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From This Collection

From engineer to coffee shop owner in Erie, Pennsylvania

Feb 21, 2018
Millennial Hannah Kirby believes bringing back manufacturing work is unrealistic, and that young people have to create those family-sustaining jobs that once existed.
After settling in Erie, Hannah Kirby sees the city differently than many of her neighbors: She sees a lot of potential.
Daisy Palacios/Marketplace

Who's better off in Erie's changing economy?

Feb 21, 2018
Local residents discuss the national — and their personal — economies.
Over drinks at the Polish Falcon, Erie residents discussed their personal economies.
Daisy Palacios/Marketplace

Satisfied with Trump in rural Pennsylvania

Feb 20, 2018
We check in with small business owners about changes they've seen with Trump as president.
Union City, Pennsylvania — population 3,300, is located in the rural outskirts of Erie.
Marketplace

The new tax law is working out for this manufacturing town

Jan 18, 2018
The VP of Sterling Technologies in Lake City, Pennsylvania, says he already sees benefits from the tax bill.
President Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a 'Make America Great Again Rally' at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex Expo Center in April in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Alex Wong/Getty Images

How does manufacturing in Erie feel about tax reform?

Oct 19, 2017
There's some optimism, but it's not because of the GOP's tax plan.
Work gloves are viewed on the factory floor of a high end plastic processor on October 2011 in Reading, Pennsylvania. 
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

When transportation barriers become economic barriers

Aug 18, 2017
The types of jobs that are open to residents of Erie City, Pennsylvania, can depend on their access to transportation.
Rhonda Glover and her youngest son Romeo, ride an Erie bus across town.
Erika Beras/Marketplace

For public good, not for profit.

In rural America, school choice sometimes means virtual school

Jul 28, 2017
As traditional schools lose students to online programs, some costs remain.
Weaving is one of the skills taught at Union City High School, where Emily Adams, 16, is a rising senior.
Amy Scott/Marketplace

More kids are logging on to learn at cyber schools

Jul 27, 2017
It's an alternative to traditional schools that don't work for some kids. But there are some concerns about the charters' performance and oversight.
Jakob Pandolph, 9, attends the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School, one of the largest online public schools in the country.
Amy Scott/Marketplace

How do you do business without high-speed internet?

Jun 20, 2017
In rural Erie County, 38 percent of people don’t have access to high-speed internet.
Taxidermist Paul Czarnecki and his wife, real estate agent Christie Mahany. 
Reema Khrais/Marketplace