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April 24, 2026

Edible Mascots, New City Budget & Leave Our Bootleg Merch Alone!

City Cast Pittsburgh

Edible Mascots, New City Budget & Leave Our Bootleg Merch Alone!

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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:

Pittsburgh Opera

Allegheny County Poll Workers

Brew House Arts

PGH Cultural Trust Serial Killer

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

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