The Spark

\ What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, February 20, 2019: The term Artificial Intelligence elicits images of cyborgs and terminators; human-like robots intent on pursuing death and destruction. Hollywood representations distort what AI really is and the technological achievements that scientists are making. AI is the theory and development of computer systems that … Continue reading "Is artificial intelligence affecting the job market?"

Could hunting on Sundays be in Pennsylvania’s future? A bill that would give authority to the Pennsylvania Game Commission and take it away from the legislature has passed the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee. That’s as far as the proposal has ever gotten. Appearing on Tuesday’s Smart Talk is Republican State Senator Daniel Laughlin to … Continue reading "Sunday Hunting bill reaches Senate floor/ Author Adam Makos, “Spearhead”"

American cities and towns have undergone significant changes over the past half-century. Many lost population, businesses shut down, jobs were lost, schools suffered and in many cases crime increased. Some didn’t suffer as much as others and some began to re-think and re-invent themselves sooner than others. But change took thinking and planning that was … Continue reading "Smart Talk: Book explores successful cities and towns"

Deborah and James Fallows with WITF’s Scott LaMar at Midtown Scholar Bookstore/photo by Joe Ulrich What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, February 18, 2019: American cities and towns have undergone significant changes over the past half-century. Many lost population, businesses shut down, jobs were lost, schools suffered and in many cases crime increased. … Continue reading "Book explores successful cities and towns"

Dr. John M. Mason Jr., Ph.D. What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, February 15, 2019: Penn State’s literal and virtual influence extends far beyond State College, Pennsylvania. There are 24 campuses across the Commonwealth; a campus within practical commuting distance for virtually every resident. In the Capitol area, Penn State Harrisburg fills that … Continue reading "Penn State Harrisburg Chancellor and a national climate lawsuit has local connection"

Dr. Linda Fedrizzi-Williams (photo courtesy of Central Penn College) What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, February 14, 2019: Founded in 1881, Central Penn College is ranked in the top fifty Regional Colleges North and is one of four colleges and universities in Cumberland County. Central Penn is also one of four Central Pennsylvania … Continue reading "Central Penn College president / Does PA have too many school districts?"

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, February 13, 2019: In the early 2000s, a litigant preparing medical malpractice charges against a provider or care facility could, under certain conditions, file in a jurisdiction other than where the incident occurred. This procedure is called venue shopping and it would usually happen in areas where … Continue reading "Medical malpractice lawsuits; will venue shopping return?"

Drifting snow blows across a road near Mount Joy in Lancaster County, Pa. Wednesday Jan. 30, 2019. Winter driving conditions continue in the mid-state this week. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma) What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, February 12, 2019: Tuesday’s Smart Talk focuses on the winter weather and how Central Pennsylvania is impacted by … Continue reading "Winter weather updates on Smart Talk"

John Fetterman is sworn in as Pennsylvania’s lieutenant governor by Superior Court Judge Judge Deborah Kunselman on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa.(AP/Matt Rourke) What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, February 11, 2019: He was described as “America’s coolest mayor,” while in the top spot in Braddock, Pennsylvania. … Continue reading "Lt. Gov. Fetterman kicks off pot listening tour"

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, February 8, 2019: A new state law makes it easier to commit someone with a mental illness to get treatment through a process called “assisted outpatient treatment.” The law, called Act 106, takes effect in April. Its supporters say it will help people who have serious illnesses … Continue reading "Involuntary commitment for treatment, does it help? / Traveling while black"