Pennsylvania News & Current Events

In August, Steelton-Highspire became the first school district in Pennsylvania to operate a fully electric fleet, and the first in the country to have its entire bus fleet supported by a solar array. (Steelton-Highspire School District)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Federal funding drives PA's increase in electric school buses

Many Pennsylvania students now ride electric buses to school. Some $900 million from the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program …

Steel production is a major source of carbon emissions. U.S. Steel aims to eliminate such emissions by 2050. Close to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions come from using coke and coal in blast furnaces to melt iron. (Jeffrey Bowser/Adobe)

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Sale of U.S. Steel to Japan's Nippon Steel may affect union workers, community

A Pennsylvania environmental justice group is voicing its concerns about the potential sale of U.S. Steel, the effect on the community and the future …

The Production Tax Credit and the capital-based Investment Tax Credit make up more than a quarter of the Inflation Reduction Act's estimated $900 billion in spending by 2031. (Goodluz/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Report: IRA clean-energy credits boost union jobs, economy in Appalachia

A new report showed adhering to prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements can greatly enhance the tax incentives for clean energy projects in Pe…

Disability health-care costs in Pennsylvania are more than $41 billion per year, or up to 37% of the state's health-care spending, according to the CDC. (Maria Vitkovska/Adobe)

Access for all: Making voting easier for Pennsylvanians with disabilities

Disability Voting Rights Week is an annual call to action that occurs during the second week of September. It focuses on advocacy, celebrating …

The new report recommended Pennsylvania address methane leakage by establishing a large-scale program to cap abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells. It could create 75 direct jobs per year and 525 direct jobs by 2030. (Funtay/Adobe)

A new roadmap for a clean energy that prioritizes PA union workers

A new report is providing a roadmap for policymakers and industry leaders to shape the future of Pennsylvania's clean energy landscape. The findings …

The UUH Outreach Program in Northwest Philadelphia is using its funding to provide three educational workshops for older adults to help them age in place safely. A support team will include an occupational therapist, a registered nurse and social workers. (Louis-Photo/Adobe Stock)

AARP awards eight grants to help Pennsylvania communities boost 'livability'

In Pennsylvania, civic organizations with ideas for improving their communities have a new opportunity to turn their ideas into reality, thanks to …

The state's manufacturing sector has shown signs of revitalization, with increased output and job creation in advanced manufacturing industries. (Konstantin/Adobe)

New PA labor report reveals economic progress, challenges

A new report highlights Pennsylvania's strong economic growth and recovery, making the state a favorable environment for job seekers. The findings …

Studies show mental health literacy and life skills decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety and help children succeed. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

Experts recommends PA educators, parents prioritize student mental health

Experts are advising schools and parents to prioritize student mental health as Pennsylvania children return to learning. A new checklist from the …

$Recommendations from the Grand Jury�s report suggest requiring safer transport of the contaminated waste created from fracking sites and conducting a comprehensive health response to the effects of living near unconventional drilling sites. (SobrevolandPatagonia/AdobeStock)<br />$

Fracking boom in PA raises health and environmental concerns

Fracking is on the rise in southwestern Pennsylvania, leading to more plastic production and harsh consequences for residents. Washington County is …

The Children's Health Insurance Program provides coverage for uninsured children and teenagers under 19 who do not qualify for Medicaid. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)

PA expert advises parents on keeping kids healthy, insured while learning

As Pennsylvania children return to school, health advocates stress the importance of keeping them insured. The 2023 State of Children's Health in …

In 2000, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled that the state law governing the voting rights of individuals convicted of a felony was unconstitutional. (rawpixel/Adobe)

PA group pushes voter registration, candidate information

As the general election nears, the battleground state of Pennsylvania is seeing a push for more voter education and engagement. More than 8 million …

The Community Action Association of Pennsylvania provides multiple services. In 2023, more than 19,000 low-income individuals received transportation services, bus passes, transport or support for vehicle purchase or repair, according to its annual report. (Adobe)

PA Community Action Agencies work to eradicate poverty

Tuesday marks the 60th anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act, enacted in the 1960s as part of a national "War on Poverty." It has made a big …

A new report from the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association showed some suburban Philadelphia counties have seen wage declines in recent years, including Chester, Delaware and Montgomery. (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Report: PA wage growth surpasses pre-pandemic levels, national average

Pennsylvania's wage growth has rebounded from pre-pandemic lows and now exceeds the national average, according to the latest "Pennsylvania Workforce …

The Goonies Solar project in Central Pennsylvania is expected to generate enough clean energy to power 33,000 homes annually. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock) <br />

Two years of Inflation Reduction Act in Pennsylvania

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law two years ago this week. In Pennsylvania, its effects so far include carbon reduction, job creation …

Since January 2023, about $85 million of the $154 million American Rescue Plan funds that Pennsylvania invested in the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program have been used to help more than 1,200 farmers improve their conservation practices. (Summit Art Creations/Adobe Stock)

More than fresh produce: PA farmers markets help local economies

This is National Farmers Market Week, but almost every week, fresh fruits and vegetables and local products attract customers to more than 8,000 …

Clean energy will be essential to improving air quality and health, reducing the state's carbon<br />footprint, and fighting climate change, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental<br />Protection. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)<br />

Western PA leads the charge in 'green economy'

Pittsburgh is emerging as a leader in innovative solutions like electric vehicles and clean energy to combat the climate crisis. The group Elected …

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated $1.2 billion to Pennsylvania for expanding reliable high-speed internet access statewide. (WavebreakMediaMicro)

PA mayor puts bipartisan infrastructure law funding to work

A Pennsylvania city is using funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to increase safety, prevent crime, improve housing and more. Matt Tuerk…

In the Keystone State, 76% of counties face one-way travel times of one to two hours to reach secure detention facilities, while 22% had to endure even longer journeys of three to four hours each way.<br />(EFStock/Adobe Stock)<br />

Reopened PA juvenile center provides trauma-informed care, safe haven

Pittsburgh's only juvenile detention center has reopened, offering trauma-informed care and a secure haven for young people at risk. The …

This month, BMW workers in Palmer Township, Penn., have overwhelmingly approved a new contract, securing raises of up to 33% and ending a two-tier wage system over the course of the agreement. (jordi2r/Adobe Stock)

NLRB champions workers' rights, union power in PA

This month, a Pittsburgh nonprofit working with immigrants was fined almost $200,000 for unfair labor practices. It is one of a growing number of …

Since its inception more than 50 years ago, the Property Tax and Rent Rebate program has provided more than $8 billion in property-tax and rent relief to Pennsylvanians. (jackfrog/Adobe Stock)

PA property tax rent rebate plan helps 50+ residents stay in their homes

Pennsylvanians are seeing some financial relief with their property taxes and rent. The state expansion of the existing property tax and rent rebate …

In the Keystone State, the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Federation of Teachers represents more than 36,000 members in 93 local affiliates throughout the Commonwealth. (BalanceFormCreative)

Harris touts student loan forgiveness, 'Fighting for Future'

Student loan forgiveness took center stage on Thursday at the American Federation of Teachers conference. The Biden administration has canceled more …

Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 27 states and remained unchanged in 23 states and the District of Columbia during the past year. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)

Report: PA unemployment still at 3.4%, record high jobs in June

The Keystone State continues offering a favorable landscape for Pennsylvanians seeking employment opportunities. Claire Kovach, senior research …

In the Keystone State, Oct. 21 is the last day to register to vote before the Nov. 5 election. (vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

A call to reduce political rhetoric; embrace prayer, peace, unity

In a weekend turn of events that some saw as shocking, President Joe Biden told the nation he's dropping out of the presidential race rather than …

(In)Accessible: 'When vanlife meets abortion access '

In Pennsylvania, a unique mobile van brings reproductive resources to communities across Western Pennsylvania. A new podcast, called "(In)Accessible,…

At its June 1 commencement, 83 students received diplomas as part of the second graduating class of the Erie County Community College class of 2024. Commencement speaker First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor underscored the importance of continued community support for the school. (Peopleimages/Adobe Stock)

Erie's local college foundation helps students with unexpected expenses

As some colleges in Pennsylvania and nationwide close their doors, one school in Erie has taken a big step toward making higher education more …

The USDA claims its electronic tag requirements will prevent disease outbreaks and protect beef export markets. (Jackie Nix/Adobe Stock)

Smaller ranchers voice concerns about USDA electronic tag mandates

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will soon require electronic eartags for cattle and bison that cross state lines. The USDA says its rule will …

Overheating can cause heat-related illnesses when the body struggles to cool down. Some of these illnesses, such as heatstroke, are life-threatening emergencies. (Microgen/Adobe Stock)

Beat the heat: Crucial summer safety tips for staying cool and safe in PA

As summer heats up in Pennsylvania, staying safe, cool and healthy while enjoying the outdoors is vital. The National Weather Service predicts highs …

Advocates of EVs warn charging stations should be installed by qualified technicians so as not to damage the car's battery pack. (Adobe Stock)

PA advocates say tide is turning for transition to electric vehicles

Clean air advocates are touting the benefits of electric vehicles in the wake of what they call "disinformation" from the U.S. petroleum industry…

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., has held his seat since 2007. (Courtesy of Bob Casey for Senate campaign)

PA reaps major gains from Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Pennsylvania's landscape is being transformed through billions of dollars in federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastru…

According to the Stand Up America survey, abortion is the most important issue for Democrats and Independents, and there is a 30-point margin, 65%-35%, of voters believing abortion should be legal rather than illegal. (Drazen/Adobe)

New poll reveals Supreme Court appointments top concern for voters

This week, the U.S. Supreme Court awarded former President Donald Trump a significant win by giving him immunity from criminal prosecution for what …

Gov. Josh Shapiro's 2024-25 budget proposal includes $35 million to fund county mental-health programs, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and crisis walk-in centers. (Derrick/Adobe)

Report: PA excels in 988 response, falls short for workforce, capacity, funding

A mental health report in Pennsylvania showed a strong response rate of 89% for 988 crisis line calls. However, it showed there is room for …

More than 90% of the pollution reduction needed to clean streams in Pennsylvania's portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed must come from agriculture, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. (World Travel Photos/Adobe Stock)

Calls for more funding in state budget for clean water initiatives

Pennsylvania's budget is overdue, having missed its Sunday deadline and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is asking state lawmakers and the governor to …

In 2022, fatal drug overdoses in Philadelphia hit a peak of 1,413, with people of color hit hardest. More than 80% of the overdose fatalities in 2022 involved opioids, almost always fentanyl. (Adobe Stock)

New Medicaid policy boosts 'street medicine' in PA

Philadelphia is addressing its opioid crisis by deploying mobile medical units to provide Medicaid-funded "street medicine" to the unhoused population…

American manufacturing has led to a significant increase in solar deployment in 2023. A record 32.4 gigawatts of solar capacity were installed nationwide, up 50% from 2022. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)<br />

New plan to increase tariffs on Chinese imports garners public support

Today is the last day for Pennsylvanians to submit feedback to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative about a Biden administration proposal to …

Danyelle Blackwell, Councilwoman, Upper Darby Township, District 4 PA goes for a test drive in an EV during EOPA's United for Health and Energy Security Tour, (Lauren Urbiztondo)

Electric vehicle tour touts clean energy, job creation, cost savings

Pittsburgh is one stop on a nationwide summer tour to raise awareness about electric vehicles and clean energy. The group Elected Officials to …

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation faced unprecedented levels of damage caused by floods and landslides in 2018, leading to costs exceeding $125.7 million for repairing and replacing infrastructure across the state. (Alliance/Adobe Stock)

Pennsylvania braces for extreme weather exacerbated by climate change

Despite the official start of the summer season on Thursday, climate change is exacerbated by extreme weather events in the Keystone State. The …

Gov. Josh Shapiro's fiscal 2024-25 budget includes $1.5 billion over five years to repair schools and make them healthy and safe. (wavebreak3)

Education bill awaiting PA Senate vote would boost billions in funding

A bill to increase Pennsylvania public school funding by billions of dollars passed the State House and is heading to the Senate for a vote. House …

States are already using an initial $1.4 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to protect homes and infrastructure from landslides and clean up streams polluted with acid mine drainage, all of which is creating new employment. (Oleksii Zelivianskyi)

PA secures $244 million for abandoned mine cleanup

Pennsylvania will receive $244 million to clean up the pollution left over from decades of coal mining. The money is part of $725 million in …

Pennsylvania's economic well-being ranks 23rd and shows improvements in children in poverty, with only 394,000, compared to more than 583,000 nationwide, according to the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (WavebreakmediaMicro/AdobeStock)

Report: PA ranks 23rd among states in child well-being

Pennsylvania ranks in the middle among states for the well-being of its children, at 23rd overall in the new Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E…

Upon release from prison, Section 1115 waivers would offer individuals reentry services, case management, medication-assisted treatment and a minimum 30-day medication supply. (AliFuat/Adobe Stock)

PA aims to simplify health coverage for kids with Medicaid waiver

A proposed waiver would eliminate Medicaid issues by ensuring uninterrupted coverage for qualified children until they turn 6. If approved by the …

Eligible Pennsylvania children live in families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level. Children with access include those enrolled in high-quality providers using public funds to support their pre-K education. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

PA pre-K advocates back governor's funding boost to expand access

Recent data on pre-K education in Pennsylvania revealed much work remains to improve investments in pre-K education in the state. In Pennsylvania…

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates its new clean car standards will reduce air pollution enough to provide $13 billion in annual health benefits. (Rh2010/Adode Stock)

PA leaders unite to champion federal clean car standards

The Environmental Protection Agency's new clean car standards are getting praise from groups in Pennsylvania. The EPA estimated by 2032, more than …

A $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D will be implemented Jan. 1, 2025. (Sherry Young/Adobe Stock)

$35 monthly insulin cap under IRA aids retired nurse's budget

The Inflation Reduction Act has brought tangible improvements to Pennsylvanians' lives. Health care premiums are declining, monthly insulin costs …

The median length of stay in juvenile detention has increased in Pennsylvania. The average and median lengths of stay have increased, from 17 and 11 days in 2018 to 27 and 14 days in 2022. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Report: PA in 'crisis' with shortage of juvenile detention beds

A new report is sounding the alarm on Pennsylvania's juvenile-detention capacity challenges, citing understaffing and long wait times for the young …

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says unionized workers in the United States enjoyed a 6.3% increase in nominal wages in the 12 months ending in March, compared with 4.1% for nonunion workers. (Dragana Gordic/Adobe Stock)

PA economy booms as April unemployment stays at record low 3.4%

For Pennsylvanians on the hunt for employment opportunities, the Keystone State offers a favorable landscape. The state's jobless rate stayed at a …

As of 2020, around 3.4 million individuals, which equated to approximately 26% of the total population of Pennsylvania at the time of 13.0 million residents, were living in the 48 counties considered rural areas within the state. (Synthex🇺🇦/AdobeStock)

Poll: Rural Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly oppose bans on abortion

Pennsylvanian's general election takes place in November and a new poll from the Rural Democracy Initiative showed likely voters from rural areas of t…

A new AARP Pennsylvania poll revealed incumbent Sen. Bob Casey, Jr., D-Penn., leads GOP challenger Dave McCormick, 48% to 44%, in a very competitive race. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Pennsylvanians 50+ to play major role in Nov. elections

A new poll for AARP Pennsylvania revealed candidates must focus on issues critical to voters age 50 and older ahead of the November elections…

The Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan lays out a strategy for the state to achieve its greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. It requires cutting emissions 26% by 2025, and 80% by 2050. (Chris/Adobe Stock)

Scientists engage moms to help fight climate change on behalf of kids

Moms from a nonpartisan climate science group are gearing up for summer, getting the word out to Pennsylvania families on how more frequent and …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 13, 2024

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Pennsylvania