The Spark

In March, Pennsylvania homes received mailed invitations to complete the 2020 Census. The count continues and census takers are now visiting communities to collect information from residents who have not sent in the mailed questionnaire. There is a lot at stake to make certain everyone is counted, including future Congressional representation and billions of dollars … Continue reading Smart Talk Tuesday; Census 2020 and Pennsylvania cities raise the alarm for funding

Next year, lawmakers will use the information obtained in the 2020 census to draw new congressional maps. Pennsylvania state House and Senate maps are determined differently; drawn by a five-member legislative commission comprised of both political parties. Many argue that the current system allows for gerrymandering because members bring their own biases to bear in … Continue reading Smart Talk Monday; Redistricting legislation; PIAA looks to salvage fall sports; Keeping kids “safe and secure”

It has been almost six months since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the U.S. Since that day at the end of February, more than five million people have tested positive for the virus with 162,000 dying from it. In Pennsylvania, more than 121,000 have contracted the virus and 7,400 have died. We have learned much … Continue reading Smart Talk Thursday: COVID questions answered

The 2020 General election is ramping up to be the first of its kind in many ways, including the myriad of lawsuits pending in Pennsylvania. Maintaining voter rolls and controversy surrounding new voting technology are heading to court, along with lawsuits over Pennsylvania election procedures. Joining Smart Talk to analyze the election landscape is PA … Continue reading Smart Talk Wednesday; Election lawsuits; Named streams better protected; Pa. artist designs new coin

The Great American Outdoors Act will provide three billion dollars a year to conservation projects, outdoor recreation and maintenance of national parks and other public lands. The bill signed into law by President Trump last week, with widespread bi-partisan support, is being called by at least one supporter as the most significant conservation legislation enacted … Continue reading Smart Talk Tuesday: How Pa. benefits from Great American Outdoors Act; Offensive mascots?

This November’s election will be unlike any other in American history. Voter turnout and subsequently, the candidates that win or lose, could be determined by whether voters feel safe from the COVID-19 virus. A coalition of non-profits and community leaders has formed VoteSafe PA – a group that says it is dedicated to “an efficient, … Continue reading Smart Talk Monday: Safely voting this fall; Flu shots lead to less chance of Alzheimer’s?; Lancaster Water Week

Pennsylvania Republican U.S. Senator Pat Toomey appears on Wednesday’s Smart Talk. Among the issues we’ll discuss with Sen. Toomey are the on-going efforts in Congress to pass another coronavirus relief bill. So far in negotiations, Democrats have pushed a wide-ranging package that includes the continuation of $600 weekly in unemployment benefits and billions of dollars … Continue reading Smart Talk Wednesday; US Senator Pat Toomey; Peyton’s Law – Saving Young Hearts

Like everyone else, the federal court system has had to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Middle District of Pennsylvania, that means jury selections and jury trials in both civil and criminal cases have been continued. The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the accused a speedy trial. Does continuing criminal cases jeopardize … Continue reading Smart Talk Tuesday: Federal justice system adapts to pandemic; Speaking grief

The latest Franklin and Marshall College poll of registered voters released this week noted several key findings. Pennsylvanians are “generally” optimistic that the state is “heading in the right direction.” Although, that percentage dropped from the October 2019 poll. Respondents also consider COVID-19 the most important problem facing the state and may, as a result, … Continue reading Smart Talk Monday; What Pa. voters are saying in latest FM poll

The opportunity to work, buy things for yourself, participate in community; to enjoy daily life in mainstream America is something that most people take for granted. For Americans living with a disability, their right to live a free and open life was never actually guaranteed until thirty years ago. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) … Continue reading Smart Talk Thursday; Pennsylvania was ‘ground-zero’ in the fight for disability rights