Water Privatization is on the Rise in PA: Here’s What You Need to Know

In the last few years, Pennsylvania has seen a rise in the number of water systems acquired by private companies.

Water privatization typically results in more staff and financial resources; however, the ability for municipal officers to regulate function is also removed.

PA Spotlight launched an investigation into a private water system; this article details their findings and additional pros and cons to private water. 



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Pennsylvania Launches New Free Resource to Help Students and Families Fill Out the FAFSA

The Department of Education has partnered with national nonprofit uAspireOpens this month to pilot a new program for students and families applying for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The free helpdesk will assist students in the FAFSA application process, increasing the chance of receiving educational aid.

This summer FAFSA completion is at a critically low point across the nation due to delays in the application release and other data processing errors, prompting the state to find solutions for prospective students in need. 



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PA Hopes to Regulate Carbon Storage Wells with New Law

The Carbon Capture and Sequestration Act has been passed in Pennsylvania, which may allow the state to oversee the practice of storing carbon emissions underground.

Trapping emissions as an alternative to releasing them into the atmosphere is a potential solution for steel and cement production, a solution that is backed by gas companies across the state.

This solution is part of a climate plan that involves creating a hydrogen hub near Pittsburgh.



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How Americans Get Local Political News

According to Pew Research, while most Americans follow national and local news about the government and politics, only about one quarter of consumers are highly satisfied with the quality of media coverage.

Most American adults report that they are at least somewhat interested in keeping up with local government and political happenings, yet they report a difference in quality between these news segments and segments pertaining to other local happenings such as traffic and weather.

The Pew Research Center discusses the ways in which Americans are getting local political news, and how they view the types of news they receive. 



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Local Impacts of Economic Development Administration Construction Investments

The United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) invests in various projects across the nation that promote innovation, regional competitiveness, and economic development.

Projects that are funded on a national to local level are shown to directly relate to the area in which they operate.

The Urban Institute discusses the local impacts of EDA-backed projects and how they develop local areas economically and across the community.

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UBI Study Backed by OpenAI’s Sam Altman Bolsters Support for Basic Income

A new project backed by OpenAI founder Sam Altman tested the impact of a monthly $1,000 payment to low-income individuals, with the findings suggesting an increase in autonomy and flexibility for participants.

The concept of direct payments to low-income individuals has gained significant traction, with more than 150 pilot programs in place and 35 states gathering data.

Bloomberg discusses the findings from Altman’s study, and the power behind introducing a national basic income. 



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