These topics air Wednesday February 26, 2014 at noon and 8pm on 90.5 WESA. To leave a question or comment before or after the show dial 412-256-8783. Join the conversation LIVE between 12pm & 1 pm weekdays at 412-246-2002. More Essential Pittsburgh segments can be heard here.
Nate Harper Sentenced
Former Police Chief Nate Harper has been sentenced to at least 18 months in prison for conspiring to create an unauthorized slush fund. U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon also ordered the 61-year-old Harper to repay $31,986 from the fund that he spent on himself. We'll get details from Deanna Garcia.
David Harris
University of Pittsburgh Law Professor David Harris looks at the sentencing of Nate Harper and why the issue of deterrence is very important. "If Harper just received probation, many would regard this as him 'getting away with it,' " says Harris. He adds that the issue of equal justice is also important.
City Dump
Parts of the city have been turned into makeshift dump sites. But how do you get rid of the tires, refrigerators, toilets and other debris that have accumulated? Allegheny Clean Ways Project Coordinator Leah Thill and Volunteer Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Jake Baechle represent organizations working with volunteers to safely and effectively clean up dump sites.