fvigeant – WITF Smart Talk Podcast: Recent Episodes
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WITF’s StateImpact Pennsylvania reports most communities across Pennsylvania will likely face higher flood risks by the end of the century due to climate change. That’s according to research from Penn State. The state’s latest Climate Impacts Assessment expects Pennsylvania to face more extreme rainfall and flooding by 2050 because of climate change. The top three cities … Continue reading "Penn State study says Pa. could see more flooding due to climate change"
The African nation of Sudan appeared to be on track toward a civilian-led democratic government after the fall of a dictator in April 2019. It came crashing down last October when the military staged a coup and arrested prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. The military allowed Hamdok to return to limited power a month later. Hamdok … Continue reading "Crisis in Sudan grows"
Thursday, January 6th – is the one year anniversary of the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol where supporters of former President Donald Trump attempted to stop of the certification of votes cast in November 2020 for Joe Biden as President. Twelve months later, hundreds who breached the capitol, including some who violently attacked Capitol police … Continue reading "Are checks and balances in place to stop another insurrection?"
Even though today’s news often focuses on what’s happening on the state and federal levels, local government may have the most significant impact on many Pennsylvanians. Just think about police and fire protection, roads and streets, sewer systems, social programs and more. However, what the state’s cities, boroughs, and townships can do or not do … Continue reading "What are Pennsylvania municipalities’ priorities in 2022?"
Snow fell on areas of Pennsylvania Monday for the first time this winter. The first snowfall always is a bit of a challenge as drivers get acclimated to driving on slippery roads again and state and local governments coordinate snow removal efforts. In an ongoing theme of shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pennsylvania Department … Continue reading "Pa. has a shortage of snowplow drivers"
Voting and election-related legislation will be amongst the proposals getting top billing when Pennsylvania lawmakers return to session. There are deadlines that have to be met for the state’s new Congressional and state legislative districts. Redistricting has become a high-profile exercise — especially in today’s highly charged political atmosphere. Republicans and Democrats want to make … Continue reading "Voting and election-related bills taken up in 2022 by Pa. Legislature"
You might be one of those people who think of the Amish as a simple, peculiar people who choose to live without modern technology and abide by a 19th Century lifestyle. A new book, What the Amish Can Teach Us in so-many words advises don’t underestimate the Amish and possibly learn from them. The book also answers … Continue reading "What the Amish can teach us"
Homer Plessy will be pardoned by the state of Louisiana 130 years after his “crime.” The state’s Board of Pardons recommended the pardon for Plessy and Gov. John Bel Edwards has committed to approving it. In 1892, the 29-year-old African-American bought a first class train ticket, but was told to retire to the train car … Continue reading "Infamous Plessy vs. Ferguson Supreme Court case explained"
More than 260,000 people are testing positive for COVID-19 in the U.S. each day. Until last Monday, a positive test meant you should stay home for 10 days to avoid infecting others. Now, those who don’t have symptoms after five days can go back to their regular activities as long as they wear a mask, … Continue reading "Is 5-day COVID quarantine good guidance?"
Several Pennsylvania cities and small towns made the list of the Safest Small Towns in America and Safest Cities in America in research conducted by SafeWise.com — a home security company. Using FBI crime statistics, the company ranked towns and cities based on the number of violent crimes and property crimes per 1,000 people. Luzerne … Continue reading "Midstate towns on the list of safest from crime"