The Confluence

On today's program: The lead author of an MIT white paper explains how slowed coal production in Greene County translates to a loss of jobs and tax revenue; residents of long-term care facilities are still waiting for some “normalcy” after vaccination; and ahead of her talk with Pittsburgh Arts and Lectures, poet Naomi Shihab Nye tells us how poetry can help her find clarity.

On today's program: Pittsburgh Councilor Deborah Gross explains why the city enacted its own eviction ban, despite various rent moratoria in place, and why the ban is within the council’s purview; the city may see a baby boom this year, despite the pandemic-related recession and a predicted baby-bust nationwide; and the livestream talk show “Alone / Together / Pittsburgh” marks a year of in production.

On today's program: The state board tasked with licensing and overseeing casinos has become a “golden parachute” for some lawmakers and the politically connected, explains Spotlight PA reporter Angela Couloumbis; and a palliative care social worker tells us what it means to die well, and why the pandemic is making it harder for her to support patients.

On today's program: Nina Esposito-Visgitis, the president of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, explains what she’s hearing from members now that educators will be prioritized to receive the newly approved Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine; and local urban agriculture leaders explain why their work has become more needed in the pandemic, and how grants from the state Farm Bill could help.

On today's program: The executive director of Trying Together explains the state of the region’s child care industry, and how $303 million from the Wolf Administration could help; Environmental Health News found five southwestern Pennsylvania families were exposed to unhealthy levels of chemicals associated with oil and gas production; and how glitches in the distribution of the state’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance has caused series issues for some in the Commonwealth.

On today's program: Last year Pittsburgh saw the lowest number of businesses bankruptcies in 17 years, what does this mean for the pandemic-driven recession; fossil fuel advocates spoke to state representatives from both parties last week, highlighting disagreements about how to handle energy and climate change; and a local musician celebrates his 50th weekly porch concert, which started as a way to entertain his neighborhood during the lockdown.

On today's program: The president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association says long-term care facilities aren’t getting the COVID-19 vaccine priority they need; a World War II veteran who helped break German U-boat codes celebrates her 100th birthday; and amid an impending budget shortfall, the Port Authority of Allegheny County is accepting public comment about its long-term transit plans.

On today's program: PublicSource reporter Rich Lord explains why some tenant advocacy groups are looking for ways to grow renters’ political influence in his latest story about “Tenant Cities”; and the Pittsburgh Union of Regional Renters has been recruiting volunteers to help those experiencing evictions with everything from remembering their hearing date to filling out paperwork.

On today's program: The Pennsylvania State Education Association says it’s disappointed the U.S. Department of Education is not waiving annual assessments but appreciates flexibility from the state; PA Youth Congress, a youth LGBTQ advocacy organization, says there is an epidemic of violence against transgender people; and a researcher explains how HIV and COVID-19 have disproportionately affected people of color.

On today's program: State Rep. Ed Gainey received his largest endorsement for mayor to date from SEIU Healthcare; environmental groups are raising concerns about renewed permits for a fracking well in Plum Borough; and state Rep. Jordan Harris gives his take on the governor’s proposal to support college students attending state universities through a new scholarship program.