The Confluence

On today’s program: We hear how waivers that provided more flexibility and eased administrative burdens helped medical facilities face the pandemic, but they’re set to expire later this month; an obstetrician-gynecologist explains why a new bereavement leave policy for city employees will help those facing pregnancy loss; and a conversation about the increasing mental health needs of children and teenagers in the pandemic.

On today’s program: The latest from Allegheny County Council, which approved a sick leave ordinance and rejected a mask mandate for large crowds last night; the lead physician from a clinic to treat “long COVID” explains how his team is trying to relieve symptoms and pinpoint the cause of the lingering disease; and a COVID-19 “long hauler” who contracted the virus a year ago, and is still experiencing symptoms, shares the strain it has put on her life.

On today’s program: James Fogarty with A+ Schools shares his thoughts on the resignation of Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Hamlet; we look at how people on the autism spectrum struggle in the justice system, and what’s being done to make conditions better in Pennsylvania; and we speak to a STEM educator about how the state’s science education standards are being updated to address climate change.

On today’s program: We look back on the effect of the Sept. 11 attacks, 20 years ago, speaking to former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy; a pilot whose orders were to bring Flight 93 down; residents who experienced racism and prejudice in the wake of the attacks; the architect who designed the memorial to the victims of Flight 93; and the superintendent stewarding the Flight 93 National Memorial.

On today’s program: The state has already created guidance for expanding dementia care in the commonwealth, but despite a growing, aging population, few recommendations have been implemented; we look at the possible effects of a bill meant to reduce gun violence due to mental health crises, which has been introduced to the state legislature; and a reflection from Colonel Paul Evanko, the commissioner of the State Police when Flight 93 went down in Somerset County on Sept. 11, 2001.

On today’s program: U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh expects the economy to rebuild post-pandemic and improve with an emphasis on domestic production and expanding child care; the state senator first in charge of leading a forensic audit of November’s election has been reassigned and replaced, a move that highlights the power legislative leaders have in Pennsylvania; and a look at how one Pennsylvania city is operating a system of regular rental inspections, a process some in Pittsburgh hope to adopt.

On today’s program: Braddock Mayor Chardaé Jones says it might take forums and regular clinics to vaccinate more residents in her borough; with Pittsburgh Public School students returning to classrooms tomorrow, we ask why alternative modes of transportation, like walking and biking, aren’t being used by more students; and a conversation with a therapist about how the pandemic has increasingly impacted people’s anxieties.

On today’s program: The state Department of Health announced a mask order for people in schools and child care facilities that will take effect next Tuesday; Jewish Family and Community Services is helping Afghan refugees get settled in their new home; and we answer the question, why do songs get stuck in our heads?

On today’s program: A new map from the state Department of Human Services shows health inequities in the commonwealth and the correlation to food insecurity and redlining; why the history of industrialist and business owner Sarah B. Cochran, once called “America’s only coal queen,” isn’t as well-known as her male counterparts; and we look into whether dinosaurs used to roam Pittsburgh.

On today’s program: Education reporter Sarah Schneider puts the finding of a state ethics investigation into Pittsburgh Public Schools superintendent into context; McKees Rocks is getting $2.3 million from the state to address blight, but one council member hopes to simultaneously build affordable housing; and a look at the 50 year anniversary of the Pirates debuting a lineup of all players of color.