Join Megan Harris and the City Cast Pittsburgh team every weekday morning for a fast-paced daily news podcast that will get you talking and make you question what’s going on here in Western Pennsylvania. City Cast Pittsburgh is a smart new way to connect with neighbors in the Steel City you know and love. Add us to your feeds and subscribe to our daily newsletter, at pittsburgh.citycast.fm.today!
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Trace Brewing in Bloomfield has been both dishing and taking a lot of heat online. About a week ago, they announced on Instagram that the brewery is pausing indoor drag shows and DJ sets because some of their neighbors are “racist and homophobic” and have been weaponizing a PA law that's led to armed state police at some events. Meanwhile, Neighbors of Trace say this is about the noise and mess along and beyond Graffiti Alley — and that before Trace opened, the owner promised not to hold events with amplified sound outside. Host Megan Harris is bringing questions about safe spaces, amusement permits, and more to Aadam Soorma, Trace's head of marketing and guest experience.
Notes and references from today’s show:
Trace Brewing fights for its right to party while its neighbors fight for peace and quiet [City Paper]
Want to share your perspective? Call or text us at 412-212-8893.
Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, July 13th episode:
Woodward Summer Camps
AIDS Free PGH
The Frick Pittsburgh
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
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Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
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‘Your City Could Be Better’: Does Pittsburgh Have a ‘Perfect’ Airport? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Sunday, July 12, 2026 • Duration 33:10
There’s lots to love about Pittsburgh, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livability. Accommodating, accessible, and affordable local airports are a specific resource that many cities need. To find out which cities are leading the charge and the kinds of amenities that elevate an airport to gold status, City Cast CEO David Plotz chats with Scott Keyes, founder and Chief Flight Expert of Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) about everything he’s seen in his work and travels. How does your airport stack up?
Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!
We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter
Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
Meatball Mergers, PennDOT Hellscapes & Emmy Noms for ‘The Pitt’
Friday, July 10, 2026 • Duration 48:51
Part of the Parkway East is closing tonight so PennDot can explode the old Commercial Street Bridge and slide a new one in its place. Traffic will be a nightmare and "demons shall walk the earth," but at least we can watch it on a live stream! Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams explain how, exactly, you move a giant bridge, share what snacks we'd bring to a demolition viewing party, and warn you about even more road closures up I-79. Then Colin gets his soapbox moment about why more Western PA municipalities should consider consolidating. Finally, we dig into the controversy over a Pride display at the Monroeville Public Library and celebrate 'The Pitt' getting more Emmy noms than any other show this season.
And in today's members-only bonus segment, we're sending off our incredible senior newsletter editor, Francesca Dabecco.
Notes and references from today’s show:
PODCAST: Your City Could Be Better [YouTube]
PODCAST: Why Pittsburgh is Giving Rent Discounts Downtown. Plus, Why Local Sports Matter [Apple Podcasts]
Here's how PennDOT is going to move the new Commercial Street Bridge into place on the Parkway East [KDKA]
PennDOT to livestream Parkway East bridge demolition and replacement [TribLive]
Interstate 79 Wexford Interchange Phase Change and Restrictions Thursday Night in Allegheny County [PennDOT]
Mars Borough leaders approve merger ordinance with Adams Township [KDKA]
So much fragmentation [Public Source]
Boldly going to the Duquesne Club and Rivers Club, where few but rich white men had once gone before [City Paper]
Monroeville turns out in force to spar over library’s Pride display removal [City Paper]
Henry L. Hillman Foundation becomes latest nonprofit to donate to Pittsburgh [TribLive]
PODCAST: Why Doesn't UPMC Pay Property Taxes? [City Cast Pittsburgh]
One year after ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’: 98K fewer Pennsylvanians on SNAP [Public Source]
‘The Pitt’ leads Emmy nominations with 25 total nods [P-Gci]
What Pittsburgh stories should Megan take nationwide? Call or text us YOUR CITY COULD BE BETTER Hotline at 412-212-8893.
Learn more about the sponsor of this Friday, July 10th episode:
Woodward Summer Camps
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Mechanical Pickles, Giant Eagle's New Owner & Free Outdoor Adventures
Thursday, July 9, 2026 • Duration 39:38
Kroger may have just bought Giant Eagle, but this isn't the first time these two brands have been intertwined. Host Megan Harris and producer Sophia Lo are sharing what we know so far about the Giant Eagle sale, more changes coming to our region's grocery store scene, and what to look forward to during Picklesburgh even if you're not a fan of pickles. Plus, Megan talks with Marcus Shoffner, the president and CEO of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, about how you can take advantage of free outdoor activities for complete beginners. (Think mountain biking, mushroom hiking, birding and disc golf!)
Notes and references from today’s show:
Kroger to buy Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle grocery store chain, but name will stay the same [WESA]
Giant Eagle's Artman on scouting downtown: "all the things that we have discussed, we will continue to discuss" [Business Times]
Try something new outside this summer [First Try Collective]
Picklesburgh 2026 [Picklesburgh]
Learn more about the sponsor of this Thursday, July 9th episode:
Woodward Summer Camps
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Where To Get a Spa Treatment in Pittsburgh
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 • Duration 33:02
There's never a bad time for a spa day, and if you're in need of a pick-me-up, we want you to treat yourself! The City Cast Pittsburgh team is rounding up some of the treatments we've tried around the city and planning our next self-care splurges. We're talking about mud wraps, massages, saunas, facials, LED red light therapy, and more.
Did we miss your favorite spa treatment? Swear by LED therapy? Let us know how you relax! Call or text the SPA DAY HOTLINE at 412-212-8893.
**This episode originally published on February 12, 2026.
Learn more about the sponsor of this Wednesday, July 8th episode:
Woodward Summer Camps
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
The Best Bagels in Pittsburgh
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 • Duration 27:59
Can you actually get a good bagel in Pittsburgh? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is on the case. We taste tested offerings from some of the most recommended brick-and-mortar spots: Pigeon Bagels, Balena Bagels, Three Brothers Bagels, Phat Bagel, and Burgh's Bagels. We share which bagels have the best texture, are the most flavorful, and meet producer Sophia Lo's strict criteria for "all around" seasoning. Plus, we spread the word about our absolute favorite cream cheese.
Your turn! Do you agree with our picks? What are your favorite bagel spots? Call or text us our Bagel Hotline to share your hot takes: 412-212-8893.
**This episode originally published on July 7, 2026.
Learn more about the sponsor of this Tuesday, July 7th episode:
Woodward Summer Camps
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Why Pittsburgh Has 20K Vacant Homes AND a Housing Shortage
Monday, July 6, 2026 • Duration 21:52
Pittsburgh lost more than half its population since peaking in the 1950s, and our city has more than 20,000 vacant homes. How do we also have a housing crisis? Public Source's Charlie Wolfson joins host Megan Harris to explain why so many houses are sitting empty, what (if anything) the city can do about it, and why our neighbors in Cleveland are doing a much better job turning abandoned houses into affordable homes.
Notes and references from today’s show:
How does Pittsburgh have 20,000 vacant homes — and a housing shortage? (Public Source)
Where does Cleveland clobber Pittsburgh? Its land bank. (Public Source)
'A really steep lift': Pittsburghers in their 20s and 30s find home ownership less and less attainable (Public Source)
Learn more about the sponsor of this Monday, July 6th episode:
Woodward Summer Camps
**This episode originally published on January 26, 2026.
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Friday, July 3, 2026 • Duration 25:01
See if your Pittsburgh knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country’s semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of questions covering everything from The Declaration of Independence to the hottest college rivalries, and all 13 City Cast cities make an appearance. See how you stack up!
Mentioned on the show:
Trivia Mafia website and locations
Alexandra Petri's US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up)
Milwaukee's block of Frank Lloyd Wright - Atlas Obscura
Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!
We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter
Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
Can You Swim in Pittsburgh's Rivers? Plus, Teens in Public & Train Tours
Thursday, July 2, 2026 • Duration 31:10
If the hot weather has you considering a dip in the Allegheny, Mon, or Ohio, take heed! City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit joins host Megan Harris to answer, once and for all, whether it's actually safe to swim in Pittsburgh's rivers. We're also talking about the curfews, chaperone policies, and restrictions making it harder for teens to exist and public, and sharing some fun events and attractions for the train nerds among us — including a special chance to see the world's largest operating steam locomotive.
Notes and references from today’s show:
Pittsburgh youth, community members question Market Square restrictions at forum [WESA]
More than 400 teenagers take over Pittsburgh park, prompting police to use pepper spray [KDKA]
Should you swim in Pittsburgh’s rivers? A water researcher breaks down the answer [The Conversation]
Union Pacific Steam Schedule [Union Pacific]
We're hiring!
The City Cast Pittsburgh team is looking for a Creative Producer to help shape the daily conversation across our podcast, newsletter, and social channels. Apply here.
City Cast is looking for on-call roving producers and writers to support city teams across the network. Apply here.
Learn more about the sponsor of this Thursday, July 3rd episode:
Woodward Summer Camps
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
Text or leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Your Guide to July 2026 in Pittsburgh
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 • Duration 36:36
There's a heatwave, but there's also no shortage of things to do in Pittsburgh! City Cast's Megan Harris, Sophia Lo, and Francesca Dabecco are making their bucket lists with help from Francesca's newly published book, 100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh Before You Die. We're also talking about the most refreshing drinks to keep you cool all summer, a goodbye party for a century plant at Phipps, and a book crawl with 30+ stops. Plus, if you're thinking about taking a day trip, check out our guide to Erie.
For even more tips on how to make the most of July in Pittsburgh, check out our website.
City Cast Pittsburgh's guide to July is made possible by our awesome sponsor, Woodward Summer Camps. And City Cast Pittsburgh is also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Reach us at pittsburgh@citycast.fm.
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