Conflict in Israel and Gaza – State Sen. Franklin Kury

A growing conflict in Israel and Gaza has entered its second week with no de-escalation in sight.

More than 180 people have died since the fighting began, including 55 children. The fighting surprised many Americans who are mired in pandemic news, but it was not a surprise to those who follow news in the Middle East and relations between Israelis and Palestinians.

Chris Bolan, Ph.D., Professor of Middle East Security Studies with the Strategic Studies Institute of the U.S. Army War College, follows the region closely. He appears on Smart Talk Monday to offer an update of the situation there, as well as an analysis of the Biden administration’s response.

50th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Environmental Rights Amendment

Pennsylvania is one of only a few states to recognize environmental quality as a basic civil right.

Fifty years ago, a legislator named Franklin Kury wanted to guarantee Pennsylvanians the right to clean air and water, and the Pennsylvania Environmental Rights Amendment was born.

State Senator Franklin Kury appears on Smart Talk Monday to measure how far we’ve come as a state. Kury will also share his new book “The Constitutional Right to Save the Planet: The People’s Right to a Healthy Environment.

Join WITF, StateImpact Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation for a free virtual documentary screening and panel discussion in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the state’s Environmental Rights Amendment on Tuesday, May 18 at 7pm.