The Trump administration is sending ICE agents to 14 airports across the country, including Pittsburgh International, to help with security during the partial government shutdown. But it's not yet clear exactly what they'll be doing — and not everyone is thrilled with their arrival. Host Megan Harris and Sophia Lo share what we know so far, and explain why the airport opened a food pantry for its own employees. Plus, they give a status update on our city's preparations for the NFL Draft, get excited for the start of Kennywood and Pirates seasons (including the new menu items at PNC Park), and question Heinz's latest products. (Protein mac and cheese?! Electrolytes-infused Capri Sun?!) 

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 24th episode:

Fulton Commons

Carnegie Library

412 Day

Taskrabbit

Political Gabfest

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

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

The Carnegie Museums are some of the standout attractions in the city, but there are lots of museums and hidden gems in and around Pittsburgh that are free or donation-based. We're bringing back a conversation with Discover the Burgh's Jeremy Jones and Spotlight PA's Asha Prihar, who are sharing some of their favorite attractions (including where you can see a singing tumor in a jar!) and how to make the most of a free exhibit.

**This episode originally aired on June 25, 2025.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 23rd episode:

Fulton Commons

Carnegie Library

412 Day

Taskrabbit

Political Gabfest

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

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Pittsburgh. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler about why sex workers are considered independent contractors, what sparked this legal battle, and what happens if they win. Plus, what's different about neighborhoods in Las Vegas?

Mentioned on the show:

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.

Pittsburgh will finish its controversial $6 million master plan thanks to a contribution from the Heinz Endowments. But the city's still in rough financial shape — and it doesn't help that some police officers are spending big on premium car washes. Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo, and contributor Colin Williams share the latest on the budget and talk about distressing body cam footage that emerged after a local ICE arrest. Plus, they celebrate the return of Pittsburgh City Paper, mourn a Downtown grocery store that never even opened, and discuss both fish (a potential North Shore aquarium) and fowl (a bird tornado).

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 20th episode:

P3R

The Westmoreland

Carnegie Library

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

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

Pennsylvania could be getting two new ICE detention centers. The federal government quietly purchased two warehouses in Berks and Schuylkill Counties as part of a national move to build more immigrant detention facilities. Some local leaders, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, are pushing back against these sites. But do they have any power to block the facilities, or have a say in how they operate? We're sharing an episode from our friends at City Cast Philly, where host Trenae Nuri asks Spotlight PA's Gabriela Martínez and Kate Huangpu about the status of these detention centers and whether local officials can stop them.

Read Gabriela and Kate's reporting on the ICE facilities here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 19th episode:

P3R

The Westmoreland

Carnegie Library

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

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

The Great Pierogi Race. Our city parks. "The geese that fly over from Allegheny Cemetery, minus the poop." To celebrate publishing our 1,000th podcast episode this month, we've been asking what YOU love about Pittsburgh — so we can create and share a list of 1,000 things we all love about living here. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and producer Sophia Lo are on mic sharing our favorite submissions so far and what they say about our sense of local pride. Plus, they're explaining how one lucky winner could snag $1,000 to some of our favorite Pittsburgh spots.

The contest and series are sponsored by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 18th episode:

P3R

The Westmoreland

Carnegie Library

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

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.

Devastated it's cold again? Warm up your belly with hearty brisket chili, creamy mac and cheese, or perfectly smoked ribs. City Cast Pittsburgh contributor Colin Williams is back to make the case that Pittsburgh has a surprisingly decent BBQ scene, and he and host Megan Harris share some of their favorite spots.

**This episode originally aired on September 18, 2025.

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

P3R

The Westmoreland

Carnegie Library

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

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. 

A federal judge just issued a scathing ruling saying the Department of Justice can't force UPMC Children's Hospital to hand over young patients' medical records. The DOJ had demanded information about minors who were receiving gender-affirming care. "There is more than a whiff of ill-intent," Chief Judge Cathy Bissoon wrote. "Arguably, it is closer to a stench." But the legal battle isn't over, and UPMC has stopped providing most forms of gender-affirming care for young people. Mimi McKenzie, legal director at the Public Interest Law Center, joins executive producer Mallory Falk to explain how she came to represent four local patients and their families, why she found it "hugely disappointing" that UPMC didn't bring its own legal challenge against the government, and what's happening with similar cases across the country.

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

P3R

The Westmoreland

Carnegie Library

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

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Pittsburghers are concerned about police accountability, especially with the increased presence of federal troops in many cities. DC Council in Washington recently passed emergency legislation requiring local police to release body-worn camera footage of incidents involving federal forces they patrol with, and to collect the names of federal officers who make arrests. It’s a big shift in local policy, partially motivated by the fact that local cops have damaged their reputation by patrolling with feds. City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host and executive editor Mike Schaffer about the political stakes involved, the effectiveness of body cameras, and how Washingtonians are dealing with the heavy federal law enforcement presence. Plus, Mike and Jacoby weigh in on public transit etiquette in their cities when it comes to people playing music out loud.

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email us now!

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Mayor Corey O'Connor announced yesterday that Pittsburgh's facing a shortfall of up to $40 million and he's reopening the 2026 budget. Executive producer Mallory Falk is with contributor and TribLive reporter Colin Williams to share what we know so far. Then, newsletter editor senior Francesca Dabecco joins the team to talk about never-ending construction on Penn Ave, development plans in the Lower Hill, a sneak preview of Pittsburgh's newest concert venue, and Isaly's return to the Strip District. (How much will they charge for a chipped ham sandwich?!)

Come work with us! We're hiring an audience development manager and podcast contributors. Learn more about the roles here. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 16.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 13th episode:

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

Heinz History Center

Liberty Magic

The Westmoreland

Carnegie Library

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

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.