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 to take an in-depth look at the stories important to the Pittsburgh region.
This week’s topics include a look at why the commonwealth continues to put money into an industrial site to lure businesses to western Pennsylvania. We’ll also look at the public safety issues of mandatory minimum sentencing for violent crimes and withholding of police names after a shooting. And two reporters from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will join us to address changes in the region’s demographics. We'll also mark the passing of Steelers owner Dan Rooney.
Industrial Complex
One western Pennsylvania industrial complex once produced vehicles for Volkswagen, electronics and a technology startup. The cover story of this week’s edition of The Caucus looks at why the state continues to spend money to lure businesses to this site. Reporter Mike Wereschagin, who wrote the story, joins us.
Public Safety
We’ll look at two matters of public safety taking place in the commonwealth. We’ll address withholding police names after a shooting and mandatory minimum sentencing for violent crimes. Our guests are Sarah Anne Hughes, reporter for The Incline and Katie Meyer, state capitol bureau chief for WITF.
Pittsburgh’s Changing Demographics
It seems there’s an article touting the region for its livability, quality-of-life and other aspects every week. However, the region’s growth has been hampered by a decline in population of younger and black residents. Why is this happening? We’ll pose that question to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporters Gary Rotstein and Tim Grant.
Remembering Dan Rooney
Finally, we'll remember Steelers owner Dan Rooney who passed away after a brief illness. Joining us to discuss the life and legacy of Dan Rooney is Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sportswriter, Gene Collier.
Past editions of The Confluence can be heard here.
