Recent controversial endorsements have led the Allegheny County Democratic Committee leadership to defend its purpose and decision-making process. A new report shows Pittsburgh's art scene is growing, but support is not always equitable and inclusive. And, incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle faces a challenger for the 18th congressional district as some in the party push for a more progressive platform.
Helping explain the headlines this week from the WESA newsroom:
- Chris Potter, government and accountability editor
- Bill O'Driscoll, arts and culture reporter
- Lucy Perkins, government and accountability reporter
In a wide-ranging and sometimes contentious half-hour press conference, Allegheny County Democratic Committee chairwoman Eileen Kelly pushed back on criticism of the local party and called for unity in a presidential election year — while settling some scores of her own.
Held at the county party’s West End headquarters, the press conference began inauspiciously when Kelly and committee ward chair City Councilor Anthony Coghill, who also attended, demanded that County Councilor Bethany Hallam leave. Hallam is also a committee member, and has been a vocal critic of the endorsement process.
Big increases in attendance and full-time jobs marked the past five years on Pittsburgh’s arts scene. But the arts community needs to become more equitable and inclusive.
Both conclusions are drawn from “Culture Counts 2020,” the new edition of the state-of-the-arts report last issued by advocacy group the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, or GPAC, in 2015.
Incumbent U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle is being challenged by Jerry Dickinson, a University of Pittsburgh law professor, and Janis Brooks of North Versailles, in the upcoming Democratic primary.
"In other news"
- From Netflix: Cheer
- From The New Yorker: In Every Dark Hour
- From The New York Times Magazine: Into the Black Forest with the Greatest Living Artist
Pittsburgh Explainer is hosted by Liz Reid and produced by Katie Blackley. New episodes come out every Friday. Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify.
