$9 Million in Federal Funding for Scranton -NYC Train Infrastructure

A recent contribution of $9 million for the Scranton rail service to New York City means new a significant step forward.

The Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant will improve the Pennsylvania side of the railway, including a new bridge and ties.

This project, decades in the making, will mean new commuting and recreational opportunities for the Greater Scranton Area. 



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PECO is Investing in EVs and Making It Easier for You to Drive One

PECO, the largest electric and natural gas delivery company in the state, is helping customers switch to driving electric vehicles.

Working with their parent company Exelon, PECO’s Path to Clean program is using rebates, online resources, and finding convenient charging stations to help more customers have access to electric vehicles.

Exelon’s goal is to reduce their emissions by 50 percent in 2030, using new programs to help customers and Philadelphia residents to participate.

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Shapiro Administration Makes More Than $5 Million Available for Schools to Increase STEM and Computer Science Programming

New PAsmart Advancing grants have been approved this month to make STEM and Computer Science Programming more accessible to schools across the state.

According to the Secretary of the Department of Education, Pennsylvania is relying on students now to develop into a highly skilled workforce, meeting an increasing demand for STEM-related employment.

Grant features include fostering partnerships between schools and local career providers, planning initiatives, and increased accessibility and inclusivity programs.

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Civic Engagement is Higher Among Americans Who are Financially Secure

This year marks another presidential election, when data shows that Americans are more ideologically divided than past decades.

The Urban Institute has partnered with Citizen Data on new research that suggests that how finically secure Americans are may play a role in how likely and how much they are civically engaged.

This article discusses findings and implications of financial security and its role in civic participation.  

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5 Facts About Child Care Costs in the US

Child care is a major issue across the United States, with accessibility and cost being a concern for countless families.

Data shows that costs for childcare vary widely between states, sometimes carrying a different of thousands of dollars annually.

The Pew Research Center details five facts about child care costs in the United States, and what that means for programs going forward. 

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Moving Toward Truly Responsible AI Development in the Global AI Market

Ethical concerns remain a significant obstacle in the widespread adoption of AI in economic and technological environments.

Ways of maintaining AI technology include outsourcing labor and data and relying on low-paying regions to supply labor.

Brookings Research discusses how the United States can reform privacy and labor laws to ensure fair working conditions as AI becomes an increasingly collaborative global initiative.

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