Danville Teacher Climbs Trees to Raise Awareness for PA’s Forests

A Danville teacher is working towards his goal of climbing 67 trees on 67 mountains in 67 counties across the state to bring awareness to Pennsylvania’s forest conservation efforts.

His project is gaining attention, being joined in climbs by members of Northern Tier and the PA secretary of agriculture.

Pennsylvania is currently exploring solar paneling projects, electric vehicle manufacturing, and other sustainable environmental solutions. 



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Temple University Engineers Invent Soy Bandages for Wounds

Engineers at Temple University have completed a prototype of a new soy bandage after a decade of research and experimentation.

Made of concentrated soybean proteins, this bandage is plant-based product that can be cheaply produced and help to minimize scarring and quicken healing.

The group is now seeking FDA approval to start human clinical trials. 



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Rural PA Population Loss Focus of New Commission

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania has released 30-year population projections that show an almost six percent decrease in rural county populations, of which the US Census Bureau says is happening rapidly.

The state has created the Rural Population Revitalization Commission last month to encourage people to live in rural counties to stem the population decline.

The 15-member committee is using grants and research of rural counties to gather data and brainstorm solutions and implementation of future plans. 



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Here’s How to Create a Social Safety Net with Bipartisan Support

Universal basic income (UBI) is an idea that involves giving citizens cash payments to meet basic living needs, with no requirements on the citizen’s part.

Recent UBI programs in places such as Finland and South Korea have been showing some success, with the United States considering the concept since tax experiments in the 1960’s.

Bloomberg Research discusses the benefits and costs of UBI and tax credit programs. 



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US Health Care Now Unaffordable for Nearly Half of Americans

According to recent research shared by the Healthcare Affordability Index, nearly half of Americans struggle to afford health care and prescription medications.

Affordability has fallen six points since 2022, a record low since the index launched in 2021.

This article discusses key demographic findings from the index. 

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Seven Ways Federal Policymakers can Improve the Lives of Disabled People

This month celebrates 34 years of the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which ensures that Americans with disabilities have equal opportunities for employment, transportation, healthcare, and voting rights.

Those with disabilities make up nearly one in four in the United States, and despite the protection of ADA, disabled individuals still face barriers to housing, education, and employment.

The Urban Institute discusses seven ways in which policymakers can advance equity across the board for disabled individuals.



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