These topics air Monday March 17, 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.
Renewing Jobless Benefits
Now that Senate negotiators have struck a bipartisan deal that would renew federal unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless, what will happen when legislation makes its way to the House? Pittsburgh Congressman Mike Doyle joins us to discuss prospects for passage.
Pittsburgh's Irish Heritage
The first Europeans to settle in southwestern PA in large numbers were Scots-Irish. Later, the Irish were a major part of the wave of immigrants who came to the Steel City for the promise of a job that often turned out be a low-paying, dirty job. We'll discuss Pittsburgh's Irish heritage with Jim Lamb, President of the Irish Institute of Pittsburgh.
"Pittsburgh Donnybrook"
Irish Olympian and 1992 welterweight gold medal winner Michael Carruth joins us to talk about coming to Pittsburgh as coach of Team Ireland in the inaugural "Pittsburgh Donnybrook" amateur boxing event, where Team Pittsburgh will compete with Team Ireland for the Ambassador's Cup Trophy.
