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Realizing The Triumphs, And Many Trials, Of The August Wilson Center

Keith Srakocic
/
AP
People walk past the August Wilson Center for African American Culture on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, in Pittsburgh.

When the August Wilson Center for African American Culture opened in 2009, there was hope and optimism about a rich community asset in the heart of Downtown, but financial troubles plagued the development from the start, leading to bankruptcy and nearly foreclosure. 

Credit Sarah Schneider / 90.5 WESA
/
90.5 WESA

A foundation-led coalition purchased the building in 2014 and temporarily turned over its operations to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. President and CEO Janis Burley Wilson, who took charge just over one year ago, says the August Wilson Center is back on the road to fulfilling its original optimism. 

Elsewhere in the show, Brian Cook introduces a group of musicians who play in assisted living nursing facilities around Pittsburgh.

90.5 WESA's Chris Potter checks in on the hotly contested race between Democrat Conor Lamb and Republican Keith Rothfus, in which the first attack ad of the season features an unlikely foe.

And 10 years ago, Pennsylvania passed its version of the Clean Indoor Air Act. How did bars, restaurants and Pittsburghers adjust? Pittsburgh Magazine reporter Hal B. Klein and Tobacco Free Allegheny program coordinator Tiffany Babinsak explain its impact and what could be next for the bars and clubs that still allow smoking indoors.

The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in weekdays at 9 a.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators join veteran journalist Kevin Gavin, taking an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here.

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