Smart Talk: Adapting to a Pandemic holiday brings new reasons to celebrate the season

The 2020 Holiday season will be unlike any other before, with more families and individuals experiencing food insecurity.

The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank points out that because hunger doesn’t take a holiday, neither will they. Since the pandemic began, the Food Bank has seen a more than 40 percent increase in food distribution over the same time last year. Of the people they support, one-third are children.

While most companies are cancelling holiday office parties to ensure employee safety, some organizations and individuals are devising other ways to help their community.

Appearing on Smart Talk Tuesday to share how some are finding ways to spread cheer are Joe Arthur, executive director of the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Blake Lynch, Community Policing Liaison with the Harrisburg Bureau of Police and Christopher Markley, Corporate Communications Executive with Penn National Insurance.

Major league baseball recognition and reorganization

One hundred years ago a league structure was formed to bring organization to the many black baseball teams playing in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. The Negro leagues maintained a high level of professional skill and became centerpieces for economic development, and pride, in many black communities. The last Negro League teams folded in the early 1960’s, as black players were recruited into major league baseball.

Last week, MLB completed the full integration of these players by reclassifying the Negro baseball league as a major league. Ted Knorr is a local Baseball historian and he’ll appear on Smart Talk to discuss what these changes mean to the sport. Also, Smart Talk is joined by Andrew Linker, an author and longtime sports writer to talk about recent cuts of Minor league programs around the country.

Smart Talk: U.S. Senator Bob Casey introduces two bills to change police response

Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced the Law Enforcement Education and Accountability for People with Disabilities (LEAD) Initiative, seeking to bring about “racial justice and address the high incidence rate of police violence involving people with disabilities.”

The LEAD Initiative is comprised of two bills – the Safe Interactions Act and the Human-services Emergency Logistic Program (HELP) Act – which would reduce calls to 9-1-1 call systems regarding non-criminal emergencies and provide training to law enforcement on interacting with people with disabilities, particularly those experiencing a mental health crisis.

Senator Casey appears on Smart Talk Monday to offer details on both bills and how the overall initiative will change policing.

Distance learning is changing the American education system

Around the country children in all grade levels from Kindergarten through High School, attend virtual classes every day. It has become the standard method of teaching during the pandemic and has allowed, for the most part, schools to continue uninterrupted.

The process is not without problems, though, to include an alarming rise in truancy reports.

In Pennsylvania, students are considered truant after three unexcused absences in a single academic year. There are limited exceptions to the attendance requirement, but school districts are finding wide-spread abuse of the rules.

Reporter Mark Keierleber is a senior writer-reporter at The 74, a non-profit news site covering education in America. He recently reported on a growing concern that these absences could funnel more children into the court systems to face the truancy charges and he joins Smart Talk Monday to share his findings.

Also on Monday’s Smart Talk, Betheny Gross is the Associate Director at the Center on Reinventing Public Education (CRPE) who will share an overview of the data on distance learning, attendance, and learning loss. She’ll appear Monday to discuss survey results from families on how distance learning is working for them.

Smart Talk: Pa Farm show goes virtual to highlight state’s agriculture industry

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.”

Plans for the 2021 Pennsylvania Farm Show are taking shape, although exhibits and the experience will look quite different this year.

Noticeably missing will be the sounds and smells of the yearly event that draws thousands of Pennsylvanians from across the state. But the sights will go on, albeit on a virtual platform, from Saturday, January 9 through Saturday, January 16.

In a normal year, Pennsylvania hosts the largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof in the nation, to showcase the diverse Pennsylvania agriculture industry and the people who make it happen. Pennsylvania agriculture employs nearly half a million people and contributes $185 billion to the economy. While this year’s event will be different in many respects, there will things familiar to past show-goers.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding appears on Smart Talk to talk about the changes to the 2021 show, and current issues and challenges facing the industry.

Bringing Life Back to Impaired Pennsylvania Waterways

Pennsylvania agriculture contributes considerably to the economic strength and vitality of the state, but there are also downsides to the industry. Removing trees to accommodate farming practices has left some waterways without the benefit of one of the main food sources that organisms in the waterways rely on: leaves.

A Bucknell University biology and environmental sciences research class is studying the impact of leaves on biodiversity and stream health on Buffalo Creek, a Susquehanna River tributary. The researchers hope their findings will have an impact on other waterways and lead restoration efforts throughout the state.

Matthew E. McTammany, Ph.D., is a Professor with Biology & Environmental Studies and Sciences at Bucknell University and he joins Smart Talk Friday, along with Jordan Isaacs (2023), a Biology major and Presidential Fellow to discuss the innovative research plan.

Jordan Isaacs (2023), a Biology major, places leaves in the stream during restoration project.

 

Smart Talk: Harrisburg commits to bridging gap between community and police

Municipalities across the country are working to evaluate what policing will look like in their communities going forward. Harrisburg has taken the next step by proposing a Community Services Division within the Harrisburg Police Department. Mayor Eric Papenfuse had proposed a force of about a dozen community service officers that would aid in mental health calls and work closely with citizens. However, Harrisburg Council approved seven as a pilot program in next year’s budget.

The Community Services Division would be made up mostly of civilians with a mission to “build a bridge” between the community and the police force.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse and City Police Commissioner Thomas Carter appear on Smart Talk Thursday to discuss the merits of the program.

 

Smart Talk: Testing sewage for COVID-19 is another tool for disease monitoring

In June, sewage testing found that Dauphin County may have had at least ten times more COVID-19 cases than reported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. That was one of the findings in sewage tests taken by an MIT research firm — Biobot Analytics.

Those findings were conducted by Capital Region Water, one of about 400 systems across the country participating in this kind of testing, and they have recently been accepted into a CDC trial on wastewater surveillance. The goal of the trial is to detect the presence of COVID-19, monitor trends, and then alert healthcare officials of potential hotspots or viral surges.

The virus can be detected in human waste and that includes those who may have contracted the coronavirus but didn’t show any symptoms. Wastewater-based disease surveillance is a rapidly developing science that has gained momentum during the pandemic.

Appearing Wednesday’s Smart Talk to discuss joining the CDC research trial and their surveillance program are Charlotte Katzenmoyer, CEO of Capital Region Water and Jess Rosentel, Director of Wastewater Operations, Capital Region Water.

Adult Day Service Centers are closed in Pa, leaving vulnerable seniors with few options

For many seniors and families in Pennsylvania, Adult Day service centers are an invaluable part of their lives. Adult day services, also called adult care, are usually open during normal work hours. Unlike senior centers — which are usually sponsored by recreational departments and targeted at healthy older adults — adult day services are a resource for people with physical limitations or limited functioning like memory loss.

The majority of these centers in Pennsylvania closed in March leaving vulnerable seniors largely forgotten.

Leslie Gilman, is the president of PA Adult Day Services Association and she appears on Smart Talk to discuss the impact these closures are having on seniors.

Local author’s debut book lands at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list

Hummelstown resident and author Kate Baer’s debut book of poetry WHAT KIND OF WOMAN achieved a huge milestone on release – #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list. Baer appears on Smart Talk to share her story and world that inspires her poetry.

“In these confident and fearless poems, Baer suggests that the deepest and most vulnerable love is found in life’s imperfections.” Review, Publishers Weekly

 

 

Smart Talk: Municipalities facing COVID impact

The Pennsylvania Economy League, along with industry partners, recently surveyed state municipalities to ascertain the real-time effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Municipal Survey on the Effects of COVID-19 was sent to the associations’ memberships, which include cities, boroughs, first class townships, second class townships and home rule municipalities throughout Pennsylvania.

The goal is to determine the statewide impact on both urban and rural areas, and specifically how they are managing resources, personnel and revenue loss.

LeeAnne Clayberger is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pennsylvania Economy League and she joins Smart Talk to share the survey findings.

The Pennsylvania Youth Congress publishes first-ever statewide legislative agenda

There are more than half a million LGBTQ people living in the state. The Pennsylvania Youth Congress is pressing the General Assembly to pass statewide nondiscrimination protections on their behalf.

The PYC made 14 legislative proposals to the state government and is urging them to pass legislative protections for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians.

Jason Landau Goodman is the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress and he appears on Smart Talk along with Preston Heldibridle, the state policy associate of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress to provide agenda details.

Smart Talk: Investigative report raises questions about the cost of the Magisterial court system

A yearlong PennLive and Spotlight PA investigation into the Magisterial District court system raises serious questions about how Pennsylvania tax dollars are spent.

There are 512 magisterial district judges in Pennsylvania, each elected locally within their county. Generally speaking, they adjudicate minor criminal matters, traffic violations and small civil claims, among other things.

The investigation and data analysis found that despite earning more than $90 thousand a year, there are big variations in how many days each judge has court proceedings. Some went 60 or more days without case proceedings last year and a number also have time to work second jobs.

Christine Vendel is a public safety and crime reporter with PennLive. She joins Smart Talk Monday to discuss the report she co-authored with Spotlight PA reporter Daniel Simmons-Ritchie.

Dogs rescued from the South Korean dog meat trade find new home in Central Pa

In November, the York County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) welcomed nine dogs that were saved from a Korean dog meat farm.

The rescue was coordinated by the International Humane Society and the York County SPCA is one of a number of partnering shelters to receive the dogs and help prepare them for future adoption.

Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss the rescue and how the dogs are transitioning are Steven Martinez, Executive Director and Samantha Green, the Canine Behavioral and Foster Manager, both with the York County SPCA.

Nara Kim, Campaign Manager of HSI Korea, caresses Nellie at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Adam Parascandola, Vice President of Global Animal Rescue and Response of HSI, holds a dog at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

The HSI Animal Rescue Team rescues Mae at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Thursday, October 22, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Nara Kim, Campaign Manager of HSI Korea, caresses Jo, a pregnant dog, in a delivery room at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Paz, at left, is chained to a dog house at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Ryan is chained to a dog house at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Boynton, at right, is shown locked in a cage along with other dogs at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Clover, center, is chained to a dog house at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Ari is chained to a dog house at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Michael is chained to a dog house at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Ryan is chained to a dog house at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, by Humane Society International (HSI), arrive at Dulles International Airport on Friday, Oct. 23rd. Staff from HSI and the Humane Society of the United States help transport these dogs to shelter partners and to a HSI temporary shelter, before they are made available for adoption. Honey is shown here.

Dogs are shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Baker, center, and other dogs are shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

A pregnant dog, Jo, lies down inside a delivery room at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Nellie, at right, is shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Erin is shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

A pregnant dog, Jo, stands inside a delivery room at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Dogs are shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Dogs are shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

A dog is chained to a dog house at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Dogs are either locked in a cage or chained to a dog house at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

A dog with skin problems is shown chained to a dog house at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Dogs are shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Nara Kim, Campaign Manager of HSI Korea, rescues a dog at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Dogs are shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Tuesday, August 4, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

A dog is shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Sunday, September 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Dogs are shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Sunday, September 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

A dog is shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Sunday, September 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

A dog is chained to a dog house at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Sunday, September 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

A dog is chained to a dog house at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Sunday, September 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

A dog is chained to a dog house at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Sunday, September 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Dogs are shown locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Sunday, September 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

A dog is shown chained and locked in a cage at a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, on Sunday, September 6, 2020. The operation is part of HSIs efforts to fight the dog meat trade throughout Asia. In South Korea, the campaign includes working to raise awareness among Koreans about the plight of meat dogs being no different from the animals more and more of them are keeping as pets.

Dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, by Humane Society International (HSI), arrive at Dulles International Airport on Friday, Oct. 23rd. Staff from HSI and the Humane Society of the United States help transport these dogs to shelter partners and to a HSI temporary shelter, before they are made available for adoption. Prince is shown here.

Dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, by Humane Society International (HSI), arrive at Dulles International Airport on Friday, Oct. 23rd. Staff from HSI and the Humane Society of the United States help transport these dogs to shelter partners and to a HSI temporary shelter, before they are made available for adoption.

Dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, by Humane Society International (HSI), arrive at Dulles International Airport on Friday, Oct. 23rd. Staff from HSI and the Humane Society of the United States help transport these dogs to shelter partners and to a HSI temporary shelter, before they are made available for adoption.

Dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, by Humane Society International (HSI), arrive at Dulles International Airport on Friday, Oct. 23rd. Staff from HSI and the Humane Society of the United States help transport these dogs to shelter partners and to a HSI temporary shelter, before they are made available for adoption. John is shown here.

Dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, by Humane Society International (HSI), arrive at Dulles International Airport on Friday, Oct. 23rd. Staff from HSI and the Humane Society of the United States help transport these dogs to shelter partners and to a HSI temporary shelter, before they are made available for adoption.

Dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, by Humane Society International (HSI), arrive at Dulles International Airport on Friday, Oct. 23rd. Staff from HSI and the Humane Society of the United States help transport these dogs to shelter partners and to a HSI temporary shelter, before they are made available for adoption. Coyah is shown here.

Dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, by Humane Society International (HSI), arrive at Dulles International Airport on Friday, Oct. 23rd. Staff from HSI and the Humane Society of the United States help transport these dogs to shelter partners and to a HSI temporary shelter, before they are made available for adoption.

Dogs rescued from a dog meat farm in Haemi, South Korea, by Humane Society International (HSI), arrive at Dulles International Airport on Friday, Oct. 23rd. Staff from HSI and the Humane Society of the United States help transport these dogs to shelter partners and to a HSI temporary shelter, before they are made available for adoption.

The dogs rescued from Dog Meat Farm 17 are loaded on to a plane to fly from South Korea to the United States.

The dogs rescued from Dog Meat Farm 17 are loaded on to a plane to fly from South Korea to the United States.

All photos courtesy of the International Humane Society.

Smart Talk: Author Gretchen Sorin and her book Driving While Black — African-American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights

This interview is an encore broadcast that originally aired in March 2020

Millions of Americans learned about The Negro Motorist Green Book when the motion picture Green Book played in theaters and went on to win the Best Picture Oscar last year. What the film depicted and what many white audiences saw for the first time is how African-Americans were discriminated against, segregated and treated poorly — sometimes violently — while traveling in Jim Crow America.

In her new book Driving While Black — African-American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights, author Gretchen Sorin writes about how automobiles gave blacks more freedom to travel than ever before and even provided them with more physical protection when they were traveling. African-Americans who often traveled on segregated trains and buses were able to go places in their cars in the mid-20th Century.

However, black travelers often were turned away at hotels, restaurants and gas stations, were not allowed in so-called “sundown” towns after dark and even were prohibited from using public rest rooms.

The Green Book provided information to African-American travelers on businesses that were open to black motorists.

Gretchen Sorin covers all this history in her book. She appeared earlier this year at Midtown Scholar Bookstore in Harrisburg and we hear that conversation on Smart Talk.

Smart Talk: Adams County native planning Operation Warp Speed’s unprecedented vaccine roll-out

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.”

Airdate: 12/10/20


While a virus-weary world waits expectantly for a coronavirus vaccine, military and industry planners begin launching the largest-scaled vaccine distribution plan ever conducted.

The White House announced Operation Warp Speed on May 15, with a mission to “accelerate the development, production, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines” with a target of January 2021 for the initial doses. In the six months since that announcement, several vaccine candidates have been developed and a distribution plan made ready. The FDA is expected to make a decision on an emergency-use vaccine authorization very soon, triggering OWS’s plan.

Operation Warp Speed is comprised of experts from across the federal government and private industry, including a Pennsylvania native. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Yiengst is the Chief of Plans for Operation Warp Speed and he joins Smart Talk to share details of his involvement and how the plan will proceed.

COVID-19 has revealed the uneasy truth about obesity

More than 40% of Americans are considered obese, as defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater.

Medical studies have documented the serious health risks of obesity, to include coronary heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Now it seems the COVID-19 pandemic is highlighting another pressing health concern — obesity not only increases complications from a coronavirus infection, but it may also increase the risk of infection in the first place.

Dr. Catherine Varney, DO., is a family medicine and obesity specialist with the University of Virginia and she joins Smart Talk to discuss the risks posed by obesity.

 

Smart Talk: Pa Senate Democrats unveil big relief plan

The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus recently released a COVID-19 relief funding plan that would allocate $4 billion to help Pennsylvanians and, they say, shore up the Commonwealth’s economy.

The Pennsylvania Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security Act of 2021 would provide direct aid to workers, families, small businesses and “vulnerable populations.” The plan would continue funding for already existing aid programs and would establish new programs, as well.

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa appears on Smart Talk to lay out details of the funding plan and the proposed priorities.

As hospitals and ICU’s fill up with COVID patients, one local ICU nurse pleas for Pennsylvanians to take the pandemic seriously

Lancaster County intensive care unit nurse Nikkee Asashon believes we all have a responsibility to heed health recommendations to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.

From her perspective, though, there are many people not taking this responsibility seriously enough and that is why she took pen to paper in a local newspaper last weekend.

“What is it going to take? When will people get the message? When will people understand and listen?,” LancasterOnline.com

Nurse Nikkee Asashon joins Smart Talk to share her perspective from the ICU wing of a local hospital.

With cases and deaths mounting, why do some people shrug off the risk of contracting the virus? Smart Talk is joined by two psychologists to examine why some continue to ignore the risks and live life as normal.

Melissa Auerbach, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology with Temple University and Elizabeth Gosch, Ph.D., Psychology Professor, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine appear on Wednesday’s program.