The Confluence

On today’s program: Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald explains why the county hasn’t declared a mask mandate or mitigation efforts despite rising COVID-19 cases, mandates for new and current employees, and what businesses can do; and how ending weekly free phone calls impact those incarcerated who are trying to stay connected with loved ones.

On today’s program: The process for reimbursing state lawmakers for per diem spending has come under scrutiny, but those same lawmakers have done little to increase oversight; a bill will be heard this week in the House Transportation Committee seeks to allow undocumented residents to apply for drivers licenses in the Commonwealth; and how the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is trying to engage with visitors and community members regarding a controversial diorama that’s been on exhibit for over 100 years

On today’s program: State Rep. Jim Struzzi is sponsoring legislation to make fentanyl strips, which are considered drug paraphernalia, legal; an explanation of how teachers actually develop lesson plans, amid attempts to limit frameworks like critical race theory; and a look at what it means for the state to be testing landfill decomposition for radium and radiation.

On today’s program: UPMC’s newly appointed president and CEO Leslie Davis talks about why the healthcare company is not currently requiring COVID-19 vaccines among employees, plans for expansion, and it’s work to pay a minimum of $15 an hour; and attorney Bill Maruca explains what is and is not a HIPAA violation, especially when it comes to asking about vaccination status.

On today’s program: An update on the latest COVID-19 news and a look at the region’s rate of COVID-19 transmission, which has started to tick up as the delta variant spreads; an exhibit on women’s attire in sports from 1800 to 1960 debuted at The Frick Pittsburgh, just in time for the world to see a full range of outfits worn by athletes in the summer Olympics; and a local Marine explains how he met his dog while deployed in the Republic of Georgia, and his journey to get her back from overseas.

On today’s program: Unemployment fraud has become a business, according to investigative reporting from ProPublica, which found users on Telegram selling “sauces” to help scammers defraud state unemployment systems, including the Commonwealth’s; in light of the county considering a Westmoreland Trail to the Great Allegheny Passage connection, a look at the history of Turtle Creek, a tributary of the Monongahela River where remains of plants that supported the region’s steel industry are still visible; and a reflection on Skibo Gym, one of Carnegie Mellon University’s oldest buildings, which is about to undergo construction.

On today’s program: A recently released report found housing is unaffordable for most Americans working minimum-wage jobs; with municipalities across the state worried about their local economies post-pandemic, Pitt’s Institute of Politics analyzed these challenges and proposed solutions in their latest report; and we learn if beetles can walk backwards.

On today’s program: The state Supreme Court is considering police use-of-force rules that allow officers to use deadly force when someone is escaping arrest; a study will look at how effectively the COVID-19 vaccine creates antibodies in pregnant and postpartum people; and a new book explores the impact of colonialism in higher education, from the land the institution sits on to the admissions process.

On today’s program: With utility moratoriums ending, Oliver Morrison of PublicSource details how local water authorities are trying to help low-income customers sign up for assistance programs; roboticist William “Red” Whittaker and archivist Katherine Barbera explain how Carnegie Mellon University’s “Robotics Project” is archiving the history of robot development; and a look at how arts venues are implementing safety protocols as they reopen after a year without performances.

On today’s program: Attorney David Shrager explains why some case proceedings were postponed during the pandemic, and how courts are now getting around to the backlog; COVID-19 cases are going up in the county, with unvaccinated people at risk Dr. Maya Ragavan with the Pittsburgh Community Vaccine Collaborative explains efforts to understand why people are vaccine-hesitant; and an investigation into McKeesport apartments where residents say conditions are unlivable.