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Wednesday, April 23, 2025

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Marco Rubio unveils massive State Dept. overhaul with reductions of staff and bureaus; Visas revoked, status changed for international students in TX; Alaska lawmakers work to improve in-school mental health care; Montana DEQ denies Big Hole River decision, cites law opposed by EPA; Indiana moves to regulate legal THC sales and branding.

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White House defends Secretary Hegseth amid media scrutiny, federal judges block efforts to dismantle U.S. international broadcasters, and major restructuring hits the State Department and rural programs.

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Schools in timber country face an uncertain future without Congress' reauthorization of a rural program, DOGE cuts threaten plant species needed for U.S. food security, and farmers will soon see federal dollars for energy projects unlocked.

Pennsylvania

AARP has created an online pledge people can sign to

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Social Security staff cuts could affect one in five Pennsylvanians

Pennsylvanians over age 50 are voicing concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency plans to cut 7,000 jobs from the U.S. Social Security …

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Cobbs Creek Ambassadors help clean up the creek in Philadelphia. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful involves students in programs promoting community pride and environmental education. (Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful)

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

'Pick Up PA' drives statewide community cleanup efforts for Earth Day, beyond

Across the state, more than 300 Pick Up Pennsylvania environmental events are planned for this Earth Week. Last year, more than 77,000 volunteers …

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In 1997, more than 73 million tons of bituminous coal were mined in Pennsylvania, with over 75% coming from underground mines. (creativenature.nl/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 21, 2025

As Trump backs PA coal revival, critics say it's unlikely

The decades-long decline of Pennsylvania's coal industry could shift in another direction after a series of executive orders by President Donald Trump…

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Despite some state space improvements, about 60% of U.S. egg-laying hens are still kept in cramped battery cages, each with less space than a sheet of paper. (Alex/AdobeStock)
Pennsylvania egg brand agrees to drop ‘free-roaming’ label

By Jessica Scott-Reid for Sentient Climate.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public Ne…

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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Mining Research Division in Pittsburgh collaborates with the institute's broader mining program to prevent fatalities, injuries and illnesses in every area of the mining industry. (Lost_in_the_Midwest/Adobe Stock)
NIOSH job cuts threaten PA black lung research, safety labs

A union representing Pittsburgh-based workers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is fighting job cuts proposed by the Trump …

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There's no cure for seasonal allergies, but prevention and treatment can help ease symptoms. It's estimated pollen allergies cost more than $3 billion a year, nearly half of that for prescription medications.  (Adobe Stock)
Sniffles, sneezes: Navigating allergy season in Pennsylvania

The spring blooms may be pretty, but they are not always a welcome sight for Pennsylvanians who suffer from seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies …

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Supporters of an expanded Direct File system say it could save Pennsylvanians more than $600 million in combined annual tax-filing fees and additional tax credits claimed directly from the IRS. (Adobe Stock)<br />
IRS Direct File saves PA tax filers time and money

Pennsylvania is among a growing number of states offering residents access to the Internal Revenue Service's free tax filing system, Direct File…

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Between 2022 and 2024, about $23 billion was invested in the four-state Appalachian region to manufacture and implement technologies that reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. (winnievinzence/Adobe Stock)
Federal clean energy funds double climate investments in PA

A surge in federal funding has fueled a clean-energy boom in Pennsylvania and across Appalachia, according to a new report. Investments doubled in …

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In Pennsylvania, the Children's Health Insurance Program provides an option for children to receive health care. However, losing Medicaid coverage would leave many children across the state without insurance and unable to access the care they need. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)
Groups oppose Medicaid cuts threatening coverage for 3 million PA residents

In Pennsylvania and nationwide, federal safety net programs may face major cutbacks as President Donald Trump's administration pushes for budget …

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Around 500 people gathered at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Pa., for a town hall to discuss concerns about potential cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and Social Security. (Anna Gustafson)
PA retirees fear Social Security cuts under President Trump

By Anna Gustafson for the Pennsylvania Independent.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Pennsylvan…

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24.3% of adults experienced chronic pain in 2023, while 8.5% had chronic pain that often restricted their daily activities or work over the past three months. (jaojormami/Adobe Stock)
PA sees need for pain management specialists

April is National Stress Awareness Month. Stress is the body's way of processing work, personal and family pressures, or other triggers. A new study …

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Immigrants are essential to Pennsylvania's economy, comprising 20% of the workforce in life, physical, and social sciences and 11% in food and accommodation services, according to the American Immigration Council. (InputUX/Adobe Stock)
Unaccompanied immigrant kids in PA lose legal representation

Almost 600 children in Pennsylvania, many fleeing abuse or persecution, are being forced to navigate the immigration court system without legal …

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