City Cast Pittsburgh

A new collaboration pairs Disney characters with every NFL team, and the choice to represent the Steelers has been… controversial. Did Disney capture our spirit or deeply fail us? Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor Colin Williams debate. We also talk about several investigations Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala has launched and the frustratingly few details he's shared about them — plus, why he's coming for a “nuisance” bar on the South Side. And we explain the high-profile fight between Gov. Josh Shapiro and U.S. Health Secretary RFK Jr. over measles-related deaths in PA. And in our members-only bonus segment, we share how you can honor the memories of Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, and Yayoi Kusama, including a Dolly drag brunch and a children's book giveaway.

Notes and references from today’s show:

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It can be daunting to make new friends in Pittsburgh. Lots of people are still tight with their buddies from kindergarten, and it's not always easy to break in as a newcomer. But a bunch of local groups have popped up to help transplants, boomerangers, and even lifelong residents find community. Haley Ingersoll of Pittsburgh Social Health, Dan Lampmann of Yinz Run Club, and local author Ryan Rydzewski join us to share their best tips for building community in the Burgh.

Read Ryan's story on making local friends in Pittsburgh Magazine.

**This episode originally aired on June 3, 2025.

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Pittsburgh is on track to have its wettest August on record, which is especially concerning since flooding is our most frequent natural disaster. Host Megan Harris is with Penn State's Ben Reppert, a lecturer on meteorology and emergency management, to talk about what's at stake and whether any of us are really prepared. Plus, he shares what to do if your neighborhood is especially at risk. 

**This episode originally aired on August 20, 2025.

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Is a local woman suing Taco Bell and Taylor Farms over cyclosporiasis? Is Downtown finally getting a grocery store in the form of Trader Joe's? Find out for yourself in today's edition of Two Pittsburgh Truths and a Lie. Host Megan Harris quizzes executive producer Mallory Falk on all the local news she missed while she was traveling last week. Plus, we talk about why so many Pittsburgh sidewalks are in such bad condition and what you can do about it and share some events to look forward to this week, including a cryptid dance party.

Notes and references from today’s show:

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

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Back-to-school season means late nights are back — and sooner or later, you’re going to get hungry. We’re revisiting our 1,000th episode, where City Cast Pittsburgh contributor and Post-Gazette dining critic Hal B. Klein joins host Megan Harris to hype up more than 20 places serving food after midnight, plus what to order when the evening cravings hit.

**This episode originally aired on March 9, 2026.

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How often are you out in nature in Pittsburgh? It’s not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban setting, and city rivers get a particularly bad rap. It’s true that cities have had eras of sewage mishandling and high boat traffic — but many have also cleaned up their act, through the tireless work of local advocates and politicians. Portland, OR, is one of those cities, and City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza joins this episode of Your City Could Be Better to debunk the assumptions and fears about her city’s river, the Willamette. Learn all about how a journalist-turned-governor led the charge to clean up Portland's waterfront, and how a quirky organizer — and lots of enthusiastic swimmers — have carried the torch.

Mentioned on the show:

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Penn State frats are facing yet another scandal –– this time a cocaine trafficking ring that investigators say involved students, alumni, and one Pittsburgh-area dad. Contributors Sophia Lo and Colin Williams join host Megan Harris to talk about the players, the drugs, and how much money they allegedly made. Plus, the e-scooter crackdown around Pittsburgh is picking up steam again. Pitt has says they’ll impound your scooters, while lawmakers are considering whether PA’s rules for e-scooters and e-bikes need an update. Plus, a win for HIV research and prevention, literal loss of life for local Kratom users, new regulations for Pennsylvania data centers, and a couple chances to see the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. 

And on today’s member’s-only bonus segment, some trip inspiration from Colin’s recent sojourn abroad. Don’t have access yet? Join today (it’s the last day to claim your exclusive City Cast Pittsburgh merch!) at membership.citycast.fm/pittsburgh

Notes and references from today’s show:

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, August 21st episode:

Experience Butler County

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

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Allegheny County has been ordered to reassess every residential and commercial property in the county — about 550,000 — for the first time since 2012, but that doesn’t mean your taxes will go up. Host Megan Harris is with the Post-Gazette’s Mike Wereschagin to talk about why PA law is so weird, what’s gotta happen by 2032, and how state lawmakers could fix this problem for good — if they really wanted to.

Notes and references from today’s show:

If you enjoyed this interview with Irwin Mendelssohn, the Owner and Founder of Fulton Commons, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, August 20th episode:

Experience Butler County

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

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Who knows a great bar better than the people who’ve worked behind one? Pittsburgh bartenders Aubrey Halliburton and Lisa Considine, co-owners of Lo Bar Cocktail Services and Lo Places Social Club, join host Megan Harris in McKees Rocks to discuss the best dive bars in the city and why we love their lived-in decor, functional grime, and sticky floors. Plus, what the back bar tells you before you order, how to order a drink you'll actually like, and how to make a friend or two while doing it.

This episode originally aired on January 21, 2026.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, August 19th episode:

Experience Butler County

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

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A special election in Butler County could be a bellwether for Pennsylvania Democrats ahead of the midterms in November. Host Megan Harris and City Cast Pittsburgh contributor Sophia Lo are talking about the candidates and why you should probably pay at least a little attention regardless of where you live. Also, the state is taking TikTok to court, Pittsburgh’s getting a wave of new local media outlets, and PRT’s latest draft for the bus line “refresh” is live. Plus, we’re sharing your recommendations for vintage shopping, groceries, and a hidden gem in Highland Park — and a few end-of-summer events to plan for this week!

Not sure about your voter status? Check your registration and find your polling place ahead of the general election Tuesday, Nov. 3. 

Notes and references from today’s show:

Find more details about the Pittsburgh Cat Walk, Garlic Fest & Flower Fest at  pittsburgh.citycast.fm/events

If you enjoyed today's interview with Tess Rowser, the Marketing Manager of the Water Lantern Festival, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, August 18th episode:

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