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Latest Episodes:

Pa. Residents Asked To Apply To Redraw State's Political Districts, Serve As Tie Breaker Apr 12, 2021

Show notes

On today's program: State lawmakers are considering candidates for the commission in charge of drawing new political district lines, a process that has previously been secretive; a lawyer representing 33 plaintiffs in a suit against the U.S. Department of Education explains why higher education institutions that accept federal funds shouldn’t be allowed religious exemptions, and one of the plaintiffs who attended college in Pennsylvania recounts his experience at Clarks Summit University.

April 3-9 Explained: More Vaccine Eligibility, Eviction Law Changes & News At A PA Detention Center Apr 09, 2021

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On this week’s Explainer:

New Executive Director Describes An 'Uphill Battle' To Get Pittsburgh Land Bank Running Smoothly Apr 08, 2021

Show notes

On today's program: The Pittsburgh Land Bank’s new executive director explains how, with consistent leadership, she hopes to more effectively serve communities and reduce blight in the city; the Pirates' season opens today, only filling PNC Park to 25% capacity; and a local residency program is trying to make the music industry more equitable for Black musicians.

New Residency Program Aims To Boost Pittsburgh's Black Music Teaching Artists Apr 08, 2021

Show notes

It’s a kind of open secret: Very few artists make a living solely from their creative work. The vast majority of painters, poets, dancers, and actors hold down day jobs. The same goes for most musicians – and perhaps especially Black composers and musicians, who often lack the institutional support given to their white peers.

Despite Criticism, Port Authority CEO Says Proposed Fare Changes Should Benefit Low-Income Riders Apr 07, 2021

Show notes

On today's program: Katharine Kelleman, CEO of the Port Authority, says eliminating the transfer fee for prepaid riders will give low-income customers more flexibility in transportation; and a professor and former investigator explains the significance of a donation of documents from the “Unabomber” case to the California University of Pennsylvania.

Students Struggling Virtually Return To PPS Classrooms Apr 06, 2021

Show notes

On today's program: Pittsburgh Public School District superintendent Anthony Hamlet says schools will use afterschool and summer programs to make up for lost learning; and exploring Pittsburgh’s public stairways is a COVID-safe excursion as the weather warms.

Pennsylvanians In Phase 1B Are Eligible For The COVID-19 Vaccine Apr 05, 2021

Show notes

On today's program: Commonwealth residents in Phase 1B can begin booking appointments today, but there are still thousands of 1A eligible residents who haven’t gotten the shot; more than 100 COVID-19 cases have been connected to a Beaver County ethane cracker site; and award-winning author Bernardine Evaristo tells how one character’s youth in her book “Girl, Woman, Other” is a reflection of Evaristo as a young adult.

What Will Looser Restrictions Mean For Pittsburgh Bars And Restaurants And Their Staff? Apr 02, 2021

Show notes

It happens, said Kyle Lucas, at least once a week. The server and bartender at Fireside Public House, in East Liberty, will ask an unmasked patron to mask up. And then the patron will yell at Lucas.

Pittsburgh Musicians Look To Future Beyond Pandemic Apr 02, 2021

Show notes

Musicians in Pittsburgh, like artists everywhere, had to learn to live without in-person concerts and play from behind a screen when the pandemic arrived. While many say they’re excited to return to the stage, they did discover some surprising upsides to performing online.

March 27-April 2 Explained: Biden's Infrastructure Plan, Policing Under Peduto & Vaccine Eligibility Apr 02, 2021

Show notes

On this week's Explainer: