Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Former Allegheny County chief public defender settles wrongful termination lawsuit

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WESA @wesa.fm · 4h

Former top public defender Lena Bryan-Henderson will receive one year’s salary, upwards of $130,000, as part of the settlement. Neither she nor the county admitted any wrongdoing.

Lena Bryan-Henderson will receive one year’s salary as part of the settlement.

Carnegie Mellon lays off 75 from Software Engineering Institute

WESA @wesa.fm · 5h

Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute is a federally funded research center focusing on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. It has worked with the U.S. Department of Defense since 1984, according to its website.

The 75 positions make up about 10% of the Software Engineering Institute’s staff.

Penguins celebrate the start of a new era while paying tribute to Crosby, Malkin and Letang

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WESA @wesa.fm · 7h

Just about everything worked out at the beginning of a new era for the Penguins, who got new coach Dan Muse a victory in his first game behind their bench by beating old coach Mike Sullivan and the New York Rangers 3-0 on Tuesday night.

The Pittsburgh Penguins celebrated the start of a new era by beating the New York Rangers in coach Dan Muse's debut behind the bench.

The Steelers are rested, healthy and in first place. Not that Mike Tomlin wants to talk about it

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WESA @wesa.fm · 8h

The Pittsburgh Steelers have strengthened their hold on the AFC North despite not playing last weekend. Pittsburgh is at 3-1 and in first place, while Cincinnati, Cleveland and Baltimore are dealing with serious health issues.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says he’s focused on preparing for upcoming games and not where his team sits in the standings. Pittsburgh is at 3-1 and in first place.

Pittsburgh Land Bank poised to make headway on new powers

WESA @wesa.fm · 9h

Pittsburgh’s Land Bank appears poised to take another step in its ability to deal with abandoned properties, as the city’s school district takes up a proposed agreement that will allow the agency to move more quickly.

At issue is an effort to allow the land bank, an agency tasked with buying up depreciated and vacant properties and preparing them to return to the tax rolls, to use the sheriff’s sale process to quickly acquire property saddled with tax debt.

Pittsburgh’s Penn Ave. overhaul aims for safety, but Strip District businesses fear gridlock

WESA @wesa.fm · 10h

The city is at work resurfacing a section of Penn Ave. in the Strip District and taking it from two lanes in one direction down to one lane, adding a bike lane and loading zone, and keeping parking on both sides of the road. But the Strip District Business Association has sued seeking to stop it.

The Strip District Business Association has sued the City of Pittsburgh's Department of Mobility and Infrastructure seeking to stop the project.

Allegheny County Executive Innamorato proposes no tax hike in 2026 budget

WESA @wesa.fm · 10h

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato proposed her 2026 spending plan to County Council Tuesday, offering a $1.2 billion operating budget that avoids a tax hike.

Innamorato said the lean budget is meant to keep the county functioning without layoffs or program cuts.

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato proposed a $3 billion spending plan to County Council Tuesday. Her version of the 2026 budget does not call for a tax increase.

Pittsburgh mayoral candidates Moreno, O'Connor trade shots and policies in televised debate

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WESA @wesa.fm · 11h

The two candidates running for mayor of Pittsburgh appear to agree on at least one thing: Both Democratic nominee Corey O’Connor and Republican Tony Moreno are only too happy to say outgoing incumbent Ed Gainey has done a poor job in his four years as mayor.

There was little common ground on Pittsburgh's future in a on-hour debate between Democrat Corey O'Connor and Republican Tony Moreno.

Amid doubts about Trump, Pittsburgh City Councilor seeks stronger anti-discrimination protection

WESA @wesa.fm · 1d

Pittsburgh City Councilor Erika Strassburger plans to introduce legislation next week that will bolster the city’s anti-discrimination protections for marginalized groups — an effort to protect them even if safeguards are removed at the federal level.

Pittsburgh City Councilor Erika Strassburger plans to introduce legislation next week that will bolster Pittsburgh's anti-discrimination protections for marginalized groups — an effort to protect them...

Abortion rights at center of case for retaining Pa. Supreme Court justices, supporters say

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WESA @wesa.fm · 1d

This year, three of Pennsylvania's seven state Supreme Court justices — Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht — are on the ballot for an up-or-down retention vote to stay in office. And the stakes include one of the highest-octane issues in American politics: abortion.

Three of seven Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices are on the ballot for retention in November, and the stakes include one of the highest-octane issues in American politics: abortion.

Gov. Shapiro elected to lead U.S.-Canadian partnership overseeing Great Lakes

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WESA @wesa.fm · 1d

The role is Gov. Josh Shapiro’s first foreign policy position, coming as the first-term Democrat gears up for his reelection campaign next year. He is also rumored to be a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential race.

A partnership among eight U.S. governors and two premiers of Canadian provinces last weekend elected Gov. Josh Shapiro to be its leader.

Pa. Attorney General Dave Sunday launches new mental health diversion program

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WESA @wesa.fm · 1d

Attorney General Dave Sunday on Monday announced that his office will launch a pilot program to aid people with mental illness who commit minor crimes by connecting them with treatment without fear of facing criminal charges.

Under the initiative, officers can forgo charging individuals experiencing mental or behavioral health disorders — instead, referring them to relevant treatment programs.

Dangerous train derailments more likely in vulnerable communities, Pitt analysis shows

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WESA @wesa.fm · 1d

Train derailments in the Pittsburgh region are more likely to happen in disadvantaged communities and near waterways, according to a report from the University of Pittsburgh analyzing rail accidents between 1998 and 2024 using data from the Federal Railroad Administration.

The report from the University of Pittsburgh looks at rail accidents between 1998 and 2024, using data from the Federal Railroad Administration.

Pittsburgh Public Schools recommends 2026 tax hike

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WESA @wesa.fm · 1d

Pittsburgh Public Schools is recommending a 4% millage increase to generate additional income amid declining real estate tax revenues.

Assessment appeals and tax refunds sought by Downtown Pittsburgh commercial property owners have exacerbated budget woes, officials say.

The mounting appeals were a focus of the initial 2026 budget forecast Joseph shared with board members Monday night. The district is weighing a $743.8 million budget — $8.5 million less than the…

Pittsburgh 2025 election: voter guide to mayor, ballot initiatives & Allegheny County Council

WESA @wesa.fm · 1d

The WESA Voter Guide explains what each elected office actually does and what's at stake in each race. We also provide profiles of each candidate, highlight endorsements and dig into fundraising.

A primer on who is running in the 2025 election for Pittsburgh mayor, city council and ballot initiatives, as well as Allegheny County council and Court of Common Pleas.

Allegheny County voters to begin receiving mail-in ballots

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WESA @wesa.fm · 2d

The Allegheny County Elections Division will begin to send mail-in ballots this week to voters who have requested them. Voters who have already requested a mail-in ballot can expect to start receiving them later this week.

Elections division officials said Monday that all candidate challenges over ballot access have been resolved, clearing the way for ballots to be sent out.

Pa. higher ed, K-12 leaders stress need for guardrails as AI use expands in schools

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WESA @wesa.fm · 2d

At a hearing of the Senate Education and Communications and Technology committees on Monday, Camille Dempsey with PennWest University said it is incumbent upon colleges and K-12 institutions to prepare students to use AI safely.

At a hearing of the Senate Education and Communications and Technology committees on Monday, Camille Dempsey with PennWest University said it is incumbent upon colleges and K-12 institutions to prepar...

Pat Narduzzi turned to Mason Heintschel with Pitt's season on the line. The freshman QB delivered

WESA @wesa.fm · 2d

In a 48-7 home rout of Boston College on Saturday, Mason Heintschel became the first true freshman quarterback at Pitt to win his first career start since Kenny Pickett did in an upset of Miami in 2017.

The 18-year-old Heintschel threw for four touchdown passes while leading the Panthers to a 48-7 victory over Boston College Saturday, echoing Kenny Pickett.

New Medicare dementia program offers free, enhanced support services to Pa. families

WESA @wesa.fm · 2d

The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience, or GUIDE, Model is designed to benefit people with traditional Medicare health insurance who want to age in place at home while living with dementia. All services offered through the program are fully covered by Medicare.

The GUIDE program pays local health and home care organizations to provide free dementia respite services, education, training and care coordination.

Flood disclosure bill to help home buyers recognize risks passes in Pa. House

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WESA @wesa.fm · 2d

Pennsylvanians would be required to disclose whether a property they’re selling is in a flood zone and requires flood insurance, under legislation passed unanimously Wednesday in the state House.

Pennsylvanians would be required to disclose whether a property they’re selling is in a flood zone and requires flood insurance, under legislation passed unanimously Wednesday in the state House.

New art book celebrates 60 years of 'Pittsburgh's Avant-Garde'

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WESA @wesa.fm · 2d

In its 420 pages, the copiously illustrated, coffee-table-worthy tome profiles nearly 80 artists and includes work by dozens more, while also honoring the collectives, galleries and collectors who shaped Pittsburgh's avant-garde art scene over the decades.

Editor Sheila Ali discusses her new full-color book "Pittsburgh's Avant-Garde: 60 Years Inside the Underground Art Scene."

Fossil fuels and renewable energy meet in new Pitt degree

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WESA @wesa.fm · 2d

The University of Pittsburgh is launching a new program that seeks to future-proof degrees for people who want to work in the energy fields.

The Natural Gas, Renewables, and Oil Engineering degree combines courses in traditional fossil fuel production with renewable technologies.

The Natural Gas, Renewables, and Oil Engineering degree combines courses in traditional fossil fuel production with renewable technologies.

With state & federal governments gridlocked, Pennsylvania rape crisis centers struggle to stay open

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WESA @wesa.fm · 2d

As Pennsylvania’s budget impasse nears 100 days, rape crisis centers are at a breaking point. Several organizations across the state are turning to layoffs, program downsizing and some may close amid the stoppage in government aid, advocates told WESA.

As Pennsylvania’s budget impasse nears 100 days, rape crisis centers are at a breaking point. Several organizations across the state are turning to layoffs, program downsizing and some may close amid ...

The group behind a misleading mailer targeting the Pa. Supreme Court retention elections

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WESA @wesa.fm · 3d

A conservative political action committee is behind a mailer, described by one good-government advocate as “incredibly dishonest,” that urges voters to reject new terms for three state Supreme Court justices.

The conservative political action committee is closely associated with two other groups urging voters to reject new terms for Supreme Court justices.