City Cast Pittsburgh logo
September 17, 2025

Escaped Monkeys, Fumes in the Tubes & More Epic Pittsburgh Disasters

City Cast Pittsburgh

Escaped Monkeys, Fumes in the Tubes & More Epic Pittsburgh Disasters

00:00:00
View all City Cast Pittsburgh episodes

Pittsburgh has seen its share of catastrophe — from unexpected weather bringing flooding and brutal windstorms to man-made calamities like devastating fires, explosions, and even escaped monkeys. (Seriously. That’s happened here a surprising number of times.) As our nation’s leaders consider doing away with things like federal emergency response, we’re taking stock of all the times it would’ve been really great to have more help, not less. Host Megan Harris is with writer and author Virginia Montanez to talk about some of Pittsburgh's biggest disasters and the important lessons we’ve learned along the way.  

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 17th episode:

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Heinz History Center

Fist Ascent

City Theatre

The Frick

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

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Pittsburgh

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
July 17

Exploding Bridge, Explosive Poops & Pittsburgh's Newest Pool

It's been an explosive week for Pittsburgh. Executive producer Mallory Falk, producer Sophia Lo, and contributor and City Paper managing...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 16

Cannabis, Skill Games & More Hot Topics Missing From PA Budget

Pennsylvania's facing some big questions. Should we legalize cannabis? Regulate data centers and skill games? Raise the minimum wage? If...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 15

Pittsburgh's Best Ice Cream. Plus, an Ode to Texas de Brazil

If you're out in this heatwave, don't forget to hydrate — and make a stop at a local ice cream shop! Host Megan Harris is with City Cast...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 14

Pothole Villain Returns, Walmart Eyes Bloomfield & Book Deli Debuts

Walmart wants to turn the former Bloomfield Rite Aid into a delivery hub, the Steelers are replacing a ton of seats at Acrisure Stadium (...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 13

Trace Brewing vs. Bloomfield Neighbors

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...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 12

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Does Pittsburgh Have a ‘Perfect’ Airport? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

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 livab...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 10

Meatball Mergers, PennDOT Hellscapes & Emmy Noms for ‘The Pitt’

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. Tra...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 9

Mechanical Pickles, Giant Eagle's New Owner & Free Outdoor Adventures

Kroger may have just bought Giant Eagle, but this isn't the first time these two brands have been intertwined. Host Megan Harris and prod...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 8

Where To Get a Spa Treatment in Pittsburgh

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 te...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 7

The Best Bagels in Pittsburgh

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...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art