City Cast Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s Independence Day celebration may have moved from Point State Park to the North Shore, but you can still expect some really big booms — and the company in charge this year is from Western Pennsylvania. But they’re not the only game in town! City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris and Mallory Falk are talking about the birthplace and backstories of Zambelli, Pyrotecnico, and Starfire — and how our region became a hotbed for three of the largest U.S. fireworks makers in the world.

**This episode originally aired July 2, 2024.

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Heinz History Center

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It's opening day for 16 Pittsburgh public pools — that's more than we've had open since 2019! To help you make the most of them this summer, we're bringing back local pool expert Jill Terner. Every year, she visits all of them and assigns rankings and superlatives, and today she's here to tell us what's new this summer, what she's looking forward to, and which pools you should visit depending on the experience you're looking for.

These are the pools open this summer and their operating hours, plus prices for a season or daily pass.

You can find Jill’s full rankings from last summer in Pittsburgh City Paper.

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

Heinz History Center

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Pittsburghers are bookending the week with Downtown protests, from an anti-ICE rally to "No Kings" gatherings. In honor of the U.S. Open, we're digging into the history of Oakmont's golf course. It's a notoriously hard course – and the owner designed it to punish a bad shot. Plus, we're excited about a new bridge, and we're sharing your thoughts on increasing paid sick leave for employees in the city and why our county health department's stacked with air quality workers. 

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 13th episode:

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Tree Pittsburgh

Heinz History Center

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Over the past few years, the pizza scene has totally transformed. We've got New York slices, more pop-ups, and even a pie topped with carrot purée. Pizza journalist and returning guest Dan Tallarico is chronicling all the pizza joints in the city, and he's here with host Megan Harris to dish on the highs, the lows, the trends, and the pies you absolutely need to be eating right now. Plus, we hear from listeners about some of their favorite pizza spots. 

Check out Dan's book, "Pizza Walk: Pittsburgh," subscribe to his newsletter on substack, and listen to our earlier conversation with Dan with even more pizza recs.

Thanks to our City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors and listeners for sending in their recommendations. The clip of Councilman Anthony Coghill came from a Pro-Housing Pittsburgh candidate housing forum in April. 

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

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Tree Pittsburgh

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Is summer Pittsburgh’s hungry season? City Cast’s Megan Harris and Francesca Dabecco are talking about the region’s summer food and drink festivals you don’t want to miss, their tips for what to taste, and what to check out while you’re there. From beloved staples like Picklesburgh, Barrel and Flow, and Veg Fest to new offerings like Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Week and a Caribbean Carnival, we’ve got more than two dozen ideas to keep you busy ‘til September. 

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

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Tree Pittsburgh

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Someone's Amazon return could be your next cheap find, but don't skip reading the fine print! Pittsburghers love a good deal, and thanks to Mac.Bid, you can buy anything from appliances to Legos for a fraction of the price. City Cast's Elizabeth Kauma and Megan Harris are talking about how these warehouses got here, what you need to know so you don't buy something broken, and whether it's even worth the risk to be placing bids.

**This episode originally published March 18, 2024.

Notes and references from today’s show:

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

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Tree Pittsburgh

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Many of us have had to choose between going to work sick or losing out on our paycheck. Although Pittsburgh has a paid sick leave policy, some advocates say it’s not enough. City Council's expected to have their final vote tomorrow to increase sick time, so Host Megan Harris is checking in with 32BJ SEIU’s Sam Williamson who's sharing more about how we got here and why he thinks City Council should vote yes. 

If you think your employer isn't giving you appropriate time off, check in with the Pittsburgh Commission of Human Relations. We talked to them about how you can tap into their free resources or file a complaint.

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 9th episode:

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Centre County Highway Revolt

Tree Pittsburgh

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Trump's latest visit to Pittsburgh left us with more questions about US Steel – and stirred up some anger from Steelers fans. We've got new data on the county employees taking home the biggest paychecks, and you can test your skills at one of the most difficult golf courses in the country. Plus, the Pittsburgh Diocese has a new bishop with a very specific favorite meal.

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 6th episode:

Centre County Highway Revolt

Fulton Commons

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Have you ever walked by a fancy old house and wondered what it looks like on the inside? Or peered into your neighbor's yard to catch a glimpse of their beautiful garden? Lucky for you, now is your season to be nebby! Host Megan Harris and Hey Pittsburgh editor Francesca Dabecco are sharing the best home, garden, and neighborhood walking tours to check out in Pittsburgh this summer, from a peek inside Mexican War Streets rowhouses to a theatrical stroll through Allegheny Cemetery.

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 5th episode:

Centre County Highway Revolt

Fulton Commons

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If you want to go camping, where should you start? Marcus Shoffner, founder of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, shares his favorite destinations in and around the city, his best suggestions for a good experience, ways to borrow and learn how to use the right gear for free, and other low-stress ideas to get you started. Plus, an update on the overnight camping program he started in Riverview Park!

Want to hear more about inclusivity in outdoor spaces? Check out our previous conversation with Marcus and check out the OIC’s upcoming summer camps. 

**This episode originally published April 24, 2024.

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 4th episode:

Centre County Highway Revolt

Fulton Commons

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