Pittsburgh Prepares for NFL Draft: Transit Plans, Security Measures, and City Updates

Good morning, this is Pittsburgh Local Pulse for Thursday, March 26. We kick off with big news on the NFL Draft coming next month. City leaders, including Mayor Corey OConnor and Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, unveiled transportation plans yesterday on the North Side. Pittsburgh Regional Transit will ramp up bus and light rail service, with the T running every 15 minutes from South Hills Village to the North Shore until 1 a.m. during draft week. Ten regional agencies, like Freedom Transit from Washington County, are adding express routes and park-and-rides to cut congestion. Road closures start this weekend on Art Rooney Avenue, West General Robinson Street to Tony Dorsett Drive, and Scotland Avenue, much like a Steelers game. Its all free, a three-day festival for everyone celebrating our city. City Council is finalizing security plans too, with proposals to limit immigration enforcement during the event, keeping our focus on safety for locals and visitors alike. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Public Schools sent robocalls urging parents to keep kids away from a reported teen takeover in Downtown tomorrow, after last weeks Market Square brawl. Not school-sanctioned, they say, so stay safe. On daily life, Allegheny County Council just passed a bill strengthening tenants rights, banning landlord retaliation for joining associations or requesting repairs. And City Hall is reopening the 2026 budget over serious concerns, after Council rejected the mayors plan and added a 20 percent property tax hike last December. Crime report from the past day: Police charged an officer with assault after an off-duty fight, and the Public Safety Director overruled the chief on punishing another in a chase. A family searches for missing 30-year-old Chaz Simmons, last seen over two weeks ago, so if you know anything, call authorities. Weather today is mild with highs near 55, a light drizzle possible impacting morning commutes on the Boulevard of the Allies, but clearing by afternoon for outdoor plans. Outlook stays cool through the weekend. Quick sports note: Michigan Tech Huskies fell 75-49 to Gannon last night at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. Job market buzz from the tech summit highlights new opportunities in our growing sector. Upcoming, check community events like draft prep festivals starting soon. Thanks for tuning in, listeners, and remember to subscribe. This has been Pittsburgh Local Pulse. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.