The Spark

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, October 19, 2018: Some 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease and another 16 million are caring for them (unpaid). The federal government is spending a record $1.8 billion dollars to research Alzheimer’s, which many consider a growing calamity, since the population is aging. There is … Continue reading "Author Stephen Fried / What’s new with Alzheimer’s research"

In this May 31, 2013 photo, breast cancer survivor Alicia Cook holds photos of family members who have also been afflicted by breast cancer, outside her home in Chicago. New research shows genetic breast cancer is more common in black women than previously thought. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) What to look for on Smart Talk … Continue reading "Breast Cancer Awareness / Senate candidates and healthcare"

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, October 17, 2018: It’s a Smart Talk Road Trip to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology to explore what’s new in the world of technology, design and art. There is a lot going on in Central Pennsylvania and at Harrisburg University, starting with the UPNEXT Fest. What … Continue reading "It’s all about technology on a Smart Talk road trip"

In this Oct. 17, 2017, file photo, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, center, with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland, left, and Mexico’s Secretary of Economy Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, right, speaks during the conclusion of the fourth round of negotiations for a new North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in Washington. U.S. and Canadian … Continue reading "U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement / 13th Congressional District candidate Brent Ottaway (D)"

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, October 15, 2018: The Humane Society of the United States reports that there are more than 10-thousand “puppy mills” in the country. Lancaster County is home to many “puppy mills” and the state ranks among the worst for consumer complaints about dogs purchased through these operations. The … Continue reading "Animal protection legislation/10th Congressional district candidate George Scott (D)"

What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, October 11, 2018: It’s back! The flu season has arrived and with it, the debate over the flu vaccine. Health officials encourage people to get their flu shots by the end of October. In the U.S., flu season begins in October and can last as late as … Continue reading "Will it be a bad flu season?/ Mammal Hall restoration / Harrisburg book festival"

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, October 10, 2018: Since Smart Talk debuted this week in 2008, we’ve heard from you often about the topics and issues that you find most interesting, compelling and important. Environmental issues and the environment are always at the top of the list. Whether it is climate change, … Continue reading "Smart Talk 10th anniversary: The environment/9th Congressional district candidate Denny Wolff (D)"

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, October 5, 2018: Pennsylvania could join 29 other states that require people convicted of domestic violence to turn in their firearms within 24 hours, making it consistent with the Protection from Abuse Act. The Senate voted 43-05 earlier this week to send the bill to Gov. Tom … Continue reading "Domestic violence gun legislation and Gubernatorial candidate (Lib) Ken Krawchuck"

What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, October 9, 2018: Smart Talk premiered on October 9, 2008, in response to the Great Recession (as it became known). The program was designed to engage and answer Central Pennsylvanians’ questions about the worst economic downturn since the 1930s. The program was supposed to be temporary but … Continue reading "Politics over the last 10 years and the Kittatinny Ridge"

Marilou Yingling holds an x-ray fluorescent “gun” that is used to determine the presence of lead paint. The device requires its radioactive elements to be replaced about once a year, and that costs about $3,000, Yingling said. (Brett Sholtis/Transforming Health) What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, October 8, 2018: Ten years ago this … Continue reading "Smart Talk 10 year anniversary and lead poisoning inspectors"