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September 19, 2025

Vape Shop Limits, Gov. Shapiro on Political Violence & 'The Pitt' Snafu

City Cast Pittsburgh

Vape Shop Limits, Gov. Shapiro on Political Violence & 'The Pitt' Snafu

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More and more vape shops are popping up in Pittsburgh — there are nearly 30 in Downtown alone! — and city council is considering a bill that would put some restrictions on where they can open. Executive producer Mallory Falk and producer Sophia Lo explain the proposal. Plus, they talk about the Trump administration's threats to withhold billions of dollars in food stamp funding if PA doesn't turn over personal data, Gov. Josh Shapiro's remarks on political violence at a recent anti-hate summit in Pittsburgh, and how a permitting mishap with the team behind the (Emmy award-winning!) show "The Pitt" led to extra traffic Downtown.

Notes and references from today’s show:

  • Pittsburgh lawmakers want to restrict where vape shops can open [KDKA]
  • Vape shop regulations proposed in Pittsburgh City Council would keep stores away from schools [WESA]
  • U.S. Census: One in five Pittsburgh residents live in poverty [P-G]
  • Pittsburgh-area pay growth lags U.S. average [Axios Pittsburgh]
  • ‘An extra burden’: Southwestern Pa. braces for SNAP benefit losses [Next Gen Newsroom]
  • Trump admin. threatens to withhold $460M in food-stamp funding if Pa. doesn't share personal data [WESA]
  • 'Demand is at an all-time high:' 4 The Record speaks with leaders from Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank [WTAE]
  • How To Fight Food Insecurity in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh]
  • Gov. Josh Shapiro, who survived arson attack, condemns political violence at anti-hate summit [Spotlight PA]
  • 'The Pitt' filming permit mishap on Downtown Pittsburgh bridge backs up traffic [KDKA]
  • Filming for ‘The Pitt’ Is Expected Back in Pittsburgh This Week [Pittsburgh Magazine]
  • Volunteer Actors Needed for Allegheny General Hospital [Instagram]
  • PRT avoids service cuts, fare hikes with over $100 million in state funds [TribLive]
  • Fall colors may be less vibrant in Pittsburgh this year [Axios Pittsburgh]
  • Go Leaf Peeping on These 4 Fall Getaways Near Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 19th episode:

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Heinz History Center

Fist Ascent

City Theatre

The Frick

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