The Spark

Gov. Tom Wolf proposed a $36.1 billion state budget Tuesday that doesn’t count on any widespread tax increases — even though Wolf’s plan increases spending by almost a billion and a half dollars. Under the governor’s proposal, public schools in Pennsylvania would get an additional $100 million, the formula for funding charter schools would be … Continue reading "Breaking down Wolf’s budget proposal"

Technology gifts were a hot commodity this past holiday season. Computers, flat screen TV’s and smart phones topped shopping lists. But buyer beware! If, and when, those electronics break down, fixing them will be a lot harder than you may realize. Since the growth of the world wide web, manufacturers are no longer offering repair … Continue reading "Why do manufacturers make it easier to throw things away than repair them?"

Twenty years ago, the first 2-1-1 system in the country was established in Georgia to fill a need for people seeking services for themselves and their families. Today, more than 95% of the country is covered by the 2-1-1 system and Pennsylvania is part of the network, with 100% coverage. The PA 2-1-1 system is … Continue reading "PA 2-1-1 is a direct-connect to human services"

Today on Smart Talk we’re talking about judicial selection, racial bias in policing, legislative oversights and voting machines. First up, we have Republican state Representative Russ Diamond of Lebanon County who is sponsoring a bill that would elect judges by region, instead of statewide. We’ll also hear from Democratic state Senator Vince Hughes of Montgomery … Continue reading "Will regional judicial districts better represent PA communities?"

Many election polls taken before the 2016 general election were wrong. Most reflected data indicating that Democratic candidate Senator Hillary Clinton was leading candidate Donald Trump. Trump went on to win the election, which only a few polls indicated might happen. The election results left many questioning the value of election polls. Experts caution that … Continue reading "How to interpret polls"

A recent report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General found that Pennsylvania failed to properly monitor companies that work with people with intellectual disabilities. The Inspector General said critical incidents were not reported as required. Critical incidents involve things like abuse, neglect, an emergency room visit or the … Continue reading "Pennsylvania failed to properly monitor companies that work with people with intellectual disabilities"

When Soviet soldiers entered the Auschwitz concentration camp in January 1945, it appeared empty at first; devoid of both guards and prisoners. That wasn’t the case. The Nazis had evacuated most of the prisoners in their hurried departure, but left thousands who weren’t strong enough to survive the forced evacuation. Auschwitz was located in German-occupied … Continue reading "The 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz"

Citing a study that found that one million adult Pennsylvanians struggled with serious psychological distress at least once in 2015, the Wolf Administration has launched a new mental health initiative that includes more resources and public outreach. Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters is a multi-agency effort that aims to strengthen mental health care … Continue reading "Pennsylvania launches new initiative to bolster mental health"

Bloodhounds are recognized for their long, wrinkled faces and distinctive bark. But they are most prized for their ability to find what, or who, is lost. Bloodhounds are considered one of the canine kingdoms most tenacious and gifted scent-finders. Summit Search and Rescue employs the breed to help track and locate missing people. The group … Continue reading "Bloodhound Summit Search and Rescue"

For most people who don’t come into contact with the Amish community on a regular basis, the Amish are a curiosity. To them, the Amish appear to live an idyllic existence marked by peace, their faith and rejection of modern transportation and energy. The neighbors of the Amish in Lancaster County and other places in … Continue reading "Article finds child sexual abuse in the Amish community"