The Spark

It has become apparent that there are many questions about reopening schools this fall. While the number of COVID-19 cases increase in some parts of the country and even some places in Pennsylvania, how students will be educated in a safe environment is of major concern for parents, teachers and administrators. Pennsylvania’s 500 public school … Continue reading Smart Talk Wednesday: Opening schools, the debate continues

The American Academy of Pediatrics advocate for a return to in-school classes but warn that re-opening schools must be done safely and based on solid health guidelines, not on politics. It is not surprising that kids perform best when they are in school learning, but they also benefit in other ways. Children learn social and … Continue reading Smart Talk Tuesday; Pediatricians and school nurses weigh-in on reopening schools

With so many Pennsylvanians working from home, students taking their classes on-line and doctors communicating with patients through telemedicine — reliable, broadband internet has taken on more urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Broadband has become an essential part of the infrastructure during the pandemic, but many areas of Pennsylvania – especially rural, but not limited … Continue reading Smart Talk Monday: Expansion of broadband during pandemic; Should students pay full tuition of college courses on line?

The Wolf administration imposed stricter limitations on bars, restaurants and businesses yesterday in response to a reported rise in coronavirus cases state-wide. Spotlight PA reporter Angela Couloumbis reported on this new development and she joins Smart Talk to share the details. Governor Tom Wolf also enacted a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures at the beginning … Continue reading Smart Talk Thursday; With evictions and foreclosures delayed, landlords and tenants bear the burden

With the scheduled start of K-12 classes just over a month away, Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts are working on plans to educate their students in environments that are safe from contracting or spreading COVID-19, while attempting to maximize learning. However, schools face significant challenges. Gov. Tom Wolf wants a return to education this fall after … Continue reading Smart Talk Tuesday: What plans are schools making for classes this fall?

As the final arbiter of the nation’s laws, any decision made by the U.S. Supreme Court can be considered historic. However, some rulings are more significant than others. Under that premise, the Supreme Court term that ended last week was one for the history books. The Court’s decisions also weren’t as predictable, as … Continue reading "Smart Talk Monday: A historic Supreme Court term ends; July tax day questions"

Moving the US economy forward and getting people back to work will depend a great deal on the availability of affordable, quality childcare. Early in 2020, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation partnered with the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission to quantify the lack of childcare in … Continue reading "Smart Talk Thursday: A life-line needed for childcare centers and friends find inspiration by helping fellow graduates"

The presidential election is four months away, and it seems there is a new poll every day with a snapshot of how much support President Donald Trump and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden have. Most polls across the country from the last two weeks show Biden leading Trump, especially in what are considered key states … Continue reading "Smart Talk Wednesday: Are the polls accurate?; Industry ups and downs during pandemic"

While state governments lead the COVID-19 pandemic response throughout the country, the federal government continues work to support their efforts. Pennsylvania Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey recently introduced a bill to reshape Medicaid funding, which has the potential for significantly increasing Medicaid resources in the state. Senator Casey joins Smart Talk Tuesday to discuss this … Continue reading "US Senator Casey; predicting COVID-19 spread based on where you live"

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote.  The fight for women’s suffrage was a decades-long battle that began even before the Civil War. Reform activists like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony were pioneers in the movement, though neither lived to see … Continue reading "Smart Talk Monday: The Vote; the 100th anniversary granting women the right to vote"