The Spark

Crime rates have dropped in Pennsylvania by 45% over the past 20 years. At the same time, Pennsylvania’s prison population fell by almost 1,500 last year — the biggest one-year decline ever. Those numbers come from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. Pennsylvania has been at the forefront of criminal justice reform over much of the … Continue reading "Crime and incarceration rates are falling in Pa."

The United States and China have been at odds over trade issues for the past several years. President Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese imports to the U.S., China then retaliated with their own tariffs on imports from the U.S. The U.S. and China have finally found common ground and agreed on a Phase One trade … Continue reading "U.S.-China trade impact; New trade deal"

Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, when the life of America’s most influential and cherished civil rights leader is honored. Dr. King’s dream of a nation where blacks and whites lived, worked and played together in harmony has never been fully realized. Racism is still alive and well in this country – maybe … Continue reading "How to talk about racism"

The flu season arrived with a vengeance and health officials are saying the U.S. outbreak this year is the worst they have seen in decades. In the U.S., the season typically begins in October and can last as late as May, with most activity peaking in February. But this year the season started early with … Continue reading "The nation feeling the full-effect of the flu season"

A healthy deer population is critical to sustaining Pennsylvania’s economic and natural resources. The health of the herd impacts the state’s forests, and the vibrant billion-dollar hunting industry. Sustainable deer management is the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, who recently approved an earlier start to the firearm deer-hunting season. The move broke a long-standing … Continue reading "Health of the herd and other PA wildlife issues"

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated markedly over the past several weeks following the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. drone. The Trump administration initially said Soleimani was targeted because he was planning imminent terrorist attacks. Now, the administration says the killing of Soleimani was part of a strategy to … Continue reading "Local perspective on Iran"

It’s a new year and maybe you have set a few resolutions. Perhaps you’ve decided to make a resolution not to make any more resolutions? In either case, health and wellness are always top of mind after the holiday season and all the indulgences. Maybe you plan to start a new exercise plan or purchase … Continue reading "Healthy living combines nutrition and physical activity"

The Millennial generation often gets a bad rap. Millennials, also known as Generation Y, or simply Gen Y, are the generation after Baby Boomers and Gen X, generally individuals born between 1981 to 1996. They are sometimes characterized in popular culture as lazy, entitled ‘snowflakes;’ disrespectful labels that carry over into the workplace. The Millennial … Continue reading "How prepared are Millennials for retirement?"

Smart Talk makes a road trip to the 2020 Pennsylvania Farm Show for Friday’s program. Agriculture has been described as Pennsylvania’s number one industry because it has such an economic and cultural impact on the state. So, any change in policy, the economy, weather and climate or consumer tastes affects Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture … Continue reading "Smart Talk Road Trip to Pa. Farm Show"

It’s been a busy week at the State Capitol in Harrisburg with the start of a new legislative session. WITF’s Capitol Bureau Chief Katie Meyer hosts Smart Talk to provide an update and insight into several high-profile issues and pieces of legislation. Appearing on Smart Talk is PA Post reporter Joseph Jafaari, who has spent weeks … Continue reading "Legislative update and stories to watch"