City Cast Pittsburgh

It's Trans Day of Visibility! We're sharing some events and ways to mark the day in Pittsburgh, plus looking at where trans youth are going for gender-affirming care now that UPMC ended these services for patients under 19.  We're also discussing the latest population numbers, a new platform to rate local landlords, the newest PA "bird town," and a new outdoor music festival.

Thanks to Hanna Webster, health reporter for the Post-Gazette, for discussing her reporting on gender-affirming care.

Don't forget to tell us what you love about Pittsburgh to be entered into our $1,000 giveaway! And we're also inviting you 412 Day, a totally real holiday to celebrate what makes Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh. 

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 31st episode:

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Quantum Theatre

Allegheny County Poll Workers

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Long TSA lines and the arrival of ICE agents at airports around the country — including PIT — have some people on the fence about flying. If you're rethinking air travel plans but still want to unwind, consider a staycation. Freelance journalist Aakanksha Agarwal and City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit join host Megan Harris to make the case for booking a room in your own city, share some of their favorite staycation spots, and help you plan the perfect itinerary.

Check out Aakanksha's roundup of historic staycation spots in City Paper.

**This episode originally aired on November 10, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 30th episode:

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Quantum Theatre

Allegheny County Poll Workers

Carnegie Library

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

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More affordable housing is needed in places like Pittsburgh. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin podcast host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, the city’s affordable housing successes, and where Austin’s still falling short. Plus, how far is too far to walk to a neighbor’s house?

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

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

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A mystery search warrant targeting the City of Pittsburgh has sparked big questions and almost zero answers. What could the district attorney's investigation actually be about? Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Colin Williams break down the most likely scenarios, what's rumored, and why this kind of move is so unusual. ICE is officially at Pittsburgh International Airport, even though staffing here wasn’t a problem — so why are they really here? Pittsburgh City Council is following the county's lead in proposing a bill to limit cooperation with ICE. The NFL Draft is bringing nice things but also transit detour chaos. Plus, the Midwife Center hit a big milestone, an attorney is accused of embezzling $1.4 million from the Duquesne Incline, there may be hope for the Pens and Pirates, and No Kings protests are returning on Saturday.

Don't forget to tell us what you love about Pittsburgh to be entered into our $1,000 giveaway! And we're also inviting you 412 Day, a totally real holiday to celebrate what makes Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh. 

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 27th episode:

Fulton Commons

Carnegie Library

412 Day

Taskrabbit

Political Gabfest

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Warmer weather is on its way, which means it's the perfect time to break out your bike and start taking leisurely rides around Pittsburgh's trails or even commuting on two wheels. But if you aren't sure where to start or are intimidated by car traffic and our hilly streets, we're here to help. Executive producer Mallory Falk is chatting with Ted King-Smith, education manager at Bike Pittsburgh, about how cyclists can smoothly navigate the city. Plus, he's sharing what bikers and drivers need to know to safely share the road.

**This episode originally aired on September 24, 2025.

If you enjoyed today's interview with Chelsea Kovak, Senior Manager at Taskrabbit, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26th episode:

Fulton Commons

Carnegie Library

412 Day

Taskrabbit

Political Gabfest

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

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

Do you enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to cook a meal with an ungodly amount of banana peppers? Prefer your eggs farm fresh and your fruit extra juicy and flavorful? Like supporting local farmers? Then you should consider a subscription to a CSA (community supported agriculture) share! Whether you're looking for something hyper specific like a cheese, meat or syrup share, or want a grab bag of seasonal produce, there are so many options in the Pittsburgh region. Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo, and social media manager Laura Tsutsui are rounding up some of their favorites and explaining how to choose the right farm share for your budget, schedule, and cooking habits — plus what to expect before you sign up.

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25th 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 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

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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

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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.

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