The Confluence

On today's program: How President Trump’s trade deal could affect PA; cyber security experts are looking for protection from Iranian attacks; a proposed EPA rule could limit public policy materials; APM’s Molly Wood talks about Pittsburgh’s shot as a tech hub; and a local exhibit explores Andy Warhol's complex relationship with Catholicism.

Life is busy, and it can be hard to keep up with the news. That’s why 90.5 WESA is launching a new podcast called Pittsburgh Explainer. Every Friday morning, we’ll bring you the biggest news stories of the week in 20 minutes. Hosted by WESA editor Liz Reid, you’ll hear from the reporters who cover politics, education, tech, health, arts and more, and get the real stories behind the headlines. It’s the news you need, in the time you have. Pittsburgh Explainer launches Feb. 7.

On today's program: Covestro expands its local presence and testing safer hockey equipment; PennDOT will soon enforce speed limits in construction zones; and a dedicated jazz club finds its footing in Pittsburgh.

On today's program: The longtime head of the Delta Foundation has stepped down; New Light Congregation makes a decision about its future; a new book looks at how police-community relations have evolved a decade since the Jordan Miles case; and it’s too early to call, but the Penguins could be eyeing another Stanley Cup run.

On today's program: Pittsburgh’s Council on American-Islamic Relations has named a new leader; special education advocates say the state isn’t keeping up with the cost of services; FamilyLinks considers how to spend a $1 million grant to prevent homelessness; Mayor Peduto comments on Pittsburgh’s declining black population; and the Clairton community decides whether it wants to participate in a settlement with U.S. Steel.

On today's program: PennDOT previews a full year of construction on Western PA roadways; aging infrastructure is putting river communities at risk of increased flooding; what it means to be "radically" body positive; a fond farewell to City Councilor Darlene Harris; and a local professor updates our understanding of Mars' topography.

On today's program: Meet the PSO’s new principal pops conductor; a look back at 2020’s potential biggest business story; why a judge would bar reporters from the courtroom in a capital murder case; a new book explores the business of immortality; and how residents are affected when their neighborhood becomes a hotbed for development.

On today's program: Mayor Bill Peduto on the year ahead and a new City Council; an effort to help gun owners surrender their weapons in times of crisis; local television stations reach a deal with cable providers; American Chestnut trees could make a comeback; and how to recycle your Christmas tree.

On today's program: Gov. Tom Wolf discusses the odds of a minimum wage hike in Pennsylvania; a local woman empowers her neighbors in the "forgotten" West End; and advocates are hoping a change in state law could restore thousands of suspended or revoked drivers licenses.

On today's program: I t’s been a year of incremental progress in Pittsburgh. WESA staffers discuss it all, from a shakeup in the U.S. House and changes to the state justice system to ongoing concerns surrounding air quality, public school finances, major development projects, mayoral priorities and the state of local cultural institutions.