President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick promised more than $90 billion in private sector investments for PA to become a hub for energy and AI at a CMU summit this week. We talk about potential projects like data centers, power plant upgrades, and natural gas pipelines — and how much of that cash is likely to affect us in Western Pennsylvania. Outside the summit, CMU students and environmental activists protested the visit, and at least a few were met with pepper spray and campus censorship. Meanwhile, someone recently went rogue on Rialto Street in Troy Hill, and the city had to cover up their mark. Plus, we share a few wins of the week, like Emmy nominations for “The Pitt” and an overhaul of our city streetlights — and losses, like the Kraft-Heinz breakup and PNC Park’s big spending to make up for the Bucco Bricks disaster.

Notes and references from today’s show:

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Pennsylvania's regulations around alcohol are complicated, but Trump's tariffs are adding another hurdle for all the good folks selling us our drinks. There's an especially enormous figure getting thrown around when it comes to European wine – a 200% tariff! While a hike that big might not come to pass, bottle shops are already navigating some higher prices. Freelance journalist Aakanksha Agarwal joins us to explain how local sellers are dealing with tariffs and how we can continue to support our small wine shops. 

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Pittsburgh has the most public staircases in the U.S., but cataloging and preserving them is a relatively new priority. The City Cast Pittsburgh team headed up into the hills with three authors of a new book, City Steps of Pittsburgh: A History & Guide, to get a fresh perspective on our city's first form of mass transit and the rundown on which of the hundreds of city steps should be on the shortlist for a visit.

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

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If you were trying to convince someone to invest in Pittsburgh — say, move their company here or build something new in our city — how would you make the pitch? That's what Stefani Pashman thinks about all the time. She's CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, one of the region’s biggest economic groups, and describes her job as growing, selling, and fixing the region. She joins us to talk about courting power players, what it's like to market a city that's actively redefining itself, and why business leaders do and don't want to invest in Pittsburgh's evolving brand.

President Donald Trump is also in town today for Sen. Dave McCormick’s inaugural Energy and Innovation summit at CMU. We’ll have the latest in our Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.

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ICE arrests in Western PA have more than doubled since this time last year, and most of the people being detained have never been charged with or convicted of a crime. From a high-profile raid at Tepache Mexican Kitchen & Bar to arrests outside of courtrooms, ICE enforcement is causing fear and confusion in Pittsburgh's immigrant communities. Meanwhile, several local law enforcement agencies are signing up to partner with ICE, which is slated to receive an additional $75 billion under President Trump's "big, beautiful bill."

With all of this underway, we're bringing back our conversation with Vanessa Stine, senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Pennsylvania. She joins us to explain what happens during an ICE stop or raid, what rights immigrants have regardless of their legal status, and how bystanders can help during an ICE encounter. 

Read or listen to a summary of this conversation in Spanish.

**This episode originally published on April 2, 2025.

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Anthrocon smashed records over the weekend, while Picklesburgh's in hot (or briny) water over using AI for its artwork. City Council squashed a proposal to let neighborhoods decide whether they want inclusionary zoning, and Pittsburgh International Airport is looking for volunteers to test out the new terminal. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk dive into these stories, plus share some of Pittsburgh's recent wins (national recognition!) and losses (the return of spotted lanternflies).

Sign up here to test drive the new airport terminal, and report spotted lanternfly sightings here.

Notes and references from today’s show:

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If you live in Allegheny County, your taxes went up — slightly — this year, to help pay for all the services we rely on. But the extra money isn't going to be enough. A recent controller report found our finances are "unsustainable" long term, especially with looming budget cuts from the federal government.

Host Megan Harris is sitting down with our top official, County Executive Sara Innamorato, to ask what it's been like to plan around the chaos, discuss her biggest achievements over the past year — including affordable housing and financial help for first-time homebuyers — and one idea she spotted in Wisconsin that she really wants to bring to the Burgh.

If you enjoyed today's interview with Heinz History Center's Anne Madarasz, learn more here.

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Pittsburgh's got its fair share of quirks and unwritten rules. Like why is someone turning left instead of yielding at a green light? And why do you neighbors keep putting out old folding chairs in front of their houses? 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.

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Pittsburgh's got so many new restaurants, and the summer is the perfect time to explore them all. Enjoy some Thai iced tea and lobster pad thai at a patio in East Liberty, or load up on grilled meats at all-you-can-eat Korean barbeque on the South Side. There's even a new café where you can bring your dog, and they've got a menu just for your furry friend. Producers Mallory Falk and Sophia Lo run through these new spots and more. 

Plus, stay up-to-date on all these new openings with our running list of Pittsburgh's tastiest bites.

Is there another new restaurant we should know about? Call or text our MUNCHIES HOTLINE at 412-212-8893.

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Still mourning the fate of Century III? The mall scene is Pittsburgh's in a weird space. We've got our fair share of dead malls, but Ross Park Mall's still bringing in luxury brands, and Walmart bought Monroeville Mall for a whopping $34 million. Meanwhile, we're watching Pittsburgh Mills hang on by a thread — while its owners are quietly looking to sell the property.

To make sense of our mall landscape, host Megan Harris is talking with Matt Newton, who wrote the book Shopping Mall. He reminisces about the peak of Pittsburgh malls, explains whether local malls are in their flop era, and shares ideas for how our current shopping centers could still thrive. He also writes a weekly newsletter called Homesick about place, identity, and the complicated nature of home.

Check out our previous episodes about the rise and fall of Century III Mall and what's next for the former home of Westinghouse Electric.

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