On today’s episode of The Confluence:
- The state has ended its contract with a company hired to distribute funding and review applications for mortgage relief. Charlotte Keith, investigative reporter with Spotlight PA, says the state alleges the company, Innovative Emergency Management, Inc., actually denied assistance to some applicants in order to close applications more quickly. (0:00 - 8:47)
- The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s seventh artistic director has taken the helm. Adam McKinney is PBT’s first artistic director of color, and joins us to discuss his vision for the role. (8:55 - 17:46)
- Last year, Pennsylvania legalized fentanyl test strips, which allow people who use drugs to detect the powerful synthetic opioid’s presence in the drugs they consume. While advocates lauded the move, they also say it’s not enough because new contaminants have already made their way into drug supplies, and the ability to test for many of those substances isn’t currently available to the average person. As 90.5 WESA’s Jillian Forstadt reports, that lack of access is likely costing lives. (17:54 - 22:30)
The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in Monday to Friday at 9 a.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators take an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here for wherever you get your podcasts.
