On today’s episode of The Confluence: Lawmakers in Harrisburg are looking at the upcoming budget and what do to with a surplus of funds; and as the city is planning to open its first needle exchange — which will offer clean supplies to those using drugs — we learn what additional supports are needed. Today’s guests include: Sam Dunklau, WESA’s Capitol Bureau Chief; Kiley Koscinski, WESA reporter; Laura Drogowski, a manager in the Pittsburgh Office of Community Health and Safety; and Joshua Schneider, an Overdose Prevention Coordinator in the Pittsburgh Office of Community Health & Safety.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The state Supreme Court could consider three cases that challenge the inability of municipalities to set their own gun regulations; the airport has added more direct flights, in anticipation of a busy summer season; and we speak to an attorney about how their undocumented clients are faring after a South Side office that held immigration hearings was closed.Today’s guests include: Angela Couloumbis, investigative reporter at Spotlight PA; Christina Cassotis, CEO of the Allegheny County Airport Authority; and Kristen Schneck, a Pittsburgh-based immigration attorney.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Physicians in Pennsylvania can’t advertise their ability to prescribe marijuana, but marijuana certification businesses are making millions of dollars connecting patients to physicians; the State Small Business Credit Initiative Program will soon be distributing $584 million to businesses in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware; and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s president and CEO is retiring after two decades at the helm. Today’s guests include: Ed Mahon, investigative reporter with Spotlight PA; Steve D’Ettorre, state deputy secretary of technology and innovation; and J. Kevin McMahon, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We get the latest on the pediatric COVID-19 vaccination for children ages six months to five years old as the FDA prepares to review the results of a trial; a bill in Harrisburg could make it easier for out-of-state teachers to get authorized to instruct in Pennsylvania schools; and a look at the best restaurants in Pittsburgh. Today’s guests include: Dr. Andrew Nowalk, clinical director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; Nina Esposito-Visgitis, president at Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers; and Hal B. Klein, Pittsburgh Magazine's food editor and dining critic.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We learn about U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick's lawsuit on the counting of mail-in ballots; we ask a Duquesne educator how to help children and young people process the shooting in Uvalde, Texas; and we speak with the director and a member of the Tamburitzans, an 85-year-old folk music group.Today’s guests include: Marc Levy, reporter with the Associated Press; Tammy Hughes, professor with Duquesne University’s School of Education; and Alyssa Bushunow, executive director of the Tamburitzans, and Nick Hladio, a student performer with the group.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We discuss the inaugural joint audit of the Pittsburgh Police Bureau developed by the city controller’s office and Citizen Police Review Board; we look at how well Pittsburgh 2030 District has advanced in reducing energy use and water consumption by 50%, a goal it hopes to achieve by 2030; and we get a preview of the Three Rivers Arts Festival, which begins next weekend.Today’s guests include: Michael Lamb, Pittsburgh’s city controller and Beth Pittinger, executive director of the Citizen Police Review Board; Chris Cieslak, senior director of Pittsburgh 2030 District; and Sarah Aziz, director of festival management at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A Right-to-Know request reveals the poor conditions documented at the Fern Hollow Bridge by inspectors in October 2021, months before its collapse; and a look at how Doug Mastriano, the GOP nominee for governor, garnered grassroots support to set himself apart in a crowded field of candidates. Today’s guests include: Sean Hamill, reporter with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; and Stephen Caruso, capitol reporter with Spotlight PA.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We learn why a printer error is holding up the processing of 16,000 ballots in Lancaster County; although 90% of incarcerated Pennsylvanians are vaccinated, COVID-19 restrictions persist at state prisons; and a look at how the local food bank is reacting to the continual rise in food prices, and how it’s affecting their clients and services. Today’s guests include: Gillian McGoldrick, Harrisburg bureau chief for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Danielle Ohl, investigative reporter with Spotlight PA; and Josh Murphy, director of supply chain strategy at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: As state primary election results are solidified, we learn more about some impactful incumbent races where longtime legislators experienced upsets; a $2 million grant will help Veterans Place build handicap-accessible apartments and a wellness and behavior health center; and a local makerspace is teaching students and adults about the impact of the African diaspora on science, technology, engineering and math. Today’s guests include: Sam Dunklau, WESA’s capitol bureau chief; Rob Hamilton, executive director of Veteran’s Place of Washington Boulevard; and Ja’Sonta Roberts, the off-site programs manager at Assemble, a Pittsburgh nonprofit maker-space.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We discuss the results of Pennsylvania's contentious primary election and what's next in the general election.Today’s guests include: Dana Brown, executive director of the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics; Ben Forstate, a political consultant; Chris Potter, government and accountability editor with WESA; and Julia Terruso, political reporter with the Philadelphia Inquirer.