Kevin Gavin
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On today’s episode of The Confluence: A new report from the National Council on Teacher Quality found not all teachers are trained in scientifically proven strategies for teaching children to read; what Duquesne University is doing to educate future teachers about these reading strategies; and a look at why one Pennsylvania Republican is advocating for the removal of a tool that prevents voters from casting ballots in more than one state.
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On today’s episode of The Confluence: A jury found Robert Bowers guilty on all counts in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial, still leaving in question whether he will receive the death penalty; and a conversation with WQED’s incoming president and CEO, Jason Jedlinksi.
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On today’s episode of The Confluence: Monday is Juneteenth, and the anniversary of the death of Antwon Rose II, a 17-year-old killed by an East Pittsburgh police officer. We discuss the social justice movement in the city and state in the years since Rose’s death.
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On today’s episode of The Confluence: New data released from the U.S. Census reports that Pittsburgh’s population has held steady at about 303,000 people, but a number of suburbs have experienced decline; a look at a special tour Rivers of Steel exploring the contributions of many Black workers at the Carrie Furnaces; and we discuss how Tree Pittsburgh plans to grow as it buys the land it leased in Lawrenceville.
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On today’s episode of The Confluence: We discuss how much money the state legislature and governor’s office spent on private law firms while litigating the school funding trial; Pittsburgh Regional Transit officially received federal funds for the bus rapid transit project, which will be called the University Line, we get an update on where that stands; and Pennsylvania’s old growth forests–what’s being done to protect them?
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On today’s episode of The Confluence: We speak to the mayors of Clairton and Rankin about the work of their communities to exit Act 47, meaning the municipalities have moved out of financial distress; Allegheny County Democrats gathered Saturday for a “unity picnic,” showing solidarity around the party’s nominees ahead of November’s election; and where families can get meals over summer break.
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On today’s episode of The Confluence: The Pennsylvania Department of Education is accepting applications from schools to develop disability-inclusive curriculum for K-12 students; a 6,000 square foot warehouse is slated to open as a food hall in Lawrenceville; and local author Jolene McIlwain just published her debut story collection “Sidle Creek,” with stories set in rural Western Pennsylvania.
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On today’s episode of The Confluence: The state budget is supposed to be approved by the end of the month, challenging Gov. Josh Shapiro to find a compromise between a divided legislature. We also discuss candidates for state attorney general, bipartisan legislation to improve rail safety, and more on our State Politics Roundtable show.
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On today’s episode of The Confluence: The White House designated Pittsburgh one of five “workforce hubs,” but what does that actually mean for the region and what growth are we seeing in the manufacturing industry; it’s been 50 years since excavation began at the Meadowcroft Rockshelter, which identified Paleoindians living in the region 19,000 years ago; and for WESA’s Good Question! series, a look at how the community of Fairywood got its name.
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On today’s episode of The Confluence: Pittsburgh is planning to invest at least $25 million over several years into affordable housing using money from bonds; a look at cases coming up before the U.S Supreme Court and their potential effect here in Pennsylvania; and, in an effort to reduce maternal mortality, the state’s Department of Human Services is partnering with the Pennsylvania Doula Commission to offer perinatal certifications so doulas can get reimbursed for providing care to Medicaid patients.