Good Question Kid!

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The state’s Independent Fiscal Office wrote in a report about public education funding stating that there is “little or no correlation” between between funding and student test scores over the course of a single year, but some lawmakers are pushing back against that conclusion; a Pitt researcher asked local kin and foster parents about how the pandemic is affecting their children’s education; and as part of our Good Question Kid! series, we ask, why and how do hyenas eat bones?

On today’s episode of The Confluence: WESA transportation and development reporter Margaret J. Krauss explains what we know so far about Mayor Ed Gainey’s latest picks to lead city departments, and what we can learn about his approach to development; the Port of Pittsburgh Commission’s executive director Mary Ann Bucci tells us what impact the roughly $860 million will have on the Montgomery Locks; and, for our Good Question, Kid! Series, we ask a physicist if it’s possible for a meteor to be struck by lightning.

On today’s episode of The Confluence: The Port Authority of Allegheny County’s CEO and chief development officer weigh in on the projects and transit improvements they hope to tackle with the help of federal infrastructure funds; photographer Njaimeh Njie talks about her latest book, “This Is Where We Find Ourselves,” which blends her own history with commentary on the gentrification in the city; and we answer the question: Is the universe constantly expanding?

On today’s program: The state Department of Health announced a mask order for people in schools and child care facilities that will take effect next Tuesday; Jewish Family and Community Services is helping Afghan refugees get settled in their new home; and we answer the question, why do songs get stuck in our heads?

On today’s program: A recently released report found housing is unaffordable for most Americans working minimum-wage jobs; with municipalities across the state worried about their local economies post-pandemic, Pitt’s Institute of Politics analyzed these challenges and proposed solutions in their latest report; and we learn if beetles can walk backwards.