Proposed PA Legislation Would Help Fund Local News

Pennsylvania lawmakers are proposing legislation that will reverse the collapse of community news and fill civic information gaps in rural areas across the state.

Seventeen counties in Pennsylvania have one or fewer newsrooms, highlighting a lack of local coverage and community connection.

One proposed bill would pilot the Pennsylvania Civic Information Consortium, an independent nonpartisan body that would distribute grants to local newsrooms and information organizations in underserved communities. 

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Montgomery County Launches New Open Space Grant Initiative 

This year, Montgomery County is launching Montco Forever Green, a grant initiative that will support local open space preservation projects.

Beginning in September, nonprofit organizations and Montgomery’s 62 municipalities can apply for grants up to $500,000 for any size of open space preservation in various areas.

Open space include parks, open air community gathering spots, and other natural spaces in urban and rural areas. 

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Scranton Invests Millions in Parks to Improve Quality of Life

Scranton is issuing a $25 million investment into over 30 local parks and recreation facilities, which include new and renovation projects. 

The city used ARPA and other federal funds, state funding, donations, and capital reserve funds to upgrade and create new parks and other outdoor spaces such as gardens and pools across Scranton.

Parks can increase physical activity and improve community connections. 



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Overcoming Obstacles and Uplifting Innovation Solutions in Four Regions

During the past few years, many Americans have voiced concerns over the risk of America’s largest downtown areas experiencing a “death spiral” due to post-pandemic declining in office work, retail activity, tourism, and revenue.

One in four Americans live in small and midsized cities, which have long-faced challenges of economic and population decline.

This article discusses a four-part series seeking to address gaps by examining downtown recovery efforts in four small and midsized cities.  

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Leveraging the SBIC Program to Increase Access to Innovation Capital 

In 2023, The Small Business Administration adopted new rules that make it easier for venture capital funds to leverage federal resources under the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program.

Established in 1958, the SBIC program supports the development and growth of thousands of small businesses by increasing access to capital via borrowing funds and resources.

This article explores how organizations can utilize the SBIC program to increase innovation capital for small businesses.

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States Pass Privacy Laws to Protect Brain Data Collected by Devices

States across the nation are passing laws to protect patient information generated by their brains and nervous system.

As medical technology improves and artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent, sensitive details about a person’s health, mental status, and cognitive functionality are more accessible to devices.

KFF Health News discusses protective measures that several states have taken to protect newly available sensitive medical information. 



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