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We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Pittsburgh

Francesca Dabecco

⏪ Looking for a previous Pittsburgh crossword? Find it here:

A crossword puzzle all about Pittsburgh news and fun facts.

Can You Fill Out This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle?

Try This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle

What Pittsburghers have been wondering. We break down why things in Pittsburgh are the way they are and how they work.

Pittsburgh, Explained

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

City Cast Pittsburgh is a free daily podcast and newsletter made for Pittsburghers, by Pittsburghers.

We speak to what matters here — with real questions, sharp curation, and a point of view that comes from living alongside you. From big civic debates to the best things to do this weekend, if Pittsburgh is talking about it, we probably are, too.

 is where it all comes together: a smart, funny, relatable conversation that helps you make sense of the news, the mood, and the moments shaping Pittsburgh right now. Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Youtube, or wherever you get your favorite shows.

 is your daily reset. In five minutes, you’re caught up on what’s happening, attuned to daily events and volunteer opportunities, and you'll always know the best new restaurant or coffee shop to try next.

📱 You can also find us on social, including Facebook, 

Together, they’re a simple way to stay in sync with your city and be the kind of neighbor 

💛 We share Pittsburgh pride — and gripes!

 the Steelers win? Will Bob Nutting ever 

East Coast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, or Appalachia

Get tools, toys, instruments and more with 

🔥 We help you discover the best of the city

Email convention: first name dot last name @ citycast.fm

Francesca Dabecco, senior newsletter editor

City Cast is an experiment — an effort by Graham Holdings in 13 cities (and counting!) to figure out how to make on-demand local news sustainable and help people feel more connected to the city where they live.

Readers and listeners can help us stick around by becoming a Neighbor and joining our 

, where we’re creating a community of invested locals who care deeply about this place and want to see it thrive.

Neighbors get exclusive merch, a special weekly email with curated events, invites to members-only meetups (like happy hours, walking tours, and food & drink tastings), ad-free podcast listening, and the opportunity to share their favorite people, places, and organizations in the newsletter and podcast.

We reach the city’s tastemakers, opinion shapers, and locals who care most about what’s going on in town — who are first to try new restaurants, up on cultural events, and politically and socially active. So when you advertise on City Cast, you’ll reach Pittsburgh's most engaged, most passionate audience. 

Subscribe to our FREE daily newsletter and podcast made for Pittsburghers by Pittsburghers.

What Is City Cast Pittsburgh?

Stay in the Know with City Cast Pittsburgh

Megan Harris

There are two ways to watch HBO Max's hit medical drama "The Pitt" — like a normal person or like someone on 

. If you're like us, you've loved clocking the specificity of its local lore, even when it's not exactly right. Here are some of our favorite Steel City references in the first half of season two ⬇️

, and it’s funny — if also nightmare fuel — to suggest lanternflies could shut down a major medical center. (Meanwhile 

 really could.) Sonny’s Tavern is a real institution in Bloomfield, though not most people’s preferred spot for a first kiss. And no one will ever forget Three Rivers Stadium or all the folks like Louie, the fictional former groundskeeper, who ensured the rest of us had a great time.

Dr. Robby wearing a Hemingway’s shirt. 

 in Point Breeze. Brashear’s unfortunate former mascot choice. Calling a nun’s ailment an “immaculate infection.” PennDOT will absolutely teach you to 

, but they would also suggest you wear a helmet.

A date-worthy art gallery at 40th and Butler? 

. Most people aren’t hitting up Seven Springs for a weekend trip in the summer, but it could happen. And while it’s totally possible to live in Garfield and commute to work in New Castle, it wouldn’t be the most pleasant way to spend two or more hours every day.

The show’s depiction of what happens when someone dies without family to claim them is grim but real, as is how hospitals treat survivors of sexual assault. The show worked with 

 to help build necessary tension over episode seven, but real exams take place over many hours and can’t be paused for mental breaks or snacks.

When Dr. Robby rides across the Rachel Carson Bridge 

(with musical accompaniment from The Clarks)

, it makes sense to focus on our beautiful skyline at sunrise. But the fountain at Point State Park is on — it was off last year for renovations ahead of the NFL Draft — and 

, which served up bites and bevvies from July to October, is missing from the riverfront along Allegheny Landing Park. Local filming for “The Pitt” took place in that window, so how did they manage this shot? Is it special effects, or is this maybe an alternate scene shot during season one?

Who made that fake city seal, and can we adopt it for real?

When Dr. Robby arrives at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, he passes a plaque commemorating the cataclysmic events of season one. The seal, seemingly part of a proclamation from City Council, is… not quite Pittsburgh’s. But it might be better? The bureaucratic language is wrong, though. No “be it proclaimed.” Striking lack of “whereas.”

Catch up on season 1

City Cast Pittsburgh’s favorite local references and missed opportunities in season two of HBO Max’s “The Pitt.”

What Season 2 of 'The Pitt' Gets Right About Pittsburgh

What We’re Loving About ‘The Pitt’ So Far

There’s a new bus tour in town, and it’s hitting up important landmarks in Pittsburgh’s Black history — from a famous playwright’s house to a legendary newspaper office. Hop on Culturvate Enterprise's 

 tour through the Hill District on Feb. 28.

Can’t make it? Learn about our city’s Black trailblazers, activists, artists, and athletes year-round with the guide below ⬇️

1. Hear the ‘Sound of the Steel City’

For over seven decades, the radio station WAMO was the rhythm and voice of the Black community, and a new documentary is sharing its cultural impact on Pittsburgh. See exclusive interviews, rare archival footage, and stories from the station's top talent and community leaders at the premiere of “

Fun fact: WAMO initially started as “WHOD” — where Homestead native 

 became the first Black female disc jockey in the nation.

Renowned Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson, who died in 2005, is best known for his series of 10 plays called the “

” — each set in a different decade of the twentieth century, and all but one set in Pittsburgh. Today, you can find his legacy preserved at the 

 in Crawford-Roberts. The restored 1840s home isn’t just a museum; it's a creative hub for theatrical productions, art exhibitions, literary workshops, and more.

 on May 9, featuring musical performances, vendors, food trucks, and tours of the house.

3. See an Exhibit at the August Wilson Center

August Wilson’s childhood home isn’t the only place to learn about his legacy. Visit the 

August Wilson African American Cultural Center

 in Downtown to see The Writer’s Landscape, a 3,600-square-foot exhibit exploring the people and places of Pittsburgh that shaped Wilson and his work.

It’s also a center for Black art, like music, dance, theater, and film programs, as well as educational activities like lectures and writing workshops. Stop in to see the latest exhibit, 

4. Explore the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum

Pittsburgh was once a powerhouse for Negro League baseball, with teams like the 

 and Pittsburgh Crawfords. Some players even wore uniforms for both teams— like 

, who’s considered the greatest hitter in baseball history. See this history on display with a short film, memorabilia, and a virtual tour of the Hill District’s Greenlee Field.

White you’re at the Heinz History Center: Stop by the 

 exhibit to learn about the history of enslavement and the anti-slavery movement, plus the impact of 19th-century activism on the modern quest for civil rights in Pittsburgh.

5. Pour Through the ‘Teenie’ Harris Archives

Carnegie Museum of Art holds more than 75,000 negatives shot by Charles “Teenie” Harris, a legendary local photographer best known for capturing the Black experience during the 20th century. On display, you’ll find pictures of everything from ordinary life in Pittsburgh to visiting stars like jazz great Duke Ellington. 

6. Reflect at Freedom Corner in the Hill District

 has been the site of community resistance and the starting point for social justice marches. In 1963, 2,000 Pittsburghers gathered there before departing for Washington, DC to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech. Five years later, locals met at that very same spot for a march following his assasination.

 to make room for the Civic Arena, residents stood at this intersection to demand that “urban renewal” stop there. By then, thousands of families and businesses had been forced out of their neighborhood. A monument honoring their activism and the site's significance was dedicated in 2001.

Today, the site continues to live on as a place for rallies, protests, and parades.

7. Uncover the Story of Freedom House Ambulance

In the 1960s, a trailblazing group of Black men from the Hill District became the nation's very first paramedics, revolutionizing emergency healthcare in the U.S. Listen to our 

 of “American Sirens: The Incredible Story of the Black Men Who Became America’s First Paramedics.” Or watch the 

 “Freedom House Ambulance: The First Responders.”

Learn about Pittsburgh’s Black trailblazers, activists, artists, and sports teams at these local landmarks.

Celebrate Black History in Pittsburgh at These Landmarks and Cultural Spaces

7 Ways To Learn About Black History in Pittsburgh

The Steelers are already planning for their next arena, Allegheny County Executive 

Sara Innamorato confirmed to City Cast Pittsburgh

Public funding for sports arenas can be controversial. Supporters see it as an investment in civic pride and economic development; critics say it's an expensive subsidy for already wealthy people. And teams sometimes threaten to leave their host cities to add extra pressure to negotiations.

The Steelers are privately owned by the Rooney family, who founded the team in Pittsburgh in 1933. Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) cost 

 when it opened in 2001. Voters at the time rejected a plan to help pay for the arena via a sales tax, but around 

 — paid for through a mix of regional taxes and ticket sales — including seat replacements and eventually a new field. Some of this is related to the upcoming NFL Draft, but fully replacing Acrisure or nearby PNC Park could cost over $1 billion.

, host Megan Harris asked Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato what she's heard about whether the Steelers could ask for something bigger soon.

Here’s a snippet from their conversation:

 Have the Steelers talked to you about a public funding mechanism for a new stadium? Because the lease is up after the 2030 season, which means the time is probably nigh for them to start talking about this sort of thing.

Yeah. We remain in constant communication about that.

 It was very controversial last time. Are we gonna give public funding for that? What do you think?

 We remain in constant conversation and negotiation around that.

 OK. They're gonna want a roof, 'cause we really want a Super Bowl. They've been talking about that for like 50 years.

 Yeah. I mean, if someone from the private sector wants to pay for that, godspeed.

Innamorato on ICE, the NFL Draft & more

The Steelers are already planning for their next arena, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato confirmed to City Cast Pittsburgh.

Will the Pittsburgh Steelers Get a New Football Stadium?

Will Pittsburgh Build A New Football Stadium?

If you've felt scared, unsettled, or in danger because of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement activity, here are concrete ways to learn more about what's happening in Pittsburgh and how to get involved, including rapid-response trainings that prepare residents to safely document ICE activity, organizations providing legal or mutual aid, community care options for children and families, rent and food support, and more.

What Are Pittsburgh Officials Saying About ICE?

, which means our public safety officials, including police, won’t assist them. But local police may still be dispatched to monitor a situation, and it’s not clear 

 while off duty. In other cities where ICE is more active, the voice of the mayor seems to hold little weight.

Pittsburgh City Council is urging PA senators 

 that would provide another $10 billion to ICE. Under President Donald Trump, the agency now has 

 than any other U.S. law enforcement group. U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-Braddock) and Dave McCormick (R-Squirrel Hill) 

 that could bar elected officials and county employees from cooperating with ICE unless ordered by a federal judge. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato called Trump’s influence on immigration enforcement and federal funding “chaotic.” 

 the raids “have nothing to do with protecting us from criminals and actually threaten the region’s long-term growth and stability.”

 are making their own choices about whether to work with ICE, sometimes without the knowledge or consent of local officials or voters. Public Source published 

Neither Pittsburgh nor Pennsylvania have 

 limiting local cooperation with ICE, which could include sharing access to databases, personal information, or legal proceedings where targets may be present. 

 last year but was later removed. Trump pledged this month to withhold federal funding from “sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities.”

, Gov. Josh Shapiro said his administration is prepared to handle a Minneapolis-style ICE occupation in Pennsylvania. He called agents’ behavior there “lawless” and “unacceptable” — and categorized the recent shooting death of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol as an “atrocity.” 

 would prohibit civil immigration arrests within 1,000 feet of state-owned or leased facilities absent a judicial order or warrant.

You can make your voice heard by calling your elected leaders. The app 

 helps locate their contact information and provides scripts you can use or adapt.

If You or Someone You Know is Affected by ICE Activity

If you or a loved one are detained by ICE, you can call Casa San José or Frontline DIGNITY’s emergency response lines.

If you are trying to find someone who’s been detained by ICE, try the national 

Find the latest data on ICE arrests and removals at 

Find ICE Response Trainings & Know-Your-Rights Info

Casa San José and Frontline DIGNITY have helped organize hundreds of volunteers to help with interpretation services, respond to families in crisis, and serve as safe, legal observers of ICE activity. Here’s more about the groups and partner organizations.

In addition to legal clinics and Know Your Rights sessions, Casa San José operates an 

 that monitors immigration enforcement and sends volunteers to court appointments. Follow the community center’s 

 for more educational resources and ways to get involved.

The community organization teaches volunteers 

, document enforcement activity, and respond safely when ICE shows up. Follow their 

This statewide coalition works directly with immigrant communities and supports grassroots organizations. They offer one of the best websites we’ve seen for resources about knowing your rights in different situations, as well as 

 for families, employers, schools and colleges, union stewards, health care workers, and more.

 with preparedness guides, legal rights checklists, and community support planning resources — a good reference for organizations and volunteers helping impacted families.

 to vulnerable immigrants, including education on the legal rights of people who've been detained and help for survivors of violence. They also lead an 

 that provides training, safety planning tools, and technical assistance with issues like language access in court.

The statewide legal advocacy group has know-your-rights guides available in 

City Cast Pittsburgh spoke to senior staff attorney Vanessa Stine to learn 

, what rights immigrants have regardless of their legal status, and how bystanders can help during an ICE encounter. There’s a 

Stay Informed About ICE Activity in Pittsburgh

Local reporters and advocates all over our region are trying to document ICE encounters and their effect on our region. Here are a few that really stand out.

The nonprofit newsroom closely follows immigration enforcement in Pittsburgh and across Southwestern Pennsylvania. 

 works to protect peoples' constitutional rights through actions across all 50 states. Find local information and ways to get involved through the 

1Hood Media promotes social justice through 

 to find out about local ICE response, upcoming protests, and more community events.

This grassroots political organizing group often spearheads or helps get the word out about 

 in Western Pennsylvania. If you’re outside the city, look for an 

Local Groups Supporting Immigrant Communities

Lots of organizations and networks already exist to support our immigrant and refugee communities. Note: These are not for crisis response. Please let us know if we left someone off the list at 

Pittsburgh Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

 by streamlining access to city services, community groups, and opportunities for entrepreneurs. Helpful if you need local data supporting the value of immigration.

 for immigrants such as citizenship and legal assistance, literacy and ESL classes, youth programs, refugee resettlement services, and more.

 with housing, employment, education, health care navigation, and community building. They also run a mentorship matching program so locals can support families directly.

Church leaders offer advice on how religious communities can prepare, respond, and support the immigrant community, including a 

 on what to do if ICE comes to your church.

, including housing assistance, case management, employment support, and legal referrals. They also have a housing registry and donation options to help newly-arrived families settle. JFCS is connected to 

AIU3’s Immigrant Services and Connections

The workforce development organization helps immigrants and refugees find sustainable employment through its 

. It’s a part of their mission to support all people, and especially women, with free career development workshops, mentoring, and career coaching.

 for green card applications, naturalization, family reunification, and more — helpful for families needing legal support.

 (ISAC) program, Literacy Pittsburgh helps immigrants with food, rent/utility support, transportation access, and health care — often in multiple languages and without barriers to enrollment.

Trainings, mutual aid, family support, and other resources to help immigrant communities as ICE activity escalates nationwide.

 How To Help Immigrants in Pittsburgh

Ways To Support Pittsburgh’s Immigrant Communities

What has Corey O’Connor been up to during his first month in office? City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host 

 to hear about new initiatives, tight budgets, and some fresh ideas to revitalize Downtown.

We also asked O'Connor YOUR questions. Listen to the podcast for his takes on ICE, affordability, dark sky compliance, parks, snow plows, litter, and more.

Their conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

 We still have a lot of leftover Eat’n Park Smiley Cookies.

 It used to be good. I haven't posted scores in like two years, but I think two years ago was around like a 3.5.

Favorite part of the mayor's office so far? 

I did this as the [county] controller. Even today, before you guys got here, one of my meetings ended a little early, so we walked the halls. We went to the fourth floor, saw public safety and the parks departments. And I always think it's good of the mayor to just pop in. And the reaction you get is, you know, somebody's not looking. They're like, ‘Oh my goodness! What are you doing?!’ I’m just here to say thank you. I really enjoy doing those kinds of pop-ins. They're fun. 

This room is obviously beautiful, the actual mayor's office. 

 — we didn’t plan on this — but I tried to sit in the seat and I couldn't get the chair to go up or down. I'm not very tall. I’m 5’6, so I could barely see over the desk. So I ran and I got a cushion, threw it under, and you know, you gotta just deal with what you got in the office. But that room is really nice. It's historic, and a lot of people enjoy coming down to the mayor's office.

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host Megan Harris sits down with Mayor Corey O’Connor at the City-County Building.

Pittsburgh, Explained

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