rural | WITF

February 20, 2024 | 10:36 AM

What Josh Shapiro’s budget pitch could do for Pennsylvania’s rural communities

The governor’s budget proposal would give rural areas a boost to invest in housing, address gaps in health care, and market the outdoor landscape.

By Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College

January 22, 2024 | 9:28 AM

Pa.’s broadband authority reverses position on key state law before new federal funding arrives

The Broadband Development Authority initially said it would waive a key section of the 2004 law that restricts publicly owned broadband networks. The agency reversed course after public comments.

By Charlotte Keith/Spotlight PA

November 10, 2023 | 10:02 AM

Inequitable school funding leaves behind children living in poverty and in rural areas, study says

By Sydney Roach/WPSU

October 26, 2023 | 12:00 PM

Rural towns hope to entice remote workers to move to the Pa. Wilds with a ‘free’ summer. Here’s how it’s going.

Thousands of public dollars have gone toward the Wilds Are Working program. While only one participant has decided to move to the area, organizers say the program has other markers for success.

By Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College

December 8, 2022 | 5:00 AM

Almost 90% of rural Pennsylvania municipalities lack property upkeep rules

The lack of local maintenance codes can contribute to poor housing quality and less investment in areas, according to a study from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.

By Ashad Hajela of Spotlight PA State College

June 24, 2020 | 6:43 AM

Disbanding local police is common in Pa. But it’s caused larger problems for State Police

Pennsylvania State Police provide coverage for municipalities across the state that don’t have their own departments. That makes any talk of defunding police more complicated.

By Joseph Darius Jaafari/PA Post

March 16, 2020 | 10:03 AM

Rural towns insulated from coronavirus now may take a harder hit later

"It gives us a little bit more time to prepare and to, to educate people on, especially social distancing."

By Frank Morris/KCUR

February 25, 2020 | 1:16 PM

Who gets 5G — and who gets left behind — has some worried about digital inequality

Unlike in banking, digital redlining — or not investing in low-income and minority communities — is not illegal.

By Paul Flahive/Texas Public Radio

June 3, 2019 | 6:30 AM

State sends $3.4 million to fight affordable housing shortage in Pa.

By Ryan Briggs/WHYY

March 11, 2019 | 3:11 PM

Challenged by college cost and access, students in rural Pa. find tech-based alternative

Northern Pennsylvania Regional College was established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2017. Its president said it’s on track to become an accredited institution by the end of this year.

By Min Xian/SpotlightPA

tag | rural