Year in Review: Economic Development, Environment Key in Rural Areas

Throughout rural Pennsylvania, economic development, environmental protection, and healthcare remain major concerns for residents.

From PA ABLE announcing new programs to save disabled residents thousands of dollars to environmental conflict, the region has pushed development to the forefront of legal consideration.

WVIA’s year in review highlights several key headlines on relevant topics. 



Click here to read the full article

PA Families May See Relief in Child Care, Pre-K, and Leave Costs

This year, the growing costs associated with leave and early childcare are a concern for parents across the nation.

Pennsylvania is using legislative memos-preview bills that allow proposals to be seen before they are formally introduced- to address costs surrounding childcare and parental leave.

Spotlight PA reveals three proposals that discuss increased access and decreased costs to childcare resources. 

Click here to read the full article

Mother Teresa’s Haven Opens Permanent Shelter for Men in Wilkes-Barre

The rotating location of Mother Teresa’s Haven shelter now has a permanent building in Wilkes-Barre.

Operating since 1980, Mother Teresa’s Haven serves men with shelter and food nightly.

Serving over 300 last year, the new shelter location will include lodging, laundry, and food access.                         

Click here to read the full article

Practical AI Insights for Local Leaders

The rise of artificial intelligence has changed discussions on ethics, innovation, and policy.

While new generative technologies allow for higher functionality in government services and operations, local governments may lack experience and scaling resources.

The Urban Institute explores how local organizations can implement AI for low-risk operations advancement. 



Click here to read the full article

Can States Hit the Brakes on Runaway Roadbuilding?

In the last few years, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has worked towards its goal of reducing vehicle miles traveled by 20 % by 2050 by passing legislation that reduces highway expansion.

Several other State Department of Transportations are often weighing the economic and environmental implications of highway expansion and alternative transportation policy.

Bloomberg Research discusses the different avenues for cutting emissions while maintaining and building state roadways. 

Click here to read the full article

NPR and KFF Health News Explore How Racism and Violence Hurt Health

Silence in Sikeston is a Missouri-based media project that explores the implications of living amidst racism and violence from generations ago to present day.

Generations-long racism and trauma can have a lasting effect on mental and physical health for marginalized communities.

Correspondents from NPR and KFF Health discuss the aftermath of racism and how it effects community wellbeing. 



Click here to read the full article