The Spark

The plan to merge six of Pennsylvania’s 14 state-owned universities was unanimously approved in July by the State System of Higher Education’s governing board. Bloomsburg, Mansfield and Lock Haven universities in northern Pennsylvania will form one institution; California, Clarion and Edinboro universities in western Pennsylvania the other. The change will be phased in, with the … Continue reading "Six state schools moving to integrate into two new universities"

Some estimates say that kids today spend about half as much time outside as their parents did. While some may dispute the number, most would agree that it is indeed less time. The reasons behind the change point to a modern lifestyle often focused on computers and indoor activities. Temple Grandin, Ph.D., is an author … Continue reading "Kids need outdoor play and nature to develop a sense of wonder and learn"

Since the beginning of the pandemic, a lot money has come into, and passed out of, the Pennsylvania Treasury. Some of that money was allocated by the state legislature and the Wolf administration and some funding came from the federal government as part of two pandemic relief actions. Pandemic-related spending and requests for money have … Continue reading "Tracking Pa. pandemic spending"

Listen to Smart Talk every weekday at 9am and 7pm on WITF 89.5 & 93.3. You can also stream WITF radio live on our website or ask your smart speaker to “Play WITF Radio.” It has been a whirlwind month with pandemic news. The Biden administration set July 4 as a target for 70 percent of … Continue reading "Districts and families consider mask mandates as school year plans take shape, while the American Academy of Pediatrics urge “back to class, wear a mask”"

In a war of brother versus brother, theirs has become the most famous broken friendship: Union general Winfield Scott Hancock and Confederate general Lewis Armistead. Books like Michael Shaara’s The Killer Angels (1974) and the movie Gettysburg (1993), which was based on the novel, presented a close friendship divided by war, but history reveals something … Continue reading "Author explores the legend of two friends fighting on opposite sides of a conflict"

If you are in the market for a used car, the timing couldn’t be worse. But if you’re looking to sell a car, now’s the time to get top dollar pricing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, used-car prices jumped dramatically in June and over the previous year. The increase is so significant … Continue reading "Used-car purchasers face high-price sticker shock"

When a close friend or family member experiences a death or loss, it is often difficult to find the right words to comfort them. Because it is difficult, some people might say nothing to avoid saying the wrong thing. The grief experienced by a significant loss is called disenfranchised when others avoid talking about it … Continue reading "Disenfranchised grief a barrier to facing a loss"

While going to a gym isn’t for everyone — resistance training at home or outside is something people of all skill levels can do. Based on a recent study authored in part by the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, making time and effort to perform resistance exercises has unique benefits for fat loss, in … Continue reading "Some avoid lifting weights because of intimidation factor"

Most people know that regular exercise, including weight training, builds muscle and improves health — but what’s less known is how it affects body fat on the cellular level. A recent study authored in part by the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, finds resistance exercise has unique benefits for fat loss, in addition to … Continue reading "Study finds that exercise with weight training promotes fat burning"

Forest fires are ravaging the western US, burning more than 1.5 million acres in 12 states. Wildfire smoke is so extensive it has created hazy sky conditions as far east as New York State. Firefighters are struggling to respond to the changing fire situation, including weather forecasts that do little to improve the poor conditions … Continue reading "Forest fires rage across the western US, how vulnerable is Pennsylvania to fire risk?"