City Cast Pittsburgh

By City CastSociety & Culture News Daily News

City Cast Pittsburgh episodes

October 15 Our Favorite Pittsburgh Coffee Shops
Pittsburgh has no shortage of great coffee shops. Some are perfect for getting work done. Others are better for catching up with friends. And a few are practically begging you to take yourself on a little solo date. With Pittsburgh Coffee Week kicking off this Sunday, the City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing our favorite spots for every occasion. Plus, we’re highlighting some of the events worth checking out during this year’s celebration of all things coffee.
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Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, October 15th episode:
Fulton Commons
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
30 min
October 14 The True Tale of Pittsburgh's Glowing Green Man
There's an urban legend that's left an eerie mark on generations of local kids: a story about a spectre with a glowing green face doomed to roam the highways of Western Pennsylvania. He may have been burned by acid or fire, or maybe got struck by lightning. The details are squishy, but the real story behind "The Monster of Beaver County" is a tragic one. City Cast's Wil Fulton joins us to explain how the Green Man's story has been told and misunderstood for decades, and what we can learn from the legend.
Special thanks to City Cast's Elizabeth Kauma for her work on this one. Music and some sound effects courtesy of Epidemic Sound.
**This episode originally published October 18, 2023.
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.
🏡 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 the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program!
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If you enjoyed our interview with Boone Troyer, Executive Director at Athens County Visitors Bureau, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, October 14th episode:
Fulton Commons
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
27 min
October 13 Fall Color, Giant Pumpkins & Pittsburgh's Best Asian Groceries
Fall foliage is starting to pop around Pittsburgh. Host Megan Harris and contributor Sophia Lo share their favorite spots to soak up those autumn colors, including city parks and scenic road trips. Plus, Sophia shares their picks for some of the best Asian grocery stores in the region, from bustling markets in the Strip to smaller neighborhood gems. And if you’re looking to make plans, we’ve got some fun events to check out this week: giant pumpkin drops, spooky wildlife encounters, and a whole week dedicated to local coffee!
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.
🏡 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 the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program!
🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
If you enjoyed our interview with Chris Cox, Director of Marketing and Communications, learn more here.
Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, October 13th episode:
Fulton Commons
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
38 min
October 11‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Another Pittsburgh school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict no-phone school day can work, and they’ve got the (mostly) positive feedback to show for it. City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson joins David to talk about how St. Paul Central High School is succeeding at enforcing a phone-free school environment, the surprising ways that some students approach it, and how these kinds of bans can even affect adults like Sean.
Listeners, it’s that time again! Send us the dilemmas you’re facing living in a city, and we might debate them on our upcoming call-in show. Email us or submit using this Google Form.
Mentioned on the show:
Kids using public radio comment sections as ad hoc communication
Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!
We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter
Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
25 min
October 09Shapiro vs. Garrity, a Mafia-Style Toilet Fundraiser & TBD on New Local Taxes
Pittsburgh and Allegheny County officially announced their 2027 budgets and … wow our finances are not looking good. Host Megan Harris and contributor Colin Williams explain where that money’s coming from (including a potential sales tax increase and proposed property reassessments), where it’s going, and why it’s so hard to pay for everything right now. Plus, a look at what’s coming on your November midterm election ballot. Gov. Josh Shapiro and state treasurer Stacy Garrity’s recent debate about data centers, skill games, school choice, and more. And our musings on a local youth basketball team that’s running a Mafia-style Pittsburgh potty protection racket to raise funds.
Notes and references from today’s show:
City leaders target breakdowns in oversight that some say helped lead to Pittsburgh’s looming financial crisis [Post-Gazette]

County Executive Innamorato proposes millions in budget cuts as federal policies hit home [Post-Gazette]

5 things to know about Allegheny County’s preliminary budget [TribLive]

Josh Shapiro, Stacy Garrity face off in Pennsylvania governor's debate [WPXI]

The top takeaways from the only debate between Gov. Josh Shapiro and Stacy Garrity [Spotlight PA]

Shapiro, Garrity spar in Pa.’s 1st gubernatorial debate in 8 years [TribLive]

Judge deems Pennsylvania’s school funding system unconstitutional [WHYY]

Union celebrates legal win as U.S. Supreme Court rejects Pittsburgh Post-Gazette appeal [WESA]

This Western Pa. youth basketball team is trying to get flush with cash using a toilet [Post-Gazette]
🏡 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 the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program. It’s your last chance for a hat!
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.
🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
42 min
October 08 Pittsburgh's Indigenous History
Pittsburgh loves to talk about its history — the forts, the steel mills, the immigrants, the neighborhoods. But the story of this place starts long before any of that. Ahead of Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, we’re revisiting a conversation with Miguel Sague of the Council of Three Rivers Indian American Center about the Native peoples who shaped our region and the Indigenous community that still calls Western PA home.
*This episode originally aired October 11, 2022.
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.

🏡 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 the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program!
🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

If you enjoyed our interview with Chris Cox, Director of Marketing and Communications, learn more here.
27 min
October 07What Pgh Restaurant Would Hold Your Wake? Plus, Measles & Mulan's Cookbook
It's official: an Allegheny County resident just tested positive for measles. It's part of Pennsylvania's ongoing (and worsening) measles outbreak, with over 1,000 confirmed cases and five measles-associated deaths statewide. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and creative producer Boen Wang discuss the latest updates, the continuing dispute between PA and the CDC over the number of measles deaths, and where to get vaccinated this fall. Plus, we share some of our City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors' recommendations for restaurants to check out — including a spot to host your own wake — and some events we're excited for this week.
Notes and references from today’s show:
Allegheny County Health Department Announces First Confirmed Allegheny County Resident Case of Measles [ACHD]

Pa. health officials face multiple fronts as measles outbreak overlaps with respiratory virus season [WESA]

PODCAST: Pittsburgh's Measles Risk, Explained [City Cast Pittsburgh]

PODCAST: Measles, Go-Karts & Wylie's Opening Lineup [City Cast Pittsburgh]

A Pa. coroner doubted a measles-linked death, sparking anti-vaccine outcry. Records show the state tried to reach him. [Philly Inquirer]

Mom of infant exposed to measles at UPMC Children’s frustrated by hospital system response [TribLive]

Pennsylvania Measles Cases Tracker [PA.gov]

PODCAST: What Happened to Pgh’s Chinatown? [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Two Roads Through Two Chinatowns (written by Boen!) [Sunday Long Read]
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.
🏡 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 the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program!
🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
40 min
October 06The Dystopian AI School PA Rejected
Notes and references from today’s show:
A.I.-Driven Education: Founded in Texas and Coming to a School Near You [New York Times]

State rejects application for cyber charter school with AI teacher and two hours of daily class [Penn Capital-Star]

Parents Fell in Love With Alpha School’s Promise. Then They Wanted Out [Wired]

SPECIAL REPORT: My So-Called Alpha School [Cognitive Resonance]

Several States Rejected This Private School Chain as a Charter. Now It’s Eligible for Texas’ Taxpayer-Funded Vouchers. [ProPublica]

Pa. lawmakers say regulations on AI in education, student privacy are coming [WESA]

Pennsylvania Creates initiative aims to make teenagers AI literate and responsible [TribLive]

Pittsburgh Public Schools to revise student handbooks after discrepancies found [TribLive]

Educators ask state to create policy for AI in schools [Post-Gazette]

What is your school's AI policy? [Public Source]
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.
🏡 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 the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program!
🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
37 min
October 05Maple Miso Lattes, Artisanal Croissants & All-You-Can-Eat KBBQ
Korean BBQ, sushi, "artisanal" croissants, and other delectable delicacies are on offer from newly-opened (as well as expanding and reopening) restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and bars in the Pittsburgh region. Executive producer Mallory Falk and contributor Sophia Lo dish (haha) about all the latest eateries and drinkieries coming our way, and what we’re personally looking forward to checking out. We also hold remembrances for some dearly departed favorites (goodbye KLVN, we hardly knew ye).
Notes and references from today’s show:
Wok Hei to open in former Original Hot Dog Shop space in Oakland [TribLive]

Pittsburgh’s latest restaurant openings are on a roll [NEXTpittsburgh]

After 12 years as Mount Washington’s wing king, Les Murphy strikes out on his own in Millvale [Post-Gazette]

Opa Fé Bakery [Instagram]

Rockaway Pizza in Regent Square sets reopening date [TribLive]

Nearly 2 years after a fire destroyed a beloved Carnegie pub, they're about to rebuild [KDKA]

Dynamic Coffee Roasters replaces KLVN [Instagram]

Pittsburgh restaurant news: Starbucks, Friendship Perk & Brew close, Delanie’s expands [TribLive]

Bloomfield’s historic Pleasure Bar closes, property up for sale [TribLive]
🏡 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 the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program!
👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!
💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.
🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
25 min
October 04‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
When Pittsburgh looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York City did in order to integrate flood mitigation into public housing. Inspired by places like Rotterdam, the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) collaborated with other groups to give Queens a state-of-the-art, climate-resilient amenity — in this case, a basketball court. David talks with Katy Burgio from NYCHA and Runit Chhaya of Grain Collective, one of the involved design firms, about the larger infrastructure the court is a part of and how it’s setting up NYC for climate resilience.
Mentioned on the show:
Water Square and its creative facilitators: https://www.dezeen.com/2025/11/25/grain-collective-basketball-courts-flood-prevention/

Rotterdam’s own “water square”: https://landezine.com/water-square-benthemplein-by-de-urbanisten/
Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!
We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter
Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
24 min

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Join Megan Harris and the City Cast Pittsburgh team every weekday morning for a fast-paced daily news podcast that will get you talking and make you question what’s going on here in Western…