PA Receives $193 Million from Rural Health Transformation Program

Pennsylvania has received $193 million this year from the Rural Health Transformation Program.

Investments from this program will fall under the state’s six initiatives: aging and access, behavioral health, EMS and transportation, maternal health, technology and infrastructure and workforce.

This article discusses plans for the funding implementation as well as concerns from rural health leaders on how far the money will go to solve struggling local systems.  

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Philadelphia Side Yard Stewards Push for Land Bank Changes

A new coalition called the Philadelphia Land Steward Union is caring for vacant lots and yards to push for easier land acquisition.

The group aims to allow neighbors to receive expanded eligibility and preferential rights for land acquisition.

WHYY discusses the coalition’s formation and how land may be affordable long-term for neighborhood residents. 

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PA Upgrades Equipment for EMS Workforce, Proposes EMS Budget Increase

The Shapiro Administration has announced a nearly $56 million investment so that Pennsylvania's EMS agencies can purchase the equipment they need to most effectively handle emergencies.

Expanding and providing for the EMS workforce also remains a key priority.  



Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen explained this need and proposed a $6 million investment in Governor Josh Shapiro's 2026-2027 proposed budget to fund training, equipment, and transportation for emergency services.  

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Types of News Americans Seek Out or Come Across by Chance

An increasing number of Americans report that they mostly get news because they happen to come across it, not because they’re actively seeking it out.

Approximately half of American adults (49 percent) say this is the case today, a ten percent increase from the same polling question asked in 2019.

The Pew Research Center discusses which types of news are most likely to be found by chance, what Americans are seeking out, and what they happen upon in the news. 



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The Energy and Growth Strategy that States and Regions are Missing

Across the globe, electricity is becoming a scare resource for regional economies, which is shaping which regions are considered affordable or attractive to live in.

Some states are looking towards fossil fuels or clean energy in response to the increasing demand for power amongst emissions concerns.

Brookings Research explores what clean energy and growth strategies states can implement to bring innovation while keeping costs affordable and regional pathways open. 

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Delivering Bipartisan Wins for America’s Working Families

There is a rising challenge for working families in America amidst childcare accessibility, paid leave, and work balance issues.

These factors affect how and whether workers can become or stay employed, reenter the workforce, and advance in their careers.

The Bipartisan Policy Center discusses policy opportunities to support labor force attachment, expand employer participation, and reduce financial strain on caregivers. 



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