⛰️ New underground state park

Pgh Passes Bill Banning ICE Cooperation

City Council unanimously approved legislation that prohibits employees from gathering or sharing information about residents’ immigration status, targeting people based on their perceived nationalities, and working with federal agents to identify or arrest people. Mayor Corey O’Connor plans to sign the bill into law. Two related bills that would further limit ICE activity in Pittsburgh are still under consideration. [Public Source]

NFL Draft Boost Might Not Benefit Everyone

The three-day event is expected to bring in hundreds of thousands of fans and generate more than $120 million, but that doesn’t necessarily mean all local businesses will see a big profit. Past draft cities warn that once people enter the event gates, they often don’t wander and spend money elsewhere. VisitPITTSBURGH says businesses outside the event footprint shouldn’t “overprepare for a large influx.”

• Housing advocates worry how the draft will affect the city’s unhoused residents. Pittsburgh mutual aid organizations are hosting a Mutual Aid Fair on April 24 with tabling, food, and more. [TribLive / @pittapartheiddivest]

Laurel Caverns Becomes Newest State Park

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced the opening of PA’s first underground state park in Fayette County this week. About an hour and a half drive south of Pittsburgh, Laurel Caverns spans 435 acres and is the largest and deepest limestone cave in PA. The cavern opens for the season on Earth Day, April 22, and will stay open through October. [Commonwealth of PA]

• Check out my friend Tory’s (aka Tory Talks Trails) video on the park opening and more outdoor exploring tips in PA. [@torytalkstrails]

State House Has High Hopes for New Bills

PA is one of the few states with a split legislature, which makes it extra hard for a bill to become law. The Democratic-controlled House recently passed bills to gradually raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15, require data centers to give more information to the state, and codify same-sex marriage. But do any of these proposals stand a chance in the Republican-controlled state Senate? [City Cast Pittsburgh]

Primanti Bros. Closes 2 Locations

The iconic Pittsburgh chain shut down its Monroeville and North Versailles restaurants, citing a “shift in consumer behavior.” The Monroeville location will become Thorn Hill Tap-House and the North Versailles spot will turn into Smash Pub, a sister restaurant to The Smash Shack on the North Side. [WPXI]