow is the last day to drop off donations for Repair the World Pittsburgh’s Purim celebration. They’re collecting household supplies for a bunch of great organizations around town. More info here: https://twitter.com/pitt_repair/status/1498735298825621505 Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The city and the Urban Redevelopment Authority are supposed to make vacant property available for purchase through something called the Pittsburgh Land Bank. It's been a mess for years, and the URA hired an urban planner, Greg Miller, to reorganize the process. But just a few months in, he quit too. Ariam Ford of Grounded Pittsburgh is here to explain what’s at stake and what both the city and its residents can do to help. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Whether you’re a regular Sunday church-goer or not, packing church basements or a VFW for a Lenten fish fry is still very much a tradition in Pittsburgh this time of year. Host Morgan Moody talks with Pittsburgh native and fish fry aficionado Rossilynne Skena Culgan about the history of the tradition and where to find the best fish fry dinner in Pittsburgh. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For our Friday news roundup, the City Cast Pittsburgh team discusses the movement to encourage a local foundation to stop funding hate groups; a possible dispatcher strike on the day of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade; and rising prices at the Pittsburgh International Airport. We also dig back into a story about regional police charging sex workers with “possessing an instrument of crime” if they carry condoms. Check them out:
Jordana Rosenfeld for City Paper on the Colcom Foundation: https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/over-70-organizations-demand-colcom-foundation-stop-funding-anti-immigrant-groups/Content?oid=21201599
Jesse Bunch for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on the dispatcher strike: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2022/03/01/Allegheny-County-911-dispatchers-strike-notice-St-Patrick-Day-union-parade-March-12-SEIU/stories/202203010104
Kiley Koscinski on 90.5 WESA on rising airport costs: https://www.wesa.fm/development-transportation/2022-03-01/audit-shows-some-items-cost-nearly-twice-as-much-at-pittsburgh-international-airport
And John Oliver’s most recent episode on sex work, featuring reporting by the Tribune-Review’s Megan Guza: https://archive.triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/condoms-criminalized-in-allegheny-county-prostitution-cases/
Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Peter Spencer was 29 when he went camping in Venango County with a group of white men in December. The next morning, Spencer, who was Black, was found dead in the lawn with nine bullets in his back and front. And while news reports have said that the person who killed Spencer admitted to it, no charges have been filed. Lead producer Matt Stroud is with longtime Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Tony Norman about the case and where it might go in coming weeks. You can read his piece here: https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/tony-norman/2022/01/24/Peter-Bernardo-Spencer-Venango-County-lynching-Jamaica-transparency/stories/202201250008 Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A week ago, native Russian Anastasia Gorelova and Ukrainian-born Karina Shevchenko had never met. Then came the invasion. Hear how conflict brought them together, what their friends and families are experiencing back home, and what they need now from their adopted neighbors in Pittsburgh. If you’re hoping to help, Karina suggests donating directly to St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, 109 S. 7th St., in the South Side. They’re collecting medical supplies like analgesics, gauze and tape, as well as thermal underwear, lanterns, and headlamps. Karina says those supplies will be shipped to Ukraine next week. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
All 67 Pennsylvania counties have now signed on to a $1 billion settlement from opioid manufacturers to deliver drug treatment and prevention in the commonwealth. As officials figure out how to divvy up that money, Senior Producer Megan Harris checks in with Dr. Payel Roy, Director of UPMC’s Addiction Medicine Consult Service, to find out how recovery services could be better in the 'Burgh. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The NFL Combine, a national week-long tryout for all the teams in the league, marks the start of a new — and hopefully promising — Steelers season. So who is Pittsburgh looking at? What can we expect from the draft? And can we start planning that next Super Bowl parade? Sean Gentille, senior writer for The Athletic, is here to talk through it all, plus how the team is reacting to one very important coaching hire. The newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For our Friday news roundup, the City Cast Pittsburgh team discusses UPMC's newest high-profile lobbyist, a massive donation for a local private school, and the question of whether we love or hate the recent onslaught of e-scooters. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh!
We talked about a bunch of stories in today's conversation. Check out the Post-Gazette’s investigation into the Ukrainian oligarchs who routed potentially billions into the region: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2022/02/20/Ihor-Kolomoisky-US-banks-warren-ohio-steel-plant-ukraine/stories/202202200063 And this one, on the Ukrainians praying for peace in Pittsburgh: https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2022/02/24/pittsburgh-ukrainian-community-reaction-russia-ukraine-attack-vladimir-putin-greenfield-carnegie/stories/202202240131 Here’s the PublicSource story about talking to your kids about critical race theory: https://www.publicsource.org/parents-talk-with-kids-about-race-critical-race-theory-1619/ And check out the full mobility study released last week: https://www.pittsburghforpublictransit.org/new-report-mobility-for-who-rebuilding-bridges-to-transportation-justice/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Not long ago, you’d be hard-pressed to find a brew pub with an all-local rotation — let alone one with a fire pit or board games or dogs and babies at the bar. But today, it’s not just normal, it’s expected. Our buddy Hal B. Klein is here to talk about why. Read his excellent piece in Pittsburgh Magazine here. Sign up for our daily newsletter and follow us on Twitter & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Should a 138-year-old house in Uptown linked to bootlegging and an illegal lottery be preserved as a historic landmark? Or demolished for new development? Folklorist and public historian Dr. David Rotenstein researched the Tito-Mecca-Zizza house and its garage, revealing its connections to Pittsburgh’s Black history, prohibition, the secret history of Rolling Rock beer, and the Italian immigrant experience in the 1920s and ’30s. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Funeral director Sarah McAlee is a soup-lebrity on the North Side. She goes by Brothmonger, and you have to be at Mayfly Market eeeearrly in the morning if you want to snag her daily offerings. Hear about her journey from the morbid kid to comfort-maker-in-chief, plus all her best-kept, soup-making secrets. Our newsletter is fresh daily at 6 a.m. Sign up here. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Artist Alisha Wormsley is best known in Pittsburgh for her incisive, compelling — and weirdly controversial — East Liberty billboard reminding us all that “There Are Black People in the Future.” But her latest exhibit at Concept Art Gallery in Regent Square goes way beyond the billboard that drew so much attention. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and follow us on Instagram & Twitter at @CityCastPgh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dating in Pittsburgh is hard enough — and getting on the apps is like, a whole other thing. What pictures do you post? What should you say? Are like, mask selfies ok? There’s a lot to figure out, but not to worry—Pittsburgh City Paper arts and culture writer Dani Janae is here to help you get all the dates. Plus, an estimated 11,000 love locks will be cut off the Clemente Bridge today in advance of restoration work. We've got a tribute to all the Pittsburghers who locked their love and threw away (or lost!) the key. Read Dani's piece here, and Pittsburgh Magazine's piece about the love locks here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh! Follow us on Instagram at @CityCastPgh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Without the Fern Hollow Bridge, a main artery connecting neighborhoods on either side of Frick Park, businesses in Wilkinsburg and Regent Square are cut off from their neighbors in Squirrel Hill. Senior producer Megan Harris and Morgan Moody stopped by Smashed Waffles, Madeleine’s Bakery & Bistro, and Dee’s Six Pax and Dogz to see how they’ve been impacted by the bridge collapse and their concerns for the future. Want to help? Take the detours and spread a little love to your favorite spots on that side of town, like this list of businesses provided by the Regent Square Civic Association. Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh and Instagram at @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Gag gifts are supposed to be funny, but should that novelty extend to a box of anonymous feces at your doorstep? For 15 years, the mysterious owners of Pittsburgh-based poopsenders.com have been leaving their mark in an unusual way. Freelance journalist Nick Keppler flushed out the father-son duo for Vice. And a bunch of local bridges will be renovated over the next two years. Check out the list here. Subscribe to our morning newsletter and follow us on social @CityCastPgh! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When school districts have a discipline problem — or a perception of one — they often hire police officers, rather than teachers or school administrators, to patrol schools. A new report from the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania finds that student arrests happen way more frequently than they’re reported. And that students in Allegheny County schools are more likely to be arrested than students anywhere else in the commonwealth. ACLU Pennsylvania community advocate Ghadah Makoshi tells senior producer Megan Harris why these are big problems and how they can change. Check out the full report here. And make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter! We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram at @CityCastPgh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As the City of Bridges, we’re also going to be a city of bridge failures. The Fern Hollow collapse last week is just the latest in an unfortunate history of calamities that have accompanied the Steel City's rise to transportation prominence. Senior producer Megan Harris talks to historian and author Mark Houser about our past and what we can glean from the federal database keeping track of it all. Check out his wonderful book “MultiStories: 55 Antique Skyscrapers & the Business Tycoons Who Built Them,” and listen to his TedX talk here. Our morning newsletter is fresh every day at 6 a.m. Share your favorite memes with us — we’re on Twitter & Instagram at @CityCastPgh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's been a few days since the Fern Hollow Bridge collapsed in Frick Park. With two years and more than $25 million estimated for repairs, what should we know about all those other "poor" bridges in Pittsburgh? Host Morgan Moody dives into the details with Kent Harries, an associate professor of engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Our morning newsletter is fresh every day at 6 a.m. Subscribe and follow us on Twitter & Instagram @CityCastPgh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Pittsburgh artists Mikael Owunna and Marques Redd have adapted the lore of southeastern Nigeria’s Igbo people to explore how our collective mythologies influence our cosmic destinies. You can see their heady, beautiful installations all over town, and they’re collaborating with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on a free show tonight. Morgan Moody talked to the artists about their own beginnings and what inspires them today. You can also snag tickets to their upcoming film Obi Mbu here. Get more Pittsburgh news fresh to your inbox every morning via our newsletter! And talk to us! We’re on Twitter @citycastpgh and Instagram @CityCastPgh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Every 10 years, states calibrate voting districts to reflect their changing populace. But Pennsylvania’s new legislative and Congressional maps are late. How will that affect voters and candidates? And what makes a map fair? Senior producer Megan Harris talks to reporter Kate Huangpu with Spotlight PA and David Thornburgh, senior advisor with the Committee of 70, which submitted a collaborative Congressional map for consideration last year. Read the latest on Kate’s redistricting reporting here: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2022/01/pennsylvania-primary-2022-redistricting-delays/ Music on City Cast Pittsburgh is composed by Benji. See him perform live at the Greer Cabaret Theater this Friday, and say hello if you see us in the crowd. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our morning newsletter and follow us on social @CityCastPgh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Single-digit temperatures put people without stable housing at serious risk, and challenges can multiply if you're relying on people who don't recognize or support you. Senior producer Megan Harris checks in with Lyndsey Sickler, executive director of Proud Haven on Pittsburgh's North Side, about how their clients are faring, what they've learned from the new Haven House space, and how Pittsburghers like you can help. Sign up for our morning newsletter and follow us on social. We're on Twitter and Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It’s been nearly 70 years since Pittsburgh expanded its borders into a neighboring town or borough, and Wilkinsburg could be next. What’s at stake for residents of both communities if elected leaders — and eventually voters — decide to proceed? Wilkinsburg Mayor Dontae Comans joins host Morgan Moody to sort through everything we still don't know. Plus, senior producer Megan Harris checks in with Light of Life Rescue Mission about how clients are faring in all this snow. Be sure to sign up for our morning newsletter and connect with us on Twitter & Instagram @citycastpgh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A lot of people stop drinking after their boozy holidays to start off the new year sober and refreshed. But for some, “Dry January” is a life-saving, year-round commitment they make every day. Host Morgan Moody talks candidly about her own experience with Pittsburgh author Brian Broome. A special thanks to City of Asylum Bookstore for hosting the conversation. Snag Brian’s wonderful memoir “Punch Me Up To The Gods” from them here. Want some more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our morning newsletter and follow us on Twitter & Insta @ CityCastPgh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The coronavirus is seemingly ever present, but we still gotta eat! Hal B. Klein of Pittsburgh Magazine chats with Morgan Moody and Megan Harris about takeout, food trucks, and the one thing to avoid when ordering out in the city. And Damon Young, author of “What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker,” shares his remembrance of one closing Pittsburgh restaurant he'll sorely miss. And not because of the food. Redd up on Hal’s 2021 roundup of Pgh's Best New Restaurants Subscribe to our morning newsletter here and follow us on Twitter & Instagram! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
City Cast Pittsburgh is the nebby neighbor you wish you had — with conversations you want to hear and insights that help you question and celebrate the city we share. Starting January 11th, it's 15 minutes every day of the news you need about the most pressing local issues of our time. Subscribe to the newsletter at pittsburgh.citycast.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices