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As southwestern Pennsylvania’s only independent public radio news and information station, we give voice to provocative ideas that foster a vibrant, informed, diverse and caring community.

10/17/2024

Pittsburgh’s Police Chief Larry Scirotto plans to return to the basketball court, at least during his off hours — a reversal that the city's police union head says is out of bounds.

In a statement sent out Thursday afternoon, Scirotto announced he will be starting to referee college basketball again during his own time.

“As a lifelong sports fan who lives and breathes teamwork, I’ve worked out a way of accommodating the schedule so that I may continue to fight for you as your Chief,” the statement said

In a statement sent out Thursday afternoon, Scirotto announced he will be starting to referee college basketball again during his own time.

10/17/2024

At a campaign gathering in the lobby of the Pennsylvanian in Downtown Pittsburgh, Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance set his focus on criticizing the Democratic ticket, talking up natural gas — and repeated controversial remarks about a local immigrant community.

10/17/2024

The bill passed unanimously by the Pennsylvania General Assembly earlier this month would criminalize the public release of any personal information of federal judges that is aimed at causing harm or preventing them from doing their jobs.

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed legislation prohibiting the release of personal information about federal judges if it is aimed at causing harm.

10/17/2024

The review faulted the Secret Service for poor communications that day and failing to secure the building where the gunman took his shots. It also found more systemic issues at the agency such as a failure to understand the unique risks facing Trump and a culture of doing “more with less.”

The review faulted the Secret Service for poor communications that day and failing to secure the building where the gunman took his shots.

10/17/2024

Lenses in the color-correcting viewfinders filter light to increase contrast to address symptoms of red-green color blindness. Around 1 million Pennsylvanians are colorblind, according to the state, and that includes Gov. Josh Shapiro.

New color-correcting viewfinders are in place at nine state parks to help colorblind visitors see the spectrum of fall foliage.

10/17/2024

Looking for something to do this weekend? Options include exploring "The Hobbit" at Pittsburgh Public Theater, checking out a new exhibit about fireflies at the Children's Museum or enjoying music from the recording "Suite for Africa" at the MCG Jazz Concert Hall.

Explore "The Hobbit" at Pittsburgh Public Theater, check out a new exhibit about fireflies at the Children's Museum or enjoy music from the recording "Suite for Africa" — here's what to do in Pittsburgh this weekend.

10/17/2024

PPG Industries plans to lay off about 1,800 employees amid efforts to cut costs, with the paints and coatings maker also inking a deal to sell a sizeable chunk of its architectural business. The company said Thursday that the job cuts would primarily impact positions in the U.S. and Europe, although the timing of the layoffs was not immediately disclosed.

PPG Industries plans to lay off about 1,800 employees amid efforts to cut costs, with the paints and coatings maker also inking a deal to sell a sizeable chunk of its architectural business.

10/17/2024

Democracy these days seldom feels artful. But a series of shows collectively titled “The Art of Democracy” aims to show how art can help us practice this imperfect, battered — and even imperiled — form of governance.

The final installment opened last week at Brew House Arts on the South Side. Titled simply “The Art of Democracy,” it’s meant to demonstrate, across a range of issues, how local artists are “harnessing collective power to move us toward a more just and liberated world.”

10/17/2024

A new spot from the state Senate campaign of Republican Jen Dintini, “Urgent Warning,” seeks to link Democratic rival Nick Pisciottano to liberal financier George Soros — the latest salvo in a campaign where each candidate has sought to tie the other to the views of their supporters.

Do some checks from a liberal philanthropist or from a party’s leadership make a candidate “radical” on borders, or abortion? The Jen Dintini and Nick Pisciottano campaigns argue that it does.

10/17/2024

The History Center’s new series in conjunction with “Louise Silk: A Patchwork Life” is titled “Gut Yontif: A Patchwork Holiday Experience.” “Gut yontif” is Yiddish for “have a good holiday,” and starting Sunday, four local Jewish artists will offer their takes on Sukkot, Chanukah, Tu B’Shavat and Purim.

Four Pittsburgh artists will reimagine Jewish holiday celebrations at the Heinz History Center.

10/17/2024

High school students in the Pittsburgh area are working to get their peers registered to vote ahead of the Oct. 21 deadline.

Nine schools across Allegheny and Beaver counties are holding student-led voter registration this week with support from youth civic education organizations The Civics Center and PA Youth Vote.

High school students in the Pittsburgh area are working to get their peers registered to vote ahead of the Oct. 21 deadline.

10/17/2024

Evgeni Malkin became the 48th player in NHL history to score 500 career goals and Sidney Crosby became the 10th player in NHL history with 1,600 regular-season points in a career.

Crosby’s overtime goal capped a 6-5 victory against Buffalo.

In last night's game against Buffalo, Evgeni Malkin became the 48th player in NHL history to score 500 career goals, while Sidney Crosby became the 10th player in NHL history with 1,600 regular-season points in a career.

10/17/2024

Pennsylvania falls below the national average when it comes to identifying students experiencing homelessness.

A new report from Research for Action finds Pennsylvania still falls below the national average when it comes to identifying students experiencing homelessness in the first place.

10/16/2024

City Council on Wednesday preliminarily approved enhanced enforcement of the city's garbage rules, which prohibit putting out trash cans too early, or leaving empty cans on the curb too late. Other offenses could include contaminating recyclables or accumulating too much garbage. Fines will also increase from $35-$50 or $100 after repeat offenses. Council will take a final vote on the measures next week.

Under proposed city regulations, putting out your garbage cans incorrectly, or leaving litter in your yard, could cost you a ticket.

10/16/2024

Republican Dave Sunday and Democrat Eugene DePasquale revisited some topics — like their differences on abortion rights and ma*****na legalization — that arose in their first debate, but Tuesday’s forum also offered differing views on gun control, combating retail theft rings and reforming cash bail.

Republican Dave Sunday and Democrat Eugene DePasquale debated for the second and final time Tuesday night. They shared differing views on gun control, combating retail theft rings and reforming cash bail.

10/16/2024

A few relatively minor changes would allow Philadelphia to process mail ballots much faster and finish counting them much sooner after polls close on Election Day, an analysis by Votebeat and Spotlight PA has found.

The analysis found a wide disparity between Allegheny and Philadelphia — Pennsylvania’s two largest counties — in how quickly they counted mail ballots during the November 2022 election.

An analysis shows that Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh, can process a similar number of ballots in much less time than Philadelphia.

10/16/2024

David Dutch, 57, an ex-Marine, and James Copenhaver, 74, a retired liquor store manager, told NBC News in an exclusive interview Monday that the U.S. Secret Service was “negligent” in protecting the former president and other bystanders at the campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

David Dutch, 57, an ex-Marine, and James Copenhaver, 74, a retired liquor store manager, spoke to NBC News in an exclusive interview Monday about their experience.

10/16/2024

Pennsylvania law generally requires voters to return their own ballot and prohibits people from returning other voters’ ballots to a drop box or county elections office on their behalf. But there are some exceptions.

If a Pennsylvania voter has a disability and needs assistance returning their ballot, they can designate someone to drop it off for them. The voter must use a “Designated Agent Form” and send it with the person handling it.

Pennsylvania law generally requires voters to return their own ballot and prohibits people from returning other voters’ ballots on their behalf. But there are exceptions.

10/16/2024

Community land trusts make affordable housing permanent by selling homes to people while maintaining ownership of the land underneath, an approach different from the typical housing subsidy model.

City of Bridges Community Land Trust was founded five years ago, and the nonprofit has since established itself as the premier land trust in Pittsburgh. But it faces challenges trying to keep up with an affordability crisis that seems to be growing faster than the trust can.

City of Bridges has established itself as the premier land trust in Pittsburgh. But it faces challenges trying to keep up with an affordability crisis that seems to be growing faster than the trust can.

10/16/2024

They continued the themes from their combative first debate: Dave McCormick accusing Bob Casey of being a weak, do-nothing, out-of-touch career politician and Casey accusing McCormick of being a wealthy, carpetbagging, ex-hedge fund CEO who got rich at the expense of Americans.

The debate Tuesday night between Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Republican challenger David McCormick featured disagreements on clean energy policy, gun laws and abortion rights. The candidates accused each other of lying as they shared a stage for the last time before the election.

10/16/2024

Pittsburgh City Council is set to take up dueling bills about the zoning rules for group homes in the weeks ahead, WESA's Julia Maruca reports.

One bill, presented by Mayor Ed Gainey, removes administrative barriers for approving small group homes. But Councilor Theresa Kail-Smith wants to add ways for council to weigh in on those types of homes before they can be built.

Pittsburgh City Council is preparing for a potentially drawn-out, bitter debate over proposed zoning legislation.

10/16/2024

Despite fierce resistance from parents, Pittsburgh Public Schools remains poised for multiple school closures if the school board approves the final proposal for reconfiguring the district's footprint.

The plan would reduce the total number of traditional schools from 54 to 39.

Community backlash was widespread after PPS consultants floated a spate of closures and consolidations in August. Their final recommendations include tweaks but no substantial reduction to the proposed downsizing.

10/16/2024

The debate Tuesday night between Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Republican challenger David McCormick featured disagreements on clean energy policy, gun laws and abortion rights -- as well as accusations of lying as the candidates shared a stage for the last time before the election.

10/15/2024

During a speech at a farm just outside Volant, Walz sought to convince rural voters that former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, "take a hell of a lot of their voters for granted by the policies they put out that don't do a damn thing for rural Pennsylvania ... Or any place else in this country."

Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz will be in western Pennsylvania Tuesday, appealing to rural and urban voters alike in a series of stops across the region.

10/15/2024

Developers for a proposed $740 million project, called the Esplanade, in the Chateau neighborhood of Pittsburgh laid out their master plan to the Pittsburgh Planning Commission on Tuesday.

It’s a sign that the developer, Piatt Companies, is ready to start work on the complex that, as envisioned, will include a giant Ferris wheel on the bank of the Ohio River, an apartment building with a mix of high-end and affordable units and a pavilion with room for restaurants and shops.

Developers for the proposed $740 million project, called the Esplanade, in the Chateau neighborhood of Pittsburgh laid out their master plan to the Pittsburgh Planning Commission on Tuesday.

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Videos

Students at Barrett Elementary School (@steelvalleybarrettelementary) in Homestead, Pa. celebrated Black History Month this afternoon with an interactive living museum! Check out the kids playing traditional drums, learning about significant historical figures and viewing artwork by their peers.

Glass block windows are everywhere in Pittsburgh. But why? And how did we end up with so many in the first place? It's likely due to a convergence of factors, including a historical industry, the timing of architectural trends and tastes, and a now-dead local company that once made much of North America’s glass blocks. https://www.wesa.fm/development-transportation/2024-01-16/pittsburgh-glass-block-windows

“What kind of bird are you?”

What happened to Grant's Hill aka "The Hump" in Downtown Pittsburgh? https://www.wesa.fm/arts-sports-culture/2023-03-20/what-happened-to-grants-hill-in-downtown-pittsburgh

The origins and enthusiasts of Pittsburgh’s Fish Fry Fridays

Fridays during the Lenten season means fish fry events at many church parishes and fire halls, and the creation of brackets to decide whose fish is the best, and an online map to help plan your pursuit of this meal. We talk about this springtime ritual, and its origins. https://www.wesa.fm/show/the-confluence/2023-03-10/the-origins-and-enthusiasts-of-pittsburghs-fish-fry-fridays

With gig work on the rise, Pennsylvania Democrats look to crack down on ‘worker misclassification’ https://www.wesa.fm/economy-business/2023-02-03/with-gig-work-on-the-rise-pennsylvania-democrats-look-to-crack-down-on-worker-misclassification

What would you do with a pair of bridge piers? (Read more here: https://www.wesa.fm/arts-sports-culture/2023-01-17/historic-bridge-piers-are-up-for-sale-on-pittsburghs-monongahela-river)

After years of fundraising, City of Pittsburgh officials say work to stabilize and restore the South Side’s Oliver Bath House will begin this year. https://www.wesa.fm/development-transportation/2023-01-05/restoration-of-the-citys-last-bath-house-will-start-this-spring

🎄Wishing you a Happy Holidays from all of us at WESA & WYEP!🎄 #wyep #wesa #pittsburgh Greeting card designed by Abby Winkler - https://abbywinkler.com/

Climate-related warming means the seasons change earlier, leading trees to put out their leaves sooner and leaving wildflowers with a shorter window of time in the sunlight. https://www.wesa.fm/environment-energy/2022-12-09/climate-change-is-threatening-north-americas-wildflowers-carnegie-museum-research-shows

Curative testing to end in Allegheny County

The 11 Curative COVID-19 testing sites located around Allegheny County will close by the end of the year. https://www.wesa.fm/health-science-tech/2022-11-29/curative-covid-19-testing-in-allegheny-county-to-end-this-year

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Mayor Ed Gainey on The Confluence

Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey told WESA's The Confluence that he's putting together a nine-member panel to help his administration select a new police chief. He also talks about recruiting for the force, discussions with Pittsburgh-area nonprofits about their tax-exempt status and his "Plan for Peace." Listen to the full conversation here, or wherever you find podcasts: https://www.wesa.fm/show/the-confluence/2022-10-11/mayor-gainey-taps-residents-to-advise-on-selecting-pittsburghs-next-police-chief

Dine And Dash? Leaders In Braddock Chew On Sousa Departure

Protesters call for rent and mortgage freezes amid coronavirus pandemic

Protesters in vehicles gathered across the Greenfield Bridge in Pittsburgh this afternoon to call for rent and mortgage freezes in Pennsylvania. A few dozen cars blocked off most traffic to the bridge to watch participants hang a sign that read “Cancel Rent.”

What police say happened the night Antwon Rose was killed

Jury selection begins tomorrow in the trial of former East Pittsburgh police officer Michael Rosfeld in the death of Antwon Rose. Race is expected to play a big part in jury selection: https://bit.ly/2XPcrSu