The Confluence

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The city is appealing the decision of an arbitration panel to reinstate a Pittsburgh police officer who was fired after a civil proceeding found him to have sexually assaulted a colleague; an organization coordinating a volunteer network to deliver food to Pittsburghers is celebrating the passage of a federal bill that would make it easier for organizations to donate food; and a conversation with Pittsburgh Public School District Superintendent Wayne Walters.Today’s guests include: Rich Lord, managing editor of PublicSource; Jennifer England, chief operating officer of 412 Food Rescue; and Wayne Walters, superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald reflects on his three terms in office, accomplishments and challenges of his role in the county, and what’s next, because he’s term-limited.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A look at some of the Pittsburgh-area individuals who have been indicted for their involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol two years ago; and we speak to U.S. Representative Summer Lee, who now represents Beaver and parts of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties as a member of the 118th Congress. Today’s guests include: Torsten Ove, a reporter for the Pittsburgh Union Progress; and Summer Lee, representative for Congressional District 12.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: One of the city’s oldest public housing developments, Bedford Dwellings, could be overhauled if the city is awarded a federal grant; nearly a year after the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge, we discuss the region’s infrastructure needs; and the legacy of Roberto Clemente and his influence on the region. Today’s guests include: Margaret J. Krauss, senior reporter with 90.5 WESA; Jonathan Shimko, past president of the Pittsburgh Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers; and Duane Rieder, founder and executive director of the Clemente Museum.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: City Council has approved a $825 million budget, allocating money for two police training classes and a new food justice fund; a new bookstore in Greenfield is sourcing children and young adult stories that represent all kinds of people and backgrounds; a preview of Kevin Gavin’s 46th annual, all-request Holiday Christmas Show; and a look at the risk of financial abuse and exploitation faced by people with dementia.Today’s guests include: Kiley Koscinski, city government reporter with WESA; Elsie Campbell, co-founder and education specialist for Stories Like Me; and Kevin Gavin, host of the Confluence.

WESA’s the Confluence spoke with Hall of Famer Franco Harris on Monday, just days before his death. The Steeler running back reflected with WESA’s Kevin Gavin on his time with the team and his career-defining play.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Franco Harris died last night at age 72, just before the 50th anniversary Friday of his amazing catch, dubbed the 'Immaculate Reception.' We spoke to Harris earlier this week about the commemoration of the catch, which was a turning point for the Steelers being considered a championship-caliber team. Today’s guests include: Steelers Hall-of-Famer Franco Harris.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Earlier this month, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey proposed changes to split the city’s art commission into two bodies, one for structure designs and landscapes and one for public art, we discuss what these changes mean, and the history of the commission; the Women’s Law Project helps minors seeking judicial bypass in Pennsylvania, and since the Dobbs decision, they’re calling on increased communication to better inform minors of their rights. Today’s guests include: Bill O’Driscoll, WESA arts and culture reporter; Christine Castro, an attorney with the Women’s Law Project.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A new initiative, Caring Connections for YOUth, launched with the intention of addressing youth violence and reducing youth arrests through a 24-hour centralized intake center; a conversation with retiring Congressman Mike Doyle; and a look at how financial mismanagement can be an early sign of dementia. Today’s guests include: Kathi Elliott, CEO of Gwen’s Girls, and Kim Berkeley Clark, President Judge of the Fifth Judicial District Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas; and Mike Doyle, retiring Pittsburgh-area U.S. Representative.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: After a contentious election in November, Pennsylvania Democrats came out in control of the state House, but with three seats now vacant, the balance of power is in question. We discuss this developing story, look back on the year and discuss what’s to come. Today’s guests include: Chris Potter, government and accountability editor with WESA; Stephen Caruso, Capitol reporter with Spotlight PA; and Marc Levy, reporter with the Associated Press.