Tube City Online's "Two Rivers, 30 Minutes" - McKeesport, PA Tube City Online - McKeesport

Topic: Catching up with the "Bard of Braddock"
Guest: Filmmaker Tony Buba
How Topic Discussed: During a filmmaking career that has spanned 50 years, Tony Buba has probably done more to put Braddock on the map than any other person since Andrew Carnegie. What was his first exposure to movie making? Where did he learn to tell stories? Why did he choose to stay in Braddock? How is he mentoring other filmmakers and storytellers? What projects keep him fired up?

Topic: The history of local emergency medical providers — and current challenges
Guest: Paul Falavolito, chief, White Oak EMS
How Topic Discussed: White Oak Emergency Medical Services is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. How have EMS and ambulance services evolved? What are current career paths to a career in emergency medicine? What are some of the differences between a paramedic and an EMT? Why are EMS services around Western Pennsylvania facing staffing and budgetary challenges? How can residents help support their local EMS or rescue squads?

Topic: High school students hold a summit to discuss local issues affecting their communities
Guests: Jazlynn Sanders, Nathan Scott and Mia Damico, seniors at Woodland Hills High School
How Topic Discussed: For five years, the Woodland Hills School District has presented a student summit. This year’s summit featured students from 16 rural, suburban and urban districts, including Aliquippa High School, Belle Vernon Area High School, Carlynton High School, City of Bridges High School, Greater Johnstown High School, Mt. Lebanon High School, Penn Hills High School, Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy, Seneca Valley High School, South Fayette High School, South Side Area High School, Steel Valley High School, Westinghouse High School, West Mifflin High School, Westmont Hilltop High School and Woodland Hills High School. How did students select the eight topics to be discussed? Why did students focus on subjects such as Racial and Social Equity, Police Relations, Mental Health, Creating Positive Change in Your Schools, Gun Violence, Humanitarian Services (including Disability Awareness), LGBTQ+ Issues, and Animal and Environmental Considerations? How did student leaders guide each discussion? What perspectives did students share? What do the students wish the public knew about their school and their school district?

Topic: How the Braddock's Battlefield History Center tells the story of the "first" world war (in 1755)
Guest: Shawn MacIntyre, Public Engagement & Operations Manager
How Topic Discussed: What were the global conditions that set the stage for the so-called "French & Indian War"? When did the first European colonial settlers arrive in what is now Western Pennsylvania? What was indigenous life like? Why did the British and French both want control over the area that is now known as Pittsburgh? What incidents sparked the battle between the French and English? How does the Braddock Battlefield History Center tell that story?

Topic: How the Salvation Army meets the spiritual and physical needs of an impoverished community
Guests: Captains Moner & Sarah Lapaix
How Topic Discussed: What is the Salvation Army and how does it function as both a church and a charity? Where did the Lapaixes meet? How long have they been working in ministry? How long have they been in McKeesport? How did they assess the needs of the community and what have they identified as top priorities? What are some of their near-term and long-term goals? How can the community get involved?

Guest: Dr Ernie “TC” Wade
Topic: Using drama to tell the story of the civil rights movement
How Topic Discussed: One of eight children, Ernie Wade is a native of Pittsburgh who grew up in Beltzhoover and attended Johnson C Smith University, University of Wisconsin and Michigan State University. How did his Pittsburgh upbringing stay with him during his career? What does he remember about the racial climate in Pittsburgh's South Hills? Why did he decide to write the play, "Words from the Trail"? Why did the play go dormant for several years, and why has he brought it back now? What is the "Letters to Martin Reincarnation Tour"? What can discussing the civil-rights struggles of the past tell us about our present and future? Why is it so important to have a discussion about Black and African American history at this moment in the United States?