All the drama around inclusionary zoning is back and bigger than ever. Mayor Ed Gainey might even veto an affordable housing bill he’s been pushing for over a year. Pittsburgh International Airport “can’t accommodate” a controversial video from Trump’s Department of Homeland Security, and its officials are preparing for the new terminal's big reveal — including a lot of help from a bunch of “celebrity personas” like PA’s own Taylor Swift. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk and producer Sophia Lo explain what to expect, the latest on City Paper, and why the biggest party of the year might just take place inside a 12-foot Millvale raccoon.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 17th episode:

Heinz History Center

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

Liberty Magic

Pittsburgh Opera

Planned Parenthood of Western PA

Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

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

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Lots of Pittsburghers love a haunted house, but getting spooked doesn't excuse bad behavior. Host Megan Harris is with three leaders of the Pittsburgh Haunters Club — Dave Archer, Stacey Federoff, and Allie Lampman-Sims — and they're all sharing etiquette tips and best practices so you get the most of your haunt experience, all without stepping on the toes of the actors. Plus, they've got recommendations for nearby haunted attractions for hardcore horror fans, scaredy cats, and everyone in between.

Check out more Halloween fun (and scares!) on our website, and learn about upcoming ghoulish gatherings with the Pittsburgh Haunters Club.

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 16th episode:

Heinz History Center

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Opera

Planned Parenthood of Western PA

Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

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

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Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, and Pittsburghers will be voting for the next mayor. The race is between Democrat Corey O'Connor and Republican Tony Moreno. Ahead of the spring primary, we asked each candidate to tell us why they're the right person to lead our city, and we're bringing back those conversations before you step into the voting booth. Today, host Megan Harris is talking to Tony Moreno, a retired police detective who served for more than 20 years. This is his second consecutive bid for mayor.

The voter registration deadline is October 20, and you can fill out your form (and check your voter registration) on Allegheny County's website. 

**This episode originally aired on May 5, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 15th episode:

Heinz History Center

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Opera

Planned Parenthood of Western PA

Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

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

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On Nov. 4, Democrat Corey O'Connor will face off against Republican Tony Moreno to become Pittsburgh's next mayor. Ahead of the primary in May, we asked each mayoral candidate to explain why they're the right person to lead our city, and we're bringing back those conversations to help you make informed decisions in the voting booth.

First, we're revisiting host Megan Harris' interview with Corey O'Connor. He's served as Allegheny County Controller — the county’s top financial watchdog — since 2022, and was an elected member of City Council for over 10 years in District 5. He's also the son of our late former Mayor Bob O'Connor.

**This episode originally aired on April 21, 2025. 

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 14th episode:

Heinz History Center

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

Liberty Magic

Pittsburgh Opera

Planned Parenthood of Western PA

Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

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

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Pennsylvania's judicial retention race is heating up, and there's a mailer going around with really misleading information. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato released a draft of the next county budget, and there's no tax increase, but Pittsburgh Public Schools is thinking differently. We're also talking about Walmart's pitch to demolish the Monroeville Mall, but there's also some good news. Pennsylvania's getting glamping sites with incredible amenities, and lots of books are on sale to celebrate Banned Books Week.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 10th episode:

Fulton Commons

YWCA

Liberty Magic

Pittsburgh Opera

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

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It's a popular season for cemetery tours, and there are some beautiful and historic burial grounds in the Pittsburgh region. But we're also home to Pennsylvania's first and only fully green cemetery. Host Megan Harris visits Penn Forest Natural Burial Park in Verona to learn how a green burial works, the unique ways friends and family can get involved in the process, and why more people are choosing to go out sustainably.

Thank you to guests Laura Faessel, Deanna Mance, and Thom Wood.

You can learn about upcoming events at Penn Forest — including goat yoga and a forest bathing walk — on their events page. Stay tuned for information about their Day of the Dead ancestral ceremony and Winter Solstice celebration.

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 9th episode:

Fulton Commons

YWCA

Liberty Magic

Pittsburgh Opera

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Pittsburgh voters face a big choice this November: not just who should be the city's next mayor, but whether to retain three state Supreme Court judges. That decision could shape whether Democrats or Republicans control PA's highest court and affect major rulings on everything from election law to abortion access. SpotlightPA's Stephen Caruso joins executive producer Mallory Falk to explain what's on the ballot, what's at stake, and why dark money is pouring into these judicial retention contests.

The deadline to register to vote in the next PA election is Oct 20.

If you enjoyed today's interview with Pittsburgh Opera's Director of Marketing and Communications, Chris Cox, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 7th episode:

Fulton Commons

YWCA

Liberty Magic

Pittsburgh Opera

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Making friends in Pittsburgh can feel really daunting. Lots of people here are part of friend groups that formed in their elementary school years, but transplants, boomerangers, and even lifelong Pittsburghers are making new friendships all the time with the help of great social clubs. Haley Ingersoll of Pittsburgh Social Health, Dan Lampmann of Yinz Run Club, and local author Ryan Rydzewski join us to share their best tips for building community in the Burgh.

Read Ryan's story on making local friends in Pittsburgh Magazine, and hear more from Dan in our guide to running in Pittsburgh.

**This episode originally aired on June 6, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 7th episode:

Fulton Commons

YWCA

Liberty Magic

Pittsburgh Opera

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Pumpkin spice lattes get a lot of fanfare, but there are so many pumpkin goodies to choose from in Pittsburgh. The City Cast Pittsburgh team tried over a dozen local pumpkin beers and are sharing their favorites. Plus, we're sharing the other sweet and savory pumpkin dishes we've loved or want to enjoy before the season's over, including Di'Anoia's famous pumpkin gnocchi bowl, pumpkin bagels, and baked goods from Mediterra. 

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 6th episode:

Fulton Commons

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

YWCA

Liberty Magic

Pittsburgh Opera

Heinz History Center

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Giant Eagle says it's lowering prices on hundreds of products, jussst as the beloved Midwestern chain Meijer announced a new location north of Pittsburgh. Outgoing Mayor Ed Gainey released his draft for the city’s 2026 budget, and his most vocal critics are getting pretty creative with their complaints. Plus, Spirit Christmas is coming, Pitt announced a new Horror Studies Center, vaccination exemptions are going down for students countywide.

And it’s the last day of our fall membership drive. Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm/ 

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 3rd episode:

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

City Cast Neighbors - Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Pittsburgh

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