On today’s episode of The Confluence: A state program promised to give homeowners some financial relief during the pandemic, but thousands of applicants are waiting, on average, six months for the final stage of approval; and a look at the city’s landslide problem, exacerbated by climate change and lack of preventative measures.Today’s guests include: Charlotte Keith, investigative reporter with Spotlight PA; and Quinn Glabicki, environmental reporter with PublicSource and Rebecca Kiernan, assistant director of sustainability and resilience at Pittsburgh’s Department of City Planning.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Groups of private citizens can now apply to resettle refugees in the United States and we discuss what it takes to help someone escape their country and resettle in a new community; Lunar New Year began Sunday, and we discuss how else to celebrate the holiday in Pittsburgh; and tenants from a downtown apartment are struggling to find affordable housing since their complex was damaged in a fire.Today’s guests include: Ivonne Smith-Tapia, director of refugee and immigrant services at Jewish Family and Community Services; Marian Lien, president of the Organization of Chinese Americans in Pittsburgh.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Pennsylvania has a new governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the state House navigating razor thin margins; we discuss the priorities for the coming year and what’s ahead with new leadership. Today’s guests include: Stephen Caruso, Capitol reporter with Spotlight PA; John Micek, editor in chief at Pennsylvania Capital-Star; Chris Potter, government and accountability editor at WESA; and Charles Thompson, government reporter with PennLive.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Gov. Tom Wolf issued a record-breaking number of pardons during his tenure — 2,540 while in office — and we discuss the work being done to offer those who were incarcerated second chances; the Community College of Allegheny County got a funding increase from the county, we talk about what’s on the horizon for the local institution following enrollment decreases; and we answer a listener's question about whose responsibility it is to maintain private roads in the city. Today’s guests include: Sharon Dietrich, litigation director at Community Legal Services, Inc.; and Quintin Bullock, president of the Community College of Allegheny County.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The federal Environmental Protection Agency has proposed reducing the standard for fine particulate matter pollution allowed before a regulatory agency steps in, but some advocates say the standard should be lower; the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh’s music director is stepping down after seven seasons with the group; and a look at the life of Mary Cardwell Dawson, who founded the National Negro Opera Company here in Pittsburgh.Today’s guests include: Kristina Marusic, reporter with Environmental Health News; and Matthew Mehaffey, the Robert Page Music Director of the Mendelssohn Choir Of Pittsburgh.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Pittsburgh has shown strong growth in the science and technology sector — but a new report indicates to remain competitive, it must overcome workforce challenges; we discuss ‘Revolving Doors,’ a new exhibit at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, which shows Jewish cultural life contrasted with antisemitism across time.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We discuss the physical and mental impacts of giving birth and the “4th Trimester,” new federal legislation that aims to offer protections for birthing parents, and what care these birthing parents need after labor. Today’s guests include: Julanne Bibro-Ruch, behavioral health and wellness specialist at the Midwife Center for Birth & Women's Health; Dr. Yasaswi Kislovskiy, an obstetrician with Allegheny Health Network; Ta’Lor Pinkston, Moving Beyond Depression clinician with Healthy Start; Dr. Pritha Workman, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We speak to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey about his recent cancer diagnosis and treatment, and priorities in this session of Congress; and a look at the rising rates of congenital syphilis in Pennsylvania, and what parents can do to reduce the risk to newborn babies.Today’s guests include: U.S. Sen. Bob Casey; and Dr. Kathleen Schwabenbauer, the neonatal intensive care unit medical director at UPMC Magee-Womens hospital.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: It’s been a year since Ed Gainey took office as mayor of Pittsburgh, and in that time he’s taken steps to implement his Plan for Peace, but also has yet to appoint a new police chief; and we turn to an expert in nutritional physiology to answer the question, what is milk made of?Today’s guests include: Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey; and Kevin Harvatine, a professor of nutritional physiology at Pennsylvania State University.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The City of Pittsburgh distributed nearly $1 million in Stop the Violence grants, and the Council President is calling for oversight on the funding; and a conversation with McKeesport native and the state’s first Black lieutenant governor Austin Davis, about his approach to governing.Today’s guests include: Theresa Kail-Smith, Pittsburgh City Council president; and Austin Davis, incoming Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.