The Spark

A recent investigative report by Spotlight PA and The Caucus found that the Pennsylvania legislature spent almost $10 million on private attorneys over the last two years and often didn’t divulge what those lawyers were hired for.

As COVID-19 spread throughout the United States, it not only resulted in greater morbidity and mortality but it also had disastrous effects on the mental health of the nation. The pandemic is different than other “calamities” that impacted the United S...

You can’t smell it, see it or taste it, but radon gas could be in your home and putting occupants at serious health risk. Radon gas is a byproduct of naturally-occurring uranium as the element breaks down underground,

With the advent of online technology it is now possible for knowledge-based workers to log on and work from anywhere, at any time. That is good news for both employees and employers, but it also increases the likelihood of worker burnout as the traditi...

The PA Media Group is hosting a statewide virtual event in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission on October 19 called “Peace and Justice in PA.” The is part of their “live journalism” series to examine Pennsylvania’s “current state of affairs around diversity, equity and inclusion.” They will discuss efforts to counter extremism and … Continue reading "‘Peace and Justice in PA’ to honor those who fight racism, discrimination"

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses and other healthcare workers were lauded as heroes in the fight and held in high regard. Now that the world is closing in on two years battling the virus those same workers are exhausted and, in some cases, leaving the profession because of burnout. Healthcare providers are … Continue reading "What is behind the reports of a nurse shortage?"

The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association announced the 2021 award winners of the Great Places in Pennsylvania contest, sponsored by their organization. To qualify for consideration, a place must fit into three categories: great public spaces, great greenways or trails and great streets. Eight places were designated this year and to date, 46 … Continue reading "The 2021 ‘Great Places in Pennsylvania’ award winners"

Climate change is a complicated and often frightening concept. Talking to kids about it, while necessary, can be difficult for anyone. Smart Talk Friday is joined by two guests who offer ways to present the problem through the lens of a beloved aquatic mammal named Kobee Manatee. A new book in the Kobee Manatee® series, … Continue reading "Talking to kids about climate change and ocean health"

This is the time of year that leaf peepers have waited for; fall colors exploding across the countryside. It’s been a slow fall foliage onset this year, as temperatures remain slightly above average allowing plants to continue producing green-sustaining chlorophyll. But that won’t last forever and cooler temperatures are on the horizon. Joining Smart Talk … Continue reading "Fall foliage forecast and looking toward the Winter season"

There are some structures and engineering marvels that defy our imagination; projects that engineers with vision and expertise created and overcame incredible obstacles to complete. The Panama Canal, for example, was and still is an engineering masterpiece that changed the world by slashing global shipping and transit times. For example, a ship sailing between New … Continue reading "Engineering marvels that changed the world through their innovation"