90.5 WESA's Good Question!

Good Question! askers want to know why North Versailles and Mt. Lebanon are pronounced differently than the places for which they’re named.

During the Great Depression, a work-based program helped fix Pittsburgh infrastructure, build new schools, hospitals and highways.

The massive Mellon Institute in Oakland has long been a staple of industrial research. Local folklore suggests there’s a mystery column buried nearby — is it true?

A building along the Ohio riverfront trail seems blighted, but actually has a history connected to a prominent Pittsburgh industrialist. The land on which it stands could one day be the site of a Ferris Wheel.

Anytime an air pollution episode warning is in effect, industrial facilities are expected to modify their work practices in an effort to reduce fine particle emissions.

The West End neighborhood has an enchanting name. Learn why it was given such a moniker, and how the community’s evolved over the years.

Even if you live outside of the city’s limits, the U.S. Postal Service will still recognize Pittsburgh, based on ZIP codes and established routes.

Pittsburgh’s East End has some of the city’s largest parks, historic buildings and has long been home to trailblazers in city government. We’ll visit Squirrel Hill and answer some of your questions about the community’s past; we’ll hear the stories of two firsts in Pittsburgh City Council: Paul Jones, the first Black councilor, and Irma D’Ascenzo, the first female councilor; and we’ll walk through Frick Park, where old fire hydrants pop out of the woods.(The Good Question! Podcast is sponsored by Eisler Landscapes, the CPA firm Sisterson and Company and Baum Boulevard Automotive.)

From streetcars to scenic Sunday drives, this episode looks at the transit projects that continue to shape our region. Episode four explains why the 40th Street Bridge has colorful seals; how the East Busway was routed and what led to those decisions; and we take a trip along Allegheny River Boulevard, complete with picnic pull-offs with picturesque views.(The Good Question! Podcast is sponsored by Baum Boulevard Automotive, Eisler Landscapes, and the CPA firm Sisterson and Company.)

Welcome back to 90.5 WESA’s Good Question! podcast. We’re thrilled to launch season two and bring you even more stories about Pittsburgh history and culture. Our first episode highlights city staples. We’ll visit the mind behind the colorfully painted benches in Schenley Park; we’ll look into how the Pirates got their marauding moniker and the team’s trendsetting past; and, why do locals say “Carnegie” when the rest of the country has a different pronunciation?