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
June 4

Where To Get Pittsburgh’s Best Ice Cream

Pittsburgh's ice cream and soft serve shops are opening for the season! Host Megan Harris is with City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit, an...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 3

Pittsburgh's Secret Stairways

If your summer bucket list involves exploring more of Pittsburgh, consider making a visit to a set of our city steps, aka our first form...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 2

Is Heinz Worth the Hype?

Heinz ketchup has a chokehold on Pittsburgh. From stadiums and museums to our own home pantries, it’s the brand on the table and in any g...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 1

Your Guide to June 2026 in Pittsburgh

Summer in Pittsburgh means neighborhood festivals, yard sales, and so much more! This June, we're checking out movie series, signing up f...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
May 31

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Where would Pittsburgh be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
May 29

Taxing Pool Tables, School Closure Aftermath & Breweries in Bankruptcy

After almost three years of debates and hearings, the Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted to close nine school buildings and make other...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
May 28

The Weird Things You Can and Can't Do in a Pittsburgh Backyard

Want to get a little ambitious with your backyard this summer? Maybe you're thinking of getting a beehive or some chickens, or you've dec...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
May 27

Why Pittsburghers Love Cleveland

Looking for a low-cost, easy getaway this summer? Look no further than Cleveland! From free art to giant pastrami sandwiches, there's a l...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
May 26

The Best Indian Food in Pittsburgh

Love Indian food, but want to indulge beyond butter chicken and naan? You're in luck! City Cast contributor Aakanksha Agarwal is joining...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
May 22

Lion McBaby Face, Catena’s Defeat & Inclusionary Zoning Returns

A new iteration of Pittsburgh’s contentious inclusionary zoning policy is headed back to the City Planning Commission. City Cast’s Megan...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art