Insects were most likely to ingest microplastics by eating algae that contains particles, or by feeding on organic silt along stream edges and in pools.
There is a steep rise in black lung disease cases among coal miners in Appalachia. Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Treasurer Stacy Garrity discussed data centers and other hot-button issues facing Pennsylvanians at the first and only 2026 gubernatorial debate. Shapiro joined 21 states suing the Environmental Protection Agency for its recent repeal of limits on climate-warming pollution from power plants. Light pollution is ruining our ancient connection to the night sky. Owls are not just for Halloween.
The Trump administration announced new rules weakening fuel efficiency standards. Appalachian farmers are producing wool that could replace less environmentally friendly insulation in homes. Heavy rain is causing stress on native paw paw trees, attracting invasive ambrosia beetles. Environmental advocates are calling for Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass new efficiency standards for certain appliances. People in Southwestern Pennsylvania can get a discount on solar energy systems through a group buying program. Rufous hummingbirds show up in late autumn and early winter in our region.
At a conference promoting AI in Pittsburgh, Governor Shapiro said that while he still sees promise in AI technology we cannot ignore the warning signs nor downplay the risks of the industry. Meanwhile, there is a movement in communities across Pennsylvania to slow down the data center development that powers AI, including a town in Westmoreland County where the community os already dealing with fracking. Pennsylvania utility regulators say unchecked data center growth could threaten the reliability of the regional grid within the next five years. The threshold has been raised for the amount of lead in a school ’s water that Pennsylvania districts have to report.
