The Confluence – where the news comes together is 90.5 WESA’s weekly news program.
Each week reporters, editors and bloggers join veteran journalist, and host, Kevin Gavin. They’ll go behind the headlines taking an in-depth look at the stories important to the Pittsburgh region.
This week's topics include the unveiling of Gov. Tom Wolf's 2017-18 budget, political challengers to Mayor Peduto in the May primary and the investigation of cheating and misconduct at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.
Governor's Budget Address
Wolf unveiled his 2017-18 budget this week, which looks to streamline state bureaucracy and close the deficit while keeping tax hikes to a minimum. We'll discuss Wolf's budget with Karen Langley, Harrisburg bureau chief for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Sam Janesch, political reporter for LancasterOnline.
Mayoral Challengers
Rev. John Welch, a local activist former Peduto supporter is looking to challenge the mayor in the May primary, citing gentrification and poverty among the city's black community. In addition, Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Darlene Harris filed for the Democratic nomination in a potential bid for mayor. Joining us for an early look at the May primary are Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Chris Potter and Pittsburgh City Paper Editor Charlie Deitch.
Police Academy Cheating Scandal
The Office of Inspector General found evidence of cheating and misconduct at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. We'll discuss the report the impact it could have on state police with Pennlive statehouse reporter Wallace McKelvey and Dennis Owens, news anchor for ABC 27 in Harrisburg.
Past editions of The Confluence can be heard here.
