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It's been a big week for Pittsburgh: two local innovations landed on Time Magazine's Best Invention list and a pair of animals made a dramatic escape from their enclosure. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk discuss whether we have more animal breakouts than the average city. Plus, we've finally ordered new ambulances, fire trucks, and other critical city vehicles (meaning, soon we won't need to worry about ambulances breaking down on the way to the hospital!). Megan called up Jon Atkinson, president of the Pittsburgh Paramedics Union, to talk about what this means for his team — and for Pittsburghers experiencing medical emergencies. Finally, we share some Neighbor shoutouts and personal recommendations for bookstores, bird strolls, and waterproof Warhol art. Interested in the bird outing we discussed on today's show? Sign up here! Notes and references from today’s show: The Best Inventions of 2026 [Time Magazine] Nonprofit support of Pittsburgh’s vehicle fleet may mean 2027 savings, officials say [WESA] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.  If you enjoyed this interview with Boone Troyer, Executive Director at Athens County Visitors Bureau, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, October 22nd episode: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Quantum Theatre

Introducing Economic Inequality from How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality. Follow the show: How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality Money may not buy happiness. But it turns out that the way it’s distributed can affect everything from happiness and a sense of meaning to physical health and mortality.  On this episode, we’ll explore the role economic inequality plays in the wellbeing of individuals and societies, and ask how religion fits into the picture. We’ll talk to psychologist Keith Payne about how our sense of where we stand in society can influence our behavior, our health, and even how religious we are. And we’ll also talk to religious studies scholar Bart Ehrman about Christianity’s complicated relationship with wealth, from the teachings of the historical Jesus to the establishment of modern welfare institutions and the rise of Protestant movements like the Prosperity Gospel. Keith Payne is a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He is the author of the books The Broken Ladder and Good Reasonable People. Learn more about his work on his website. Bart Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the author or editor of over thirty books on Christianity and the New Testament, including Love Thy Stranger: How the Teachings of Jesus Transformed the Moral Conscience of the West. Find out more about his work on his website. 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 [email protected].

The Steelers are heading to Paris to take on the New Orleans Saints this Sunday, but you don’t need to be in the City of Love (and tbh, you might not want to be right now) to get in on the fun. With kickoff at 9:30 a.m., it's a perfect excuse to trade in your usual game-day snack for some breakfast and Bloody Marys — and a bunch of bars around the city are hosting very early happy hours. City Cast's Megan Harris and Zack Durkin are talking about their favorite sports bars in Pittsburgh and what makes them special, whether it's top-tier wings, an enormous screen, or breakfast buffets.  Need even more recommendations? Here's our full list of sports bars for Steelers season. *A version of this episode originally published September 25, 2025. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.  Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, October 21st episode: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Quantum Theatre

Could GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy help people struggling with addiction? Pittsburgh is about to find out. A new $13.3 million study in Allegheny County will explore whether these medications can reduce cravings for alcohol and opioids. Executive producer Mallory Falk and creative producer Marla Kauffman discuss the promise of these drugs, why Allegheny County was chosen for the study, and the questions researchers still need to answer. Plus, creative producer Boen Wang shares what it’s like to work the polls on Election Day. And we’ve got some spooky (and not-so-spooky) events to check out this week.  Notes and references from today’s show: 'I Voted' Sticker Contest [Allegheny County] Can GLP-1s trim more than weight? Effect on drug use, crime to be studied in Pittsburgh. [Public Source] Allegheny County to test Ozempic, similar drugs on opioid and alcohol addiction treatment [TribLive] Better Government Through Data: Using the Allegheny County Human Services Data Warehouse to Design More Effective Results [Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation: Harvard University] Shapiro admin touts Carlow University’s addiction-counseling program as workforce pipeline [WESA] Opioid Settlement Money [Spotlight PA] New website tracks how Pennsylvania's $2.2B in opioid settlement funds is being spent [Temple University] Prevention Point Pittsburgh The Autonomous Body Shop PODCAST: Shapiro vs. Garrity, a Mafia-Style Toilet Fundraiser & TBD on New Local Taxes [City Cast Pittsburgh] Become a Poll Worker [Allegheny County] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.  Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday,, October 20th episode: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Quantum Theatre

For better or worse, Giant Eagle has long been the main grocery store in town — beloved for its sheetcakes, bemoaned for its high prices. But that could soon change. Kroger is planning to buy the local chain, Wegmans and Meijer are coming to Cranberry, and Trader Joe's is allegedly looking to expand into the Strip District. It suddenly feels like we're at the center of the grocery store wars. What's going on? Could all this competition drive down prices? And can one region sustain so many chains? Host Megan Harris is with Chloe Jad, tech and retail reporter at the Post-Gazette, to discuss her reporting on these expansions and consolidations and what it all means for the average Pittsburgher who just wants some decent quality, reasonably priced groceries. **This episode originally aired on August 10, 2026. Since this episode first aired, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to the feds asking them to take a closer look at the Kroger deal. Check out Chloe's reporting on the new development. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.  Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, October 19th episode: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Quantum Theatre Fulton Commons

How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of Pittsburgh? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm drain” to help keep city streets free of floods and trash — and to possibly slow the drying and pollution of the Great Salt Lake. City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta says it’s worth a shot. This week, she joins David to discuss how quick, periodic cleaning of a neighborhood sewer grate can be part of a much bigger solution. Listeners, it’s that time again! Send us the dilemmas you’re facing living in a city, and we might debate them on our upcoming call-in show. Email us or submit using this Google Form. Mentioned on the show: SLC’s Adopt A Storm Drain map: https://www.slc.gov/utilities/adoptastormdrain/  Ali’s past Your City Could Be Better episode on making a park census: https://yccbb.citycast.fm/podcasts/why-every-region-needs-a-park-map-tool-like-salt-lakes-plus-dry-heat-vs-humidity 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.

Pittsburgh's slated to get a lot more housing, from new apartments in the Hill District to converted office buildings Downtown to a decommissioned steam plant that's being turned into apartments. But who exactly will live in these units, and how tricky will it be to get them online? Executive producer Mallory Falk and City Cast contributor and City Paper managing editor Colin Williams discuss. We also share horror stories about a new type of tick that's wreaking havoc in our neighborhoods and how to protect yourself from larval bombs. Plus, some transit wins and disturbing news about a local restaurateur.  And in today's members-only bonus segment, we're talking about why Pittsburgh was named one of the spookiest cities in the country and recommending some creepy attractions to get you in the Halloween spirit. Notes and references from today’s show: $170 million development would bring hundreds of apartments to Hill District [TribLive] Officials celebrate new affordable housing in the Hill District [WESA] Downtown investor gets started on Penn Avenue residential conversion project [Biz-Times] Pittsburgh officials celebrate three major housing projects downtown [Biz-Times] Historic downtown tower hits market for sale [Biz-Times] Office Space [99% Invisible] As longhorned tick populations soar in Allegheny County, 'larval bombs' surprise residents [P-G] Allegheny County Vector Control is the first line of local defense against bug-born illnesses [City Paper] Tips for Tick Season in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh] Alstom to open transportation innovation hub in Pittsburgh, only U.S. location [Biz-Times] Prominent Pittsburgh restaurateur Richard DeShantz charged with assaulting girlfriend [TribLive] Breeze Airways chosen as new airline at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport [WTAE] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.  Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, October 16th episode: Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Pittsburgh has no shortage of great coffee shops. Some are perfect for getting work done. Others are better for catching up with friends. And a few are practically begging you to take yourself on a little solo date. With Pittsburgh Coffee Week kicking off this Sunday, the City Cast Pittsburgh team is sharing our favorite spots for every occasion. Plus, we’re highlighting some of the events worth checking out during this year’s celebration of all things coffee. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.  Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, October 15th episode: Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

There's an urban legend that's left an eerie mark on generations of local kids: a story about a spectre with a glowing green face doomed to roam the highways of Western Pennsylvania. He may have been burned by acid or fire, or maybe got struck by lightning. The details are squishy, but the real story behind "The Monster of Beaver County" is a tragic one. City Cast's Wil Fulton joins us to explain how the Green Man's story has been told and misunderstood for decades, and what we can learn from the legend. Special thanks to City Cast's Elizabeth Kauma for her work on this one. Music and some sound effects courtesy of Epidemic Sound. **This episode originally published October 18, 2023. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.  If you enjoyed our interview with Boone Troyer, Executive Director at Athens County Visitors Bureau, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, October 14th episode: Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Fall foliage is starting to pop around Pittsburgh. Host Megan Harris and contributor Sophia Lo share their favorite spots to soak up those autumn colors, including city parks and scenic road trips. Plus, Sophia shares their picks for some of the best Asian grocery stores in the region, from bustling markets in the Strip to smaller neighborhood gems. And if you’re looking to make plans, we’ve got some fun events to check out this week: giant pumpkin drops, spooky wildlife encounters, and a whole week dedicated to local coffee! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.  If you enjoyed our interview with Chris Cox, Director of Marketing and Communications, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, October 13th episode: Fulton Commons Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Another Pittsburgh school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict no-phone school day can work, and they’ve got the (mostly) positive feedback to show for it. City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson joins David to talk about how St. Paul Central High School is succeeding at enforcing a phone-free school environment, the surprising ways that some students approach it, and how these kinds of bans can even affect adults like Sean. Listeners, it’s that time again! Send us the dilemmas you’re facing living in a city, and we might debate them on our upcoming call-in show. Email us or submit using this Google Form. Mentioned on the show: Kids using public radio comment sections as ad hoc communication 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.

Pittsburgh and Allegheny County officially announced their 2027 budgets and … wow our finances are not looking good. Host Megan Harris and contributor Colin Williams explain where that money’s coming from (including a potential sales tax increase and proposed property reassessments), where it’s going, and why it’s so hard to pay for everything right now. Plus, a look at what’s coming on your November midterm election ballot. Gov. Josh Shapiro and state treasurer Stacy Garrity’s recent debate about data centers, skill games, school choice, and more. And our musings on a local youth basketball team that’s running a Mafia-style Pittsburgh potty protection racket to raise funds. Notes and references from today’s show: City leaders target breakdowns in oversight that some say helped lead to Pittsburgh’s looming financial crisis [Post-Gazette] County Executive Innamorato proposes millions in budget cuts as federal policies hit home [Post-Gazette] 5 things to know about Allegheny County’s preliminary budget [TribLive] Josh Shapiro, Stacy Garrity face off in Pennsylvania governor's debate [WPXI] The top takeaways from the only debate between Gov. Josh Shapiro and Stacy Garrity [Spotlight PA] Shapiro, Garrity spar in Pa.’s 1st gubernatorial debate in 8 years [TribLive] Judge deems Pennsylvania’s school funding system unconstitutional [WHYY] Union celebrates legal win as U.S. Supreme Court rejects Pittsburgh Post-Gazette appeal [WESA] This Western Pa. youth basketball team is trying to get flush with cash using a toilet [Post-Gazette] 🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program. It’s your last chance for a hat! 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.  🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Pittsburgh loves to talk about its history — the forts, the steel mills, the immigrants, the neighborhoods. But the story of this place starts long before any of that. Ahead of Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, we’re revisiting a conversation with Miguel Sague of the Council of Three Rivers Indian American Center about the Native peoples who shaped our region and the Indigenous community that still calls Western PA home. *This episode originally aired October 11, 2022. 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.  If you enjoyed our interview with Chris Cox, Director of Marketing and Communications, learn more here.

It's official: an Allegheny County resident just tested positive for measles. It's part of Pennsylvania's ongoing (and worsening) measles outbreak, with over 1,000 confirmed cases and five measles-associated deaths statewide. Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and creative producer Boen Wang discuss the latest updates, the continuing dispute between PA and the CDC over the number of measles deaths, and where to get vaccinated this fall. Plus, we share some of our City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors' recommendations for restaurants to check out — including a spot to host your own wake — and some events we're excited for this week. Notes and references from today’s show: Allegheny County Health Department Announces First Confirmed Allegheny County Resident Case of Measles [ACHD] Pa. health officials face multiple fronts as measles outbreak overlaps with respiratory virus season [WESA] PODCAST: Pittsburgh's Measles Risk, Explained [City Cast Pittsburgh] PODCAST: Measles, Go-Karts & Wylie's Opening Lineup [City Cast Pittsburgh] A Pa. coroner doubted a measles-linked death, sparking anti-vaccine outcry. Records show the state tried to reach him. [Philly Inquirer] Mom of infant exposed to measles at UPMC Children’s frustrated by hospital system response [TribLive] Pennsylvania Measles Cases Tracker [PA.gov] PODCAST: What Happened to Pgh’s Chinatown? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Two Roads Through Two Chinatowns (written by Boen!) [Sunday Long Read] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

What if a school replaced human teachers with artificial intelligence? That's what a national private school chain called Alpha School did — and then tried to start an AI cyber charter right here in Pennsylvania. If this sounds dystopian, you don't know the half of it! (We're talking monitoring students' heart rates while their parents criticize them.) Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk explain why PA's department of education turned them down. Plus, we discuss the need for clear state guidelines around AI use in schools and a legislative proposal that would ensure students are taught by actual humans. Notes and references from today’s show: A.I.-Driven Education: Founded in Texas and Coming to a School Near You [New York Times] State rejects application for cyber charter school with AI teacher and two hours of daily class [Penn Capital-Star] Parents Fell in Love With Alpha School’s Promise. Then They Wanted Out [Wired] SPECIAL REPORT: My So-Called Alpha School [Cognitive Resonance] Several States Rejected This Private School Chain as a Charter. Now It’s Eligible for Texas’ Taxpayer-Funded Vouchers. [ProPublica] Pa. lawmakers say regulations on AI in education, student privacy are coming [WESA] Pennsylvania Creates initiative aims to make teenagers AI literate and responsible [TribLive] Pittsburgh Public Schools to revise student handbooks after discrepancies found [TribLive] Educators ask state to create policy for AI in schools [Post-Gazette] What is your school's AI policy? [Public Source] 👋 Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893 or email [email protected]. We’re also on Instagram!  💌 You can get more Pittsburgh news delivered right to your inbox by subscribing to the City Cast Pittsburgh morning newsletter.  🏡 Get more from City Cast Pittsburgh when you become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join the City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors program! 🥁 Looking to advertise on City Cast Pittsburgh? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.