These topics air Thursday March 27, 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.Busted
In 2008 a longtime informant with the Philadelphia Police Department narcotics squad walked into the offices of the Philadelphia Daily News. He spoke with Wendy Ruderman and Barbara Laker, the result was a Pulitzer Prize winning investigative series uncovering corruption in the city's police department, and a full-scale FBI probe. The events are chronicled in the book Busted: A Tale of Corruption and Betrayal in the City of Brotherly Love.
Community Backed Micro-Lending
Since the early 2000’s more than one million small businesses worldwide have been funded through the online micro-lending program known as Kiva.org. The loans help revitalize local economies and make it possible for the average person to fund innovative ideas and businesses rather than a bank. Premal Shah, President and co-founder of Kiva.org is in Pittsburgh to garner support for the Kiva Zip program. He joins us along with Harry Geyer, owner of The Wheel Mill, an indoor mountain biking and BMX park in Homewood. Geyer is currently repaying a Kiva loan.
Spring Festivals
It’s officially spring, even if the weather may want to tell us otherwise. We’re going to remain optimistic and look forward to sunny and warm days spent outdoors. This week travel contributor Elaine Labalme suggests spring festivals you might enjoy.
