The Spark

As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its fourth month in Pennsylvania, scientists and doctors are still learning about the virus and how to the treat the illness that comes along with it. Two Penn State Health medical specialists appear on Thursday’s Smart Talk answering questions about what we thought we knew and what we know now … Continue reading "Smart Talk Thursday: What have we learned about COVID-19?"

The day after a primary election is usually pretty straightforward in Pennsylvania. Normally, the votes would have been counted and Pennsylvanians would know which Democrats and Republicans would be competing for the offices they’re running for in the November general election. However, the 2020 primary wouldn’t be like previous ones anyway after mail-in voting became … Continue reading "Smart Talk Wednesday: Analyzing an election like no other"

Protests continued across the country last night against police brutality and racial injustice in the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis last week. In Lancaster, several members of the police department marched with the protesters Monday. Sunday’s demonstration in Lancaster was more … Continue reading "Smart Talk Tuesday: Lancaster protests; Philadelphia reporter arrested at protest; Poll shows public supports COVID-19 response; Counties want mental health funding"

The death of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck as Floyd said repeatedly that he couldn’t breathe, has set off a wave of protests and outrage across the country. The anger has escalated into violence in Minneapolis over what protestors see is ongoing police brutality against … Continue reading "Smart Talk Monday: Black people feel under siege after recent violent deaths and incidents"

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted so much of our lives this spring. Many people who were staying at home and looking for things to do found they had time to plant a garden or devote more attention to their existing gardens this year. Some concerned about food supplies thought that vegetable gardens or planting more … Continue reading "Smart Talk Friday: Gardening during the pandemic"

An analysis by the National League of Cities found that Pennsylvania leads the nation in local government revenue loss due to the pandemic. Cities, boroughs, towns and townships across the state should brace for the impact of an overall loss of up to 40 percent of revenues. Analysts say local governments are facing a financial … Continue reading "The Coronavirus on Smart Talk Thursday: PA leads the nation for local government revenue loss and Congressional candidate Hammond"

When Pennsylvania initiated the state-wide, stay-at-home order the impact to the food supply system began immediately. With restaurants and schools closed, suppliers began to experience a surplus of products that grocery store orders could not help to mitigate. There were even early reports of growers dumping product because of the lack of demand. The Pennsylvania … Continue reading "The Coronavirus on Smart Talk Wednesday: Agriculture programs intended to shore up food supply system and Congressional candidate Brier"

Pennsylvania’s June 2 primary election is just over a week away. Smart Talk‘s Election 2020 coverage begins with conversations with two Congressional candidates. Both are Democrats and face a competitor in the primary. They are running in separate districts. The conversations focus on where the candidates stand on the issues. Eugene DePasquale is running for … Continue reading "Smart Talk Tuesday: Conversations with Congressional candidates DePasquale and Daigle"

Friday is 143 Day in Pennsylvania. Inspired by Pennsylvania native Fred Rogers, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to share acts of kindness and good deeds for each other on 143 Day. Mr. Rogers used 143 as a special code based on the number of letters to say I Love You. To commemorate 143 Day, we’ll hear a … Continue reading "Smart Talk Friday: Focus on Mr. Rogers for “143 Day”"

At any given time, there are more than 100-thousand people waiting for an organ transplant. Every 10 minutes another person is added to the waiting list.  Wait times for transplants can vary, with the average time frame between three to five years – if you are fortunate. A little more than 50 percent of people … Continue reading "The coronavirus on Smart Talk Thursday: Organ donations falling, a community fund for non-profits in need, and The Coronavirus Diaries on WITF-TV"