The Region Ignores This At Its Peril

A half-day of violence, from the "breaking news" section of the Post-Gazette's website:

Pregnant 18-year-old killed; was IUP student . . . . . . . . 1:46 p.m.
Man shot to death in Aliquippa's Plan 11 Extension . . . 12:30 p.m.
Man critically wounded in Homewood shooting . . . . . . 12:21 a.m.
Two people shot in Duquesne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:00 a.m.

Relative safety along the streets has been a saving grace in southwestern Pennsylvania. If that is lost, there won't be much left to recommend the area to those who possess a choice about their region of residence.

The region is in trouble; the City of Pittsburgh is dying. Decades of stagnant economy, dwindling opportunity for young people and poor government have consequences. These headlines reflect troublesome symptoms. It would be helpful if the region's leaders would recognize, or maybe acknowledge, or perhaps even address this.