Your taxes could be going up. City Council and Pittsburgh Public Schools both officially proposed increases for next year. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and producer Sophia Lo explain how we got here and how much extra you might be paying if the tax hikes do, in fact, get approved. Plus, they discuss a new direct flight to one of Pittsburgh's favorite places, new state restrictions on GLP-1 drugs, the Terrible Towel's big milestone birthday, and your final opportunity to snag an exclusive City Cast Pittsburgh beanie.

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Request a song for our holiday show! Call or text the HOLIDAY HOTLINE at 412-212-8893.

Notes and references from today’s show:

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Are you the kind of Pittsburgher who always shows up to Light Up Night and puts up your holiday decorations right after Halloween? Today, we're bringing together a few local media outlets to see who knows the most about our city's seasonal traditions, and we want you to play along with us! We're asking questions about our prolific pop-up bars, iconic local commercials, and favorite winter events. 

What was your final score? Tell us how you did at our TRIVIA HOTLINE at 412-212-8893.

Thanks to our guests Colin Williams at City Paper, John Rhoades at Next Pittsburgh, and Jeff Freedman at QBurgh, and special shout out to CCP contributor and quizmaster Kevin Gavin.

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Notes and references from today’s show:

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Pittsburgh Public Schools spent two years and a quarter million dollars on a plan to save money and make the district more equitable — only for the school board to reject it in the 11th hour. The controversial plan would've closed and consolidated a bunch of schools and made other dramatic changes to address declining enrollment, a growing deficit, and student achievement gaps, but many worried it was happening on a rushed timeline. Now the district is back to the drawing board and considering a tax increase. Host Megan Harris is with James Fogarty, executive director of A+ Schools, to explain what happened, what comes next, and why the fate of our local schools should matter to everyone who lives here.

Want to learn more about the district, including its bright spots and successes? Read A+ Schools' latest report on PPS.

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Some of our favorite restaurants are celebrating their 10th anniversaries! That includes places like Driftwood Oven (home of the ever-popular sourdough pizza) and Butterwood Bake Consortium (known for its late night cakes). What was happening a decade ago that allowed these restaurants to flourish — and how did they change Pittsburgh's food scene? Post-Gazette dining critic Hal B. Klein joins host Megan Harris to discuss his Class of 2015 series and share how spots like Senti and Scratch & Co. totally rocked our local dining scene.

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We are inching closer and closer to the holidays, and if you've been putting off your shopping, we want to help you find the perfect Pittsburgh gift! Host Megan Harris is with writer and historian Virginia Montanez, who's been putting together a yinzer gift guide for nearly two decades, to share their topics for 2025.

Plus, the rest of the City Cast Pittsburgh team got in on the fun. Get our recommendations for home decor, food and drink, and more. 

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The Esplanade development finally broke ground in Chateau, after nearly a decade of planning, which means we're one step closer to a permanent Ferris Wheel on the North Side. Plus, there are fresh hopes and dreams for Station Square now that a new developer is taking over. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and producer Sophia Lo discuss what they'd like to see on the riverfront site, why alcohol sales are dipping in PA (and why Pennsylvanians can't get enough of Fireball and pink lemonade vodka), and why you'll soon see driverless taxis cruising down city streets.

How should Pittsburghers be celebrating their milestone birthdays? Call or text the BIRTHDAY HOTLINE at 412-212-8893.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 5th episode:

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If you love coffee and pizza, then you're in luck. Pittsburgh's got a bunch of new cafes and restaurants with plenty of warm drinks and delicious slices. Producer Sophia Lo and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco are deep diving the menus, plus discussing other new eats around the city, from noodle shops to a Mexican spot.

We're so sad Bae Bae's closed! Where should we be getting japchae instead? Call or text our KOREAN FOOD HOTLINE at 412-212-8893.

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 4th episode:

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The 2026 Farmers' Almanac predicted that Pittsburgh would see its first snow around December 1, and if the rest of their forecast pans out, then we're in for a "chill, snow, repeat" winter. As we break out our shovels and salt, we've been wondering how often our region actually deals with this kind of winter weather and when it’s been bad enough to break records or shut down the city. Host Megan Harris and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco are digging into the worst snowstorms and cold snaps in Pittsburgh history – and how we even started measuring this data in the first place. 

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

If you enjoyed today's interview with AIDS Free Pittsburgh's Chief Relationship Officer and Project Director, Richard Smith, learn more here.

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Pittsburgh officials agreed to pay $6 million last year to make a master plan — a blueprint for how the city should grow and improve over the next 25 years. But now many months in, City Council and some community leaders say the contractor responsible for gathering ideas didn’t do enough. Should we have gotten more bang for our buck? And if Council quits now, how much money can we get back? Post-Gazette reporter Hallie Lauer joins host Megan Harris to explain why the expensive plan might stall out and how you can still get involved.

Learn more about Pittsburgh's 2050 Comprehensive Plan and share your input here.

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We are in the thick of the holiday season here in Pittsburgh, and there's so many ways to bask in the glow of cheery light displays. Explore a photography exhibit, shop at seasonal markets, and consider getting a pretzel to celebrate New Year's. Plus, if you want to lean into the festive spirits, be sure to visit one of the city's many pop-up holiday bars.

Want to make a request for our holiday music show? Call our HOLIDAY MUSIC HOTLINE at 412-212-8893, and let us know what song you want to hear, where you're calling from, and if you want to dedicate your request to a loved one. 

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/ 

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Pittsburgh community. 

For even more tips on how to make the most out of November in Pittsburgh, check out Hey Pittsburgh’s take on what to do this month.

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