The Confluence

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Ahead of the May primary, we discuss the candidates for Allegheny County executive and where the race stands; the University of Pittsburgh’s production of “Seven Guitars” by August Wilson; and artists choose their favorite pieces from the 58th Carnegie International.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A survey of Allegheny County Jail residents found concerns about food and medical care, among other things; the benefit of hiring local workers on projects funded with federal infrastructure dollars; and Pennsylvanians near East Palestine, Ohio, where a train derailed earlier this month, feel left out of aid despite the impact of this incident.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A roundtable of state political reporters dive into this week’s news, such as Shapiro’s pledge to not issue execution warrants and Democrats securing a majority in the state House.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We get an update from a community meeting about the impact of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio; a robotic arm called FRIDA uses artificial intelligence to work with humans and create art; and the influence of casino lobbyists on the state Gaming Control Board.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: An update about the shooting outside Pittsburgh Westinghouse, and Mt. Lebanon school district students are leading a push to expand a nondiscrimination policy to protect their LGBTQ+ peers; a CDC report found that the mental well-being of teenage girls is worsening; and a conversation about how the city will offer training to retail and food service workers who encounter people suffering from mental health issues or other crises.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A report from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives gives a first-of-its-kind look at how guns have been used in crimes from 2017 to 2021; a law professor is hosting a class to explain what residents should expect when the trial for the man charged for carrying out the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting begins in April; and a look into Pittsburgh’s role in aviation history. Today’s guests include: Josh Fleitman, Western Pennsylvania manager for CeaseFirePA; and David Harris, WESA’s legal analyst and law professor with the University of Pittsburgh.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The Urban Redevelopment Authority has approved a program that will give loans to developers who want to buy and rehabilitate affordable units; we look at the life of Bayard Rustin, a Pennsylvania native and Black civil rights activist who mentored Martin Luther King Jr.; and a preview of the Oscar-Nominated short films screenings at the Harris Theater.Today’s guests include: Margaret J. Krauss, senior reporter covering development and transportation for WESA; Jerald Podair, professor of history at Lawrence University; and Kathryn Spitz Cohan, executive director of Film Pittsburgh.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: As state legislatures across the country introduce bills that could impact LGBTQ communities, we look at how some organizations are creating safe spaces for LGBTQ people to access physical and mental healthcare.Today’s guests include: Tracy Baton, lead clinician with the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation; Kathleen McQuillan, outpatient therapist with Persad Center; Dalen Michael, Erie clinical director with Central Outreach Wellness Center; Lisa Pietrusza, family and psychiatric nurse practitioner at Central Outreach Wellness Center; and Sarah Rosso, executive director of the Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A judge has ruled the state system to fund K-12 public schools is unconstitutional; a report from Pittsburghers for Public Transit says unreliable transit service affected every city district last year; and changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits mean recipients will get less assistance, starting next month. Today’s guests include: Marley Parish, reporter for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star; and Laura Chu Wiens, executive director of Pittsburghers for Public Transit.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We hear the latest about a shooting where two McKeesport officers were wounded, one fatally, responding to a domestic disturbance Monday afternoon; the results of three special elections, which decide the party that controls the state House; and a look at the impact and rhetoric of President Joe Biden’s second State of the Union address. Today’s guests include: Jillian Forstadt, general assignment reporter for WESA; Chris Potter, government and accountability editor for WESA; and Paul Elliott Johnson, assistant professor of communications at the University of Pittsburgh.