Plus, how much $$ trouble is PPS in? ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Thursday, April 16 

Your Daily Guide

Hi yinz, it’s City Cast’s Elizabeth Kauma covering for Francesca today!

Can you believe the finale for season 2 of “The Pitt” is tonight? We already have plenty of thoughts about the season so far, so you can bet we'll be tuning in tonight.

Share Your Takes On Season 2!
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What Pittsburgh's Talking About

Mayor Corey O’Connor in a suit

Mayor Corey O’Connor celebrated his first 100 days in office this week. (Megan Harris / City Cast Pittsburgh)

Pittsburgh’s Post-Draft Plans?

After a good sleep, Mayor Corey O’Connor says he and his team will be making phone calls and reconnecting with out-of-town business owners, corporate leaders, VIPs, and more to see how Pittsburgh might be a good fit for them in the years to come. He promised City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris that his “details matter” campaign to Redd Up the city would carry on indefinitely. See something ugly or in need of repair where you are? Call your councilor or report it via 311.

  • O’Connor’s also party planning. The mayor says he’s reserved the corner of Boulevard of the Allies and Grant Street for a Buccos World Series celebration on Oct. 28 🤣 Hear more manifestations on today’s podcast, plus his feelings on the Steelers’ $1 billion arena ask. [City Cast Pittsburgh]
PODCAST

Mayor O'Connor on Life After the Draft, Taxing Nonprofits & Public Bathrooms

Pittsburgh Loses 18 Federal Prosecutors

Almost one-third of federal prosecutors based in Pittsburgh have left their jobs since President Donald Trump took office. That includes the district's criminal and civil divisions leaders, and three of the four lawyers who prosecuted the Tree of Life case. This follows a national trend of federal prosecutors leaving their jobs as workloads increase due to immigration enforcement, turnover, and diminishing independence. [TribLIVE]

PPS Closures Still on the Table

Even if Pittsburgh Public closes 12 schools, leaders say the district will still run out of cash reserves by the end of 2028. The closure plan was rejected last November but could return to a vote next month. The closure plan now includes changes to address overcrowding, student transitions, and inequity. [WESA / Public Source]

‘Hershey’ Film Trailer Out Now

The Milton Hershey biopic will be released on Thanksgiving – sweet! See if you can spot any of the movie’s 17 Pennsylvania filming locations, including in the Strip District, South Side, and Downtown. [Post Gazette]

Expect To Vote on Term Limits

The Allegheny County Executive is limited to three consecutive four-year terms. Should county councilors, the district attorney, sheriff, and treasurer be term-limited, too? Voters will get to decide in November — potentially standardizing the roles, but also effectively disqualifying several long-serving elected leaders. [WESA]

Display Ad: Allegheny County encouraging people to sign up to be poll workers

Become an Allegheny County Poll Worker 

This Election Day, May 19, serve your community as a Poll Worker and help ensure a successful election on May 19.

Poll Workers are required to work hours from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm on Election Day and must be registered voters. The position offers paid training and compensation ranging from $150–$175 for the day.

Learn more: Poll Workers - Allegheny County, PA

What Neighbors Love

Become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor Banner

We’re back with recommendations from City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors 📣 This is a weekly spot in the newsletter where members get to shine a light on their favorite local businesses, organizations, and events.

  • 🌮 Ashley J. wants to shout out ​​Edgar’s Best Tacos. “The trailer on 18th and Smallman in the Strip has some of the best tacos in the city! The chorizo is a personal favorite of mine, topped with onion, cilantro, and lots of lime juice.”

Want to share your own shoutout? 🌟

Become a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor!
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What To Do

Thursday, April 16

Friday, April 17

More Pittsburgh Events
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Reclaim Your Weekend with Local Help

Stop staring at that "to-do" list. Taskrabbit connects Pittsburghers with skilled local Taskers for furniture assembly, mounting, and home repairs. Browse reviews, pick your Tasker, and get things handled with confidence. Let a neighbor handle the heavy lifting while you enjoy the city.

My lap with two skeins of yarn (one purple, the other grey) on it. The colorful floor of McWalker is in the background.

McWalker Yarns is closing this month after eight years in Millvale. (Elizabeth Kauma / City Cast)

Before I go, a plug for the PA Yarn Passport! The 2026 PA Yarn Quest runs May 1 to Oct. 31, and for every participating yarn shop, fiber farm, and independent artist you visit, you’ll get a stamp on your passport. At the end, you can turn it in to any participating shop for prizes.

Pittsburgh has three participating yarn stores: Wildchild Stitches, Moon & Yarn Craft Room, and Oakmont Yarn Collaborative. My beloved McWalker Yarns will not be taking part and is actually closing on the 25th. You can get up to 40% off their remaining inventory.

— Elizabeth Kauma

✍️ City Cast Pittsburgh’s Francesca Dabecco and Megan Harris contributed to this newsletter.

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