Best 90.5 WESA Podcasts (2024)

1
How the Works Progress Administration helped build Pittsburgh

4M ago

—

During the Great Depression, a work-based program helped fix Pittsburgh infrastructure, build new schools, hospitals and highways.

1
The history of Pittsburgh’s Mellon Institute — and the mystery of the extra buried column

5M ago

—

The massive Mellon Institute in Oakland has long been a staple of industrial research. Local folklore suggests there’s a mystery column buried nearby — is it true?

1
Gainey administration plans months of community activities to help curb violence 30:00

9M ago30:00

30:00

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We speak with Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey about the latest in his Plan for Peace, his administration’s new Office of Equal Protection, and his thoughts about the now-public staffing study of the city’s police force.By Kevin Gavin, Marylee Williams, Laura Tsutsui, Addison Diehl

1
County Executive candidate Joe Rockey’s top priorities include reducing crime, bringing jobs 22:30

9M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The jury has reached a sentencing verdict in the trial of the man who carried out the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in 2018; we speak to Joe Rockey, the Republican nominee running for Allegheny County Executive; and the city is looking to change how it uses funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.…

1
County Executive candidate Sara Innamorato’s top priorities include housing, addressing disparities 22:30

9M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We speak to Sara Innamorato, the Democratic nominee running for Allegheny County Executive; and we revisit the author of “100 Things to Do in Pittsburgh Before You Die” for an update three years since the pandemic.By Kevin Gavin, Marylee Williams, Laura Tsutsui, Addison Diehl

1
Pa. state budget stalemate may be easing, senators could get called back this month 22:30

9M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: There seems to be slight movement in the budget stalemate, with Senate Republican leaders indicating they might return in August instead of September; local Republicans have nominated Erin Connolly Autenreith to run for the 21st House District seat left vacant by the resignation of Sara Innamorato; and Point Pa…

1
NASA will carry CMU-made MoonRanger to search for lunar ice 22:30

9M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: CMU is sending a rover the size of a suitcase to the moon, we talk about this and other robotic ventures happening in the region; and where business and development stand in the Strip District.By Kevin Gavin, Laura Tsutsui, Marylee Williams, Addison Diehl

1
Pennsylvania looks to new school funding formula, but the timeline is unclear 22:30

9M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Pennsylvania Senate Republican leaders have decided not to appeal to the state Supreme Court a ruling that the state’s education funding system violates the state constitution. We ask a panel of education experts where the state’s school funding policies could go next.Today’s guests include: Ron Cowell, founder…

1
What’s the story behind the vacant building on the Ohio riverfront trail?

9M ago

—

A building along the Ohio riverfront trail seems blighted, but actually has a history connected to a prominent Pittsburgh industrialist. The land on which it stands could one day be the site of a Ferris Wheel.

1
Allegheny County jail inmates have long waits for mental health care 22:30

9M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: An Allegheny County Jail inmate died over the weekend while he was awaiting transfer to a state mental health facility; the oldest housing development in the city just received a federal grant to revitalize and develop the property; and the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania is calling for official recognition from …

1
New study finds bacterial test helps pediatricians limit overprescribing antibiotics for sinusitis 22:30

9M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A new study looks at how doctors could prevent the over-prescribing of antibiotics for a common childhood illness, sinusitis; the small Pittsburgh suburb of Etna is leading the state with innovative protections for animals; and three exhibits currently showing in Pittsburgh investigate the dangers Black America…

1
Pa. care providers call on state for increased financial support 22:30

9M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A third of providers for people with intellectual disabilities have reported closures since the start of the pandemic, largely due to staffing shortages, and many want the state to act on this crisis of care; Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has brought a cohort of student interns to Frick Park to teach them about …

1
Recreational cannabis legislation looks to bring Pa. regulations in line with some nearby states 22:30

10M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A Senate bill has been introduced that attempts to legalize recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania; training camp for the Steelers kicks off Wednesday in Latrobe; and a look at how the state is planning to manage $1.2 billion for broadband access across the commonwealth.…

1
Private talks, but no progress reported in Pa. budget stalemate 22:30

10M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A dark money group has pressured state lawmakers to approve school vouchers, which has held up the budget after Gov. Josh Shapiro told Democrats he would line-item veto the program. Following the resignation of Rep. Sara Innamorato, we discuss the balance of power in the state House on our state politics roundt…

1
Pittsburgh police union president disagrees with results of staffing report 22:30

10M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The city hired an outside consultant to assess staffing among the Pittsburgh Police, we hear about the results of that study; the Children’s Museum turns 40 years old, and is celebrating it’s growth and impact; and a look at an investigation into whether new accountability measures at Penn State have tamped dow…

1
Medicaid will now reimburse Street Medicine efforts in Pa. bringing health care to unhoused people 22:30

10M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Many consider Pennsylvania’s probation system to be outdated, but the most recent push to fix it is opposed by some civil rights advocates who say this update could make the system worse; Medicaid will now reimburse Pennsylvania providers who practice street medicine, giving medical care to unhoused people in n…

1
Lt. Gov. Davis says legislation needed to address gun violence, current approach isn’t enough 22:30

10M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We speak to Lt. Gov. Austin Davis about the delayed state budget, which has been stalled in the legislature, while Davis embarks on a tour of local initiatives to reduce gun violence and address the health of communities; and we speak to a child abuse prevention advocate about where things stand in expanding st…

1
More testimony expected in final phase of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial 22:30

10M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We discuss what’s to come in the final phase of the federal trial for the man who carried out the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting; Pittsburgh City Council is developing a framework for how to use federal dollars to address food insecurity; and an amendment to a state law will allow the city to more easily ta…

1
Railroad safety regulation progressing in federal and state legislative bodies 22:30

10M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A jury has found the person responsible for a shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in 2018 is eligible for the death penalty; and it has been more than five months since a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio — we discuss railroad safety and policy changes on the horizon.…

1
Commonwealth Court rules in favor of Pittsburgh journalist, county autopsy reports are public record 22:30

10M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court has ruled that autopsy records are public records after a Pittsburgh journalist sued Allegheny County for not making such records available through a Right-to-Know request; a local organization has been awarded $300,000 from the state for the inaugural First Change Trust Fund…

1
Survivor of sexual assault in Jehovah’s Witnesses is suing, says insular policies allowed abuse 22:29

10M ago22:29

22:29

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The state Attorney General’s office charged five Jehovah’s Witnesses with rape and exploitation of children, and a survivor of sexual abuse is suing the leaders of her former congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses for allegedly destroying records and ignoring the state’s Child Protective Services Law; we look at t…

1
Closing of Smithfield United Church of Christ shelter leaves some without low barrier options 22:30

10M ago22:30

22:30

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We speak with reporters about their coverage of the closing of the downtown Smithfield Shelter, and how some of the residents who relied on this shelter are doing without this option; a look at how a proposed bill could relieve medical debt for some Pennsylvanians; and a live-performance series profiling Braddo…

1
Stalled till September? Budget, code bills still stuck in an impasse 22:29

10M ago22:29

22:29

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Last week Gov. Josh Shapiro said he will sign the budget after the state Senate sends it to his desk, but with the next Senate session not scheduled until September, it could be a while; the Penguins have been busy during the free-agency period, with the new president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas bringing in…

1
How did Pittsburgh's Fairywood neighborhood get its name?

11M ago

—

The West End neighborhood has an enchanting name. Learn why it was given such a moniker, and how the community’s evolved over the years.

1
Why boroughs outside of Pittsburgh can still use the city’s name on mail

1+ y ago

—

Even if you live outside of the city’s limits, the U.S. Postal Service will still recognize Pittsburgh, based on ZIP codes and established routes.

1
Pittsburgh's highs and lows, an abstract Downtown billboard, and the Steelerettes 13:42

1+ y ago13:42

13:42

Our final episode of the season is a bit of a mix. We’ll tell you about the highest and lowest points in Pittsburgh. Then we’ll head Downtown to learn how the district transformed its not-so-great reputation with the help of bright, glowing public art. Finally, we’ll meet the women who were cheerleaders for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1960s, the…

1
The history of Squirrel Hill, Frick Park fire hydrants & the first Black and female City Councilors 14:00

1+ y ago14:00

14:00

Pittsburgh’s East End has some of the city’s largest parks, historic buildings and has long been home to trailblazers in city government. We’ll visit Squirrel Hill and answer some of your questions about the community’s past; we’ll hear the stories of two firsts in Pittsburgh City Council: Paul Jones, the first Black councilor, and Irma D’Ascenzo, …

1
The history of Squirrel Hill, Frick Park fire hydrants & the first Black and female City Councilors

1+ y ago

—

Pittsburgh’s East End has some of the city’s largest parks, historic buildings and has long been home to trailblazers in city government. We’ll visit Squirrel Hill and answer some of your questions about the community’s past; we’ll hear the stories of two firsts in Pittsburgh City Council: Paul Jones, the first Black councilor, and Irma D’Ascenzo, …

1
The East Busway’s history, 40th Street colorful seals, and the scenic Allegheny River Boulevard 13:19

1+ y ago13:19

13:19

From streetcars to scenic Sunday drives, this episode looks at the transit projects that continue to shape our region. Episode four explains why the 40th Street Bridge has colorful seals; how the East Busway was routed and what led to those decisions; and we take a trip along Allegheny River Boulevard, complete with picnic pull-offs with picturesqu…

1
The East Busway’s history, 40th Street colorful seals, and the scenic Allegheny River Boulevard

1+ y ago

—

From streetcars to scenic Sunday drives, this episode looks at the transit projects that continue to shape our region. Episode four explains why the 40th Street Bridge has colorful seals; how the East Busway was routed and what led to those decisions; and we take a trip along Allegheny River Boulevard, complete with picnic pull-offs with picturesqu…

1
Downtown wharfs, river depth, and the history of Czechoslovakia’s creation in Pittsburgh 14:10

1+ y ago14:10

14:10

If you’ve spent any time in Pittsburgh, you’ve likely been on or near its three rivers. Follow along with WESA’s Good Question podcast as we walk along the riverfront trails and remember the bustling wharfs that once occupied the space; take a dive into how river depth is measured; and, did you know the groundwork for the creation of the country Cz…

1
Pittsburgh’s panthers, Civil War fort remnants, and a trip to West View Park 17:11

1+ y ago17:11

17:11

Turn right where the Isaly’s used to be! Sound familiar? Pittsburgh loves to remember things that aren’t there anymore. For this episode, we learn about actual panthers that once roamed this region and how they live on at Pitt and throughout Oakland; we travel to the woods of Stanton Heights to find the remnants of a Civil War fortification; and we…

1
Pronouncing ‘Carnegie,’ Schenley bench art, and the origins of the Pirates’ name 12:15

1+ y ago12:15

12:15

Welcome back to 90.5 WESA’s Good Question! podcast. We’re thrilled to launch season two and bring you even more stories about Pittsburgh history and culture. Our first episode highlights city staples. We’ll visit the mind behind the colorfully painted benches in Schenley Park; we’ll look into how the Pirates got their marauding moniker and the team…

1
Downtown wharfs, river depth, and the history of Czechoslovakia’s creation in Pittsburgh

1+ y ago

—

If you’ve spent any time in Pittsburgh, you’ve likely been on or near its three rivers. Follow along with WESA’s Good Question podcast as we walk along the riverfront trails and remember the bustling wharfs that once occupied the space; take a dive into how river depth is measured; and, did you know the groundwork for the creation of the country Cz…

1
Pittsburgh’s panthers, Civil War fort remnants, and a trip to West View Park

1+ y ago

—

Turn right where the Isaly’s used to be! Sound familiar? Pittsburgh loves to remember things that aren’t there anymore. For this episode, we learn about actual panthers that once roamed this region and how they live on at Pitt and throughout Oakland; we travel to the woods of Stanton Heights to find the remnants of a Civil War fortification; and we…

1
Pronouncing ‘Carnegie,’ Schenley bench art, and the origins of the Pirates’ name

1+ y ago

—

Welcome back to 90.5 WESA’s Good Question! podcast. We’re thrilled to launch season two and bring you even more stories about Pittsburgh history and culture. Our first episode highlights city staples. We’ll visit the mind behind the colorfully painted benches in Schenley Park; we’ll look into how the Pirates got their marauding moniker and the team…

1
How did Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill neighborhood get its name?

2y ago

—

And was there ever a beacon on Beacon Street? We answer your questions about the hilly East End community.

1
How did the Pittsburgh Pirates get their name?

2y ago

—

Pirates games are a staple for many city residents. Learn how the team earned their name, how many balls are used at each game and if hot dogs launched into crowds are edible.

1
Slag structures, Downtown chandeliers, and the art of the Sixteenth Street Bridge 14:10

2y ago14:10

14:10

Pittsburgh is a beautiful city for many reasons, and that’s what we’re going to explore in episode six. From the reuse of industrial waste and slag structure public art, to the number of crystals in two of downtown’s most beautiful theaters, we’ll highlight the creativity of this region. And, we’ll answer the question: Why are the large globe struc…

1
Remember the Pennsylvania Canal, Lock and Dam No. 1, and paddle to Brunot Island 15:31

2y ago15:31

15:31

On this episode, we take to the water! Many listeners were curious about the history of the Pennsylvania Canal, which included aqueducts and inclines and mules and was an early way to transport goods in the region. We figure out why there’s no “Lock and Dam No. 1” on the Allegheny River (there used to be!). We’ll paddle to Brunot Island with WESA’s…

1
Making the Pennsylvania Turnpike, carp fishing in the East End, and Skybus 15:35

2y ago15:35

15:35

Let’s take a ride! Be it on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (“America’s First Super Highway,” and a model for the national interstate highway system), the massive Brilliant Viaduct over Washington Boulevard, or Skybus (futuristic transit system that never took off), we’ll explore all the different ways to get around Pittsburgh past and present. (The Good…

1
How Pittsburgh got 90 neighborhoods, Mt. Oliver’s independence, and Downtown lions 15:00

2y ago15:00

15:00

Our third episode revisits stories about why Pittsburgh looks the way it does. It goes into why we have 90 distinct neighborhoods, and talks about annexation (or a lack thereof in Mt. Oliver borough’s case). Plus, we look at a fun architectural feature on one of our most historic downtown streets. (The Good Question! Podcast is sponsored by the Pit…

1
‘Run’ roads, the county belt system, and all about inclines 12:56

2y ago12:56

12:56

Many of our questions come from listeners who are driving and start to notice unusual signs or names. We touch on why many roads have the word “run” in them, as well as the colorful belt system that tried to help drivers navigate Allegheny County. And, of course, a history of our storied inclines (there are two now, but there used to be many more).…

1
The origins of Pittsburghese, the ‘Pittsburgh Left,’ and fish fry season 12:30

2y ago12:30

12:30

Who doesn’t love quintessentially Pittsburgh experiences? Our Pittsburghese story looks at where “yinz” came from, and has a little test to see if you have a Pittsburgh accent; drivers will be familiar with the “Pittsburgh left,” an opportunity to cheat the light and turn left before oncoming traffic moves; and as this is Fish Fry season in the cit…

1
Good Question! Podcast: Trailer 1:16

2y ago1:16

1:16

What have you always wondered about Pittsburgh? WESA's Good Question! podcast investigates your curiosities about our city's history and culture.By Katie Blackley

1
Inclusionary Zoning Becomes Permanent In Lawrenceville, Some City Officials Eye Expansion 22:30

3y ago22:30

22:30

On today’s program: Inclusionary zoning, which requires some developments to create affordable housing units, will be a permanent requirement in Lawrenceville following a pilot project. Now, city leaders look to other parts of Pittsburgh; a public health and filmmaking collaboration looks at mental health among teenagers during the pandemic; and bu…

1
June 12-18 Explained: Election Law Changes, UPMC's Hospital Costs & A Plan To Outsource Medicaid Services 20:11

3y ago20:11

20:11

On this week's Explainer: Sam Dunklau on GOP efforts to change the state's election laws; Sarah Boden on what it costs for care at UPMC Presbyterian; and Kate Giammarise discusses concerns among some lawmakers over a proposal to outsource some Medicaid services.By Susan Scott Peterson, Liz Reid

1
June 5-11 Explained: DA Zappala Could Face Ethics Charges, PPS Wants A Relationship With Ed Gainey & New Unemployment System Launches 20:09

3y ago20:09

20:09

District Attorney Stephen Zappala could face ethics charges; Pittsburgh Public Schools hopes to find an ally in presumptive mayor-elect Ed Gainey; and Pennsylvania's upgraded unemployment system had a rocky start.By Katie Blackley, Liz Reid, Susan Scott Peterson

1
Summer In The City: A Special Episode Of Pittsburgh Explainer 11:21

3y ago11:21

11:21

Summer has arrived in Pittsburgh and we’ve asked a handful of residents to share their favorite foods, events and activities this season in the city.By Katie Blackley

1
May 22-28 Explained: Parnell Waffles On 2020 Election, Dems Intro Fracking Bills & Land Banks Await Help 15:10

3y ago15:10

15:10

Republican Sean Parnell goes back and forth about an audit of 2020's election results; a bill in the state House would make it easier to revitalize main streets; and Democratic state Senators are pushing to increasing accountability for natural gas companies.By Liz Reid, Katie Blackley

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