City Cast Pittsburgh

4.5 (130)
Daily News
Updated Daily

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!

1h ago

Pablo Pledgescobar, Impounded E-Scooters & Shapiro’s Data Center Play

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: Alleged leader of Penn State drug-trafficking crew 'begged' people not to talk about his involvement [Post-Gazette] Penn State fraternity members, pledges accused in ‘highly-profitable’ cocaine trafficking operation [WTAE] Father charged in suspected cocaine ring at Penn State is Pittsburgh attorney [TribLive] Man killed while riding Spin Scooter in Pittsburgh [WPXI] E-bike regulations becoming popular in Pittsburgh suburbs [TribLive] Marshall updates e-bike ordinance on use in recreation areas [TribLive] Shapiro feels heat of election year controversy, toughens Pennsylvania’s data center rules [Post-Gazette] Allegheny County hits historic low number of new HIV diagnoses [Pittsburgh City Paper] Kratom deaths mount in Pittsburgh region as lawmakers grapple with how to regulate it [Post-Gazette] PODCAST: Taxing Pool Tables, School Closure Aftermath & Breweries in Bankruptcy (Bonus Feed) [City Cast Pittsburgh] Looking for a Wienermobile near you? [Oscar Mayer Wienermobile] Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, August 21st episode: Experience Butler County uTest 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.
1h ago · Bonus

You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

Introducing The Correspondent: The Story Behind the Unexpected Bestseller Everyone is Reading from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast BUY THE BOOK! The Correspondent by Virginia Evans https://amzn.to/4xasavH Oprah sits down with Virginia Evans, author of the story readers can’t stop talking about: The Correspondent. Selling over two million copies and translated into over 35 languages it’s the book that has captured readers. Although it's her first published novel, it's the eighth book Virginia's written and one she never intended anyone else to read. When The Correspondent debuted it sold fewer than 8,000 copies. However, readers who discovered it fell in love and began recommending the novel to others, turning this book into a word-of-mouth phenomenon and a New York Times bestseller. Virginia shares the remarkable story behind the book she never expected to publish. Listeners will discover why Sybil Van Antwerp—a complex, prolific letter writer in her seventies—has resonated so deeply with readers of all ages. Oprah also speaks with readers around the country who have questions for Virginia. 00:00:00 - Welcome Virginia Evans, author of ‘The Correspondent’ 00:04:00 - Her 20 year journey to getting published 00:07:10 - Questioning if she would ever publish 00:08:46 - How she wrote the book 00:12:00 - How the main character came to Virginia 00:14:55 - Oprah's favorite passage 00:16:16 - What letter writing allows us to say 00:19:50 - What we learn from other letters 00:25:30 - Does a letter need a reply? 00:30:00 - Loneliness 00:34:20 - Writing what you’re afraid of 00:39:40 - What she wants listeners to do Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.
1d ago

Allegheny County’s Giant Tax Reset, Explained

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: In a major ruling, a judge has ordered Allegheny County to conduct a property reassessment within five years [Post-Gazette] Allegheny County must begin full property reassessment by 2027, judge rules [CBS News] ‘Not uniform’: Churchill property owner files lawsuit to force countywide reassessment [Post-Gazette] Why Philly lawmakers are pushing to repeal this obscure Pa. tax rule [WHYY] Explainer: The history behind Pennsylvania’s flat income tax [Spotlight PA] Property assessments easier in neighboring states [Post-Gazette] 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 uTest 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.
2d ago

The Bartenders' Guide to Pittsburgh Dive Bars

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 uTest 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.
3d ago

Can Butler County Flip? Plus TikTok Trouble & North Side Cats

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: Democrats and GOP face off in special election for Butler County House seat [WESA] Vacant Cranberry-area state House seat up for grabs in special election [TribLive] Special election in Butler County tests voter mood ahead of November [Public Source] Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday sues TikTok over youth addictiveness and exposure to mature content [WHYY] AG Dave Sunday sues TikTok for ‘misrepresenting’ suitability for Pennsylvania teenagers [Pennsylvania Capital-Star] The Menschen newspaper platforms Pittsburgh’s unhoused people [TribLive] This new media cooperative invites the community to join us on our journey of creation [Pittsburgh Progress] Pittsburgh, PA's art scene magazine, est. 2023 [Petrichor] Tune in tonight for Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s last scheduled public information session on its bus line refresh [PRT] 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: Experience Butler County uTest
4d ago

Where To Shop Vintage, Thrift, Consignment & Flea

Pittsburgh is a great hub for thrift, vintage, consignment, and flea market shopping — whether you’re hunting for a perfectly broken-in jacket, a weird little piece of history, or something you absolutely did not need but suddenly cannot live without. Ahead of National Thrift Day, we asked local vintage lovers where they shop and ended up with a much longer list than expected. City Cast Pittsburgh's Megan Harris and Rachel Carlson are talking about the differences, how to curate your own unique style, and Rachel's pro tips for taking home your next best treasure without a dressing room. Plus, why Millennials should've been stocking up on JNCO jeans instead of beanie babies, how Castle Shannon quietly became a vintage mecca, and a crowdsourced list of Pittsburgh's best secondhand spots. Got a favorite spot we missed? Call or text the OLD STUFF HOTLINE at 412-212-8893. Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, August 17th episode: AIDS Free PGH Handmade Arcade Propel Schools 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.
5d ago

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A Madison Landfill That’s A Smart Business Move — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

What will Pittsburgh do when it runs out of space for trash? Madison, WI, has a plan, and it’s one that other cities could follow. What could’ve just been another county landfill, slated to open in 2027, will instead be a “sustainability campus”, where local businesses will unite to more intentionally sort incoming waste, increase recycling intake, and generally aim to slow the flow of trash. And Dane County has historically handled waste disposal in a savvy way, making big bucks off of trash collection that they then use to fund future projects like this forthcoming campus. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin breaks this all down for David, and together they uncover the quirks — and opportunities — that come with talking trash. Mentioned on the show: Conversion of Dane County landfills into pollinator fields 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.
Aug 14

Red-Light Cameras, Dirty Rivers & Pittsburgh’s Cutest Potato

Pittsburgh’s red-light cameras are officially here — and so are some new reasons to be nervous about the river water you’re maybe swimming in. Host Megan Harris and City Cast Pittsburgh contributors Sophia Lo and Colin Williams dig into what Trump’s new executive order means for Pennsylvania’s childhood vaccination guidance and why local inoculation rates have us keeping an eye on measles. Plus, we’ve got a win in the fight over UPMC patient records, Pittsburgh’s eternal cloudiness, Steelers in contention for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and a baby lion named Potato. Sophia wants to know — is UPMC going to reverse their pause on gender-affirming care for minors? If you have some insight, call or text us at 412-212-8893. Notes and references from today’s show: Pittsburgh Launches Automated Red-Light Enforcement Program [City of Pittsburgh] Memo on Automated Red-Light Enforcement Expansion [Pennsylvania Senate] PODCAST: 12 Rules Every Pittsburgh Driver Should Know [City Cast Pittsburgh] Pennsylvania rivers have unsafe E. Coli levels [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Swim Guide [Three Rivers Waterkeeper] PODCAST: Can You Swim in Pittsburgh’s Rivers? Plus Teens in Public and Train Tours [City Cast Pittsburgh] Federal government changed childhood vaccine schedule this week [AP] Measles Cases in PA [PA Department of Health] School Immunization Rates [PA Department of Health] PODCAST: Pittsburgh’s Measles Risk, Explained [City Cast Pittsburgh] Advocates hail DOJ move as win for UPMC patients who sought gender-affirming care [WESA] Justice Department abandons effort to force UPMC to turn over patient records of transgender minors [TribLIVE] PODCAST: UPMC Didn’t Challenge Trump, So These Pittsburgh Families Did [City Cast Pittsburgh] The Cub Has Been Dubbed [Pittsburgh Zoo] Pittsburgh ranks as cloudiest major city in US, and science shows why [USA Today] Pittsburgh Gray [PPG Paints] Pro Football Hall of Fame 2027: Ranking, Predictions [CBS Sports] Big Ben Leads Strong Steelers Contingent for Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027 [Steelers Now] PODCAST: Sports Villains, Redemption Arcs and the One Man We’ll Never Forgive [City Cast Pittsburgh] Steelers Franchise Worth $8.7 Billion in Latest Valuations [TribLIVE] Visit Pittsburgh claims 2026 NFL Draft impact of $177M but withholds supporting studies [TribLIVE] No Medical Card Needed: Federal Loophole Behind Intoxicating Hemp Is Closing [Pittsburgh Media Partnership] Pa.’s attorney general is backing a hemp product ban. The industry says it goes way too far [Spotlight PA] PODCAST: Cannabis, Skill Games and More Hot Topics Missing From PA Budget [City Cast Pittsburgh] Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, August 14th episode: AIDS Free PGH Handmade Arcade Propel Schools 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.

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Trailer

Join the Pittsburgh conversation

City Cast Pittsburgh is the nebby neighbor you wish you had — with conversations you want to hear and insights that help you question and celebrate the city we share. Our host Megan Harris and the City Cast Pittsburgh team let you in on what Pittsburgh talking about with smart, curious conversations that get just a little bit spicy. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we are passionate about making our community a better place to live – and helping YOU feel more connected. Subscribe today so you never miss an episode.

4.5

out of 5

130 Ratings

City Cast only, please

04/01/2025

cbc12378

I enjoy this podcast, but please STOP putting these “You might also like” podcasts in my feed!!!
Has potential, but too political

Apr 21

Sephz123

I wish this show could just be a politically neutral show about Pittsburgh, but it has a lot of political talk. And it’s not centrist political talk…these people are extremists. I just gave the show another chance after a long hiatus, thinking “the culture has moderated a lot over the last few years, maybe they won’t be so ridiculous”…but then within the first episode I listened to, they’re talking about transing children as an active good, without scruple or debate. From what I understand about this company, is they are centrally located near dc, and they deploy “local” podcasts to cities all over the country. So the political talk may be the entire point, to build an air of “oh look, even the “local” podcast agrees with these points of view.” Trying to manage what the local public believes I wonder if they receive some kind of federal funding?..,that should be investigated, but seems like the kind of graft our gov is all about. These people get money, the leftist get fake “local” podcasts to astroturf support for their pet issues around the country. Lastly, the one girls voice is super obnoxious. She does that thing where she raises the pitch over her voice at the end of a sentence, almost like she’s asking a question….its hard to listen to
Cannot stand Sophia

09/02/2025

Cospp

Sophia brings my rating down by at least 2 stars. Her disdain for the region is so consistantly evident. Please, if you hate everything so much because it’s different than where you’re from, go back to Philly or wherever. Everything Sophia says is a downer and makes this show miserable. She adds nothing of substance, just a rain cloud on the show.
Advertising for landlords?

07/23/2025

The most me

Loved this podcast until they started advertising for platforms geared toward landlords and property management companies. Do better. Tenants are in crisis. Let’s not make landlords’ jobs easier.