On today’s episode of The Confluence:
Officials blame violence on the rise of illegally obtained firearms
(0:00 - 8:31)
This year, the number of homicides in Pittsburgh has surpassed 60, a number not seen since 2015. With most of the deaths involving gun violence, local officials are blaming an influx of firearms within the state.
Some say access to firearms has become easier as firearms recovered by police are typically stolen, lost or purchased through fraudulent means. This year alone, Pittsburgh police have recovered 786 guns, but in a press conference earlier this month, Mayor Ed Gainey says there are still thousands of guns out on the street.
Jonathan D. Silver, reporter for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, says one of the biggest challenges Pennsylvania faces is that firearms found here are “homegrown.”
“In other states such as New York, there is the so-called ‘iron pipeline’ where guns are flowing in from other states. But in Pennsylvania, in Pittsburgh in particular, it is this problem of guns basically coming from the area,” says Silver.
Silver says policies such as universal background checks are one way Pittsburgh is trying to reduce gun violence, but efforts to push back local ordinances and mandate the reporting of stolen guns have been successfully blocked.
Allegheny County’s next executive will have some control over issues ranging from air quality to jail reform
(8:39 - 17:03)
For the first time in 12 years, the position of the Allegheny County Executive will be held by someone new, as County Executive Rich Fitzgerald is term-limited.
Whoever wins next year’s vote will have control over a number of critical issues across the county, from jail reform to air quality.
Charlie Wolfson, a reporter for PublicSource, says one of the biggest contentions voters have heading into the election is property taxes.
“The county stands to gain financially when assessments go up and they are also the body that decides the assessments. So that has led to some situations where people are questioning the assessments,” says Wolfson.
Pittsburgh City Controller Michael Lamb recently announced his bid to run for Fitzgerald’s seat, as has Erin McClelland, a project manager contracted with Allegheny County’s Department of Human Services.
Black farmers are supporting veterans through agriculture
(17:08 - 22:30)
In Pittsburgh’s Black community, urban agriculture goes beyond growing vegetables. It’s about providing food security, life and career skills, and opportunities for veterans. In collaboration with The Allegheny Front, Terina J Hicks of Soul Pitt Media visited four farms to find out more about what inspired the farmers.
Today, we hear about a farm that began in 2018 with a plan of 10 raised beds and has now grown to more than 80.
The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in Monday to Thursday at 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.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.
