Centre Focus: Spring 2014
Public affairs students produced this half hour special video report in April 2014 to explore several ongoing debates and public awareness campaigns in the region. The Centre Focus team is Sequoia Geary, Dominic Pollio, Dayna Smith, Shantelle Johnson, Alexander Wypiejewski, Gabby Coco, Christina Monteleone, Ayanna Hull, Alex Freeman, Tara Brzycki and Victoria Faconti.
Sequoia Geary and Dominic Pollio covered a series of public debates over the controversial College Heights property in State College. Public hearings over the vacant elementary school have been standing-room-only, as potential buyers including Penn State, spell out the reasons for their interest in purchasing the property. A final decision is expected in mid June 2014.
Damage from a severe 2014 winter season is the focus of a report by Dayna Smith. Local and State highway crews report severe damage from freezing and thawing, plows and salt over an unusually long winter season. Area car shops illustrate some of the costly repair jobs to customer vehicles.
Historic buildings damaged or destroyed by fire is the focus a report by Shantelle Johnson and Alexander Wypiejewski. Their report examines the current fire codes in historic communities like Bellefonte where major fires have destroyed several large and historic structures not required to have sprinkler systems.
Gabby Coco, Christina Monteleone and Ayanna Hull report on the latest debate over marriage equality in Pennsylvania. It previews a May 21, 2014, judge’s ruling striking down Pennsylvania’s ban on same-sex marriage. The team reports on area efforts to help the community understand the issues and legal implications of same-sex marriage in the Commonwealth.
The latest breast cancer research and awareness is the focus of a report by Alex Freeman, Tara Brzycki and Victoria Faconti. The team reports on latest treatments, risk factors, early detection and support to breast cancer patients and their loved ones. They interview noted Penn State cancer researchers on why breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women. The team also take viewers to one high-profile event where participants walk 24 hours for a cure.
