The Esplanade, PPG & More Animal Deaths in Pittsburgh
It’s the Friday news roundup! The proposed Esplanade development on the North Side has generated a lot of buzz, but what are its odds of actually Ferris wheeling above the Ohio? We’ve got good news and bad news about a bunch of Pittsburgh animals, and PPG Industries is considering a change. Plus, we have a winner on the PA River of the Year!
We always cite our sources:
- The Allegheny River was declared PA’s 2024 River of the Year, which includes a $10,000 prize to its nominating agency, Three Rivers Waterkeeper.
- The Esplanade development was first proposed for Chateau in 2019, and it resurfaced recently with a few new features.
- Lisa Freeman wants to build a local grocery store in Manchester.
- PPG Industries announced an internal systemic review to consider whether their architectural coatings division still makes sense for their portfolio. The company has a wide collection of industrial grade products, in addition to their sometimes better known paints.
- PPG’s Tim Knavish told Yahoo! Finance that the homebuying and selling boom was really good for business. If you’re curious about his favorite PPG color, check their YouTube.
- About 70 animals died in a fire at Nate’s Reptile Rescue in South Park, but over 100 were saved. KDKA had a really informative report.
- Per our recent conversation about the Pittsburgh Zoo, an official review found nothing awry. WPXI got an AZA official on the phone this week, and he confirmed we have not reapplied for accreditation yet.
- The National Aviary in the North Side got a new Andean Condor, a little boy chick named Bud.
- Today is National Pig Day. Celebrate tonight with the Pittsburgh Squealers at Voodoo Brewing in New Kensington.
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
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...

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...

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...

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 (...

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...

‘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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

