The Pittsburgh International Airport is about to have a major makeover. Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said the Pittsburgh region is "a growing, tech-focused economy" and its airport should better reflect that. The renovations are expected to cost $1.1 billion.
On the wish list is a new landside terminal, expanded security, streamlined baggage retrieval and better use of space and sustainability. Joining the show to talk about the new plans are Pittsburgh Tribune-Review county reporter Theresa Clift and Jared Stonesifer of the Beaver County Times.
Later in the show...
As Pennsylvania moves closer to dispensing medical marijuana, more and more officials are calling for its legalization and taxation as an economic generator. Nationally, the marijuana industry is expected to be worth $20 billion and employ more than 280,000 people in the next decade. In Pennsylvania, this industry could be a salve for a $1.6 billion budget deficit and help reduce unemployment, according to some officials, but not all Pennsylvania legislators are supportive.
Ben Schmitt from the Pittsburgh Trib and Brett Sholtis from the York Daily Record catch us up.
And finally...
The impact of Pittsburgh's nonprofit sector* is everywhere: in our economy, our development plans and our government. They employ 1 in 5 workers in the Pittsburgh region and control at least one-tenth of its property. Mayor Bill Peduto called nonprofits not only "the economic engine" of the city, but in some ways, "the economic rudder as well."
Investigative reporter Rich Lord of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette talks through his latest four-part series.
The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s weekly news program. Each week, reporters, editors and storytellers join veteran journalist and host Kevin Gavin to take an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region.
*90.5 WESA is supported by some of the foundations discussed in Lord's reporting.
Find more episodes of The Confluence here.
