Your Airbnb Takes, State Budget Standoff & Poulet Bleu's Return
Earlier this week, we talked about a city council proposal to regulate Airbnbs and other short term rentals — and our listeners had a lot to say! Host Megan Harris, executive producer Mallory Falk, and producer Sophia Lo are opening the mailbag to share your perspectives. Plus, we discuss how PA's budget impasse is starting to hurt everyday people and why Uber decided to enter the chat. We also run through some local wins and losses, from the Squirrel Hill fire to Poulet Bleu's return.
Notes and references from today’s show:
- Every state in the nation has some form of a budget in place — except Pennsylvania and Michigan [Pennsylvania Capital-Star]
- Why PA's (Probably) Punting on Cannabis & Late With Our Budget [City Cast Pittsburgh]
- 10 Pa. lawmakers refuse pay during budget standoff [P-G]
- Pittsburgh Public Schools could drain its reserves by mid-October if state budget impasse persists [WESA]
- PA budget impasse is underway for libraries, foster care, and more as Pa. budget sits unfinished [Spotlight PA]
- No Kings movement announces new wave of protests in Pittsburgh [TribLive]
- Philadelphia transit agency will use project reserves to avoid cuts. Pittsburgh's might do the same thing [AP]
- Uber says it has a solution to Pa.'s public transit funding problem. There's a big catch [Spotlight PA]
- Can Taxing Uber Rides Save Public Transit? [City Cast Pittsburgh]
- Chronic Pa. budget failures prompt talk of smaller Legislature, pay suspensions, 2-year planning [P-G]
- Pennsylvania is a top pumpkin producer [Axios Pittsburgh]
- Acrisure ranks 3rd-worst stadium in the NFL for game-day traffic [TribLive]
- Large fire in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood causes collapse at apartment building [KDKA]
- City Seeks Partners to Help Illuminate 250th Independence Day Celeb [City of Pittsburgh]
Learn more about the sponsors of this September 12th episode:
Huel - Get 15% off with code PITTSBURGH
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

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
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...

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...

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...

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...

'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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

