City Cast Pittsburgh

Want to get a little ambitious with your backyard this summer? Maybe you're thinking of getting a beehive or some chickens, or you've decided that this is the year to install a deck, sauna, or pool. Before you go to Home Depot or call a contractor, we're here to help you brush up on Pittsburgh's rules on everything from how many animals you can keep to when you need a permit. We're bringing back a conversation with host Megan Harris, newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco, and prize-winning gardener Kaydi Gratzer about what's allowed and what's off limits in your Pittsburgh backyard.

Need a refresh? We've put our do's and don'ts up on our website, and head over to OneStopPGH to apply for a permit for your next DIY. 

**This episode originally aired on August 4, 2025.

Still have questions about what you can and can't do in your backyard? Call or text our HELP ME Hotline at 412-212-8893.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, May 28th episode:

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Book Fest

Window Nation

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Looking for a low-cost, easy getaway this summer? Look no further than Cleveland! From free art to giant pastrami sandwiches, there's a lot to enjoy just across state lines. We're revisiting host Megan Harris' conversation with City Cast contributors Colin Williams and Meg St-Esprit about all the sights the 'Land has to offer, plus sharing listener recommendations for making the most of the City of Trees.

**This episode originally aired on July 29, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, May 27th episode:

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Book Fest

Window Nation

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Love Indian food, but want to indulge beyond butter chicken and naan? You're in luck! City Cast contributor Aakanksha Agarwal is joining host Megan Harris to talk about the diversity of Indian cuisine, recommend her favorite local restaurants and food trucks, and share the best dishes to add to your repertoire. Plus, she brings some hot takes about Indian buffets. Whether you're looking to expand your palate or looking for a taste of home, Aakanksha's got a rec for you.

Did we miss your favorite Indian restaurant? Call or text our INDIAN FOOD hotline at 412-212-8893.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, May 26th episode:

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Book Fest

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 new iteration of Pittsburgh’s contentious inclusionary zoning policy is headed back to the City Planning Commission. City Cast’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are with contributor Colin Williams to talk about how we got here and what we expect at the public hearing June 2. Plus, primary election results, a new baby lion, and our hopes for the NFL Draft clock. 

Stick around for the members-only segment, featuring our picks for our Pittsburgh summer bucket list. Not a member? Become one now at membership.citycast.fm. 

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 22nd episode:

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Book Fest

Window Nation

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Frick Pittsburgh

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

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City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Megan beat out her competitors from Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities?

Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, May 21st episode:

⁠PGH Cultural Trust⁠

⁠PGH Book Fest⁠

⁠Window Nation⁠

⁠Pittsburgh Steelers⁠

⁠The Frick Pittsburgh⁠

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

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

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Allegheny County could become the first in the U.S. to require 18 weeks of paid parental leave for all employees. County Executive Sara Innamorato tells host Megan Harris why she thinks it would improve outcomes for both growing families and the county's economy. Plus, hear how taxes helped land the new Loews hotel (20 years in the making!!), how we snatched someone’s headquarters from New Jersey, term limits for several elected county officials, and why she’s getting hyped up for Nelly's return to Pittsburgh this summer. 

Have thoughts about the county's proposed parental leave policy? Submit a comment to the county or register to speak at a public hearing Downtown on June 2, and check out the Forward with Families child care tool here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, May 20th episode:

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Book Fest

Window Nation

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Frick Pittsburgh

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

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It's primary election day! Local voters are being asked to weigh in on one ballot measure: If Pittsburgh loses its print newspapers, should the city be allowed to post some public hearing notices online instead? Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk explain what's behind this measure, the arguments for and against it, and why it matters. (Spoiler: It's about the future of local journalism and how government agencies keep people informed.)

Before you go vote, double check your polling place and take a peek at your sample ballot. If you requested a mail-in ballot, it's too late to actually send it via snail mail, but you can bring it to one of the county's ballot return sites.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, May 19th episode:

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Book Fest

Window Nation

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Frick Pittsburgh

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.

Measles is on the rise across the U.S., and experts say outbreaks aren't hypothetical anymore. At least 40,000 PA students are missing required vaccines, and many schools have dropped below the 95% herd immunity threshold that helps stop epidemic-like spread. (Some Pittsburgh-area schools are dangerously low in the 70% range.) Why are districts letting kids attend school without vaccines or valid exemptions, and why isn't the state consistently stepping in? Mike Wereschagin, a reporter and editor with the Post-Gazette's investigative team, joins host Megan Harris to discuss his revelatory investigation and where we go from here.

Mike and his team built a database where you can look up the vaccination rate at any school in PA, something the state itself doesn't provide. Check it out here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, May 18th episode:

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Book Fest

Window Nation

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Frick Pittsburgh

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.

Would Pittsburgh be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more than 500 automated traffic enforcement cameras — including a single camera that issued $9 million in tickets. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host Bridget Todd about how these cameras work, the congressional scrutiny they've been getting, and whether they make DC safer. Plus, is DC becoming the new rave capital? 

Mentioned on the show:

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

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Allegheny County Council is taking steps to oust Pat Catena as the group's president, after his campaign sent out a mailer claiming his opponent is "supported by an extreme left group that advocates for transgender athletes in our sports." Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams discuss the latest, plus the county's attempts to regulate tattoos and mandate paid parental leave. We're also opening up the mailbag and sharing your thoughts on local stories like the Market Square teen curfew, questioning how many Steelers fans can truly exist in Paris, and mourning one half of the duo behind our beloved Pamela's Diner. And in our members-only bonus segment, we're joined by Pittsburgh Business-Times reporter Jake Dabkowski to debate whether Sheetz is a gas station or convenience store — and explain why the answer could determine whether it can open in city limits.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Have a question for our county executive? Call or text our PARENTAL LEAVE Hotline at 412-212-8893.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 15th episode:

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

Fulton Commons

City Winery Pittsburgh

PGH Cultural Trust

Pittsburgh Power & Fitness Festival

PGH Book Fest

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.