The Confluence

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A new report identifies four systemic root causes for the lack of qualified and diverse teachers in Pennsylvania, and makes suggestions to address the shortage; some educators are concerned about the implications of ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence conversation program, and others suggest it could be incorporated into learning; and we answer the good question, why does your mouth make sounds when you sneeze, but a sneeze comes from the nose?Today’s guests include: Laura Boyce, Pennsylvania Executive Director of Teach Plus; Stuart Selber, professor of English and director of Penn State’s Digital English Studio; and Dr. Noel Jabbour, director of the Congenital Ear Center at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The Allegheny County Health Department is reviewing ongoing efforts to reduce industrial pollution during temperature inversions; we meet Pittsburgh Food Policy Council’s new executive director; and a look at one Pittsburgh-based startup that has prioritized recruiting neurodivergent people. Today’s guests include: Quinn Glabicki, writer and photographer covering climate and environment with PublicSource; and Joanna (Jo) Deming, executive director at Pittsburgh Food Policy Council.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: In his first weeks, Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed a few executive orders, including one that eliminates a required college degree for most state jobs. A panel of political reporters discuss executive orders and action, or inaction, in the very divided state House and beyond to Washington, D.C.Today’s guests include: Marc Levy, Pennsylvania political reporter with the Associated Press; Katie Meyer, government editor and reporter with Spotlight PA; Marley Parish, who covers the state Senate for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star; and Jonathan Tamari, who covers national politics and policy for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The city is considering whether Allegheny County police officers can assist with staffing patrols downtown, an idea the union representing Pittsburgh police officers opposes; we learn what’s next for Pittsburgh Post-Gazette striking workers after the National Labor Relations Board ruled the paper violated a federal labor law by failing to bargain in good faith with the newsroom’s union; and a new report finds parents who qualify for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program say there are barriers to using the program. Today’s guests include: Kiley Koscinski, city government reporter with WESA; Jillian Forstadt, general assignment reporter with WESA; Maggie Livelsberger, policy director with Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, and Tayler Clemm, mother and community wellness advocate.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: With the announcement of a $50 million pledge from the Pittsburgh Foundation to undertake a new strategic plan focusing on racial equity initiatives, we discuss whether such efforts have historically created a long term impact; anxiety disorders have dominated Pennsylvania’s billion-dollar medical marijuana business, according to an analysis of certifications; and Healthy Start, Inc. has released a comprehensive plan for the county to address inequities for babies and families. Today’s guests include: James Huguley, associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work; Ed Mahon, investigative reporter with Spotlight PA; and Jada Shirriel, chief executive officer of Healthy Start, Inc.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We ask about the implications of the Pittsburgh police again enforcing minor traffic violations, despite a 2021 ordinance to prevent them from doing so; the American Lung Association’s annual State of Tobacco Control report finds Pennsylvania has a long way to go in providing tools for reducing tobacco use and secondhand smoke; and the Pittsburgh Penguins are stumbling heading into the All Star break. Today’s guests include: David Harris, WESA’s legal analyst; Deb Brown, chief mission officer with the American Lung Association; and Rob Rossi, senior writer for The Athletic.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The region is experiencing a shift in power dynamics as new leaders are elected and voters will soon weigh in on who should become the next Allegheny County executive; the local Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count tallied 20,000 crows over Duquesne University; and a report on conventional drillers finds many aren’t following state regulations to protect public health and the environment.Today’s guests include: Charlie Wolfson, local government reporter with PublicSource; and Brian Shema, operations director for the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: More than 30 community organizations received nearly $1 million in Stop the Violence grants, as part of Mayor Ed Gainey’s Pittsburgh Plan for Peace. We ask members from three of those organizations to share what efforts they’re undertaking to reduce violence and promote healthy communities. Today’s guests include: Maureen Anderson, director of programs and operations for Voices Against Violence; Rev. Eileen Smith, executive director of South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace; and Rev. Eleanor Williams, president of the Northside Partnership Project.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We hear from Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey about his new executive order calling for a review of all tax-exempt properties held by nonprofits; the Urban Redevelopment Authority has announced its new executive director, the first woman and first person of Indian descent to hold the position; and how teenagers feel about spaces that are safe and welcoming for them after school, particularly Downtown.Today’s guests include: Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and City Solicitor Krysia Kubiak; and Susheela Nemani-Stanger, executive director of the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The Gainey administration has announced a plan to assess the property tax exemptions of nonprofits, including some of the region’s largest employers; advocates want city and county officials to be more compassionate when closing homeless encampments; Downtown business owners are at odds with teenagers who they say the teens are causing problems in the Golden Triangle; and we answer a question about the role of the king piece in chess. Today’s guests include: Kiley Koscinski, city government reporter with WESA; Daniel Vitek, staff attorney with Community Justice Project; and Ashley Lynn Priore, founder and CEO of Queen’s Gambit.