On today’s episode of The Confluence: Pace-O-Matic, a skill games company that’s been lobbying to have their games formally recognized as legal, invited a group of state legislators to Wyoming; data from the U.S. Census Bureau found 5% more Pittsburghers were living in poverty in 2021, compared to two years prior; and the city will be hosting its inaugural Architecture Week. Today’s guests include: Angela Couloumbis, investigative reporter at Spotlight PA; Anita Zuberi, an associate professor of sociology at Duquesne University; and Michelle Fanzo, executive director of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Some conservative activists want to eliminate electronic voting machines and are petitioning their counties to add a ballot question, taking the proposal to voters; an initiative from the University of Pittsburgh looks to make homes more accessible so aging residents can continue to live independently; and we speak to two professors at Pennsylvania Western University who received a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study the influence of learning communities on student outcomes. Today’s guests include: Gillian McGoldrick, Harrisburg bureau chief for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Everette James, director of the Health Policy Institute at the University of Pittsburgh; and Peter Cormas, associate professor in the Department of Education, and Kyle Frederick, professor in the Department of Geosciences, at Pennsylvania Western University.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We talk about the widening availability of COVID-19 vaccines that target certain variants of the virus; and a conversation with an organizer and speaker for the second annual Eradicate Hate Summit, which is convening nearly 300 experts in Pittsburgh to talk about solutions to a rise in hate crimes and hateful rhetoric.Today’s guests include: Dr. Amesh Adalja, infectious disease physician and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security; Laura Ellsworth, partner-in-charge of global community service initiatives at Jones Day and co-chair of the summit, and Julie Platt, board chair of the Jewish Federations of North America.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: State Rep. Dan Frankel has renewed calls to expand the state’s Hate Crimes law after criticizing gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano for giving money to Gab, a right-wing social media site where others have posted antisemitic speech; an organization serving unhoused people has found an increasing need in Pittsburgh as pandemic eviction protections have been rolled back; and an investigation into how although marijuana is permitted for medical use, lawmakers have not clarified the protections workers when it comes to using the substance, even on personal time.Today’s guests include: State Rep. Dan Frankel; Dan Palka, administrative director with Allegheny Health Network’s Reaching Out on the Streets (R.O.O.T.S.); and Ed Mahon, investigative reporter with Spotlight PA

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Gov. Tom Wolf is arguing the GOP-led legislature’s effort to combine measures in one bill violates the state constitution which prohibits passing laws regarding multiple, unrelated issues; the longevity of Roberto Clemente’s Sports City is under debate as the Puerto Rican government claims the player’s family has let it fall into disrepair; and the state Department of Education is updating its science standards, the first revision since they were created in 2002. Today’s guests include: Sam Dunklau, capitol bureau chief for WESA; Tom Fontaine, editor of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review; and Karen Molchanow, executive director for the State Board of Education, and Brian Gasper, chief of the Division of Instructional Quality in the Department of Education.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A report from the state Department of Corrections shows recidivism rates have changed little in the last 15 years; in his new podcast, former NPR host David Greene interviews athletes about the defining moments in their careers, giving insight to their lives; and a new book looks at what happened in McKeesport after its century-old newspaper closed in 2015. Today’s guests include: Kirstin Cornnell, family and community support director with Pennsylvania Prison Society; David Greene, former host of NPR’s Morning Edition and host of the podcast “In the Moment with David Greene.”

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A WESA investigation looks at the death of 15-year-old Marquis Campbell, and a proposal for remote learning that some staff at Pittsburgh Oliver Citywide Academy say could have kept him away from harm; more living facilities are creating LGBTQ-friendly spaces for aging residents; and a preview of the second Pittsburgh International Literary Festival.Today’s guests include: Oliver Morrison, reporter with WESA; Jim Pieffer, president and CEO of Presbyterian SeniorCare Network; and Andrés Franco, executive director of City of Asylum.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: More than two years since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily life, we discuss how the pandemic impacted the health and long-term care industries and we speak with experts about where the future of health care in the region is heading. Today’s guests include: Heather Tomko, a disability advocate and outreach coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh; Howard Degenholtz, professor of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health; Nancy Murray, senior vice president of Achieva and the president of the Arc of Greater Pittsburgh at Achieva; and Claire Zangerle, the chief nurse executive at Allegheny Health Network.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We look at the differences between gubernatorial candidates Doug Mastriano and Josh Shapiro’s plans regarding K-12 education policy; the first Hall of Fame class has been announced for the Pirates; and a new esports arena has been opened at Duquesne City School District to introduce students to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Today’s guests include: Katie Meyer, political reporter with WHYY; Jim Trdinich, Pittsburgh Pirates historian; and Michelle Stowell and Marcie Yunkun, teachers with Duquesne City School District.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: As a new school year begins for Pittsburgh Public Schools students, we talk to the executive director of A+ Schools about what he’s hoping for from the district’s new superintendent; if Mehmet Oz wins the race for U.S. Senate, he could become the first Muslim member elected to the chamber, but religion has barely been mentioned in the campaign; and a look at the prohibitive cost of hearing aids. Today’s guests include: James Fogarty, executive director of A+ Schools; and Marc Levy, a reporter covering Pennsylvania politics and government for the Associated Press.