City Cast Pittsburgh logo
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

00:00:00
View all City Cast Pittsburgh episodes

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

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.

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
July 19

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Are Chattanoogans ‘Doing It Their Damn Selves’? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Sometimes it can feel like the Pittsburgh government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 17

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...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 16

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...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 15

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...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 14

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 (...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 13

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...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 12

‘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...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 10

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...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 9

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...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
July 8

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...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art