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** Clairton after the blast: a special report from Public Source and The Associated Press ([link removed])
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An August explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works killed two people and sent shockwaves, both literal and figurative, through the Mon Valley community known as the City of Prayer ([link removed]) .

A team of Public Source and Associated Press journalists spent the past six months reporting from Clairton, listening and getting a glimpse into the town’s relationship with an industry ([link removed]) that has provided jobs and collective identity, but also pollution and economic collapse.

The first two installments of this report are in today’s newsletter, covering the city’s hopes and lingering disappointments, health challenges and enterprising students ([link removed]) . Coming tomorrow: a deep dive into safety and pollution issues at the coke works.

✍️ Newsletter written by Charlie Wolfson ([link removed]) ,

Pittsburgh’s Public Source local government reporter & newsletter editor


** PART ONE
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** Clairton sees hope but a history of disappointment six months after explosion ([link removed])
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The U.S. Steel explosion, the company's new owner and a rookie mayor could bring change in the Mon Valley town.
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** ADVERTISEMENT
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Pittsburgh’s Public Source is teaming up with PGH Social Club to present Pints & Perspectives on Feb. 17. Grab a drink, hear from writers about place-making and building community locally and share your own stories.Sign up today ([link removed]) .


** PART TWO
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** ‘Beartopia’ boosts school spirit in the shadow of the Clairton Coke Works ([link removed])
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In a city dominated by a pollution-emitting plant, and a district long known for football, school administrators tap community partners to build a culture of collaboration and practical skills six months after the mill explosion. ([link removed])
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** NOT TO MISS
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** Turn-signal stop prompts ICE detention for father of two in Springdale ([link removed])
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Borough police, who have an agreement to cooperate with ICE, pulled the Peruvian man over on his way to work, according to family who said he is in compliance with asylum processes. ([link removed])
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** MORE STORIES
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→ Governor hopeful Stacy Garrity says she’d work with Trump administration on Pennsylvania’s elections ([link removed]) (WESA)

→ What to know about student loan repayment plans and collections ([link removed]) (AP)

→ Where To Watch Oscar-Nominated Films in Pittsburgh ([link removed]) (CityCast)


** A STORY WORTH REVISITING
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** The City of Prayer: Clairton’s residents persevere amid persistent pollution and violence ([link removed])
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** LOCAL EVENTS
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🎼 PSO plays Bruckner’s Eighth ([link removed]) Feb. 20-22 | Heinz Hall, Downtown | From $32

🎞️ Free Rangos movies ([link removed]) Through Feb. 27 | Kamin Science Center, North Shore | Museum admission required

🔴 Annie ([link removed]) Feb. 19-March 1 | Byham Theater, Downtown | From $38

🌷 Blooming with Love orchid show ([link removed]) Through March 15 | Phipps Conservatory, Oakland | $23 (discounts available)

👋 Thanks for reading today’s newsletter, in a slightly new format. For any questions or comments, feel free to email me at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
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Thank you to those who became supporters of Public Source’s journalism for Feb. 3-9: Amberle, Anne, Carolyn, Charlie, Christopher, Courtney B., Courtney G., Eric, Erin, Jennifer, Lynn, Martin, Matt, Michael, Nancy, Raymond, Rich, Richard and Ruth. Join them by giving today! ([link removed])
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