On today's program: Mayor Bill Peduto says the city remains united, but not much has changed about guns or violent crime in the one year since the attack at Tree of Life synagogue; and childhood obesity rates in Pennsylvania have climbed into the nation's top 10.
Peduto looks back at a year since the attack on Tree of Life synagogue
(00:00 — 16:30)
One year ago Sunday, a lone gunman entered the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood and killed 11 congregants. The horrific attack left the city in mourning, and Mayor Bill Peduto says the healing process is still ongoing.
“Squirrel Hill is still going through a deep mourning phase," he says. "In other parts of town, people are more reflective of what has occurred. ... It was a clarion call for all people of faith to come together.”
He plans to visit with the families of the victims on Sunday.
“Some may say that our memorial [for the victims] is not grand enough, but there’s a reason for that; it’s because it’s the wishes of their families that we simply remember them and the lives they lived.”
Pennsylvania ranked ninth among states for childhood obesity
(17:50 — 39:03)
Pennsylvania has the 25th highest adult obesity rate, but it’s 9th in the nation for childhood obesity. For 10-17 year olds, that's up from 14th place in previous years. Obesity in childhood can trigger early onset of conditions like diabetes and heart disease and exacerbates chronic allergies and asthma.
Hear from a group of experts about how childhood obesity persists across the state and what parents can do to help their kids live healthier lifestyles. Joining 90.5 WESA's The Confluence are:
- Dr. Lauren Goldberg, director of Health Habits of Life at UPMC Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh;
- Anne Marie Kuchera, Community Health program director at UPMC Childrens; and
- Dr. Michael Petrosky, a pediatrician with the Allegheny Health Network.
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 take an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here or wherever you get your podcasts.
