The Spark
When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.
Episodes
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From the grand architecture of Hershey’s iconic buildings to the elegant homes lining Lancaster’s streets, Cassius Emlen Urban’s legacy is etched into the very landscape of Central Pennsylvania.
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Pennsylvania hospitals continue to grapple with staffing shortages, affecting not only nurses and doctors but a wide range of hospital roles, from surgical technologists to plumbers and IT specialists...
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The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is celebrating 45 years! Learn about the history of the event and what you can expect when you visit.
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The Harrisburg Tool Library is a place where neighbors can access power tools, gardening equipment and so much more, without breaking the bank.
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CeaseFirePA recently hosted a discussion titled “Most Gun Deaths Are Suicide—It’s Time to Act”, drawing attention to a critical but often overlooked aspect of gun violence.
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As the temperatures dip and leaves begin to fall, gardeners have plenty to think about beyond raking. Horticulturist Erica Jo Schaefer joined Th...
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October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month—a time to celebrate second chances and spread awareness about the thousands of animals waiting for homes. At the York County SPCA, the mission is clear: every pet deserves a loving, permanent home.
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What began as an informal experiment with a single camera and a borrowed guitar has evolved into one of WITF’s most vibrant projects — WITF Music.
also on the program:
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A new October poll from Franklin & Marshall College suggests that many Pennsylvanians are feeling uncertain about the direction of the state — and the health of democracy itself.
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After nearly five decades behind the lens, photographer Joseph A. Rosen says it finally felt like the right time to share the stories he’s captured through his camera. His new book, Inside the Moment: Iconic Blues, Soul, Jazz, Rock, and R&B Images and History), celebrates the emotional and historical power of live performance in striking black and white.
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Each year,...
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At the University of Pittsburgh, fear has found a new home — in academia. The university is now home to the world’s first academic center dedicated to the study of horror, exploring how the genre reflects society’s deepest anxieties and historical traumas.
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Pennsylvania residents could see major jumps in their health insurance premiums next year, according to Pennsylvania Insurance Commissione...
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For nearly 40 years, The Pennsylvania Bakery in Camp Hill has been more than a place to buy desserts—it’s been a community cornerstone built on faith, family, and a steadfast commitment to quality.
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A new October poll from Franklin & Marshall College suggests that many Pennsylvanians are feeling uncertain about the direction of the state — and the health of democracy itself.
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Alex Monroe’s journey in track and field is one of dedication, growth, and coming full circle. A former Mifflin County athlete and Lock Haven University competitor who ran on the international stage, Monroe is now returning to his roots—not as a runner, but as a coach leading the next generation.
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What began as an informal experiment with a single camera and a borrowed guitar has evolved into one of...
In 50 STATES OF MURDER: An Atlas of American Crime, true crime master Harold Schechter, reveals lesser known, darkly fascinating cases that, taken together, form a unique criminal history of all 50 states in the US!
This week, libraries across the country, including the Cumberland County Library System, are taking part in National Banned Books Week, a celebration of the freedom to read and an effort to raise awaren...
Lancaster’s vibrant theater scene is getting a thought-provoking addition this month as the Lancaster Shakespeare Theatre presents Streamers, a powerful drama set during the height of the Vietnam War.
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For many in Central Pennsylvania, surf fishing might seem like a distant coastal pastime, but Matt Bryson, a Harrisburg/Hershey resident, has turned the sport into a personal passion and a competitive triumph.
Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/
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This week, libraries across the country, including the Cumberland County Library System, are taking part in National Banned Books Week, a celebration of the freedom to read and an effort to raise awareness about attempts to remove books from public shelves.
Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A historic log cabin in downtown Gettysburg is being restored to become the town’s first dedicated Black History Museum, highlighting the lives and legacy of the Hopkins family and the wider Black community in the area.
Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new report from the PA Health care Cost Containment Council outlines why Pennsylvanians stay in the hospital-the types of procedures they undergo. Using data collected from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, this type of fact-based information showing the overall total number of cases performed at a facility level reflects the degree of experience a facility has in caring for patients who undergo a procedure.
In 50 STATES OF MURDER: An Atlas of American Crime, true crime master Harold Schechter, reveals lesser known, darkly fascinating cases that, taken together, form a unique criminal history of all 50 states in the US!
Filled with hundreds of dark tales of murderous mayhem, 50 STATES OF MURDER is a chilling work of storytelling and an authoritative survey of the United States’ homicidal h...
The internationally acclaimed saxophone quartet Ensemble du Bout du Monde — whose name translates to “the ensemble at the edge of the world” — will bring their genre-bending blend of classical, contemporary, and experimental music to Perry County on October 11.
Pennsylvania’s fall foliage season is officially underway, and according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), it’s shaping up to be one of the most colorful — and longest — in the country.
Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Lebanon Valley College Jazz Orchestra (VJO) has released its second commercial album, Jungle Book, showcasing the talent and dedication of student musicians under the direction of Dr. Jeff Lovell and Dr. Justin Morell. The album features four original compositions by Morrell and highlights guest performances from multi-Grammy-nominated trombonist Alan Ferber and New York-based saxophonist Has...
DoorDash is helping transform food access in Pennsylvania through its community initiative, Project Dash. The program partners with organizations like Hunger Free Pennsylvania to deliver meals and essential items to those who need them most — particularly seniors with limited mobility or transportation options.
Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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