Draft Takeaways, Improving Traffic Enforcement & Punxsy Phil’s First Pitch
Pittsburgh survived the NFL Draft! Executive producer Mallory Falk, interim social media manager Laura Tsutsui, and contributor Colin Williams are rounding up a few takeaways from the event, both good and bad. Colin's sharing what traffic enforcement could look like without the police, and after seeing Punxsutawney Phil throw the first pitch at PNC Park, we think his prognostication skills could be put to work year-round. In our Neighbors-only segment, we're bringing on former local journalist Jakob Lazzaro, and he's explaining why the public bathroom in the South Side's been abandoned after once being hailed as "the toilet of the future."
Notes and references from today’s show:
- Tell Us What You Love About Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh]
- Pittsburgh sets NFL Draft attendance record [Steelers]
- Small businesses in Pittsburgh report seeing far fewer customers than expected during NFL Draft [WPXI]
- NFL Draft food recovery effort exceeds 30,000 pounds [TribLive]
- Transit Talk: Separating traffic enforcement from police could curb Pittsburgh’s bad driving [City Paper]
- Pennsylvania Turnpike plans to text drivers about unpaid tolls, raising scam concerns [CBS Philadelphia]
- Environmental groups decry plans to burn more coal for data centers [City Paper]
- Allegheny County gets "F" for air quality [Axios Pittsburgh]
- The ghost toilet on Pittsburgh’s South Side offers lessons for Downtown's new public bathrooms [WESA]
What was your impression of the NFL Draft? Should we host it regularly? Call or text us our DRAFT HOTLINE at 412-212-8893.
Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 1st episode:
Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news?
- Sign up for our daily morning newsletter.
- We’re on Instagram @CityCastPgh.
- Text or 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
Fall Color, Giant Pumpkins & Pittsburgh's Best Asian Groceries
Fall foliage is starting to pop around Pittsburgh. Host Megan Harris and contributor Sophia Lo share their favorite spots to soak up thos...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Another Pittsburgh school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a stric...

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...

