Pennsylvania News & Current Events

Frequent staff turnover has resulted in delays for families to start or even end child welfare-related services because of delays in response time, from either the lead caseworker or supervisors. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

STEM model may offer hope for PA child welfare workforce crisis

The child welfare system in Pennsylvania faces a staffing crisis affecting children and families throughout the system. The Child Welfare Resource …

In March, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, introduced House Bill 2063, which would reform the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs. (Jasmina/AdobeStock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Report: PA track record on private-school vouchers finds still no accountability

A new report analyzes Pennsylvania's existing voucher programs, that divert public funds to private schools. This comes on the heels of Gov…

A 412Justice report reveals many nearby communities experience higher rates of childhood asthma and more emergency room visits during bad air days, which are happening more frequently. Residents also have experienced higher risk of cancer. (Breathe Project)

Environmental groups rally at U.S. Steel for 'voice at the table'

People working for environmental justice are rallying today at the downtown Pittsburgh headquarters of U.S. Steel, voicing their concerns to company …

In Pennsylvania, infants and toddlers qualify for Early Intervention services if they exhibit a 25% or greater developmental delay in one or more key areas of development. (santypan/Adobe Stock)

PA Early Intervention programs vital for child development

A new study highlights the importance of Pennsylvania's Early Intervention program and its services for infants and toddlers at risk of developmental …

More than 20,000 people have applied to help people file their tax returns since the pandemic began. (igorkol_ter/Adobe Stock)<br />

Last-minute free tax prep provided for procrastinators in Pennsylvania

In less than a week, Pennsylvania residents who need assistance in filing their income-tax returns can use the free services of the AARP Foundation's …

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has set a goal to boost the retention rates for educators of color from 80% to 90% by August 2025. (Adobe Stock)

PA high school focuses on attracting new teachers to the field

The shortage of educators and school staffers has reached a crisis level in some Pennsylvania public schools. The state will need to fill thousands …

Vital habitats for plants and animals classified as being of special concern would be obliterated if the York Energy Storage project is approved. Cuffs Run, home to naturally reproducing brook trout, would be devastated. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation/B.J. Small)

CBF takes legal action to stop hydroelectric facility for Cuffs Run

A proposed pumped-storage hydroelectric facility for Cuffs Run near the Susquehanna River in York County has been challenged by the Chesapeake Bay Fou…

Making a big push to reduce pollution by 2030 is expected to create jobs spread across many industries, from building wind turbines and electric cars to cleaning up abandoned oil wells and developing new technologies. (Rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Advocates back tougher EPA emissions rules for cars, trucks

The Environmental Protection Agency has set new air pollution standards under the federal Clean Air Act for cars and light/medium vehicle models from …

A Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership survey found 92% of Pennsylvania sportsmen and women support designating streams for protections when they meet the right criteria. (Adobe Stock)

A push to update PA stream designations for wild trout protection

Pennsylvania's wild trout streams are getting some much-needed attention and outdoor enthusiasts across the state can voice their views on safeguardin…

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is seeking $112 million in new funding to produce more graduates in six high-growth jobs, including social services. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

'Empowering Social Workers,' in March and beyond

Social workers are in the spotlight in March for National Professional Social Work Month. They play a crucial role in addressing society's most …

According to the USPS, for the 2022 midterm election cycle more than 98% of ballots were delivered from voters to election officials, in an average of three days. (cat027/Adobe Stock)

PA postal workers voice concerns about understaffing, delivery delays

Postal union workers from Pennsylvania will head to the nation's capital in early May for a national rally to raise awareness about the challenges fac…

Pennsylvania voters with disabilities now have the opportunity to mark their absentee or mail-in ballot electronically. (Darylann Elmi/Adobe Stock)

Getting word out to PA voters about mail-in, absentee ballots

With Pennsylvania's primary election less than 60 days away, a nonpartisan group is stepping up the pace to educate people on voting by mail and by …

Fuel switching to hydrogen for high-temperature processes is a significant decarbonization lever and is applied to 60% of emissions after efficiency by 2050, according to a report from Strategen Consulting. (Antony Weerut/Adobe Stock)

Report: A roadmap for industrial decarbonization in PA

Pennsylvania is a major source of greenhouse gas pollution in the U.S. A new study has identified a path for its industries to reduce their …

Last year, the Biden-Harris administration announced $196 million in grants for 37 pipeline modernization projects in 19 states, including Pennsylvania. (MaxSafaniuk/Adobe Stock)<br />

Advocates push for swift update of gas pipeline safety rules

Pennsylvania environmental groups want to see a new rule implemented to improve the detection and repair of leaks from gas pipelines. The Keystone …

Chesapeake Bay Foundation educators, with students on a field trip, explore the Susquehanna River at City Island. The Capitol building is in the background. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

PA students gain hands-on experience in watershed conservation

It is almost time for some Pennsylvania students to get out of the classroom and into a canoe. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Pennsylvania Rivers …

The average Pennsylvanian uses about 62 gallons of water a day, at a cost of about 30 cents a day. <br />(Maridav/Adobe Stock)

PAWC rate hike proposal would affect 770,000 PA households

If Pennsylvania American Water gets its latest rate hike, more than 770,000 water and wastewater customers in 37 counties would be affected. For now…

The American Climate Corps will reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling climate change across the country. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Climate Corps could open doors to job opportunities in Appalachian PA

The American Climate Corps seeks to create 20,000 jobs related to conservation, climate issues and clean energy. The program originated by the Biden …

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Educators voice concern PA school voucher programs 'discriminate'

Pennsylvania's teachers' union is voicing concerns that the state's public school voucher program will negatively affect public education in lower-inc…

Children who have poor oral health often miss more school and receive lower grades than children who do not. (Georgerudy/AdobeStock)

Expert tips to prevent cavities for Children's Dental Health Month

During Children's Dental Health Month in February, parents are encouraged to establish good oral health habits early on so kids can avoid dental …

Hispanic adults are the fastest-growing group in Pennsylvania, and in 2022 had a college-degree attainment rate of 29.7%. (Brastock Images/Adobe Stock)

PA nears 60% college degree attainment goal, but work remains

Pennsylvania lags only slightly behind national figures for the number of working-age adults who have earned college degrees or other professional cer…

A 2024-2025 budget proposal from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro includes $100 million in mental health funding for K-12 schools, building upon one-time federal funds, to ensure schools have the resources to provide mental health services to students and staff. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

PSEA applauds Gov. Shapiro's record budget proposal for public schools

Looking to tackle inequitable education funding across the state, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has unveiled a new budget plan, including a major …

Pennsylvania offers online, mail-in and in-person options to register to vote, including at PennDOT driver's license centers. (KilmerMedia/Adobe Stock)

Group pushes to register 60,000 new voters in Pennsylvania

The Keystone State's primary election is less than 90 days away, and a nonpartisan, grassroots organization is already getting the word out to …

A new report reveals one in four rural workers would see his or her pay increase if Pennsylvania's minimum wage were increased to $15 per hour in 2026. (Flamingo Images/Adobe Stock)

Report: 1.34 million PA workers would benefit from higher minimum wage

A new report has shed light on who would benefit most in Pennsylvania from raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026. More than 1.3 million …

About 77% of Pennsylvania students who experienced homelessness lived in doubled-up situations, 11% lived in shelters or transitional housing, 8% stayed in hotels and 4% lived in unsheltered locations, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. (Homeless Children Education Fund)

Mobile classroom 'Winnie’s Wagon' helping unhoused students

In Pennsylvania, a unique mobile classroom brings education and support directly to unhoused youths. More than 3,100 school-aged children in …

An American College of Physicians report noted in 2020, nearly one in four eligible people were not registered to vote, and around one in eight voter registration records had serious issues, potentially preventing those voters from casting a ballot. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Doctors' insight: Voting could improve U.S. healthcare

A medical report shows voting is not only good for democracy, it is also good for your health. As stated by the American College of Physicians…

In the past, Beaver County was home to a heavy steel industry. However, with the decline of steel, newer small manufacturing and service industries are locating in the area. (Digitalwhiz/AdobeStock)<br /><br />

Report: Shell Petrochemicals plant didn't save Appalachia with plastics

A new report says two economic-impact studies gave misleading information to Pennsylvania policymakers and residents about the economic advantages of …

The Keystone State was one of only two states in the nation not providing any funding from the state for its public defense services. (Gorodenkoff/AdobeStock)

For the first time, Pennsylvania will fund indigent defense

Pennsylvania is taking a significant step this year by providing funding to counties for indigent legal defense for residents. The passage of House …

Black children are more than six times more likely to re-enter foster care than white children.<br />(Jade M/peopleimages.com)<br />

Report: Strengthening PA child-welfare system for kids, families

The 14th annual "State of Child Welfare in Pennsylvania" report is out. It shows some progress but also highlights ongoing areas of concern. Reports …

Students in the Wallenpaupack Aeronautical Science and Aviation Program learn job-ready skills, from aircraft maintenance to piloting commercial airliners. (Pennsylvania State Education Association)

PA high school aviation program setting students up for highflying careers

A Pennsylvania high school is setting students up for highflying careers. The Wallenpaupack Aeronautical Science and Aviation Program provides …

The number of people granted asylum in the United States has more than doubled, from 16,628 in 2021 to 36,615 in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

MLK Day online forum highlights difficulties of asylum system

Today, a virtual "Ask Me Anything" program will address some of the pressing issues of asylum-seekers, in Pennsylvania and across the country…

More than 250 volunteers planted 500 trees on a Pennsylvania farm, helping to reduce the effects of climate change. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

PA to plant 10 million trees to improve Chesapeake Bay water quality

The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership is helping to get Pennsylvania on track for its 2025 Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction goals. So far…

Among young BIPOC farmers surveyed, 33% said getting access to land is

Young PA farmers urge Congress to help secure land access

Young farmers in Pennsylvania and across the country want Congress to help them, especially with fair and affordable land access, as they deal with …

According to the Insurance Information Institute, between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, more than 1.8 million insurance claims involving animal collisions were reported. Pennsylvania had the most of any state, with an estimated 153,397 claims. (Bignai/Adobe Stock)

Actions urged to reduce, prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions in PA

Pennsylvania drivers have a 1-in-59 chance of being involved in an animal-related crash, third-highest in the nation. Wildlife advocates are …

Appalachia is home to 26.3 million people and covers 206,000 square miles, encompassing 423 counties in 13 states. (Iammotos/Adobe Stock)

Virtual summit on sustainable manufacturing, federal funds for Appalachia

Pennsylvania's Appalachian region needs opportunities to bolster its economy, which will be the topic of a virtual summit in mid-January. The goal is …

The Keystone Research Center estimates raising the minimum wage would affect not only minimum-wage workers, but more than 1 million others in Pennsylvania. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)

As others see pay hikes, PA minimum wage stuck at $7.25

Low-wage workers in Pennsylvania are missing out on the pay hikes taking effect in 22 other states and 43 cities and counties this month, through …

In addition to funding for community redevelopment, developers who construct new infrastructure in defined energy communities may receive an additional 10% bonus from the Inflation Reduction Act. (Creativenature.nl/Adobe Stock)

Report examines private-equity power plants, growing risks for communities

Pennsylvania communities could be hit hard by rising financial uncertainty in the country's biggest electricity market, according to three new …

Journalism student Zoe Baker Herron, a freshman at Manheim Township High School, says students want to listen to the podcast to hear their peers talk about things that they're passionate about.<br />(Manheim Township High School)

Beyond bookshelves, PA high school library rocks with student podcasts

A Pennsylvania high school has created a space in its library that's fostering learning and creativity that benefit students and educators. Manheim …

The report reveals that Pennsylvania is ranked 46th in the nation for public health funding, with $136 state dollars allocated to public health per person, less than the $183 per person national average. (Chinnapong/AdobeSTock)

Report: PA needs work on managing, preventing chronic conditions

Pennsylvania ranks 23rd among states for the overall health of Pennsylvanians in a new America's Health Rankings report by the United Health Foundatio…

Pennsylvanians can help save the Chesapeake Bay by using native grasses or other plants that don't require watering or fertilizing. This will help reduce or eliminate use of chemical herbicides and pesticides. (Chesapeake Bay Foundation)

Chesapeake Bay cleanup priorities for 2024

Pennsylvania waterways are drowning in pollution, with over 28,000 miles impaired according to the state. And cleanup is once again going to be a …

The Environmental Protection Agency's new methane rule requires well owners and operators to monitor flares and other combustion control devices during routine leak-monitoring surveys. (Joy666/Adobe Stock)

New EPA methane rule would reduce emissions at PA oil, gas wells

Pennsylvania environmental groups said the Environmental Protection Agency is making a bold move in tackling methane leaks in oil and gas production…

In October, Pennsylvania's unemployment rate was 3.4%, compared with 4.4% a year ago. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Report: PA job market 'fully rebounds' from pandemic

Pennsylvania's nonfarm jobs have surged past pre-pandemic levels, and a new report called it a full recovery for the state's labor market. The …

Despite efforts to move the Pennsylvania primary to March to avoid a conflict with Passover, the date remains set for April 23 since House Bill 1634 didn't receive enough votes to pass.(Rawpixel/AdobeStock)

Bills would open PA primaries to unaffiliated voters

Pennsylvania is one of only seven states that shuts out independent voters from voting in primary elections. Two bills proposing to open the …

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)

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 …

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 …

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