News
PA’s Industry Partnerships Program Now Permanent
The Industry Partnerships program attempts to match skilled workforce training to the industries and jobs that exist in the Keystone State. Supporters say it will help to fill the gap that exists between the skills employers need and the skills that are available in the workforce. “There’s nothing worse in the world than to train […]
New Law Protects PA Firefighters
Governor Tom Corbett’s signature on HB 797 ends firefighters’ 25-year battle. President of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association, Art Martynuska, is ecstatic. “Our men and women across the state – both career and volunteer – risk their lives on a daily basis, protecting the residents of Pennsylvania,” Martynuska tells us. The new law designates […]
PennDOT Posts the Help Wanted Signs for Winter
We may be in the heat of July, but PennDOT is looking ahead to winter. The help wanted signs are up for the Winter Maintenance Program. The program, whichs runs from September into early April, hires transportation equipment operators and diesel mechanics to help remove snow and ice and maintain the equipment used for the […]
PLCB Posts Record Sales for Fiscal 2010-11
State Wine and Spirits store sales neared the two billion mark for the fiscal year that ended June 30. Sales topped $1.9 billion for the first time, posting a 4 % increase over the previous year. Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Chairman Patrick (P J) Stapleton III says those sales generated almost 500 million dollars in sales tax, liquor tax and […]
Civil War Trading Cards a Hit with Young Park Visitors
Gettysburg National Military Park and a host of other national parks, with Civil War ties, are engaging kids with trading cards that depict the pictures and stories of the Civil War. “It was an idea that came from our northeast regional office to try to engage younger visitors in the national parks, and find a […]
Colon Cancer Rates in United States Fall as Screenings Rise
Prevention efforts are having an impact on the second most deadly cancer in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says colon cancer deaths are down and more progress is possible. CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden says colon cancer rates have decreased by more than 10% over the past five years. The Vital Signs report, […]
State Budget’s Education Cuts Scrutinized
It’s a budget that represents shared sacrifices, and president of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children Joan Benso says kids are sharing a big chunk of the sacrifice. Benso’s budget reaction is somewhat mixed. For instance she says the $100-million dollar restoration for Accountability Block Grants will be helpful. “But for example… in Harrisburg, their school board […]
Arts Funding Dodges Significant Budget Cuts
Funded at $8.1-million dollars in the new state budget, the “Grants to the Arts” line item represents a tiny fraction of the $27.15-billion dollar spending plan. But, supporters say that small investment brings back a huge return. “If you include all arts related spending, about 62,000 full-time equivalent jobs are created annually,” says Jenny Hershour, […]
Officials Highlight Pool Safety with Swimming Season in Full Swing
Pennsylvania ranks 5th in the country for drownings and near drownings and officials are emphasizing pool safety this summer. In late June, two toddlers died after drowning incidents in the state. Connie Harvey, American Red Cross Aquatics Manager, says preventing drownings in home pools involves layers of protection from fencing around the pool to door […]
Philadelphia Native Commands Final Space Shuttle Flight
The last mission for the U S Space Shuttle program is scheduled for lift off the morning of July 8. A Pennsylvania native will be the commander of the flight. Christopher Ferguson, a retired Navy Captain, was born in Philadelphia and graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School and Drexel University. He joined NASA in 1998. […]