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

‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Get’: Port Authority Plans On A Bright Future

Mar 2nd, 2021 4m 34s

The Port Authority of Allegheny County is on a quest to build a transit system that is equitable, sustainable and improves people’s lives . A new round of public meetings on its long-range plan, NEXTransit , comes at a time of uncertainty and f

Across Time And Space, Poet Channels Other Voices

Feb 22nd, 2021 4m 51s

In poet Yona Harvey’s latest collection, “You Don’t Have to Go to Mars for Love” (Four Way Books), several poems feel equal parts composition and collage. And there’s a reason for that.

The Politics Behind Reopening Pittsburgh Public Schools

Feb 17th, 2021 4m 27s

An increasing amount of scientific evidence suggests that in-person learning, especially for younger students, presents a low risk for spreading the coronavirus. But last month, Pittsburgh Public Schools delayed reopening at least until April,

Acclaimed Pittsburgh-Based Young-Adult Author Pens Companion To A Cherished Classic

Feb 16th, 2021 4m 35s

One person’s antagonist is another’s protagonist. It’s true in life, and also in the award-winning young-adult fiction of Sharon G. Flake.

PA’s Elderly Rely On Younger Relatives, Strangers On Facebook To Get COVID-19 Vaccine

Feb 9th, 2021 4m 18s

After the state expanded phase 1A of its COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan last month, elderly Pennsylvanians began looking for appointments to get a shot. But since almost all vaccine appointments are booked online, many of the state’s oldest

Western PA Voters Reflect On Election Results — And What Comes Next

Dec 4th, 2020 4m 21s

Pennsylvania certified Democrat Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election weeks ago. But President Trump’s campaign and some allies are still fighting the outcome in court. For the final installment of our Split Ticket series, 90.5 W

Pittsburgh-Based Author's New Novel Explores Puerto Rico's Past

Nov 18th, 2020 4m 43s

Puerto Ricans have been immigrating to the U.S. for generations. Yet many mainlanders know little about this Caribbean island. For example, in 2017, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, some Americans seemed surprised to learn that Puerto Rican

One Small Step: Susan Uffelman & Michele Charmello On Building Bridges After A Bruising Campaign

Nov 3rd, 2020 5m 19s

Susan Uffelman, 53, of Pittsburgh and Michele Charmello, 51, of Pitcairn, Pa., stand on opposite ends of the political spectrum—Uffelman to the right, Charmello to the left.

From Backyard Rallies To Homemade Lawn Signs, Grassroots Tactics Mark Final Days Of Campaign

Oct 30th, 2020 4m 21s

While it’s almost cliché to call western Pennsylvania an election battleground, local political organizers do not take the status for granted. And as this year’s campaign comes to a close in the age of COVID-19, members of both parties are mobi

One Small Step: Amber Neider & Dan Leger on Tree Of Life, Gun Rights & Forgiveness

Oct 29th, 2020 5m 55s

Two years ago this week, a gunman killed 11 members of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill. In their conversation for One Small Step, a partnership between StoryCorps and WESA, Amber Neider, 34, of Baldw

Amid Concerns Of Suppression, Black Voters In Pittsburgh Turn To Early Voting

Oct 28th, 2020 4m 22s

Voting rights activists – as well as Democrats – are pinning their hopes for a big turnout in this year’s election on mail-in voting. But some voters in Black communities don't plan to just sit back and mail it in.

Trump Failed To Revive Coal, But That Doesn't Mean Workers Will Adopt Biden’s Vision For Green Jobs

Oct 26th, 2020 4m 14s

Trains still carry coal past the now-abandoned Mathies Mine, located on the Monongahela River in Washington County. Metal fencing blocks the mine entrance, a cave-like opening where hundreds of miners once trod miles of tunnels.

Drive-Ins Find New Life During The Pandemic

Oct 22nd, 2020 4m 9s

On a chilly October evening, Vicki Potter stands in a gravel parking lot in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. The scent of popcorn mixes with the gasoline from nearby idling cars. Patrons are masked and sitting in the beds of trucks and trunks of mi

One Small Step: Aaron Weidman & Tawnya Davis On 'Luck,' Race & Opportunity

Oct 21st, 2020 5m 14s

Aaron Weidman, 32, of Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, says the idea of “luck” plays a limited role in how likely a person is to realize their potential. But Tawnya Davis, 53, of Monroeville, Pa., says not everyone has access to the sam

Both Democrats And Republicans In Western PA Wonder If Election Results Can Be Trusted

Oct 21st, 2020 4m 29s

Election Day is in just two weeks. But concerns about slow mail delivery, voter suppression, and baseless claims of fraud have voters on both sides wondering if the results can be trusted.

Lamb And Parnell Face Off In Crucial 17th District

Oct 16th, 2020 4m 33s

Suburban Pennsylvania voters may reshape the national political landscape this year, and that’s especially true in places like the 17th Congressional District outside of Pittsburgh, where Democrat Conor Lamb is being challenged by Republican Se

Republican Nicole Ziccarelli Challenges Democrat Jim Brewster In District Trump Won

Oct 13th, 2020 4m 16s

State Senator Jim Brewster, of McKeesport, is one of Allegheny County’s last old-school Democrats — friendly to labor, but socially conservative — to serve in Harrisburg. And now, after his district went narrowly for President Donald Trump in 2

With A New Collection, Poet Jan Beatty Affirms Her Leading Role In The Pittsburgh Scene

Oct 12th, 2020 4m 48s

Pittsburgh’s poetry community is large but tight-knit. One big reason is Jan Beatty, the award-winning poet and educator whose sixth collection was just published by the University of Pittsburgh Press.

One Small Step: Jon Durfee & Emily Miller On Faith, Mental Health & Politics

Oct 7th, 2020 5m 6s

During this contentious and divisive election season, taking place on top of a global pandemic and a year of nationwide civil protests, it often feels the opposing political sides are so at odds, no middle ground can be found in between.

Shapiro Touts Record As ‘The People’s AG,’ Heidelbaugh Promises More Restraint

Oct 6th, 2020 1m 29s

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has attracted national attention as a frequent foe of the Trump Administration and as a champion of consumers.

How Trump's Third Supreme Court Pick Divides Western PA Voters

Oct 1st, 2020 4m 12s

The U.S. Supreme Court has been thrust into the political spotlight, following the recent death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For our Split Ticket series, we’re following four Western Pennsylvania voters for one year, and lookin

'Pure Politics'? Questions Surround Federal Prosecution Of Local Protesters

Sep 22nd, 2020 4m 13s

Criminal defense lawyer Giuseppe Rosselli was confused when his client, George Allen, didn’t show up for a court date in late July. They had texted about the hearing moments earlier.

Mercuri, Skopov Fight For Turzai's Old Seat In Pittsburgh's North Hills

Sep 21st, 2020 4m 27s

For the last 20 years, the North Hills suburbs were represented in the state House by conservative champion Mike Turzai. Now that the former House speaker has resigned , there’s a chance for a major shift in representation for a district where

With No Progress On New Stimulus Bill, Desperation Mounts For Food Aid Recipients

Sep 15th, 2020 4m 7s

With negotiations over a new coronavirus relief package stalled in Congress, extra money for food assistance is among the items hanging in the balance. And in tens of thousands of local households, the impasse compounds the fear of going hungry