Pennsylvania News & Current Events

The latest AARP study found nearly 90% of U.S. consumers age 18 and older agree that lawmakers need to do more to protect the public from fraud and scams. (Shintartanya/Adobe Stock)

Monday, December 4, 2023

AARP warns Pennsylvanians of spike in holiday fraud, scams

The holiday shopping season is already in full swing, and AARP Pennsylvania has some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud or identity …

Friday, December 1, 2023

PA schools could soon be powered by sun as solar bill advances to Senate

Bipartisan legislation that proposes the installation of solar panels in schools across Pennsylvania awaits a vote in the state Senate. The Solar …

Pittston is one of 56 projects in 37 counties which were selected to expand access to reliability of EV charging in Pennsylvania. (Kevin McGovern/Adobe Stock)<br />

EV companies call for expanded heavy-duty truck charging infrastructure

Clean-energy companies and supporters are calling on federal officials to prioritize the development of charging infrastructure for EV powered medium …

Pennsylvania manufacturing has been the backbone of economic impact of more than $113 billion and accounts for nearly 10% of all jobs in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: 'Tis the season for 'Made in America' gifts

What's on your holiday shopping list? This year, people may also be asking, "And where was it made?" In a new poll, 81% of Americans surveyed said …

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environment, joining RGGI will lower Pennsylvania's CO2 emissions by between 97 million and 225 million tons by 2030. (Lee/AdobeStock)

Commonwealth Court denies PA attempts to join RGGI

In a significant setback for environmental efforts in Pennsylvania, a state court recently ruled that a program designed to reduce air pollution from …

By August 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Education is expected to establish a streamlined pathway to certification for educators who earned their certification outside Pennsylvania. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

A call for 'bold action' to address PA school funding disparities

During a public hearing on improving school funding, the Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding Commission heard from people who stressed the need to …

A new Keystone Research Center report highlightsd initiatives like

Report: Federal funding would ignite apprenticeships, create job pathways

Pennsylvania needs more economic opportunities and a new report from the Keystone Research Center showed federal investments in climate and infrastruc…

Asian children are the only group to have continued seeing improved uninsured rates from 2019 pre-pandemic to the present: From 4.4% in 2019, down to 4.2% in 2021 and 3.8% in 2022. (Tom Wang/Adobe Stock)

PA sees drop in health insurance coverage for children as national rates rise

A new analysis of 2022 census data has uncovered a troubling trend: The uninsured rate for Pennsylvania children worsened during the final full year o…

The Recompete Pilot Program provides financial assistance and flexibility to revitalize rural economies through economic development strategies, according to the Rural Policy Action Report. (Gary L Hider/Adobe Stock)

PA town, college partner to write grants for community projects

CLARIFICATIONS: Mayor Jaime Kinder was not the coauthor of the report mentioned, and her office was not the source of the interviews with 700 …

Among poll respondents, 54% chose the rising cost of living as one of their most important issues, followed by retirement and Social Security at 25% and health care at 19%. (Christian Hinkle/AdobeStock)

Poll sheds light on policies rural Pennsylvanian voters value

In Pennsylvania, rural residents make up almost 27% of the state's population, and they have played a critical role in past elections. A new poll …

The new survey revealed 15% of the state's congregate-care providers have programming and policies in place to serve transitioning, non-binary and/or transgender youth. (Daniel/Adobe Stock)

Report examines strengths, challenges of PA congregate-care settings for teens

For young people with serious behavioral health challenges, a new report showed Pennsylvania's congregate-care settings may be the best option…

The United Health Foundation's 2023 Health of Women and Children report cited some strengths in Pennsylvania, including a low rate of foster-care placement instability, a high childhood immunization rate and low percentage of uninsured women ages 19-44. (Adobe Stock)

Report shows uptick in maternal mortality for PA women of color

Pennsylvania ranks 23rd among states for the overall health of women and children in a new America's Health Rankings report by the United Health Found…

Around 80% of voters, regardless of political affiliation, believe preventing cruelty to animals is a matter of personal moral concern, according to a Data for Progress poll. (Adobe Stock)

Local meat producers in PA rally against EATS Act

Advocates for locally controlled family farms in Pennsylvania say a proposed amendment to the 2023 Farm Bill would gut states' ability to regulate the…

The Biden administration is funding seven regional hydrogen hubs. Two will have facilities or pipelines in Pennsylvania. (AddMeshCube/Adobestock)

Clean energy groups blast PA hydrogen hubs plan

Pennsylvania is set to host two regional hydrogen power-generation hubs and experts on clean energy are speaking out against one of them, arguing it …

The Chesapeake Bay Clean Water Blueprint has set a deadline for watershed states to have pollution-reduction practices in place by 2025. (flownaksala/AdobeStock)

Halfmoon, Pequea Creek restoration project aims to restore watershed health

Pennsylvania has received more than $3 million in federal funding for watershed restoration projects. Conservation groups say it will help the state …

The No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act was originally introduced in March 2023 by U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Penn. It was reintroduced in Sept. 2023 by Rep. Donald Norcross, D-N.J.; Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif.; and Rep. Brendan Boyle, D-Penn. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Labor group urges elimination of 'union-busting' tax breaks

Tax breaks for companies engaging in what sometimes are illegal union-busting tactics could be prohibited by new federal legislation. Labor groups…

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60% to 80% of cases, according to a report by the Alzheimer's Association. (Prostock-Studio/Adobe Stock)

Virtual forum to educate Pennsylvanians on Alzheimer's, related disorders

Alzheimer's disease is the eighth leading causes of death in Pennsylvania, prompting state officials to educate the public on the condition and …

An Environmental Defense Fund analysis revealed a shift to electric vehicles could cut more than 800 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year by 2040. (VisualArtStudio/Adobe Stock)

More PA motorists make the switch to electric vehicles

A Pennsylvania environmental group is touting electric vehicles as both cost-effective for drivers and a means to address climate change. Keystone …

At a recent demonstration in Brooklyn, New York, the group Jewish Voice for Peace Action reported more than 50 arrests, including that of an 81-year-old peace advocate. (Jewish Voice for Peace Action)

Jewish groups protest at U.S. Capitol, demand Gaza ceasefire

In Washington, D.C., today, American Jews from Pennsylvania and across the country are converging on the U.S. Capitol to call for an end to the war …

One recent model ranks Central Pennsylvania eighth among 10 states with the

Poll: PA voters want stronger limits on methane emissions

A new poll shows Pennsylvania voters are concerned about the environment and support the Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to limit methane em…

Pennsylvania has taken some action to keep yard waste out of landfills. According to the U.S. Composting Council, 17 states have yard debris bans in place. (Nico Vincentini/Adobe Stock)

Pennsylvanians encouraged to 'leave the leaves' for vital wildlife habitat

Fall leaves on the lawn might seem like a nuisance, but they actually play an important role for the environment. A new survey from the National …

The Pennsylvania State Education Association represents about 177,000 active and retired educators and school employees, student teachers, higher education staff, and health care workers. (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

New PSEA president vows to tackle education challenges

The shortage of teachers and school staffers has reached crisis level in some Pennsylvania public schools, and is among the chief concerns of the new …

Banned Books Week draws attention to the harms of censorship and the benefits of unrestricted reading. (SnapVault/Adobe Stock)

Banned-books tour to visit Pittsburgh today

In recognition of Banned Book Week, the "Banned Books Tour" bookmobile will be in the Keystone State today. Pennsylvania ranks third among states …

Between January and the end of June this year, the 2,255 bills introduced and referred to committees were slightly less than the totals for the previous two sessions. (Zack Frank/AdobeStock)

"Fix Harrisburg" reports slow start to PA legislative performance

Pennsylvania advocacy groups will gather at the Capitol rotunda for a "Fix Harrisburg" press conference today to deliver a new performance report to s…

Pennsylvania's educational system includes a network of 604 state-supported public libraries and 29 District Library Centers, which provide resources, technology and programs for pre-K-to-12 students, as well as adult learners, in all 67 counties. (Lightfield Studios/AdobeStock)

PA group pushes to educate voters ahead of Nov. 7 general election

As the November 7 municipal elections fast approach, there's a push for voter education in the Keystone State. The Commonwealth is home to more …

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act provide investments to accelerate the development of and market for zero-emission technology. (Halfpoint/AdobeStock)

Elected officials advocate for EPA’s clean-car standards, transition to EVs

With the United Auto Workers still on strike, elected officials argue that it's important for the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed clean-…

A new national poll found 79% of Republican voters say America's economic future depends on bringing back training programs for blue-collar jobs which do not require a four-year degree, such as manufacturing. (Winnievinzence/Adobe Stock)

Poll: PA GOP voters voice support for strong manufacturing policies, tariffs

A new poll found Pennsylvania Republican voters want political candidates to prioritize preserving and growing manufacturing including tariffs in the …

Environmental Protection Agency data show the transportation sector accounts for 29% of greenhouse-gas emissions, the largest and fastest growing source in the United States. (VanderWolf/Adobe Stock)

Study: EVs in PA can rev up taxpayer savings, pollution reduction

Pennsylvania governments could save taxpayers millions and reduce pollution by transitioning their fleets to electric vehicles, according to findings …

Pennsylvanians have until Oct. 23 to register to vote before this year's Nov. 7 election. <br />(Lisa F. Young/Adobe Stock)

PA Needs 40,000 Poll Workers for Upcoming Elections

Election Day is less than two months away, and for the process to go smoothly, Pennsylvania needs a lot more poll workers. Many of the 8.7 million …

A recent economic impact study reveals that more than 123,000 people are employed full- and part-time at iron and steel mills in ferroalloy manufacturing in the Keystone State. (otmman/AdobeStock)

More Time to Comment on EPA Blast Furnace Rules

Emission standards for blast furnaces such as the iron and steel mills in Pennsylvania haven't been updated in years. The Environmental Protection …

Older and disabled adults have received more than $7.6 billion in property tax and rent relief since the start of the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program in 1971. (Lordn/AdobeStock)

PA Expands Property Tax, Rent Rebate Program to Aid Older Adults

Pennsylvanians will soon see some financial relief with their property taxes and rent. Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed House Bill 1100 into law…

A recent report found more than 400 jobs have been created in the Keystone State since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, and more than $190 million in investments have been made in clean-energy projects. (Anatoliy_gleb/AdobeStock)

Inflation Reduction Act Funds Multiple PA Clean-Energy Priorities

It has been one year since the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act became law, and Pennsylvania is seeing and using some of the funding…

Some 23% of children served in Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental Assistance Programs in Pennsylvania are non-Hispanic Black, compared to 41% of children identifying as non-Hispanic White.<br />(Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Charting a Path to Equitable Access for PA Early Learning System

The Keystone State has some work to do to provide more access to quality pre-Kindergarten programs for the youngest Pennsylvanians. Only 43% of …

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection estimates the average cost of plugging one well to be around $33,000. (onyx124/AdobeStock)

Federal Dollars Could Connect PA Unions to Orphaned Well Clean-Up

Congress allocated billions of dollars in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to plug orphaned well sites across the country, and Pennsylvania is one …

New Jersey's Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act requires a physician to determine whether the patient is a New Jersey resident before writing a prescription for the medication. (Jon Anders Wiken/Adobe Stock)

Some Terminally Ill PA Patients Seek Medical Aid Across State Lines

Some Pennsylvania patients with long-term chronic illnesses are hoping to make legal headway, allowing them to seek medical aid in dying across state …

A new report reveals the number of jobs in Pennsylvania surpassed the pre-pandemic (February 2020) level in January 2023. As of July, it had exceeded that level by 61,100. (Rade Lukovic/Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: PA Workers Benefit from Tight Labor Market, Wage Gains

A tight labor market with steady growth and historically low unemployment - those are the findings in the new "State of Working Pennsylvania" report…

A new report found many agencies made programming changes - With 45% reducing capacity for their programming and one in four (24%) closing one or more programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Pressmaster/AdobeStock)

Salary Survey Highlights Compensation Trends, Pandemic Impact on Child-Welfare Workforce

A new report analyzes salary data and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on the workforce of child-welfare, juvenile-justice and children's mental …

Pennsylvania is working to reduce its net greenhouse-gas emissions 26% by 2025. One strategy is to replace 25% of the state passenger car fleet with battery electric and plug-in hybrid cars. (Michael Flippo/Adobe Stock)

Consumer Interest for EVs Grows in PA

Car prices are dropping, both for gas-powered and electric vehicles. So, are more Pennsylvanians planning to buy EVs? A report by iSeeCars found …

A new report showed 35,515 megawatts of combined cycle gas capacity have been built in the 13-state PJM Interconnection system since 2011. (creativenature.nl/AdobeStock)<br />

Report Examines Private Equity Power Plants in PJM, Growing Financial Risks

A new report found Pennsylvania communities could be negatively affected by the increasing financial risk in the nation's largest electricity market…

N-A-M-I recently developed a mental health college guide for Gen Zer's that covers topics from self-care to getting mental health care support, to legal rights and self-advocacy. (Alessandro Biascioli/AdobeStock)

Groups Address Mental Health Challenges Facing 'Gen Z'

Mental health has emerged as a pressing issue for young Pennsylvanians in "Generation Z," born after 1996. Research shows they are also more willing …

In addition to intermodal traffic, freight railroads in Pennsylvania move raw materials, such as coal, crude oil, nonmetallic minerals, agricultural products and finished automobiles. (William A. Morgan/AdobeStock)<br /><br />

Train-Derailment Relief Funds Sent to Rural PA Communities

In Western Pennsylvania, communities are continuing to reel from the Norfolk Southern derailment nearly six months ago, but the railroad recently has …

The Southern Poverty Law Center report finds that school safety is a major concern for youths, and that worry about school shootings is associated with a host of negative mental-health outcomes. (Jacob Lund/AdobeStock)

Survey: Young Pennsylvanians Want Stricter Gun Laws

In Pennsylvania and across the country, some 74% of young people in the U.S. believe gun violence is a problem, and 60% want to see stricter gun laws…

With 52,000 farms and 7.3 million acres of farmland, agriculture is a big business in Pennsylvania, accounting for approximately $83.8 billion in direct economic output and 280,500 jobs. (Kegfire/AdobeStock)

Farmer Education Bill to Tackle Impacts of Climate Change in PA

New federal legislation aims to help farmers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere share their knowledge of conservation practices as they face an increasing …

Pennsylvania's 500 school districts range in size from approximately 200 students to more than 140,000 students. (WavebreakmediaMicro/AdobeStock)

PA State Budget in Limbo Over Private School Voucher Plan

Pennsylvania is still operating without a budget as the new school year approaches. House Bill 611 is now in the state Senate. It would provide more …

A new report estimated 22% of residents of Central Appalachia live in poverty, compared with less than 13% nationally and 14.5% for Appalachia as a whole. (Chalermphon/Adobe Stock)

Reconnecting Appalachia's Disconnected Workers with "Better" Jobs

A new report explored ways to reconnect residents of the Appalachian region to employment opportunities. The report dug into the many barriers to …

Aspartame has been widely used in various food and beverage products since the 1980s, including diet drinks, chewing gum, gelatin, ice cream and dairy products such as yogurt and more. (Alex Yeung/AdobeStock)

WHO: Artificial Sweetener Aspartame is 'Safe'

Recent media coverage of potential carcinogens in the common artificial sweetener aspartame alarmed people who consume products containing it…

Impervious surfaces in urban areas are a major hydrologic alteration contributing to increased stormwater runoff and pollutant loading during rainfall and snowmelt events. (Soupstock/AdobeStock)

CBF Amicus Brief Urging Reversal of Stormwater Fee Decision

In Pennsylvania, environmental advocacy groups are awaiting the Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision which could affect the future of Commonwealth-…

Blackhawk School District educator Ryan Hardesty is the 2023 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, one of public education's highest honors. (Commonwealth Media Services)

PA's 'Teacher of the Year' Spends Summer Encouraging Other Educators

At the start of this year, a Pennsylvania middle school teacher was chosen among 12 finalists statewide to receive one of the profession's highest …

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