City Cast Pittsburgh

Gainey versus O'Connor. South Side business owners versus their clientele. Pirates fans versus Bob Nutting. There were so many juicy rivalries in Pittsburgh this year. Host Megan Harris is joined by City Paper's Colin Williams to discuss the biggest beefs of 2025 and share which feud they'd most like to see resolved in the new year.

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Mayor Ed Gainey has two weeks left in office, and one of his final decisions will be whether to approve or veto a 20% tax increase passed by City Council over the weekend. It's a dramatic end to his history-making turn as Pittsburgh's first Black mayor. Host Megan Harris sits down with Ed & Michelle Gainey to talk about their legacy, what he sees as the city's biggest opportunities and challenges in the years ahead, and whether he has any regrets.

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Pittsburgh was in the national spotlight this week, when NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas broadcast live from the North Shore. But our hopes of being represented as more than just a football down were quickly dashed. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and newsletter editor Francesca Dabecco discuss our city's primetime moment. Plus, we talk about the new trailer for the 'Pitt,' share some local movie recommendations for the holiday break, and talk about the things that are bringing us joy this week.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsor of this December 19th episode:

Heinz History Center

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Pittsburgh Tomorrow recently placed a dog-friendly, holiday billboard in New York City’s Times Square, inviting the nearly 400,000 people who pass by every day to consider moving to Pittsburgh. While some locals say they don’t love it, head of storytelling Caroline Fisher says the city needs to take big swings if we want Pittsburgh’s stagnant population to grow. Host Megan Harris asks about the cost, the mission, and how they’re feeling about people’s reaction to the ad.

Check out Pittsburgh Tomorrow's guide to starting a new life in Pittsburgh or get in touch at [email protected]

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 18th episode:

Heinz History Center

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After all the leaves fall, you can see what exactly sits on all of Pittsburgh's hills. You might be noticing steep steps all around the city, and these staircases were actually the city's first form of mass transit. Cataloging and preserving these steps is a relatively new priority, and the City Cast Pittsburgh team explored a set of steps with three authors of City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide. They're  sharing our city's history with the steps and tips for exploring them yourself. 

Thanks to Laura Zurowski, Matthew Jacob, and Charles Succop for taking us on the field trip!

**This episode originally aired on July 16, 2025.

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 17th episode:

Heinz History Center

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Pittsburgh just got a nice, big snowfall, and if you're feeling inspired to get out in the cold there are plenty of options, from snowshoeing through our city parks to ice skating under the stars. Marcus Shoffner, founder of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, joins host Megan Harris to share his favorite spots for skiing, snowboarding, winter camping and more, plus his tips for staying warm and finding free or very discounted winter gear.

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 16th episode:

Heinz History Center

Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

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

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While most of us aren't jumping at the chance to watch commercials, there's one holiday ad that Pittsburghers have loved for more than 40 years. When we hear the little flute melody leading into Eat'n Park's Christmas star commercial, we know those cozy feelings are coming — and it all started as the chain's special thank you note to our city. Executive producer Mallory Falk is with Kristy Graver, food editor at Pittsburgh Magazine, to learn about why Eat'n Park created Pittsburgh's most enduring commercial and talk about why it's still on screens today.

**This episode originally aired on December 9, 2024.

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 15th episode:

Heinz History Center

Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

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

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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:

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 12th episode:

Fulton Commons

Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

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

Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh!

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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.

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

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 11th episode:

Fulton Commons

Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

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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.

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

Learn more about the sponsors of this December 10th episode:

Fulton Commons

Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

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