Wright Center vice president of primary care and public health policy recognized as healthcare trailblazer in City & State PA list Laura Spadaro, vice president of primary care and public health policy for The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education, has been named as one of Pennsylvania’s Trailblazers in Healthcare by City & State Pennsylvania, a multimedia news organization dedicated to covering the state’s politics and policy. The list recognizes public officials, hospital and healthcare executives, nonprofit leaders, union leaders, academics and others making a difference by framing, influencing and changing the healthcare industry. At The Wright Center, Spadaro leads federal and state regulatory strategy, health policy and government relations initiatives that expand access to high-quality primary and preventive health services and strengthen the healthcare safety net. Since 2021, she has directed more than 110 responses to proposed regulations and requests for information, helping shape Medicare, Medicaid and public health policy while amplifying the voices of patients and frontline clinicians. Through collaboration with national partners and policymakers, she contributed to advocacy efforts supporting multi-year reauthorization and increased federal investment in the Teaching Health Center Graduate Medical Education program, growing annual funding from approximately $175 million to $225 million. Previously, Spadaro served as executive advisor to the Pennsylvania secretary of health, focusing on strategic initiatives and cross-agency priorities. “Laura’s deep understanding of health policy combined with her ability to build meaningful relationships with policymakers and partners makes her an invaluable advocate for our patients, clinicians, and communities,” said Jennifer Walsh, Esq., senior vice president of enterprise integrity, chief legal and governance officer at The Wright Centers for Community Health and Graduate Medical Education. “She brings a thoughtful, informed and persistent voice to some of the most important healthcare policy discussions facing our nation, always keeping in focus the real-world impact on access to care and the people we are privileged to serve. This recognition is a well-deserved acknowledgment of Laura’s leadership and the difference she continues to make.” The Wright Center is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1976, The Wright Centers for Community Health, Graduate Medical Education and Patient & Community Engagement are a physician-led, community-owned nonprofit and a cornerstone of healthcare in the region. The enterprise employs nearly 680 professionals, including nearly 200 resident and fellow physicians, and trains more than 200 interprofessional healthcare learners each year. In fiscal year 2025-26, The Wright Center served more than 39,000 unique patients across all care settings in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne and Wyoming counties. As a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center and safety-net provider, The Wright Center serves all patients, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Learn more at TheWrightCenter.org or call 570-230-0019.
Employer Resource Network hosting two new hire reporting webinars The Employer Resource Network is going to host two virtual Pennsylvania New Hire Reporting seminars as part of its webinar series. The virtual seminars do not cost employers anything. They will be on November 4 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. and on November 6 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Both sessions will have the same content. You can register for the November 4 seminar by clicking here, and for the November 6 webinar by clicking here. You can also register by email by sending your requested session date, name, company and email address to RA-LI-BWPO-ESVCS@pa.gov.
PIDA Announces Fourth Quarter 2026 Loan Interest Rates The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) has announced fourth-quarter interest rate options for qualifying loan applications received through Dec. 31, 2026. Financing options cover eligible real estate, equipment, working capital, pollution prevention and energy efficiency projects. Traditional PIDA Real Estate Loans For loans financing eligible land and building costs, borrowers have the following options: Loans with regular amortization: A fixed rate of 6.25% for the full loan term, up to 15 years, or an initial rate of 5.25% fixed for seven years. 10-year loans with a 20-year amortization period: A fixed rate of 6.25% for the full 10-year term, or an initial rate of 5.25% fixed for five years. For either reset option, the rate adjusts after the initial fixed period to the then-current 10-year Treasury yield. The adjustment is limited to an increase or decrease of 2 percentage points, and the new rate remains fixed for the rest of the loan term. Additional Loan Options PIDA-MELF equipment loans: 6.25% fixed for the full loan term. Export finance working capital and accounts receivable lines of credit: 6.25% fixed for 12 months. Pollution prevention and energy efficiency loans: 2.00% fixed for the full loan term. PIDA-SBF account loans: 5.00% fixed for the full loan term. PIDA-CED account loans: 5.00% fixed for the full loan term. PIDA-SBF and PIDA-CED Eligibility PIDA-SBF account loans provide lending amounts of up to $1,000,000 for real estate loans and $400,000 for equipment for eligible businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees worldwide at the time of application. Eligible enterprises include agricultural processors and producers, industrial and manufacturing businesses, research and development, hospitality, defense conversion, recycling, computer-related services, construction and child day care. PIDA-CED account loans provide real estate, equipment and/or working capital financing of $200,000 or less for eligible retail and service businesses located in an eligible distressed area. Applicants must have 100 or fewer full-time employees worldwide at the time of application. A reset interest rate is currently unavailable for real estate loans funded through either account because statutory provisions cap interest rates at 5.00%. For more information about the program and application process, visit the PIDA program page.
The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania hosting Buddy Walk on October 4 The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania is hosting its annual Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 4 at 816 Providence Road in Scranton. Registration begins at noon and the walk itself begins at 1:00 p.m. Adults and kids are welcome to attend. There will be food, entertainment, raffles, children’s events and the ceremonial one-mile fun walk. Adults can attend for $15, kids 15 and under are $5 and individuals with Down Syndrome can attend for free. You can learn more about the event and register here. The Buddy Walk started in 1995 to celebrate Down Syndrome awareness.
ABSN program coming to Misericordia University in Spring 2027 Misericordia University is expanding access to nursing education with its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, which is coming to the campus in Spring 2027. Designed for students with previous college experience, the program provides an accelerated pathway into the nursing profession and can be completed in as few as 16 months over four semesters. The hybrid format combines online lecture content with hands-on learning. In-person laboratory sessions are held primarily on weekends at Misericordia’s campus in Dallas, Pennsylvania, while clinical experiences take place at healthcare facilities within a 60-mile radius. It’s an opportunity for students to build on their previous college experience and prepare for a new future in nursing without following a traditional four-year path. Learn more about Misericordia’s Accelerated BSN program here.
Marywood University and PA State Police Academy Celebrate Milestone of First Graduate Marywood University celebrated a significant milestone as Pennsylvania State Trooper David Kuzmick became the first student to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice through the Marywood–Pennsylvania State Police Academy Partnership. The ceremony took place at the Pacer Statue on Marywood’s campus. Trooper Kuzmick received his degree from Marywood University President Lisa A. Lori, J.D. Patrick Seffrin, Ph.D., Marywood Professor and Director of its Center for Law, Justice and Policy, and Trooper Clint Long, Recruitment Program Coordinator, were also on hand to commemorate this achievement. The partnership enables eligible Criminal Justice majors to complete their bachelor’s degree while training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. Students earn 30 undergraduate credits upon successful Academy completion, which are applied directly to Criminal Justice elective requirements. The Pennsylvania State Police maintain full authority over Academy admissions, training, and graduation, and participation in the partnership does not guarantee Academy admission, appointment, or employment. Dr. Seffrin explained how the partnership allows students to combine their academic education with professional training. “Students who are in Marywood’s bachelor’s program for Criminal Justice and have completed these 90 credits can then apply to the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. If they successfully complete the Academy, they receive an additional 30 credits to complete their bachelor’s degree,” Dr. Seffrin said. “Essentially, during their senior year, they will be at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. If they successfully complete the program, they receive their bachelor’s degree and become a state trooper.” President Lori highlighted the importance of the milestone, noting that “this partnership creates new possibilities for those committed to public service by connecting rigorous Academy preparation with a Marywood education.” She added that Trooper Kuzmick’s accomplishment “reflects academic commitment, professional preparation, and service to the Commonwealth.” To be eligible, students must: Be enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at Marywood University Have completed at least 90 undergraduate credits before applying to the Academy Be at least 20 years of age at the time of Academy application Meet all Pennsylvania State Police Academy admission requirements Successfully complete the Pennsylvania State Police Academy Trooper Kuzmick is the first student to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice under this model, marking a meaningful step forward in the University’s efforts to strengthen connections among higher education, law enforcement, and public service.
JHA Companies opens new regional office Civil engineering firm JHA Companies has opened its new regional office in Reynoldsville. The office will serve as the company’s established presence in North Central Pennsylvania. JHA Companies is a multi-state professional engineering, land surveying and environmental firm that serves people, families and businesses. It was founded in 2008 and operates eight offices in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. You can learn more about JHA Companies by clicking here.
WVIA News wins six Professional Keystone Media Awards WVIA News won six Professional Keystone Media Awards from the Pennsylvania Newsmedia Association (PNA) for its 2025 journalism. The honorees are: ● Sarah Hofius Hall — First Place, Sports Beat Reporting, Beyond the Scoreboard● Borys Krawczeniuk — Honorable mention, News Beat Reporting, politics and gov’t● Lydia McFarlane — Honorable mention, Feature Story, Clarks Summit memory cafe● Haley O’Brien — 2nd place, lifestyle & entertainment beat, 1st & 2nd for features videos “When we made the commitment to expand local journalism, we did so because we believed our communities deserved trusted, in-depth reporting that informs, connects, and serves the public. We never imagined our newsroom would achieve so much in such a short time,” WVIA President & CEO Carla McCabe said. “These awards are a reflection of the dedication of our journalists and the power of public media to tell the stories that matter to the communities we serve.” The Harrisburg-based PNA organizes the annual awards contest to recognize “journalism that consistently provides relevance, integrity, and initiative in serving readers and audiences, and faithfully fulfills its First Amendment rights/responsibilities.” The awards will be presented October 8 at the Keystone Media Awards Luncheon in Harrisburg.
User Experience Updates made to Mohegan Pennsylvania Online Casino App Mohegan Digital has made improvements to its online sportsbook experience in partnership with sportsbook technology provider Kambi. The updates will provide users with a more intuitive, engaging and personalized experience. The updates include a new User Interface (UI) with flexible page-building capabilities and enhanced navigation. “Providing a seamless and engaging sportsbook experience is a key part of our commitment to our players,” said Richard Roberts, President of Mohegan Digital. “These enhancements make it easier for customers to discover the markets and content they care most about while creating a more modern and intuitive betting experience. Working alongside Kambi, we’re continuing to evolve the platform with thoughtful improvements that help our players engage with their favorite sports and enjoy a premium sportsbook experience.” This new UI online sportsbook experience is live and available for download across Play.MoheganPAcasino.com and the Mohegan Pennsylvania Online Casino mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Incoming Penn State Scranton student receives America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship A Penn State Scranton student who’s going to begin his studies this fall has been recognized at the state level. Anthony Betti is a recipient of the America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship. Betti is a graduating senior from Mid Valley Secondary Center. He was one of just 25 students selected from more than 1,800 applications statewide. He’s also the only recipient from Lackawanna County. “Receiving the America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarship means more to me than I can fully express,” Betti said. “When I learned I was one of only 25 students selected from more than 1,800 applicants, it didn’t just feel like an achievement — it felt like a pivotal moment in my life.” The scholarship is just one of the ways Pennsylvania is recognizing the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. It honors students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to serving their communities. Betti also attended a luncheon at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg, where he and other recipients met Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro.
