Photo by LEAF   What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, August 16, 2018:  On a picturesque, three-acre farm along the banks of Sherman’s Creek, youth from diverse walks of life arrive most summer mornings for their jobs. Their drive to work takes them over north mountain and into a more peaceful part of Central PA; rural Perry … Continue reading "Leadership through farming and ag worker shortage"

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro holds hands with Judy Deaven who says her son was a victim of sexual abuse by a priest as a boy, during a news conference at the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)   What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, August 8, … Continue reading "Grand Jury on Catholic Church child sex abuse"

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, August 8, 2018: Youth sports is big business and it’s getting bigger. Children as young as pre-school are joining competitive sports programs and specializing at younger ages. Boston NPR affiliate WBUR reported that in the past, American kids went out for Little League and school sports … Continue reading "Specialization injuries in young athletes"

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, August 13, 2018:  At one point in the last decade, the city of Harrisburg considered bankruptcy as a way out of a downward spiraling financial situation. The city was millions of dollars in debt due to a now-sold, and often maligned, incinerator project.   Harrisburg sought protection through a state … Continue reading "Harrisburg’s taxing authority and limiting kid’s screen time"

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, August 10, 2018:  On a hot, August day in 1955, Lulu and Percy Haines met in a Cumberland County courtroom to receive the judge’s order finalizing their domestic case.   Percy Haines responded violently when Judge Mark E. Garber ordered him to pay Lulu $50 month in support and,  according to press reports, he … Continue reading "Murder in the courtroom and Esports"

What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, August 9, 2018:  What a difference a decade makes. Ten years ago, housing values plummeted, and homes were repossessed in unprecedented numbers because of the economic recession. Today, a new housing crisis has developed with home buyers shut out of the market because of low inventory and sky-high prices. NPR reports that new home construction nationwide is at its slowest pace … Continue reading "Shut out of the housing market"

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, August 8, 2018: It’s a Smart Talk Road Trip to Beau’s Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park in Lancaster Wednesday! Smart Talk Road Trips are usually a lot of fun for the audience and the Smart Talk crew — even when we’re discussing serious topics.  But this … Continue reading "Road Trip to Beau’s Dream Dog Park in Lancaster"

What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, August 7, 2018: A coalition of Pennsylvania nurses hand-carried a 10-thousand signature petition to the state Capitol last week to push lawmakers to act on legislation stalled in house and senate committees. The legislation, titled Hospital Patient Protection, mandates lower patient-to-nurse ratios. The nurse’s coalition say that … Continue reading "Nurses rally for improved staffing"

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, August 6, 2018: Do changes to short-term, limited duration health insurance plans provide quality coverage to Pennsylvanians? That’s a question Smart Talk examines Monday. Consumers will soon be able to purchase the plans for up to three years after changes implemented by the Trump Administration.  Federal regulations … Continue reading "Is new short-term insurance a good option?/Service dogs"

WITF’s Ready Set Go Kindergarten What to look for on Smart Talk, Friday, August 3, 2018: Early formative childhood education is important for kids and their families. WITF and other community organizations believe that it is an imperative for businesses and communities, as well.  Quality early childhood education has a measurable economic impact, … Continue reading "Ready Set Go Kindergarten Reinforces Early Childhood Education"