On today’s episode of The Confluence: With the announcement of a $50 million pledge from the Pittsburgh Foundation to undertake a new strategic plan focusing on racial equity initiatives, we discuss whether such efforts have historically created a long term impact; anxiety disorders have dominated Pennsylvania’s billion-dollar medical marijuana business, according to an analysis of certifications; and Healthy Start, Inc. has released a comprehensive plan for the county to address inequities for babies and families. Today’s guests include: James Huguley, associate dean for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work; Ed Mahon, investigative reporter with Spotlight PA; and Jada Shirriel, chief executive officer of Healthy Start, Inc.
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On today’s episode of The Confluence: The Gainey administration has announced a plan to assess the property tax exemptions of nonprofits, including some of the region’s largest employers; advocates want city and county officials to be more compassionate when closing homeless encampments; Downtown business owners are at odds with teenagers who they say the teens are causing problems in the Golden Triangle; and we answer a question about the role of the king piece in chess. Today’s guests include: Kiley Koscinski, city government reporter with WESA; Daniel Vitek, staff attorney with Community Justice Project; and Ashley Lynn Priore, founder and CEO of Queen’s Gambit.
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Chris Buccini, president of the real estate development firm Buccini Pollin Group, said its plans for the parcel represent a $110 million investment in the Hill District.
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Teenagers have had a more visible presence in downtown Pittsburgh since COVID-19 restrictions have eased. Business owners say large groups of minors create a nuisance that sometimes turns dangerous.
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The State Museum of Pennsylvania has the 24th-largest collection of unrepatriated Native American remains in the U.S. Getting them back to their tribes is a challenge.
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On today’s episode of The Confluence: Groups of private citizens can now apply to resettle refugees in the United States and we discuss what it takes to help someone escape their country and resettle in a new community; Lunar New Year began Sunday, and we discuss how else to celebrate the holiday in Pittsburgh; and tenants from a downtown apartment are struggling to find affordable housing since their complex was damaged in a fire.Today’s guests include: Ivonne Smith-Tapia, director of refugee and immigrant services at Jewish Family and Community Services; Marian Lien, president of the Organization of Chinese Americans in Pittsburgh.
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Pennsylvania lawmakers are looking to remove a provision in state law that bars educators from wearing religious garb while in the classroom. The Senate approved the legislation by a 49-0 vote on Wednesday. The measure now goes to the House.
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The district passed a policy last week that censors inclusive symbols like Pride flags, which some fear may chill classroom discussions.
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Mary Cardwell Dawson’s life was defined by multiple cities, but her musical legacy and activism has a permanent home in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood.
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On today’s episode of The Confluence: Pittsburgh has shown strong growth in the science and technology sector — but a new report indicates to remain competitive, it must overcome workforce challenges; we discuss ‘Revolving Doors,’ a new exhibit at the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, which shows Jewish cultural life contrasted with antisemitism across time.
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Groups around Pittsburgh are gathering Monday and throughout the week to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.