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.
…
continue reading
Smart Talk is a daily, live, interactive program featuring conversations with newsmakers and experts in a variety of fields and exploring a wide range of issues and ideas, including the economy, politics, health care, education, culture, and the environment. Smart Talk airs live every week day at 9 a.m. on WITF's 89.5 and 93.3.
…
continue reading
A global conspiracy, paranormal, cryptid, true crime and parapsychology podcast from the mountains of Appalachia. We branch out y'all!
…
continue reading
From small towns to big cities — Grapple gives voice to people living and working in distressed communities. Through personal narratives and long-form storytelling, you hear conversations that tell the story of America’s profound economic and social changes — including how distressed communities have changed over time, what they’re grappling with today, and how they’re redefining themselves. Grapple’s first season takes you to a series of communities across Pennsylvania that were once vibran ...
…
continue reading
Tune in for this week's Where in the Folk as we dive back into ALL of the crazy stuff going on including a rogue video of 7 suns in the sky, impending pressure on the dollar, remnants of the Manhattan project in America, how it's going with Boeing and tons of other wild stories from across the world. Join in on the conversation with us LIVE on Frid…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
WITF story honored with a national Edward R. Murrow Award
21:52
21:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:52
WITF and Tim Lambert received some good news last week. Tim’s story about his father being one of the last living witnesses to a unique atomic test in the 1950’s was honored with a national Edward R. Murrow Award for best use of sound. Director of Journalism Scott Blanchard who was Tim’s editor for the project sat down with Asia Tabb to talk about …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Spark Weekly 9.1.2024: Unpacking the Vote: A Public Q&A with Election Experts and Artificial Sweeteners vs. Natural Sugars
46:56
46:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:56
Coming up on The Spark Weekly, We speak with UPMC Dietician Sarah Beaty about the pros and cons of using artificial sweeteners over natural sugars. Also on the program: We also have a conversation with Tracie Potts and Dr. Teresa Smallwood about Unpacking the Vote, an event that allows the public to ask questions and speak with Election Experts abo…
…
continue reading
Tune in tonight for a special Where in the Folk live session with Sara Clevenger, occult aficionado and the creator of the viral TikTok channel Paranormally Correct where she turns Appalachian folklore and paranormal activity into spooky, three-minute stories. She is an Eastern Kentucky native, horror author, horror-folk story teller and on occasio…
…
continue reading
Tune in for this week's Where in the Folk as we dive back into ALL of the crazy stuff going on including new revelations about fluoride, suspicious life extending medicine misfortunes, how it's going with Boeing and tons of other wild stories from across the world. Join in on the conversation with us LIVE on Fridays at 7pm EST and thanks so much fo…
…
continue reading
A global conspiracy, paranormal, cryptid, true crime and parapsychology podcast from the mountains of Appalachia. We branch out y'all!
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Unpacking the Vote: A Public Q&A with Election Experts and What to Know About The Event
24:40
24:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:40
Asia speaks with Tracie Potts and Dr. Teresa Smallwood about Unpacking the Vote, an event that allows the public to ask questions and speak with Election Experts about the upcoming election. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WITF, Inc.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Project 270: 50 States, 70 Voices, 1 Message
23:01
23:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:01
Asia spoke with Hugo Crosthwaite, Kele McComsey, Bob Faust, Nick Cave, and Machine Dazzle about Project 270. 50 states 70 voices, and 1 message. You can pre order the book here. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WITF, Inc.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Penn State Harrisburg's Career Studies Program
23:18
23:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:18
Sandy McBride and Linda Wren speak with us about Penn State Harrisburg's career studies program. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WITF, Inc.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Artificial Sweeteners vs Natural Sugars: Which is Better?
23:18
23:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:18
We speak with UPMC Dietician Sarah Beaty about the pros and cons of using artificial sweeteners over natural sugars. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WITF, Inc.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Author dishes on new book 'How the story ends'
11:43
11:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:43
Author Tory Gates has written a new fiction novel called How the story ends. The inspiration of the book was born out of a trip he’s taken to Chambersburg about 6-7 years ago. “I was driving down I-81 to get there, I was looking at the fields, looking at the hills and that kind of thing. And I'm from Vermont originally, and there's certain parallel…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
‘Health To Go’ Vending Machine Brings Free Health Resources to Citizens of Harrisburg
12:04
12:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:04
Penn State College of Medicine and the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation teamed up to launch a new healthcare system in a grab and go format. The ‘Health to Go’ vending machine provides 24/7 access to anyone in need. The vending machine is located outside the entrance of the emergency department at UPMC Harrisburg. Dr. Alice Zang, Assistant Professor of Fam…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Spark Weekly 8.25.2024: Trump's Assassination Attempt and The State of The Christmas Tree Industry
44:12
44:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:12
Coming up on The Spark Weekly: It was July 13 when shots rang out during a rally in Butler County featuring republican candidate Donald Trump. One person was killed, and three others were injured including Trump. Numerous investigations uncovered gaps in security leading to gunfire. Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA, Tracy Leturgy and Irina Bucur of The…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Retired York Principal publishes memoir about 2001 machete attack
22:03
22:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:03
February 2, 2001, is a day many won’t forget in York County. Norinia Bentzel was the Principal of the North Hopewell-Winterstown Elementary School when she was attacked twice by a man with a machete. Bentzel noticed someone unfamiliar trying to get in the school around 11:23 a.m. The intruder, William Stankewicz snuck in behind a parent dropping he…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
A local music group advocates for mental health through music
22:40
22:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:40
West & Ward a musical duo is working to incorporate advocating for mental health through their music. Their priority is galvanizing a local community into action that will change how mental health is discussed, and hopefully change how the mental health care system works here and beyond. West & Ward has recently dropped an EP, which includes “Battl…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Journalist Roundtable: Trump assassination attempt shows long-standing flaws in Secret Service protections
22:24
22:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:24
It was July 13 when shots rang out during a rally in Butler County featuring republican candidate Donald Trump. One person was killed, and three others were injured including Trump. Numerous investigations uncovered gaps in security leading to gunfire. Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA, Tracy Leturgy and Irina Bucur of The Butler Eagle reported extensiv…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Little League World Series is back for 77th Year
20:25
20:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:25
The Little League World Series tournament is held from July 27 through August 25. Approximately 935 kids will participate in the tournament. Jason Fink, President and CEO of the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau says the first world series took place in Williamsport in 1947. “This year is the 77th Little League World Series.” With this event being a …
…
continue reading
Tune in for a special 'Crue Trime' episode of Where in the Folk as we explore the life and brutal murders of Charlie Brandt, a seemingly normal man who committed unspeakable evils. We will also be remembering the victims who suffered at the hands of Charlie and those who were never able to be identified. Join in on the conversation with us LIVE ton…
…
continue reading
A global conspiracy, paranormal, cryptid, true crime and parapsychology podcast from the mountains of Appalachia. We branch out y'all!
…
continue reading
A global conspiracy, paranormal, cryptid, true crime and parapsychology podcast from the mountains of Appalachia. We branch out y'all!
…
continue reading
A global conspiracy, paranormal, cryptid, true crime and parapsychology podcast from the mountains of Appalachia. We branch out y'all!
…
continue reading
A global conspiracy, paranormal, cryptid, true crime and parapsychology podcast from the mountains of Appalachia. We branch out y'all!
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
NWS Confirms tornado in Harrisburg neighborhood
21:41
21:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:41
An EF1 tornado hit a Dauphin County neighborhood on Friday August 9. The National Weather Service says the winds were up to 110 miles an hour in the Bellevue Park Neighborhood. Bellevue Park is located within the city limits of the City of Harrisburg. Dennis Kauffman, President of the Bellevue Park Association Board says his dog alarmed him of the …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pa. Meteorologist predicts higher temperature ahead of the weekend.
11:14
11:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:14
There has been a drastic change in weather over the week as students returned back to school. ABC 27 Meteorologist Dan Tomaso says Hurricane Debbie has changed the weather pattern. While the hurricane is long gone, it essentially disrupted our summer weather pattern to the point that we had somewhat of a cooler weekend temperature wise this past we…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
NPR's White House Correspondent Franco Ordoñez on His Experience Covering the Presidential Election
12:28
12:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:28
Franco Ordoñez is a White House Correspondent for NPR’s Washington Desk. In the past, he’s reported on foreign policy, and immigration, and has been a correspondent in Cuba, Colombia, Mexico, and Haiti. Ordoñez joined the Spark to speak with host Asia Tabb about his work as a correspondent, and his experience covering the 2024 Presidential election…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pickleball and it's growing popularity in Central Pa
12:48
12:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:48
According to the 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association Topline Participation report, Pickleball grew in 2023 to 13.6 million players in the United States. Brandon Workotter the Owner of the Central Pa Pro Pickleball League says the sport grew since the pandemic. “It's on a much smaller court, so you're getting a little bit more of a workout th…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pa. Farm makes biodegrable coffins made from fungus
23:26
23:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:26
Setas Mushrooms was established in January 2020 growing hundreds of mushrooms. Max Justice, CEO of Setas Mushrooms has found a way to create a final resting place made from mushrooms. “I use fungus to grow alternatives. And in fact, I've been able to grow alternatives to concrete, plastic insulation as well as coffins and urns. Now, my installation…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
State of the Christmas tree industry in Pennsylvania
23:30
23:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:30
According to the Pennsylvania Tree Growers Association, Pennsylvania ranks third in the nation for the number of Christmas tree farms. There are more than 1,400 Christmas trees in Pennsylvania. The winter holidays are months away, but for the tree farmers, it’s a year long process. Gerrit Strathmeyer Jr, President of the PA Christmas Tree Associati…
…
continue reading
The Pennsylvania School Bus Association is made up of the independent school contractors that transport students every to and from school across Pennsylvania. Gerry Wosewick, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania School Bus Association says there are laws that motorist need to be aware of while buses are back on the roads. "The most important thin…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Spark Weekly 8.18.2024: A.I. in PA Schools and Sports Betting
44:46
44:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:46
Coming Up on This Week's Edition of The Spark Weekly: We speak with Richard McGarvey with the PA Gaming Control Board about sports betting. We also speak with Dr. Carrie Sipes from Shippensburg University and Jeff Ritchie from Lebanon Valley College about A.I. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for priv…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
August is Minority Organ Donor Awareness Month
21:45
21:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:45
August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month (NMDAM). The Gift of Life Donor Program helps to heal lives by coordinating the recovery and distribution of organs and tissues used in lifesaving and life- enhancing transplants. The Gift of Life donor program has been serving the community for 50 years, and it’s the vital link between patients who…
…
continue reading
Managing Editor from the York Dispatch Wallace McKelvey, and reporter Meredith Willse joined the Journalist Roundtable segment. Both spoke about Meredith’s reporting on education in the Central Pennsylvania region. Meredith has ben writing a series of columns about the influence of a conservative organization in Central Pennsylvania School District…
…
continue reading
Professional and college football is preparing for the season, and that means legal wagers for those games. In May 2018, after a six-year-battle, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of New Jersey in Murphey v. NCAA and struck down a decades-old deferral law that prohibited the state from legalizing sports betting. Richard McGarvey, Deputy Directo…
…
continue reading
Since the early 1900's the Walnut Street property has housed schools and now apartments. Jeb Stuart the President of the Board of Directors of the Historic Harrisburg Association says the building means so much to so many people. "Well, it was a landmark, and, and had a lot of history. There are a lot of alumni from old tech, as it was called, and …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pa. professors weigh in on how college professors know you are cheating with A.I.
24:52
24:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:52
Artificial Intelligence also known as A.I. for short is a set of technologies that enable computers to perform a variety of advanced functions, including the ability to see, understand and translate spoke and written language, analyze data, and make recommendations and more according to google cloud. Many professions are utilizing this tool, and co…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pa. Meteorologist predicts another hurricane is coming to the East Coast region in the next couple of days
12:09
12:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:09
Heading into the month of September, we are heading into the peak of hurricane season. The Central Pennsylvania region just experienced remnants of Hurricane Debbie in the past week. ABC 27’s Meteorologist Dan Tomaso, says hurricane season is roughly between August though September. “Most of our impacts from any hurricane or tropical storm will be …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Gender vs. Sex: Pa. professor weighs in on controversary
22:48
22:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:48
During the Paris Olympics, Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faced difficulty when she tested higher for testosterone in her system. Khelif was assigned female at birth, and it says so on her birth certificate. Dr. Frederika Schmitt Associate Professor of Sociology at Millersville university says the word sex is a noun. “ Well, first, when we talk about …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Pa. Community College President announces retirement
21:21
21:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:21
Dr. John Sygielski, seventh president of Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) announced he will be retiring in July 2025. He’s held the position since 2011 and holds the title of HACC’s longest running president. HACC’s reputation is what lead Sygielski to Central Pennsylvania, and how valuable this institution is to the community. “I have come…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
PA Olympic Archery coach shares personal experience coaching Casey Kaufhold at Paris Olympics
21:02
21:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:02
Lancaster County’s Casey Kaufhold made her dreams come true after winning a mixed-team archery bronze medal in the Paris Olympics. Her journey began at the Lancaster Archery Academy in Easter Lampeter Township. Kaufhold’s archery coach, Heather Pfeil, was with her in Paris as she was living her dreams as an Olympic athlete. Pfeil says watching Kauf…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Chambersburg to bring Frederick Douglass to life
21:13
21:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:13
The Franklin County Visitors Bureau will be hosting on Aug. 17 "Frederick Douglass in Chambersburg: More Than A Speech". The presentation will include lunch, a bus tour to showcase Douglass' visit, and the major meeting between Douglass and John Brown. Janet Pollard, Executive Director of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, says the speech that wa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
The Spark Weekly 8.11.2024 Journalist Roundtable on Kamala Harris' VP Pick and What to Know About The Listeria Outbreak
43:21
43:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:21
Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly: Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Among those who had been in consideration was Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro. Berwood Yost, Director for the Center of Opinion Research at Franklin & Marshall College, and Stephen Caruso, journalist with …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges dishes on his latest book, and the relationship between the U.S. and Europe
21:50
21:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:50
Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges served in the military for 38 years. He has been making appearances in Pennsylvania including the Midtown Scholar Bookstore and the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle. Hodges most recently published a book called Future War and the Defense of Europe. “I wanted to write a book that would help wake people up about what needed to be…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Journalist Roundtable: VP Kamala Harris selects running mate
22:48
22:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:48
Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Among those who had been in consideration was Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro. Berwood Yost, Director for the Center of Opinion Research at Franklin & Marshall College, and Stephen Caruso, journalist with Spotlight PA shared their general reactions to Harris’…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Franklin & Marshall College prepares for Fall Semester
22:49
22:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:49
In just two weeks, students attending Franklin & Marshall College will be back on campus for the fall semester. F&M President Dr. Barbara Altman says the start of a new academic year is the highlight of her year. “We're expecting a first-year class of about 500, which is pretty much what we planned. I know we might want to talk about the various th…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
One World Festival in Lancaster celebrates diversity
21:22
21:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:22
The One World Festival in Lancaster will be held Sept. 8 at the Franklin and Marshall College at the Alumni Sports and Fitness Center. Deepa Balepur, Chair of the One World Festival Committee and Tom Daniels, Performance Coordinator of the festival appeared on The Spark to promote the festival. The festival was born in 2018, as Deepa was attending …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
What researchers have learned about the Spotted Lanternfly
22:00
22:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:00
It's been ten years since the spotted lanternflies began showing up in Pennsylvania. Brian Walsh, Spotted Lanternfly Researcher at Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences began noticing the insects when he was a landscaper years ago. "I was running a landscaping business, and it lanternfly landed very close to where we worked from just a few mi…
…
continue reading
Boar's Head recalled seven million more pounds of deli meat due to a listeria outbreak. That outbreak follows an earlier recall of more than 200 thousand pounds of deli meat by the same company. Those outbreaks have been reported in Pennsylvania and 12 other states. Martin Bucknavage, Senior Extension Program Specialist with the Penn State Departme…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
PA Turnpike to launch Open Road Tolling System
22:26
22:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:26
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will soon convert its tolling system to Open Road Rolling east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension. The Open Road Tolling system will be in place in January 2025. The turnpike was opened in 1940 with a cash collection system, then in the 2000’s the EZ pass was added. Craig Shuey, Chief Operating Officer of…
…
continue reading
The York County Sheriff's Office is eager to engage with communities across York County for National Night Out on August 6. The goal of the event is to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the residents they serve. Lieutenant David Godfrey and his deputies at the York County Sheriff’s Department look forward to this event each year.…
…
continue reading
Inflation has been impacting many industries from food prices at the grocery store and even affordable housing. In Central Pennsylvania, there’s even a housing shortage. Jodi Diego of the National Association of Realtors says there’s even a lack of homes to sell in the area. “We don’t have enough homes to sell. Plus, you know, new construction. It’…
…
continue reading