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Six state schools moving to integrate into two new universities
August 09, 2021

The plan to merge six of Pennsylvania’s 14 state-owned universities was unanimously approved in July by the State System of Higher Education’s governing board. Bloomsburg, Mansfield and Lock Haven uni

Kids need outdoor play and nature to develop a sense of wonder and learn
August 05, 2021

Some estimates say that kids today spend about half as much time outside as their parents did. While some may dispute the number, most would agree that it is indeed less time. The reasons behind the c

Tracking Pa. pandemic spending
August 05, 2021

Since the beginning of the pandemic, a lot money has come into, and passed out of, the Pennsylvania Treasury. Some of that money was allocated by the state legislature and the Wolf administration and

Districts and families consider mask mandates as school year plans take shape, while the American Academy of Pediatrics urge “back to class, wear a mask”
August 04, 2021

Listen to Smart Talk every weekday at 9am and 7pm on WITF 89.5 & 93.3. You can also stream WITF radio live on our website or ask your smart speaker to “Play WITF Radio.” It has been a whirlwind month

Author explores the legend of two friends fighting on opposite sides of a conflict
August 03, 2021

In a war of brother versus brother, theirs has become the most famous broken friendship: Union general Winfield Scott Hancock and Confederate general Lewis Armistead. Books like Michael Shaara’s The K

Used-car purchasers face high-price sticker shock
August 03, 2021

If you are in the market for a used car, the timing couldn’t be worse. But if you’re looking to sell a car, now’s the time to get top dollar pricing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,

Disenfranchised grief a barrier to facing a loss
August 02, 2021

When a close friend or family member experiences a death or loss, it is often difficult to find the right words to comfort them. Because it is difficult, some people might say nothing to avoid saying

Some avoid lifting weights because of intimidation factor
August 02, 2021

While going to a gym isn’t for everyone — resistance training at home or outside is something people of all skill levels can do. Based on a recent study authored in part by the University of Kentucky

Study finds that exercise with weight training promotes fat burning
August 02, 2021

Most people know that regular exercise, including weight training, builds muscle and improves health — but what’s less known is how it affects body fat on the cellular level. A recent study authored i

Forest fires rage across the western US, how vulnerable is Pennsylvania to fire risk?
July 29, 2021

Forest fires are ravaging the western US, burning more than 1.5 million acres in 12 states. Wildfire smoke is so extensive it has created hazy sky conditions as far east as New York State. Firefighter