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:

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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:

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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.

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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:

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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:

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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:

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Pittsburgh survived the NFL Draft! Executive producer Mallory Falk, interim social media manager Laura Tsutsui, and contributor Colin Williams are rounding up a few takeaways from the event, both good and bad. Colin's sharing what traffic enforcement could look like without the police, and after seeing Punxsutawney Phil throw the first pitch at PNC Park, we think his prognostication skills could be put to work year-round. In our Neighbors-only segment, we're bringing on former local journalist Jakob Lazzaro, and he's explaining why the public bathroom in the South Side's been abandoned after once being hailed as "the toilet of the future." 

Notes and references from today’s show:

What was your impression of the NFL Draft? Should we host it regularly? Call or text us our DRAFT HOTLINE at 412-212-8893.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 1st episode:

City Theatre

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Pittsburgh really comes to life in the spring, so don't miss out on exploring the city this month. We're looking forward to the 59th Carnegie International, food trucks at the park, neighborhood music festivals, and so much more. Plus, farmers market season is kicking off, and if you need help navigating the space, check out our etiquette guide to Pittsburgh farmers markets.

For even more tips on how to make the most of May in Pittsburgh, check out our website.

City Cast Pittsburgh's guide to May is made possible by our awesome sponsors, City Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera, PGH Cultural Trust, and Window Nation.

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Pittsburghers can hold a real grudge. There are so many local personalities and entities that have drawn our ire, from a certain healthcare giant to the major airline that ditched us to the soon-to-be-former owners of the Post-Gazette. Host Megan Harris is joined by a very special guest — her husband and former political reporter and editor, Jeremy Boren — along with local historian and writer Virginia Montanez to debate who exactly counts as a Pittsburgh villain. The discussion gets way more nuanced than you'd think!

Thanks to everyone who sent in suggestions for Pittsburgh's biggest villains.

Think someone's missing? We're working on Part 2. Call or text the VILLAIN HOTLINE at 412-212-8893.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, April 29th episode:

City Theatre

Pittsburgh Opera

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Window Nation

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