For the second straight year, the holiday shopping season may be different than in the years before the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, COVID cases had begun to re-surge and many Americans were in the midst of the pandemic’s economic fallout. This year, the problem is inventory. Many retailers’ shelves may not be stocked with the … Continue reading "Supply chain problems affecting economic recovery"

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Supply chain problems affecting economic recovery

A recent investigative report by Spotlight PA and The Caucus found that the Pennsylvania legislature spent almost $10 million on private attorneys over the last two years and often didn’t divulge what those lawyers were hired for. That’s even though the four legislative caucuses have attorneys on staff. The investigation was able to identify some … Continue reading "Legislators spend millions on private lawyers with little transparency"

Legislators spend millions on private lawyers with little transparency

As COVID-19 spread throughout the United States, it not only resulted in greater morbidity and mortality but it also had disastrous effects on the mental health of the nation. The pandemic is different than other “calamities” that impacted the United States, in certain regions or populations. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire population of … Continue reading "“The State of Mental Health in America” report links access to care and mental illness as key metrics"

“The State of Mental Health in America” report links access to care and mental illness as key metrics

You can’t smell it, see it or taste it, but radon gas could be in your home and putting occupants at serious health risk. Radon gas is a byproduct of naturally-occurring uranium as the element breaks down underground, then enters through cracks or leaks in a home or building foundation. It is estimated that 40 … Continue reading "Radon gas is dangerous and extremely common in Pennsylvania, causing a significant health risk"

Radon gas is dangerous and extremely common in Pennsylvania, causing a significant health risk

With the advent of online technology it is now possible for knowledge-based workers to log on and work from anywhere, at any time. That is good news for both employees and employers, but it also increases the likelihood of worker burnout as the traditional work-life boundaries become blurred. There are some organizations recognizing the need … Continue reading "Four-day work week gaining traction in the workplace"

Four-day work week gaining traction in the workplace

The PA Media Group is hosting a statewide virtual event in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission on October 19 called “Peace and Justice in PA.” The is part of their “live journalism” series to examine Pennsylvania’s “current state of affairs around diversity, equity and inclusion.” They will discuss efforts to counter extremism and … Continue reading "‘Peace and Justice in PA’ to honor those who fight racism, discrimination"

‘Peace and Justice in PA’ to honor those who fight racism, discrimination

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses and other healthcare workers were lauded as heroes in the fight and held in high regard. Now that the world is closing in on two years battling the virus those same workers are exhausted and, in some cases, leaving the profession because of burnout. Healthcare providers are … Continue reading "What is behind the reports of a nurse shortage?"

What is behind the reports of a nurse shortage?

The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association announced the 2021 award winners of the Great Places in Pennsylvania contest, sponsored by their organization. To qualify for consideration, a place must fit into three categories: great public spaces, great greenways or trails and great streets. Eight places were designated this year and to date, 46 … Continue reading "The 2021 ‘Great Places in Pennsylvania’ award winners"

The 2021 ‘Great Places in Pennsylvania’ award winners

Climate change is a complicated and often frightening concept. Talking to kids about it, while necessary, can be difficult for anyone. Smart Talk Friday is joined by two guests who offer ways to present the problem through the lens of a beloved aquatic mammal named Kobee Manatee. A new book in the Kobee Manatee® series, … Continue reading "Talking to kids about climate change and ocean health"

Talking to kids about climate change and ocean health

This is the time of year that leaf peepers have waited for; fall colors exploding across the countryside. It’s been a slow fall foliage onset this year, as temperatures remain slightly above average allowing plants to continue producing green-sustaining chlorophyll. But that won’t last forever and cooler temperatures are on the horizon. Joining Smart Talk … Continue reading "Fall foliage forecast and looking toward the Winter season"

Fall foliage forecast and looking toward the Winter season

There are some structures and engineering marvels that defy our imagination; projects that engineers with vision and expertise created and overcame incredible obstacles to complete. The Panama Canal, for example, was and still is an engineering masterpiece that changed the world by slashing global shipping and transit times. For example, a ship sailing between New … Continue reading "Engineering marvels that changed the world through their innovation"

Engineering marvels that changed the world through their innovation

Social media giant Facebook is facing allegations of putting profit over safety. A previously anonymous whistleblower recently revealed thousands of pages of internal documents alleging the company “deceived the public and investors about their ability to deal with hate speech and misinformation on the platform.” Allegations of misinformation on the social media site have plagued … Continue reading "Misinformation and false statements continue to plague social media sites"

Misinformation and false statements continue to plague social media sites

The Christopher Columbus statue at Marconi Plaza in Philadelphia was “boxed” after the site became a location for violent protests in the wake of the George Floyd murder. A Commonwealth court recently ruled it will remain covered for the time being. The ruling comes at a time when monuments around the country are garnering public … Continue reading "Audit of U.S. monuments reveal common traits and a reverence for war-fighters"

Audit of U.S. monuments reveal common traits and a reverence for war-fighters

Changes are coming to the way flood insurance rates are determined under the Federal Flood Insurance Program, which could raise rates significantly for some policy owners. The Federal Emergency Management Agency administers the program for the Federal government and they contend that changes to the pricing method will mean that policy prices will be more … Continue reading "Federal flood insurance rates changing and policy owners could feel the pinch"

Federal flood insurance rates changing and policy owners could feel the pinch

The Supreme Court 2021 term began this month and it has been called the most important term in decades. Court watchers are zeroing in on several cases with big impact potential. Abortion rights and gun rights are two cases getting the most attention, mainly because conservative Justices are in the majority on the court. Abortion … Continue reading "The U.S. Supreme Court term begins with several high-profile, controversial cases on the docket"