New Park Toilets, County Wins & One Scandalous PA Judge
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato gave her quarterly address to County Council, and while there’s a lot of uncertainty around funding, there are also things to celebrate. Like more bathrooms in the parks! But if you see any downed birds, be mindful of bird flu and please don’t touch. Biden’s outgoing pardons are back in the news — including one granted to a judge convicted in the ‘Kids for Cash’ scandal — and we’re taking a dive into autopen lore. Plus, we’re recapping Pennsylvania’s special elections, celebrating the start of the Pirates new season and fewer potholes at Pittsburgh Mills, and it’s time to apply to be a lifeguard for both city and county pools.
Notes and references from today’s show:
- Allegheny County Council Regular Address — March 25, 2025 [YouTube]
- ACT NOW: Stop Catastrophic Service Cuts [Pittsburghers for Public Transit]
- What's an autopen, and does it void Biden's pardons? [NPR]
- The Autopen: How the Robotic Pen Has Changed Presidential History [Shapell]
- Biden’s Commutation in ‘Kids for Cash’ Scandal Angers Some Pennsylvania Families [AP]
- Justice in ‘Kids-for-Cash’ Scheme & PA’s Trip to Legalize Psychedelics [City Cast Pittsburgh]
- The MySpace Misdemeanor [Crime Show]
- Democrats keep control of Pennsylvania House with election win; GOP Senate district sees close race [AP News]
- Site of former Donny’s Place gay bar isn’t historic, Pittsburgh planners agree [PublicSource]
- Pittsburgh Mills pothole patching underway, but legal troubles seem unlikely to disappear [TribLive]
- Multiple families of trans kids denied gender-affirming medications at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh [The Pitt News]
- Tell UPMC: Stop Doing Trump’s Bidding Rally [Instagram]
- Pittsburgh parks department hopes to open all 18 pools this summer [WESA]
Learn more about the sponsors of this March 28th episode:
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh!
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Tattoo Regulations, Steelers in Paris & Debating the Essence of Sheetz
Allegheny County Council is taking steps to oust Pat Catena as the group's president, after his campaign sent out a mailer claiming his o...
Can Pittsburgh Fix Its Budget Problems?
City Controller Rachael Heisler has been sounding the alarm on Pittsburgh's budget for actual years, and her latest report shows the city...
Mid-Century Sleepover, Tiki Cruise & More Pittsburgh Milestone Birthday Ideas
What To Eat (and Avoid) at PNC Park
Let's be honest, the Pirates aren't always the main draw at PNC Park. Many of us go for the views, the pierogi race, and inventive ballpa...
7 Ideas To Make Voting Better in PA
Our primary election is just around the corner on May 19, so it feels like a good time to take stock of how well our voting process actua...
'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Pittsburghers, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking numbe...
Shapiro v. Chatbots, Market Square Curfew & Summer Music Fests
Gov. Josh Shapiro is suing Character.AI, saying its chatbots are posing as doctors and offering medical advice. Executive producer Mallor...
Green Chile Queso, Gumbo & More New Pittsburgh Food & Drink
So many new restaurants are popping up in Pittsburgh this spring, each fulfilling a specific craving. Longing for gumbo and jambalaya coo...
10 Essential Rules for Surviving Pittsburgh
Pittsburghers have a lot of pride in our city, including our weird quirks and unwritten rules. Like why do neighbors keep putting old fol...
Where To Get Brunch in Pittsburgh
Whether you're celebrating Mother's Day this Sunday or just want a weekend treat, there are so many great brunch options in Pittsburgh. P...