Nick Konopka

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We speak to a member of Black Women for a Better Education about their reaction to the announcement of Pittsburgh Public Schools new superintendent; an investigation into how a city police officer invoked a little-known law to gain legal protection from a colleague that she alleges sexually assaulted her; and how did Squirrel Hill, and some of its streets, get named? Today’s guests include: Allyce Pinchback-Johnson, founding member of Black Women for a Better Education; Megan Harris, lead producer at City Cast Pittsburgh, and Rich Lord, managing editor of PublicSource.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We speak to the leader of a local social service organization about how they hope to use state funding in their violence prevention work; the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 75th anniversary of touring internationally; and a conversation with Pittsburgh-raised actor, singer and now film director Billy Porter, whose latest project was shot in the city. Today’s guests include: Rashad Byrdsong, president and CEO of Community Empowerment Association, Inc.; and Melia Tourangeau, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: We learn about the plan from the Wolf administration to recruit and retain more teachers in the commonwealth; we ask a county councilor about why she’s supporting a ban on fracking in and under county parks; and Pittsburgh is hosting its first Disability Pride event this Saturday.Today’s guests include: Eric Hagarty, acting secretary of education for Pennsylvania; Liv Bennett, Allegheny County councilor; and Vicki Landers, founder and executive director of Disability Pride PA.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Allegheny County is suing three major pharmacy chains for their alleged responsibility in the opioid epidemic; 988, the new Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, launched on Saturday and Pittsburgh workers are already receiving more calls, in part, because the number is easier to remember; and we answer a few 'Good Questions' about the Pittsburgh Pirates. Today’s guests include: Dr. Jack Rozel, medical director of Resolve Crisis Services; and Michael Flaherty, a clinical psychologist and head of St. Francis' Institute for Psychiatry and Addiction Services.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A federal lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice accuses the state court system of discriminating against those with opioid use disorder when some county courts limited or banned the use of medication to treat addiction; state legislation looks to create a registry of vacation rental properties for tax purposes; and what we’ve learned from the James Webb Space Telescope’s first images. Today’s guests include: Ed Mahon, investigative reporter with Spotlight PA; Tony DeLuca, the treasurer of Somerset County and Sara Innamorato, Democratic state representative serving Pittsburgh; and Rachel Bezanson, assistant professor and astronomer with the University of Pittsburgh.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The state budget has established new tax credits, including a permanent child care tax credit and property tax relief for some homeowners and renters; we speak to a mother and business owner who testified before Congress about experiencing burnout during the pandemic; and City Council is tackling three big issues before taking its summer recess. Today’s guests include: Kate Huangpu, government reporter with Spotlight PA; Tori Snyder, a Pittsburgh-based parent and small-business owner; and Kiley Koscinski, city government and policy reporter with WESA.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Allegheny County’s newly appointed controller tells us his priorities as he joins county government and becomes the newest member of the Jail Oversight Board; after the Shuman Juvenile Detention Center closed last September, researchers asked some who had spent time at Shuman what alternatives to the center they want created; and a look at the reaction to the renaming of Heinz Field, now that the lease between the condiment company and football team is coming to an end. Today’s guests include: Corey O’Connor, Allegheny County controller; Sara Goodkind, professor with the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work; and Brian Batko, reporter with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: Allegheny County reported 719 deaths due to a drug overdose in 2021, an increase from the previous year; the state established a database of police personnel records, but an investigation found the tool has created little accountability due to loopholes and a lack of enforcement; and we hear from a paddler and coach with a local dragon boat team. Today’s guests include: Maisha Howze, assistant deputy director for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Office of Behavioral Health; Danielle Ohl, investigative reporter with Spotlight PA; and Naomi Herman, a member of two local dragon boat teams and Bob Randolph, the Steel City Dragons’ head coach and board chair.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The state budget was passed, a week late, so what’s the bottom line?; we learn what happened with the Pittsburgh Penguins at the National Hockey League draft; and a look at how performing arts groups are recovering in finances and audience numbers after staging full seasons for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic.Today’s guests include: Sam Dunklau, WESA’s capitol bureau chief; and Mike DeFabo, Penguins beat writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: A decade after Duquesne City School District closed its middle school, eighth graders have been approved to return, we learn how the district is preparing; and after almost 30 years with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the city’s police chief retired, taking a new job with the FBI, he reflects on his time leading the police force through the Black Lives Matter protests.Today’s guests include: Scott Schubert, retired Pittsburgh Police Bureau chief; Sue Mariani, superintendent of Duquesne City School District.