State Budget Drama, Killer Robots & Bad News for BeyHive
It’s the Friday news roundup! The big talk in Harrisburg is about Gov. Josh Shapiro pulling his support for private school vouchers after state budget talks stalled — much to the dismay of many Republicans. After Beyoncé canceled her stop at Acrisure Stadium, the BeyHive was buzzing with theories about why and a lot of disappointment. And a team from CMU has built a robot prototype that could help stop the invasive spotted lanternfly.
We love to cite our sources:
- The PA budget is late (again) and SpotlightPA explains school choice is one big reason why
- What are Pa.'s lifeline scholarships? SpotlightPA deep dives school choice and vouchers
- For all the ruckus, NPR finds Betsy DeVos didn’t get that much done
- Tweet from Sen. Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) with a Lisa Simpson meme about missing former Gov. Tom Wolf
- How to spot a spotted lanternfly (with pretty graphics) via Axios
- CMU team develops autonomous robot to stave off spotted lanternflies
- Taylor Swift fans are being totally normal about Beyonce’s tour cancellations
- Bad news: Our favorite mac & cheese spot, Smoke, is now for sale
Want some more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter.
- We’re also on Twitter @citycastpgh & Instagram @CityCastPgh!
- Not a fan of social? Then leave us a voicemail at 412-212-8893.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Shapiro vs. Garrity, a Mafia-Style Toilet Fundraiser & TBD on New Local Taxes
Pittsburgh and Allegheny County officially announced their 2027 budgets and … wow our finances are not looking good. Host Megan Harris an...
Pittsburgh's Indigenous History
Pittsburgh loves to talk about its history — the forts, the steel mills, the immigrants, the neighborhoods. But the story of this place s...
What Pgh Restaurant Would Hold Your Wake? Plus, Measles & Mulan's Cookbook
It's official: an Allegheny County resident just tested positive for measles. It's part of Pennsylvania's ongoing (and worsening) measles...
The Dystopian AI School PA Rejected
Notes and references from today’s show: A.I.-Driven Education: Founded in Texas and Coming to a School Near You [New York Times] Sta...
Maple Miso Lattes, Artisanal Croissants & All-You-Can-Eat KBBQ
Korean BBQ, sushi, "artisanal" croissants, and other delectable delicacies are on offer from newly-opened (as well as expanding and reope...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: This Basketball Court Is Saving Residents From Floods — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
When Pittsburgh looks for inspiration for the future, does it look to the Netherlands? That’s what designers and officials in New York Ci...
CMU Miami, Bleak Budgets & Duquesne Light’s Strike
Carnegie Mellon University is opening a new campus in Miami, thanks to a $3 billion gift from hedge fund manager Ken Griffin. It's the la...
Your Guide to October 2026 in Pittsburgh
October in Pittsburgh is packed with things to eat, see and do — from campy musicals and a pizza opera to the Pittsburgh Art Book Fair an...
Pittsburgh’s Best Fall Frights, From Terrifying To Totally Tame
How scared do you actually want to be this Halloween? Pittsburgh has plenty of options! Whether you want chainsaw-wielding killers chasin...
Riverfront Trails Expand, Exercise for Beginners & Tim Burton Takeover
Have you ever been enjoying a bike ride along the riverfront, only for the trail to end abruptly? Good news! The city is planning to clos...