WESA
@wesa.fm
Pittsburgh's NPR news station. Donate to WESA today: http://tinyurl.com/wesasocial
A long-simmering dispute over who owns digital copies of millions of Pennsylvania’s treasured historical records landed before a state appellate court this week.
The ruling could determine whether those belong to the public or are under the control of a privately owned genealogy powerhouse.
The ruling could determine whether those belong to the public or are under the control of a privately owned genealogy powerhouse.
Who owns Pa.’s digitized history? We’re a step closer to an answer.
Commonwealth Court is considering a case that could determine whether digitized historical records belong to the public or are controlled by Ancestry.com.
www.wesa.fm
February 8, 2026 at 3:26 PM
A long-simmering dispute over who owns digital copies of millions of Pennsylvania’s treasured historical records landed before a state appellate court this week.
The ruling could determine whether those belong to the public or are under the control of a privately owned genealogy powerhouse.
The ruling could determine whether those belong to the public or are under the control of a privately owned genealogy powerhouse.
If thou groweth weary of this season of crusty gray snowbanks of the soul, steel thyself: there’s more snow and cold on the way.
The Pittsburgh area is forecast to see one to two inches of snow Friday, piling on to the 11 inches of accumulation from the Jan. 25 snowstorm.
The Pittsburgh area is forecast to see one to two inches of snow Friday, piling on to the 11 inches of accumulation from the Jan. 25 snowstorm.
Pittsburgh to see another 1-2" of snow today, with temperatures plunging below 0° overnight
Daytime temperatures Saturday will rise only to a high of 13 degrees, before tanking to -3 again Saturday night.
www.wesa.fm
February 6, 2026 at 9:26 PM
If thou groweth weary of this season of crusty gray snowbanks of the soul, steel thyself: there’s more snow and cold on the way.
The Pittsburgh area is forecast to see one to two inches of snow Friday, piling on to the 11 inches of accumulation from the Jan. 25 snowstorm.
The Pittsburgh area is forecast to see one to two inches of snow Friday, piling on to the 11 inches of accumulation from the Jan. 25 snowstorm.
Gov. Josh Shapiro is calling on Pennsylvania lawmakers to come together and finalize a bill to prohibit students from using their cellphones during the school day.
As Shapiro calls for school cellphone ban, Pa. House pushes social media literacy
State senators passed a version of the cellphone bill late Tuesday. The legislation now sits with the House Education Committee, where Democrats are focusing instead on social media literacy.
www.wesa.fm
February 5, 2026 at 10:56 PM
Gov. Josh Shapiro is calling on Pennsylvania lawmakers to come together and finalize a bill to prohibit students from using their cellphones during the school day.
Citing rising housing costs, limited supply, corporate pressures on prices, and declining aid from the federal govt, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato signed a sweeping executive order, relating to everything from gathering more housing data to expanding housing supply locally.
Innamorato executive order aims to study Allegheny County housing needs, increase supply
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato signed an executive order relating to everything from gathering more housing data to expanding supply.
www.wesa.fm
February 5, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Citing rising housing costs, limited supply, corporate pressures on prices, and declining aid from the federal govt, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato signed a sweeping executive order, relating to everything from gathering more housing data to expanding housing supply locally.
The recent arrest of an immigrant from Nicaragua living in Oakmont is generating confusion from neighbors and blowback from local elected officials. They’re seeking clarity about the situation from ICE, but say the agency lacks transparency and has been largely unresponsive to their questions.
‘People feel for this family': Officials respond to Oakmont ICE arrest
ICE has remained tight-lipped about the reasons they took Jose Flores into custody last Thursday. His family has said he has a valid asylum claim and work permit.
www.wesa.fm
February 4, 2026 at 11:32 PM
The recent arrest of an immigrant from Nicaragua living in Oakmont is generating confusion from neighbors and blowback from local elected officials. They’re seeking clarity about the situation from ICE, but say the agency lacks transparency and has been largely unresponsive to their questions.
Mayor Corey O’Connor nominated the two men for their roles: They were among the first choices he made to help lead the city last year. Both have been serving in an acting capacity since O’Connor took office.
Pittsburgh City Council approves Lando as new police chief, Williams as public safety director
Pittsburgh City Council approved two new leaders to head the city’s public safety division on Wednesday: Police Chief Jason Lando and Director of Public Safety Sheldon Williams.
www.wesa.fm
February 4, 2026 at 9:02 PM
Mayor Corey O’Connor nominated the two men for their roles: They were among the first choices he made to help lead the city last year. Both have been serving in an acting capacity since O’Connor took office.
At the heart of the event is the main stage on the North Shore, where picks are announced and players receive their respective team's jersey after being selected. That stage is set to be placed outside Acrisure Stadium along Art Rooney Avenue and General Robinson Street.
NFL, VisitPITTSBURGH unveil images for North Shore site of 2026 Draft
The NFL and the official Pittsburgh tourism bureau have released sample images of what the North Shore will look like during the 2026 NFL Draft.
www.wesa.fm
February 3, 2026 at 9:33 PM
At the heart of the event is the main stage on the North Shore, where picks are announced and players receive their respective team's jersey after being selected. That stage is set to be placed outside Acrisure Stadium along Art Rooney Avenue and General Robinson Street.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026-2027 budget proposal has a record-setting $53.2 billion price tag, contains no tax increase, and includes a contingency fund in case of sudden changes in federal support under President Donald Trump.
Shapiro budget proposal includes record spending and pot legalization, but no new taxes
The budget also addresses the disruptions emanating from a Trump administration that has tussled with states over food stamp policy and other social services. A new "Federal Response Fund" would prop ...
www.wesa.fm
February 3, 2026 at 7:35 PM
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026-2027 budget proposal has a record-setting $53.2 billion price tag, contains no tax increase, and includes a contingency fund in case of sudden changes in federal support under President Donald Trump.
A state House panel approved legislation Wednesday that would ensure workers in the meatpacking industry receive safety instructions in the language they speak. House Bill 1923 passed with a 14-12 vote along party lines.
House panel passes bill to make non-English speaking workers safer in the meatpacking industry
Employers would be required to provide training in any language spoken by at least 5% of work force.
www.wesa.fm
February 1, 2026 at 1:18 PM
A state House panel approved legislation Wednesday that would ensure workers in the meatpacking industry receive safety instructions in the language they speak. House Bill 1923 passed with a 14-12 vote along party lines.
A new Pennsylvania law aimed at removing unregulated vapes from the market and protecting kids may not be very effective due to loopholes, insufficient funding for enforcement, and limited public health backing.
A new Pa. law aimed at keeping unregulated vapes out of the hands of kids may not actually work
The law suffers from loopholes, insufficient funding for enforcement, and limited public health backing, experts say.
www.wesa.fm
January 31, 2026 at 4:26 PM
A new Pennsylvania law aimed at removing unregulated vapes from the market and protecting kids may not be very effective due to loopholes, insufficient funding for enforcement, and limited public health backing.
The Foundation said that it would give the city a $2M grant towards purchasing 15 new snowplows. News of the gift came one day after UPMC pledged $10M for new ambulances — a donation that Mayor= O’Connor said would free up enough of the city’s cash to purchase some 35 trucks.
Pittsburgh receives $2M PNC Foundation grant for 15 new snow plow trucks
Another chunk of cash is on its way to the city of Pittsburgh, which in the past day has received enough financial support to buy some 50 vehicles.
www.wesa.fm
January 30, 2026 at 10:58 PM
The Foundation said that it would give the city a $2M grant towards purchasing 15 new snowplows. News of the gift came one day after UPMC pledged $10M for new ambulances — a donation that Mayor= O’Connor said would free up enough of the city’s cash to purchase some 35 trucks.
The organization, called Pittsburgh Alliance for People Empowered Reporting, or PAPER for short, seeks to look into possible models to continue reporting after the Block family, which owns the Post-Gazette, ceases publication.
Union workers launch initiative to research options for soon-to-be-shuttered Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Union journalists from the soon-to-be-closed down Pittsburgh Post Gazette joined with labor leaders and community representatives Thursday morning to launch an entity that organizers say will be dedic...
www.wesa.fm
January 29, 2026 at 10:22 PM
The organization, called Pittsburgh Alliance for People Empowered Reporting, or PAPER for short, seeks to look into possible models to continue reporting after the Block family, which owns the Post-Gazette, ceases publication.
At a Wednesday public hearing City Councilors questioned prospective Police Chief Jason Lando and Director of Public Safety Sheldon Williams on how they’d respond to a number of public-safety challenges — including those posed by the federal government itself.
Pittsburgh acting police chief Lando discusses ICE, recruiting more officers and driving down crime
At a Wednesday public hearing City Councilors questioned prospective Police Chief Jason Lando and Director of Public Safety Sheldon Williams on how they’d respond to a number of public-safety challeng...
www.wesa.fm
January 29, 2026 at 4:43 PM
At a Wednesday public hearing City Councilors questioned prospective Police Chief Jason Lando and Director of Public Safety Sheldon Williams on how they’d respond to a number of public-safety challenges — including those posed by the federal government itself.
According to Pittsburgh’s Snow Response webpage, 50 vehicles from the Department of Public Works and an additional 25 contractors worked to plow streets overnight.
The city has a Snow Route Coverage map on its website, showing the status of routes that have been plowed in the last 12 hours.
The city has a Snow Route Coverage map on its website, showing the status of routes that have been plowed in the last 12 hours.
As Pittsburgh keeps digging out from snow, garbage collection suspended and PPS remains remote
Pittsburgh continued to struggle to clear roads several days after Sunday’s storm dumped 11 inches of snow on the city.
www.wesa.fm
January 28, 2026 at 5:59 PM
According to Pittsburgh’s Snow Response webpage, 50 vehicles from the Department of Public Works and an additional 25 contractors worked to plow streets overnight.
The city has a Snow Route Coverage map on its website, showing the status of routes that have been plowed in the last 12 hours.
The city has a Snow Route Coverage map on its website, showing the status of routes that have been plowed in the last 12 hours.
"Oftentimes, coaches & players put on new team colors and it takes a minute to feel comfortable in those new colors. But to be blessed beyond any measure one day to put on the colors you wore since [were] brought home from Mercy Hospital... Pittsburgh's my world, & it's just awesome to be back here"
Who says you can't go home? Pittsburgh Steelers introduce Greenfield's Mike McCarthy as head coach
Mike McCarthy is officially the Steelers' successor to Mike Tomlin.
www.wesa.fm
January 27, 2026 at 10:24 PM
"Oftentimes, coaches & players put on new team colors and it takes a minute to feel comfortable in those new colors. But to be blessed beyond any measure one day to put on the colors you wore since [were] brought home from Mercy Hospital... Pittsburgh's my world, & it's just awesome to be back here"
Several dozen demonstrators lined the sidewalk outside of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s Pittsburgh office during freezing temperatures Tuesday, calling for a “no” vote on funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Pittsburghers call on Sen. John Fetterman to vote against ICE funding
Several dozen demonstrators lined the sidewalk outside of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s Pittsburgh office during freezing temperatures Tuesday, calling for a “no” vote on funding for Immigration and Cust...
www.wesa.fm
January 27, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Several dozen demonstrators lined the sidewalk outside of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s Pittsburgh office during freezing temperatures Tuesday, calling for a “no” vote on funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The Nature Conservancy has purchased the acreage in Adams Township, Cambria County, and transferred the land to the state's Bureau of Forestry for management as rare grassland bird habitat and public recreation space.
The Nature Conservancy acquires 200+ acres in Western Pa. to help protect rare birds
The Nature Conservancy has purchased the acreage in Adams Township, Cambria County, and transferred the land to the state's Bureau of Forestry for management as rare grassland bird habitat and public ...
www.wesa.fm
January 27, 2026 at 9:00 PM
The Nature Conservancy has purchased the acreage in Adams Township, Cambria County, and transferred the land to the state's Bureau of Forestry for management as rare grassland bird habitat and public recreation space.
Following the second death of a citizen at the hands of ICE agents in Minn., U.S. Sen. John Fetterman has joined other Democrats in criticizing the Trump administration’s tactics there. But he appears poised to approve more funding for immigration enforcement.
Fetterman criticizes immigration agents after Minneapolis shooting, but won't oppose funding
Fetterman’s new statement is not likely to mollify critics, who say that, while he bills himself as a supporter of immigrants, he has been absent from their fight. Lunchtime protests are set to take p...
www.wesa.fm
January 26, 2026 at 9:35 PM
Following the second death of a citizen at the hands of ICE agents in Minn., U.S. Sen. John Fetterman has joined other Democrats in criticizing the Trump administration’s tactics there. But he appears poised to approve more funding for immigration enforcement.
At a press gathering, Mayor Corey O’Connor said he’s “expecting the worst” from the storm, which is projected to drop between 9-14 inches of snow on the area. He said he’s prepared to declare a state of emergency and, if needed, call in additional contractors and haulers to deal with the snow.
Pittsburgh officials say they’ve prepped additional plows, salt ahead of weekend snow storm
At a press gathering Friday morning, Mayor Corey O’Connor said he’s prepared to declare a state of emergency and, if needed, call in additional contractors and haulers to deal with the storm, which is...
www.wesa.fm
January 23, 2026 at 5:02 PM
At a press gathering, Mayor Corey O’Connor said he’s “expecting the worst” from the storm, which is projected to drop between 9-14 inches of snow on the area. He said he’s prepared to declare a state of emergency and, if needed, call in additional contractors and haulers to deal with the snow.
After ownership of the Post-Gazette announced it would shut down the paper on May 3, newsroom members sprang into action, aiming to explore ideas to continue the paper. But tangled disputes have broken out between the union and non-striking staff over the paper’s fate — and union representation.
As Post-Gazette newsroom tries to save the paper (or start a new one), infighting ensues
Tangled disputes have now broken out between the union and the non-striking staff over the paper’s fate — and union representation.
www.wesa.fm
January 22, 2026 at 9:53 PM
After ownership of the Post-Gazette announced it would shut down the paper on May 3, newsroom members sprang into action, aiming to explore ideas to continue the paper. But tangled disputes have broken out between the union and non-striking staff over the paper’s fate — and union representation.
Food was the focus of U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Wednesday visit to Harrisburg, but many Pennsylvania Democrats used the trip to push back on his other health policy positions, including a recent rescheduling of childhood immunizations.
RFK Jr. promotes food pyramid overhaul in Harrisburg while Pa. Democrats challenge vaccine guidance
Food was the focus of U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Wednesday visit to Harrisburg, but many Pennsylvania Democrats used the trip to push back on his other health pol...
www.wesa.fm
January 21, 2026 at 10:21 PM
Food was the focus of U.S. Health and Human Services secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Wednesday visit to Harrisburg, but many Pennsylvania Democrats used the trip to push back on his other health policy positions, including a recent rescheduling of childhood immunizations.
Hundreds of people from throughout the region packed into the Shadyside Presbyterian Church to learn how to safely and lawfully observe and respond to ICE activity in their neighborhoods at a Tuesday-night event held by the newly formed organization Frontline Dignity.
Hundreds in Western Pa. gather to learn how to safely observe ICE activity
As Immigration and Customs Enforcement ramps up detentions and deportations in major cities, people in Western Pennsylvania are curious to learn about what they can do as bystanders.
www.wesa.fm
January 21, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Hundreds of people from throughout the region packed into the Shadyside Presbyterian Church to learn how to safely and lawfully observe and respond to ICE activity in their neighborhoods at a Tuesday-night event held by the newly formed organization Frontline Dignity.
What is the story with the snow coming for Pittsburgh this weekend? Depending where you look, it could be anywhere from a couple inches all the way up to a stunning 16-19 inches. (Stores, ready thy stocks of bread and milk!)
Will Pittsburgh see a huge snowfall this weekend or a light dusting? You’ll have to wait to find out
It all depends on the storm track — that is, the path that the low-pressure center of the storm traces across the country.
www.wesa.fm
January 21, 2026 at 4:19 PM
What is the story with the snow coming for Pittsburgh this weekend? Depending where you look, it could be anywhere from a couple inches all the way up to a stunning 16-19 inches. (Stores, ready thy stocks of bread and milk!)
Local school leaders say they want to meet with students and their families as early as possible to smooth the transition to kindergarten — both for the sake of the students and their teachers.
Pittsburgh-area school leaders say early kindergarten registration is key to a smooth transition
The 2026-2027 school year is still eight months away, but districts across the Pittsburgh region have already started to enroll new kindergarteners.
www.wesa.fm
January 20, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Local school leaders say they want to meet with students and their families as early as possible to smooth the transition to kindergarten — both for the sake of the students and their teachers.
Hundreds of federal employees at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received an email Tuesday notifying them they’re no longer subject to layoffs announced last spring.
After a year of uncertainty, federal mine safety research employees in Pa. get good news
“This has been a tough battle here. I think we’re finally coming to a true win.”
www.wesa.fm
January 18, 2026 at 8:24 PM
Hundreds of federal employees at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received an email Tuesday notifying them they’re no longer subject to layoffs announced last spring.