Pennsylvania News & Current Events

According to the Keystone Research Center, 44 of Pennsylvania's counties have seen average weekly wage growth since before the pandemic, including most counties in the lower geographic three-quarters of the state. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Report: 67 PA counties boom for low unemployment, job growth, wage increases

For Pennsylvanians on the hunt for employment opportunities, the Keystone State still offers a favorable landscape. The state's jobless rate stayed …

A study by Women for a Healthy Environment found more than 90% of Pennsylvania school districts that tested for lead in their drinking water reported contamination. (Rafael Ben-Ari/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Study: PA schools fail to protect kids from lead in drinking water

Concerning levels of lead have been detected in the drinking water at some Pennsylvania schools, according to a new report. The investigation …

Lack of exercise can contribute to heart problems. It can also raise your chances of developing conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, which are linked to heart disease. Staying active can help protect your heart. (udra11/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

PA expert: Lifestyle changes, medication may help prevent heart inflammation

October is Health Literacy Month and a medical professional is educating Pennsylvanians about heart inflammation, a condition which can lead to …

New billboards in Philadelphia raise awareness about the role voters in the 2024 Election when it comes the future of the nation's highest court. (Brianna Gonsalves/Clear Channel Outdoor)

The link between the presidential election and future of SCOTUS

With a month to go before the presidential election, voters in swing states such as Pennsylvania are likely to hear more messaging about the outcome …

Through MCC's MOMobile programs, advocates meet parents and families for pregnancy, parenting, and community reproductive health education. Parents and families can also receive baby items to help with their child's development. (Maternity Care Coalition)

'MOMobile' works to strengthen maternal mental health in PA

About one in eight new mothers reports symptoms of postpartum depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A community-…

The CDC reports Pennsylvania has a rate of heart disease deaths of 173 per 100,000 population, not ideal, but well below the national average of 210 per 100,000. (Adobe Stock)

Doctors: To stay healthy, know your cholesterol numbers

The American Heart Association is spearheading a critical initiative to educate Pennsylvanians about the silent risks posed by high levels of LDL chol…

Pennsylvania allocated an average of $17,142 per student in 2020. For the 2018-2019 academic year, the state reported an 87% graduation rate. (School District of Philadelphia)

PA teacher shares views on shaping education's future

In the Keystone State and nationwide, educators are voicing concerns that politics are demoralizing current teachers and discouraging others from …

The GIANT Company and the nonprofit organization Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful provided more than $108,000 in funding to support 32 different tree planting projects. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)<br />

Grant funding boosts tree planting efforts in Lancaster, PA

The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership is making significant strides in Pennsylvania's environmental efforts. A $4,000 grant from The GIANT …

In 2022, Pennsylvania's child poverty rate of 15% for children ages 6-17 years old which was higher than the national average, ranking the state 20th highest among U.S. states. (mangpor2004/Adobe Stock)

Report: PA public schools falling behind in teachers' salaries

A new report finds Pennsylvania schools are falling behind in teachers' pay and still need to catch up with inflation. The report from the …

Hydroelectric turbine runners are being made at Voith Hydro's factory in York, Penn. The company says nearly 450 of its pump turbines have been installed worldwide, with a combined output of more than 60,000 megawatts. (Voith Hydro)<br /><br /><br />

PA hydropower turbine plant uses IRA funding to boost jobs

In Pennsylvania, some former coal communities are transitioning into clean energy hubs with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. Pennsylvania …

The League of Women Voter of Pennsylvania, along with the Brennan Center for Justice, is part of a conversation today on safety at the polls ahead of the general election. (Adobe Stock)

PA group works to educate voters on deadlines, registration, mail-in ballots

As the November 5 general election fast approaches, there's a push for more voter education in the Keystone State. It's National Voter Registration …

A joint tax return is required for married couples to claim the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit at the end of the tax year. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

PA tax credit expansion increases support for child, dependent care

Pennsylvania families facing challenges with child and dependent care expenses may now benefit from a significant state tax break. The expansion of …

In August, Steelton-Highspire became the first school district in Pennsylvania to operate a fully electric fleet, and the first in the country to have its entire bus fleet supported by a solar array. (Steelton-Highspire School District)

Federal funding drives PA's increase in electric school buses

Many Pennsylvania students now ride electric buses to school. Some $900 million from the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program …

Steel production is a major source of carbon emissions. U.S. Steel aims to eliminate such emissions by 2050. Close to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions come from using coke and coal in blast furnaces to melt iron. (Jeffrey Bowser/Adobe)

Sale of U.S. Steel to Japan's Nippon Steel may affect union workers, community

A Pennsylvania environmental justice group is voicing its concerns about the potential sale of U.S. Steel, the effect on the community and the future …

The Production Tax Credit and the capital-based Investment Tax Credit make up more than a quarter of the Inflation Reduction Act's estimated $900 billion in spending by 2031. (Goodluz/Adobe Stock)

Report: IRA clean-energy credits boost union jobs, economy in Appalachia

A new report showed adhering to prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements can greatly enhance the tax incentives for clean energy projects in Pe…

Disability health-care costs in Pennsylvania are more than $41 billion per year, or up to 37% of the state's health-care spending, according to the CDC. (Maria Vitkovska/Adobe)

Access for all: Making voting easier for Pennsylvanians with disabilities

Disability Voting Rights Week is an annual call to action that occurs during the second week of September. It focuses on advocacy, celebrating …

The new report recommended Pennsylvania address methane leakage by establishing a large-scale program to cap abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells. It could create 75 direct jobs per year and 525 direct jobs by 2030. (Funtay/Adobe)

A new roadmap for a clean energy that prioritizes PA union workers

A new report is providing a roadmap for policymakers and industry leaders to shape the future of Pennsylvania's clean energy landscape. The findings …

The UUH Outreach Program in Northwest Philadelphia is using its funding to provide three educational workshops for older adults to help them age in place safely. A support team will include an occupational therapist, a registered nurse and social workers. (Louis-Photo/Adobe Stock)

AARP awards eight grants to help Pennsylvania communities boost 'livability'

In Pennsylvania, civic organizations with ideas for improving their communities have a new opportunity to turn their ideas into reality, thanks to …

The state's manufacturing sector has shown signs of revitalization, with increased output and job creation in advanced manufacturing industries. (Konstantin/Adobe)

New PA labor report reveals economic progress, challenges

A new report highlights Pennsylvania's strong economic growth and recovery, making the state a favorable environment for job seekers. The findings …

Studies show mental health literacy and life skills decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety and help children succeed. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

Experts recommends PA educators, parents prioritize student mental health

Experts are advising schools and parents to prioritize student mental health as Pennsylvania children return to learning. A new checklist from the …

$Recommendations from the Grand Jury�s report suggest requiring safer transport of the contaminated waste created from fracking sites and conducting a comprehensive health response to the effects of living near unconventional drilling sites. (SobrevolandPatagonia/AdobeStock)<br />$

Fracking boom in PA raises health and environmental concerns

Fracking is on the rise in southwestern Pennsylvania, leading to more plastic production and harsh consequences for residents. Washington County is …

The Children's Health Insurance Program provides coverage for uninsured children and teenagers under 19 who do not qualify for Medicaid. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)

PA expert advises parents on keeping kids healthy, insured while learning

As Pennsylvania children return to school, health advocates stress the importance of keeping them insured. The 2023 State of Children's Health in …

In 2000, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled that the state law governing the voting rights of individuals convicted of a felony was unconstitutional. (rawpixel/Adobe)

PA group pushes voter registration, candidate information

As the general election nears, the battleground state of Pennsylvania is seeing a push for more voter education and engagement. More than 8 million …

The Community Action Association of Pennsylvania provides multiple services. In 2023, more than 19,000 low-income individuals received transportation services, bus passes, transport or support for vehicle purchase or repair, according to its annual report. (Adobe)

PA Community Action Agencies work to eradicate poverty

Tuesday marks the 60th anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act, enacted in the 1960s as part of a national "War on Poverty." It has made a big …

A new report from the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association showed some suburban Philadelphia counties have seen wage declines in recent years, including Chester, Delaware and Montgomery. (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Report: PA wage growth surpasses pre-pandemic levels, national average

Pennsylvania's wage growth has rebounded from pre-pandemic lows and now exceeds the national average, according to the latest "Pennsylvania Workforce …

The Goonies Solar project in Central Pennsylvania is expected to generate enough clean energy to power 33,000 homes annually. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock) <br />

Two years of Inflation Reduction Act in Pennsylvania

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law two years ago this week. In Pennsylvania, its effects so far include carbon reduction, job creation …

Since January 2023, about $85 million of the $154 million American Rescue Plan funds that Pennsylvania invested in the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program have been used to help more than 1,200 farmers improve their conservation practices. (Summit Art Creations/Adobe Stock)

More than fresh produce: PA farmers markets help local economies

This is National Farmers Market Week, but almost every week, fresh fruits and vegetables and local products attract customers to more than 8,000 …

Clean energy will be essential to improving air quality and health, reducing the state's carbon<br />footprint, and fighting climate change, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental<br />Protection. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)<br />

Western PA leads the charge in 'green economy'

Pittsburgh is emerging as a leader in innovative solutions like electric vehicles and clean energy to combat the climate crisis. The group Elected …

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated $1.2 billion to Pennsylvania for expanding reliable high-speed internet access statewide. (WavebreakMediaMicro)

PA mayor puts bipartisan infrastructure law funding to work

A Pennsylvania city is using funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to increase safety, prevent crime, improve housing and more. Matt Tuerk…

In the Keystone State, 76% of counties face one-way travel times of one to two hours to reach secure detention facilities, while 22% had to endure even longer journeys of three to four hours each way.<br />(EFStock/Adobe Stock)<br />

Reopened PA juvenile center provides trauma-informed care, safe haven

Pittsburgh's only juvenile detention center has reopened, offering trauma-informed care and a secure haven for young people at risk. The …

This month, BMW workers in Palmer Township, Penn., have overwhelmingly approved a new contract, securing raises of up to 33% and ending a two-tier wage system over the course of the agreement. (jordi2r/Adobe Stock)

NLRB champions workers' rights, union power in PA

This month, a Pittsburgh nonprofit working with immigrants was fined almost $200,000 for unfair labor practices. It is one of a growing number of …

Since its inception more than 50 years ago, the Property Tax and Rent Rebate program has provided more than $8 billion in property-tax and rent relief to Pennsylvanians. (jackfrog/Adobe Stock)

PA property tax rent rebate plan helps 50+ residents stay in their homes

Pennsylvanians are seeing some financial relief with their property taxes and rent. The state expansion of the existing property tax and rent rebate …

In the Keystone State, the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Federation of Teachers represents more than 36,000 members in 93 local affiliates throughout the Commonwealth. (BalanceFormCreative)

Harris touts student loan forgiveness, 'Fighting for Future'

Student loan forgiveness took center stage on Thursday at the American Federation of Teachers conference. The Biden administration has canceled more …

Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 27 states and remained unchanged in 23 states and the District of Columbia during the past year. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)

Report: PA unemployment still at 3.4%, record high jobs in June

The Keystone State continues offering a favorable landscape for Pennsylvanians seeking employment opportunities. Claire Kovach, senior research …

In the Keystone State, Oct. 21 is the last day to register to vote before the Nov. 5 election. (vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

A call to reduce political rhetoric; embrace prayer, peace, unity

In a weekend turn of events that some saw as shocking, President Joe Biden told the nation he's dropping out of the presidential race rather than …

(In)Accessible: 'When vanlife meets abortion access '

In Pennsylvania, a unique mobile van brings reproductive resources to communities across Western Pennsylvania. A new podcast, called "(In)Accessible,…

At its June 1 commencement, 83 students received diplomas as part of the second graduating class of the Erie County Community College class of 2024. Commencement speaker First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor underscored the importance of continued community support for the school. (Peopleimages/Adobe Stock)

Erie's local college foundation helps students with unexpected expenses

As some colleges in Pennsylvania and nationwide close their doors, one school in Erie has taken a big step toward making higher education more …

The USDA claims its electronic tag requirements will prevent disease outbreaks and protect beef export markets. (Jackie Nix/Adobe Stock)

Smaller ranchers voice concerns about USDA electronic tag mandates

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will soon require electronic eartags for cattle and bison that cross state lines. The USDA says its rule will …

Overheating can cause heat-related illnesses when the body struggles to cool down. Some of these illnesses, such as heatstroke, are life-threatening emergencies. (Microgen/Adobe Stock)

Beat the heat: Crucial summer safety tips for staying cool and safe in PA

As summer heats up in Pennsylvania, staying safe, cool and healthy while enjoying the outdoors is vital. The National Weather Service predicts highs …

Advocates of EVs warn charging stations should be installed by qualified technicians so as not to damage the car's battery pack. (Adobe Stock)

PA advocates say tide is turning for transition to electric vehicles

Clean air advocates are touting the benefits of electric vehicles in the wake of what they call "disinformation" from the U.S. petroleum industry…

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., has held his seat since 2007. (Courtesy of Bob Casey for Senate campaign)

PA reaps major gains from Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Pennsylvania's landscape is being transformed through billions of dollars in federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastru…

Gov. Josh Shapiro's 2024-25 budget proposal includes $35 million to fund county mental-health programs, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and crisis walk-in centers. (Derrick/Adobe)

Report: PA excels in 988 response, falls short for workforce, capacity, funding

A mental health report in Pennsylvania showed a strong response rate of 89% for 988 crisis line calls. However, it showed there is room for …

According to the Stand Up America survey, abortion is the most important issue for Democrats and Independents, and there is a 30-point margin, 65%-35%, of voters believing abortion should be legal rather than illegal. (Drazen/Adobe)

New poll reveals Supreme Court appointments top concern for voters

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court awarded former President Donald Trump a significant win by giving him immunity from criminal prosecution for what …

More than 90% of the pollution reduction needed to clean streams in Pennsylvania's portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed must come from agriculture, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. (World Travel Photos/Adobe Stock)

Calls for more funding in state budget for clean water initiatives

Pennsylvania's budget is overdue, having missed its Sunday deadline and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is asking state lawmakers and the governor to …

In 2022, fatal drug overdoses in Philadelphia hit a peak of 1,413, with people of color hit hardest. More than 80% of the overdose fatalities in 2022 involved opioids, almost always fentanyl. (Adobe Stock)

New Medicaid policy boosts 'street medicine' in PA

Philadelphia is addressing its opioid crisis by deploying mobile medical units to provide Medicaid-funded "street medicine" to the unhoused population…

American manufacturing has led to a significant increase in solar deployment in 2023. A record 32.4 gigawatts of solar capacity were installed nationwide, up 50% from 2022. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)<br />

New plan to increase tariffs on Chinese imports garners public support

Today is the last day for Pennsylvanians to submit feedback to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative about a Biden administration proposal to …

Danyelle Blackwell, Councilwoman, Upper Darby Township, District 4 PA goes for a test drive in an EV during EOPA's United for Health and Energy Security Tour, (Lauren Urbiztondo)

Electric vehicle tour touts clean energy, job creation, cost savings

Pittsburgh is one stop on a nationwide summer tour to raise awareness about electric vehicles and clean energy. The group Elected Officials to …

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation faced unprecedented levels of damage caused by floods and landslides in 2018, leading to costs exceeding $125.7 million for repairing and replacing infrastructure across the state. (Alliance/Adobe Stock)

Pennsylvania braces for extreme weather exacerbated by climate change

Despite the official start of the summer season on Thursday, climate change is exacerbated by extreme weather events in the Keystone State. The …

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