The Spark

For many of us, staying at home and not being able to visit with friends and family or go where we want during the coronavirus emergency is something new that we’re not used to. How many times in the last three weeks have you heard or read on social media someone expressing a desire to … Continue reading "Coronavirus on Smart Talk Monday: Let’s hear your stories"

In the last two weeks, 10 million jobs across the country have all but disappeared. And with most states ordering lock-downs and business closures through the end of April there is little expectation that the employment outlook will improve. The Wolf administration ordered all non-essential businesses in Pennsylvania to close nearly three weeks ago. The … Continue reading "The Coronavirus on Smart Talk Friday; Pa jobless numbers second highest in nation and the rise of telemedicine"

It has been more than a month since the first COVID-19 related death in the U.S. Since that day at the end of February, nearly three thousand people have died and nearly six thousand Pennsylvanians are reportedly infected with the virus. People still have many questions about the virus, how to avoid exposure and what … Continue reading "The Coronavirus on Smart Talk Thursday; COVID-19 virus questions answered and the economic impact on college communities"

Almost half of the counties in Pennsylvania are now under stay-at-home orders as the state moves to respond to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. See stay-at-home guidance here. Rachel McDevitt, WITF Host of Fresh Air and All Things Considered, will join Smart Talk to breakdown what that means for residents. Also, in a major … Continue reading "The coronavirus on Smart Talk Wednesday; Stay-at-home order, license renewal extensions, drug and alcohol treatment during COVID-19 and the history of nicotine use"

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture received approval from the Federal government last week to operate emergency food assistance through area food banks and pantries. The Disaster Household Distribution program allows the Department of Agriculture to provide critical food supplies to Pennsylvanians in need. The program is available under the federal government’s declaration of a national … Continue reading "The coronavirus on Smart Talk Tuesday; Emergency food distribution, COBRA insurance and pets and COVID-19"

WITF is offering a new initiative for learners in preschool through twelfth grade who are out of school during the coronavirus crisis. It’s called Learning at Home and everyone is invited to explore the curated collection of free resources that includes videos, games and project ideas. WITF will broadcast programming linked to curriculum over both … Continue reading "The coronavirus on Smart Talk Monday: Learning at Home, UPMC testing sites and why some don’t feel at risk from COVID-19"

When the history books are written, March 2020 will not be remembered fondly. It is when the coronavirus spread day-by-day in the United States. In Pennsylvania alone, two people tested positive for COVID-19 on March 6. As of yesterday, less than three weeks later — there are almost 1,700 cases and 16 people have died. … Continue reading "Your coronavirus stories on Smart Talk"

It is not business as usual for Pennsylvania schools. All K-12 schools have been closed in Pennsylvania for the last 10 days and none will be open through at least April 6. What does this mean for learning continuity? Pennsylvania Intermediate Units are tasked to provide technical assistance to the districts and provide help for … Continue reading "The coronavirus on Smart Talk Thursday: School continuity plans, rural Pa disparities and watching for child abuse"

While the number of cases of the COVID 19 or the coronavirus pandemic continue to grow in the U.S. and Pennsylvania, WITF’s Smart Talk focuses on many aspects of the illness and the nation’s response to it. Smart Talk is committed to providing context and answering questions during these extraordinary times. Featured on Wednesday’s Smart … Continue reading "The coronavirus on Smart Talk Wednesday: lung health and the virus, learning at home, and tax day delayed"

While many businesses in Pennsylvania have closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Governor Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf reminded Pennsylvanians that this does not include grocery stores and food suppliers. Governor Wolf said that all Pennsylvanians should have faith in our food system and that if everyone only buys what they … Continue reading "The coronavirus on Smart Talk Tuesday: security of the food supply, vaccine trials and helping aging Pennsylvanians"