PA Lawmakers Push for Data Centers Feed AI Boom

Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing a series of legislations to fast-track permitting and offering incentives for data centers to settle in the state.

Bipartisan support for data centers comes as Pennsylvania is competing with neighboring states and Amazon has announced a $20 billion investment for two centers in Bucks and Luzerne Counties.

The data boom and an increase in artificial intelligence has prompted attempts to diversify economic growth.

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Fair City Challenge Aims to Increase Equity, Close Wealth Gap

The Economy League’s Fair City Challenge has awarded four finalists $10,000 to pilot creative community programs to address housing and racial wealth equity gaps.

Initiatives include appraisal bias technology, urban farming, and energy-efficient home upgrades.

Finalists will launch programs in the Greater Philadelphia Area, where research suggests that large neighborhood appreciation gaps exist. 

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Philly Summer Program Empowers Young Adults with Disabilities with Meaningful Work

Representatives from the Shapiro Administration visited the Philabundance Community Kitchen to observe the positive effects of their Summer Employment Program.

This program provides real-world job experience and training for young adults with disabilities while addressing food resources for the community.

In Pennsylvania’s proposed 2025-26 budget, there is a call for an additional $5 million investment in OVR, which assists adults with disabilities in finding employment through personalized services such as counseling and job placement. 



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College Enrollment Patterns Are Changing: Data Shows Applicant, Admit Pools Are Too 

Data analysis from 18 four-year universities revealed that between 2023 and 2024, the applicant pool for Black students has experienced a record jump, but their representation among admitted students has either remained consistent or declined.

Applicants, admittance, and enrollees amongst White students has declined since 2018.

The Urban Institute explores new data on the changing face of college applicant, admit, and enrollment pools. 

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Locally Led Development in a Time of Disruption 

Over the past few years, there has been stagnation in international development assistance and donor funding.

Development structure can reap several benefits when it is locally led, focusing on peer partnerships and demand-driven strategies.

Brookings Research explains how development can be reframed to fit local communities and better suit the unique demands of various geopolitical and demographic populations. 

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Views on Top Health Issues and Who Influence US Health Policy

Many Americans view chronic health issues such as cancer, heart disease, and obesity as a major national problem.

A strong majority of Americans also believe that health insurance companies have too much influence over health policy.

The Pew Research Center discusses a poll of Americans’ views on national health concerns, as well as power in health policymaking. 



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