Pittsburgh Explainer
Pittsburgh Explainer ended production on June 28, 2021.
Life is busy, and it can be hard to keep up with the news. Every Friday morning, 90.5 WESA's Pittsburgh Explainer brings you the biggest news stories of the week in about 20 minutes. Hosted by WESA's Liz Reid, you’ll hear from the reporters who cover politics, education, tech, health, arts and more, and get the real stories behind the headlines.
It’s the news you need, in the time you have.
Pittsburgh Explainer is hosted by Liz Reid and produced by Katie Blackley. New episodes come out every Friday. Listen on the NPR One app or subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Latest Episodes
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On today’s program: Inclusionary zoning, which requires some developments to create affordable housing units, will be a permanent requirement in Lawrenceville following a pilot project. Now, city leaders look to other parts of Pittsburgh; a public health and filmmaking collaboration looks at mental health among teenagers during the pandemic; and businesses across the state are deciding if to require their employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine. -
On this week's Explainer: Sam Dunklau on GOP efforts to change the state's election laws; Sarah Boden on what it costs for care at UPMC Presbyterian; and Kate Giammarise discusses concerns among some lawmakers over a proposal to outsource some Medicaid services. -
District Attorney Stephen Zappala could face ethics charges; Pittsburgh Public Schools hopes to find an ally in presumptive mayor-elect Ed Gainey; and Pennsylvania's upgraded unemployment system had a rocky start. -
Summer has arrived in Pittsburgh and we’ve asked a handful of residents to share their favorite foods, events and activities this season in the city. -
Republican Sean Parnell goes back and forth about an audit of 2020's election results; a bill in the state House would make it easier to revitalize main streets; and Democratic state Senators are pushing to increasing accountability for natural gas companies. -
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This week on Pittsburgh Explainer: an analysis of local primary election results, an investigation into why $1 billion in food aid for families was delayed and a look at the unique challenges of getting non-English speakers vaccinated against COVID-19. -
From Pittsburgh's mayoral and council races to what those statewide ballot initiatives really mean, this week's Pittsburgh Explainer talks with political reporters from around Pennsylvania about what you can expect at the ballot box next week. -
Host Liz Reid talks with education reporter Sarah Schneider about the upcoming Pittsburgh Public Schools board races; health and science reporter Sarah Boden on upcoming COVID-19 mitigation changes; and arts and culture reporter Bill O'Driscoll on the future of the Tree of Life Synagogue. -
On this week's Explainer: WITF's Brett Sholtis on a push to get conservative voters vaccinated in Pa.; Government and accountability editor Chris Potter brings the latest on Pittsburgh's mayoral race; and education reporter Sarah Schneider says students are coming back to classrooms, but a bus shortage could complicate their return.
