Edible Mascots, New City Budget & Leave Our Bootleg Merch Alone!
The NFL Draft is finally here! Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo and contributor Colin Williams share what we're looking forward to (a Pop-Tart sacrifice!), questioning (a crackdown on bootleg sports merch), and still waiting to see (a fully-open-to-the-public Arts Landing). Plus, we talk about a court ruling that strikes down a state ban on Medicaid-funded abortions, a hunger strike at PA's largest ICE detention center, and a new, costlier city budget. In our members-only segment, we discuss whether Heinz is trying too hard, in light of the news that it's offering a lifetime supply of ketchup to the 57th draft pick.
Notes and references from today’s show:
- Pittsburgh International Airport is 'absolutely ready' to be the city's front door during the NFL Draft [P-G]
- Authorities seize counterfeit NFL merchandise in Strip District [TribLive]
- Pittsburgh has quietly started replacing colorful Wayfinder Signs with black and gold [P-G]
- Pennsylvania judges say blocking Medicaid for abortion violates state constitution [Spotlight PA]
- Commissioners respond to claims of hunger strike at Clearfield County immigration detention center [WTAJ]
- Council approves Pittsburgh city budget changes, including cuts to food justice program [WESA]
- As Trump proposes further cuts to science spending, this Pittsburgh researcher is moving to China [WESA]
- Popular convenience store chain plans to spend nearly $1 billion on 100 stores [PennLive]
Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, April 24th episode:
PGH Cultural Trust Serial Killer
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
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...

Who Wins Summer in the USA? Pittsburgh Makes Its Case
City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris,...

Sara Innamorato on Paid Leave, Term Limits, and a Fancy New Hotel
Allegheny County could become the first in the U.S. to require 18 weeks of paid parental leave for all employees. County Executive Sara I...

What's On Your Primary Ballot?
It's primary election day! Local voters are being asked to weigh in on one ballot measure: If Pittsburgh loses its print newspapers, shou...

