City Cast Pittsburgh

City Controller Rachael Heisler has been sounding the alarm on Pittsburgh's budget for actual years, and her latest report shows the city overspent by almost $45 million in 2025. How did we get here, and what can we do to get on better financial footing? Heisler joins host Megan Harris to explain why Act 47 isn’t in the cards and what it'll take to get our revenue on track.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, May 14th episode:

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

Fulton Commons

City Winery Pittsburgh

PGH Cultural Trust

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Got a big birthday coming up? Sure, you could make a fancy dinner reservation, but there are so many more exciting ways to celebrate. The City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing recommendations for marking you milestone birthday in style, from a tiki cruise down the Allegheny River to sleepover at a Frank Lloyd Wright house.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, May 13th episode:

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

Fulton Commons

City Winery Pittsburgh

PGH Cultural Trust

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

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Let's be honest, the Pirates aren't always the main draw at PNC Park. Many of us go for the views, the pierogi race, and inventive ballpark food. So what's worth trying this season? Axios Pittsburgh's Ryan Deto and Alexis Johnson sampled the stadium's new offerings. They join host Megan Harris to share their picks for the best (and worst) new fare, from chipped ham fries and a foot-long corn dog to smoked turkey legs and Nutella beignets.

Plus, don't miss John Oliver’s take on Pgh newscasters’ (poor) attempts to pronounce “boricua.”

Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, May 12th episode:

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

Fulton Commons

City Winery Pittsburgh

PGH Cultural Trust

Pittsburgh Power & Fitness Festival

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

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Our primary election is just around the corner on May 19, so it feels like a good time to take stock of how well our voting process actually works. There are lots of ideas for improving elections here in Pennsylvania, from opening our primaries to making Election Day a holiday. Host Megan Harris joins State Rep. Chris Rabb and Armin Samii, a volunteer with March on Harrisburg, to discuss some proposals — and learn what ranked choice voting has in common with Baskin-Robbins.

Check out RCVis, Armin's ranked choice voting data visualization tool, and read up on the history of closed primaries in PA.

**This episode originally published on October 20, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, May 11th episode:

AIDS Free Pittsburgh

Fulton Commons

City Winery Pittsburgh

PGH Cultural Trust

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

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Pittsburghers, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number of tourists coming to town for World Cup games and semiquincentennial events, so the city is allowing its bars to stay open until 4 a.m. during most of June and July. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri about the city’s nightlife, and the pros and cons of this extended hours experiment. Plus, how to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary without feeling like you’re serving a Trump narrative.

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

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Gov. Josh Shapiro is suing Character.AI, saying its chatbots are posing as doctors and offering medical advice. Executive producer Mallory Falk, producer Sophia Lo, and contributor Colin Williams dig into the jaw-dropping details from the lawsuit. Plus, we talk about a new teen curfew at Market Square, staffing cuts at the Post-Gazette, an exciting summer music festival lineup, and the city's plan to add chairs and loungers at its public pools. And in our members-only segment, we talk about the drama around PNC's return-to-office mandate.

Want to unlock the bonus segment? Become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.

Don't miss it! Host Megan Harris is moderating a debate about Pittsburgh's brand on Wednesday, May 27 from 5-7pm at the Pittsburgh Foundation. Reserve your ticket for the free event here. 

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 8th episode:

Bike PGH

Union Project

PGH Cultural Trust

Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

PGH Power & Fitness Fest

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So many new restaurants are popping up in Pittsburgh this spring, each fulfilling a specific craving. Longing for gumbo and jambalaya cooked by a true New Orleans chef? Check out Roux Orleans. Want to try Austrian and Hungarian food all in one sitting? Make a reservation at Titusz. Curious to try dishes that blend New Mexican flavor with Buffalo comfort food? Grab a table at the Eastman. Local journalist and City Cast contributor Aakanksha Agarwal joins executive producer Mallory Falk to talk about the new spots she's most excited about — and pour one out for the dearly-departed Hemingway's, an Oakland staple beloved by generations of Pitt students.

Read Aakanksha's roundup of new restaurants in NEXTpittsburgh.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, May 7th episode:

Bike PGH

Union Project

PGH Cultural Trust

Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

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

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Pittsburghers have a lot of pride in our city, including our weird quirks and unwritten rules. Like why do neighbors keep putting old folding chairs in front of their houses? And why do drivers immediately turn left instead of yielding at a green light? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is running through all the essential rules for surviving and thriving here in the city. 

**This episode originally aired on March 12, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, May 6th episode:

Bike PGH

Union Project

PGH Cultural Trust

Women's Center & Shelter of Greater 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.

Whether you're celebrating Mother's Day this Sunday or just want a weekend treat, there are so many great brunch options in Pittsburgh. Producer Sophia Lo and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco are sharing some of our favorite brunch spots and items, including refreshing matchas, stuffed pancakes, and a croque monsieur with a Mediterranean twist. 

Want the shortlist? Here are the four brunch spots we just don't want to live without.

If you enjoyed today's interview with Luis Fabregas, Executive Editor at Trib Total Media, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, May 5th episode:

Bike PGH

Union Project

PGH Cultural Trust

PGH Power & Fitness Fest

Women's Center & Shelter of Greater 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.

Pittsburgh just proved we're able to throw a great party for the NFL Draft. Could the Super Bowl be next? Host Megan Harris talks with Sean Gentille, senior writer for the Athletic, about why the Steelers (and Pirates!) want taxpayer money for stadium upgrades; the prerequisites for hosting a Super Bowl; and the likelihood of that even happening if our stadium doesn't have a roof.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, May 4th episode:

Bike PGH

Union Project

PGH Cultural Trust

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.