In The News
In chaotic era, conference aims to amplify 1st Amendment
For two days in Pittsburgh, a national exploration of what the First Amendment means to America in 2018 dug into every corner of this notion to understand where we are, and where we’re going, in terms of the rights Americans have to express themselves.
Secrets, social media and fake news: The status of the First Amendment
Some of the country’s top journalists, legal experts and former government officials explored issues related to press freedom at the National Conference on the First Amendment at Duquesne University. Here are some voices and thoughts from the two-day event.
NYT, Washpo, PG editors discuss First Amendment, risks to journalists during Duquesne U. session
All three editors agreed that newspapers are facing regular criticism, stoked by President Donald Trump, but said readers are also recognizing the importance of a free press.
Legislature approves ending license suspensions for certain crimes in Pa.
In the final hours of the legislative session last week, lawmakers in Harrisburg overwhelmingly approved a bill that will end the practice of suspending driver’s licenses for those convicted of certain non-driving offenses. Gov. Tom Wolf is expected to sign the bill this week. Editor’s note: The article sites an op-ed by Maxwell King and Matt Smith in support of the bill.
Is social media a detriment to free speech? Experts at First Amendment conference weigh in
Experts on the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment rights did not agree Sunday on the role social media and technology have played in promoting or chilling free speech. Duquesne and The Pittsburgh Foundation presented the conference in collaboration with the National Constitution Center.
National Conference on the First Amendment opens Sunday at Duquesne University
Some of the country’s foremost legal experts, journalists and other public figures will attend the National Conference on the First Amendment at Duquesne University, co-sponsored by The Pittsburgh Foundation. The two-day conference begins Sunday and features Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Executive Editor David Shribman and columnist Tony Norman.
AlphaLab & AlphaLab Gear Demo Day unveils the tech of tomorrow. Here’s what we saw.
On Oct. 16, these entrepreneurs took over Stage AE to show off the fruits of their labor at the 2018 AlphaLab and AlphaLab Gear Demo Day. Innovation Works partnered with several local foundations to host the event, including The Pittsburgh Foundation and the BNY Mellon Foundation. Innovation Works offers accelerator and incubation programs to support small companies through every stage of their development.
SisTers PGH works to change the experience of transitioning in Pittsburgh
SisTers is a Small and Mighty Grantee. The organization was started by Ciora Thomas who was kicked out of her home and homeless at age 14, when she began her transition. SisTers aims to help transitioning people find shelter, so they don't end up on the streets, and don't experience "the same hellish existence that she did."
Mac Miller fund launching, LA concert to kick it off
“Mac Miller was among the brightest young talents to emerge from our city," Maxwell King, president and CEO of The Pittsburgh Foundation, said in a prepared statement. "His vitality and creativity live on through this fund at the foundation. We plan to work closely with his family to support programs that help young people find their voice and their truth through the arts.”
Mac Miller benefit concert set for Halloween
Mac Miller’s family on Tuesday announced a benefit concert for the late rapper set for Halloween in Los Angeles with performers ranging from Chance the Rapper to John Mayer. The concert launches the the Mac Miller Circles Fund (MMCF) to provide programming, resources, and opportunities to youth from underserved communities, helping them recognize their full potential through exploration in the arts and community building.