The Confluence

On today’s program: A look at how K-12 schools might benefit from the $300 million increase allocated in the state budget; David Hickton of the new Pitt Disinformation Lab explains how disinformation is being spread online in an effort to divide the public; and Dawn Keezer with the Pittsburgh Film Office says film production is making a strong comeback this summer and fall.

On today’s program: The Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted to end the disorderly conduct code for students in 6th through 12th grades, a move Gwen’s Girls CEO Kathi Elliott says needs to be coupled with resources to keep students out of the criminal justice system; Republicans say an effort to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will raise electricity rates, but experts say that’s not for certain; and two Pittsburgh queer community activists talk about how Pride celebrations have changed over the decades and why archiving the history of LGBTQ residents is critical.

On today’s program: State Sen. Lisa Baker, co-chair of the Juvenile Justice Task Force, describes the findings of the group’s recent report and what improvements can be made; Pittsburgh Public School’s Minika Jenkins explains why one of the district’s summer learning options, Summer B.O.O.S.T. Program, is starting a week late, and serving fewer students than expected; and Acting Middle District U.S. Attorney Bruce Brandler reflects on his work to investigate pandemic relief theft and the U.S. Capitol attack.

Sen. David Argall (R-Schuylkill) is supporting another audit of Pennsylvania’s 2020 general election, but there is no evidence of fraud and he doesn’t offer details about how this audit could take place; foster youth who aged out of the system during the pandemic have the option to reenter the system to receive services; and a new collection of poems and essays takes readers on a guide through Pittsburgh neighborhoods.

On today’s program: The region’s economy has improved with unemployment lower and consumer confidence on the rise, but there are still targeted efforts needed to help get employment and economic growth back to pre-pandemic levels; and how can the region best support residents in need as federal, state and local aid given during the pandemic phases out.

Allegheny County received roughly $3 million in funds from the state to support parole and probation services for adults, potentially improving the system to reduce recidivism; Libraries across the state adapted to the pandemic, taking on new digital services for patrons, as doors open again what will the library carry over; and an athlete from Irwin will compete in this year’s Paralympics in Tokyo in Goalball.

On today’s program: Associated Press reporter Marc Levy tells how Republican lawmakers hope to enact veto-proof voter referendums; and William Marshall, organizer of Pittsburgh’s Juneteenth commemoration, explains how the historic day has grown through the years to both celebrate and educate.

On today’s program: The state Department of Human Services plans to move some responsibilities currently handled by local Area Agencies on Aging to a private company, Maximus, despite concern from advocates and bipartisan coalition of legislators; Kurtis Menniti from Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc. explains how the organization’s pardon hub helps those previously incarcerated apply to clear their criminal records; and how compassion fatigue impacts educators and caregivers for young children.

On today’s program: As Esther Bush, the decades-long head of the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh, retires, she hopes for businesses and local politicians to make the Steel City a better place for Black residents; and how returning to the office can cause anxiety for employees of color who experience microaggressions and racism at work.

On today’s program: Plans were approved for the construction of an office tower in the Lower Hill, but questions remain on how residents will benefit; the city has gathered 13 ambassadors to create equitable food policy and fight food apartheid and insecurity; and a look at the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Pennsylvania.