"Common Ground," the highly anticipated sequel to the widely acclaimed documentary "Kiss the Ground," is set to make waves following its predecessor's success. "Kiss the Ground" reached an astounding audience of over 1 billion people worldwide and even spurred the United States Department of Agriculture to allocate a significant $20 billion towards…

There are about 15,000 children in temporary foster care in Pennsylvania. Most of them will return to their family of origin. It can be painful for kids to be separated from their parents or families and for younger children, it may be hard to understand what’s happening to them and around them. A new children’s book called The Watchful Owl tells t…

The Farm to Hospital program, conceived by Dr. KimberLee Mudge, has emerged as a beacon of holistic healthcare in York County. Addressing the root causes of illnesses through interventions such as diet and exercise, the initiative aims to combat food insecurity by supplying fresh, nutritious produce to UPMC Memorial patients, staff, visitors, and t…

Three construction workers were killed while working on Interstate 83 in York County last week. The victims were sealing cracks in the highway in the early morning hours last Wednesday when a box truck collided with a construction vehicle and veered into the workers. It brought attention to just how potentially dangerous construction zones can be f…

April marks Autism Acceptance Month, shedding light on the experiences of autistic individuals, particularly adults, with an estimated 7 million in the US who may be unaware of their diagnosis. Dr. Thomas Pineo, Medical Director at UPMC Community Osteopathic, joined The Spark to share his journey as part of the "lost generation" of autistic adults,…

April 22nd is Earth Day – 54 years since the first Earth Day that is credited with starting the environmentally movement and led to changes to protect the environment. However, Earth Day today is different. Climate change will be the focus of most of the Earth Day activities around the world. There will be talk about the changes in temperature, wat…

Coming up on this week's program. A new book about how star baseball players like Babe Rith and Shoeless Jow Jackson avoided military service in World War I by playing baseball for Bethlehem Stell plants., including in Lebanon and Steelton, also on the program we talk with former Obama social secretary and Author Deesha Dyer about her new book. Sup…

Paige Joki, Staff Attorney at the Education Law Center in Philadelphia, is leading a groundbreaking initiative aimed at upholding the rights of young black girls within the education system. The initiative, aptly named the Black Girls Justice Initiative, comes in response to the pervasive inequities faced by black girls due to various forms of disc…

As the anticipation builds and the excitement mounts, the Harrisburg Havoc, Central Pennsylvania's sole all women-led tackle football team, is rallying the region's residents to come out and support their upcoming season. With players itching to return to the field after months of intense preparation, the team is poised to showcase their skills aga…

Deesha Dyer, renowned as the former Social Secretary of the Obama Administration, has made a significant mark as a speaker and creative event strategy consultant. Originally from Philadelphia, Dyer's journey into the political realm is characterized by her unconventional path. Despite starting as a hip-hop journalist, she joined the White House as …

Fresh produce travels an average of about 1,500 miles from farm to your dinner table. It’s one of the reasons that many consumers prefer to buy local, believing the food they’re buying and eating is truly fresh with the added benefit of supporting a local farmer or community member. Those are two of the principles behind Community Supported Agricul…

In a bid to reshape the landscape of finance and address persistent racial wealth disparities, Joe Cecala and Dwain J. Kyles are on the brink of realizing a two-decade endeavor: the inauguration of the Dream Exchange, set to become the pioneering minority-operated stock exchange in the United States. The Dream Exchange, a brainchild of Cecala and K…

Burnout is such a problem for workers that some employers are considering reducing the length of the workweek. Nearly one-third (30%) of large US companies are exploring new work schedule shifts such as four-day or four-and-a-half-day workweeks, according to a KPMG survey of CEOs released last week. The idea to attract and retain talent in a hot jo…

Dozens of coal plants have closed in Pennsylvania over the last few decades as the Marcellus Shale boom made natural gas cheaper and some coal energy companies decided new environmental regulations are too costly. Coal plants have shutdown in other places across the country because of the amount of pollution they emit that contributes to climate ch…

Patriotism and a rush to serve in the military characterized America when the U.S. entered World War I in 1917. Those who didn’t enlist in hopes of fighting in Europe or tried to avoid the military draft were called slackers. At the time, baseball was by far the American Pastime. Dozens of Major League baseball players like Ty Cobb and Christy Math…

Results of Muhlenberg College’s Institute of Public Opinion’s Spring 2024 Pennsylvania Public Health Survey were released last week. It’s a unique poll in that many of the questions don’t have to do with politics or candidates. For example, seven out of ten of those surveyed had positive responses to the quality of healthcare in the state. There wa…

Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly: We hear about the hundred-year-old stories of prostitution, gambling and drinking in Lancaster in the Lancaster Vice Project. Also on the program, author Brad Wolff, talks about his newly published book- A Ministry of Risk that contains the writings of peace activist Phillip Berrigan. Support WI…

Marquis Lupton speaks with Emily Gonzales, Owner and Operator of Gems Catering in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WITF, Inc.

Kesha Morant Williams is an accomplished communicator, researcher, and advocate. She is the Senior Advisor for College Diversity, Equity & Belonging and Professor of Humanities and Communication Arts at Elizabethtown College. She speaks with Marquis Lupton about her educational journey and what she has accomplished as well as what she plans to acco…

Marquis Lupton tells us the story of the first BIPOC owned and governed stock exchange and venture exchange. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WITF, Inc.

Thaddeus Stevens was one of the most consequential members of Congress in the nation’s history. Stevens represented Lancaster County in Washington during and after the Civil War. He was instrumental in the passage of the 13th Amendment to The Constitution that abolished slavery and led the fight for the 14th Amendment that requires equal protection…

Brad Wolf's "A Ministry of Risk" stands as the authoritative anthology of Philip Berrigan's writings, offering a profound journey through the evolution of a revolutionary spirit. Authorized by the Berrigan family, this collection is meticulously arranged chronologically, providing readers with an intimate portrayal of Berrigan's transformation amid…

There were 4,992 substantiated reports of child abuse and 60 deaths resulting from abuse in Pennsylvania during 2022. Child abuse in Pennsylvania is defined as when an individual acts or fails to prevent something that causes harm or a high likelihood of harm to a child under the age of 18. This harm can take many forms, such as bodily injury, seri…

Jamie Beth Cohen, a versatile writer, storyteller, and dedicated individual, has worn many hats throughout her life. Notably, Cohen is the author of The Alice Burton Novels, comprising "WASTED PRETTY" and "LIMINAL SUMMER," both published by Black Rose Writing. Her insightful words have graced platforms such as HuffPost, The Washington Post, Salon, …

The history that most of us have been taught or focus on usually centers around the people and events that shaped the nation, state or the towns and cities we live in. Often, that history is full of dates, stories and well-known names. Of course, right now, there are debates going on across this country about who and what should be included in that…

The Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Marketing Association is making waves in the region, aiming to revolutionize the way marketing professionals connect, learn, and grow. As a non-profit organization, their dedication to education, cultivation, and empowerment of marketers is evident in every aspect of their mission. At the core of the…

The Mansion Concerts take place on Front Street in Harrisburg at the Manor on Front. It's a listening-room-style concert series that aims to provide great sound, great performances and a great experience for its patrons. Guitarist Trevor Gordon Hall will be performing on April 27th at 7pm Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omn…

The April 2024 Franklin and Marshall College poll indicates Pennsylvanians support voting reforms, including requiring county voting officials to contact voters if they find an error on a submitted ballot and requiring photo IDs when voting. An overwhelming 77% of respondents said they favored so-called ballot curing. It's an issue that has been in…

Coming up this week. A Cumberland County woman talks about her experience on PBS' Finding Your Roots with Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., where she learned about her family history. Also on the program, Marquis Lupton's insightful conversation with breastfeeding advocate Norma Vasquez. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.…

The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, known for its commitment to delivering exceptional live music experiences and fostering music education, is gearing up for a weekend of enchantment with their natural world concert series at Lancaster Country Day School's Gardner Theatre. Kicking off Friday and running through Sunday, the series promises an immersi…

For over two centuries, the Prison Society has been a lifeline for incarcerated individuals and their families, offering essential support services and shedding light on the often opaque world of prisons. Founded 235 years ago, the organization has remained a steadfast resource, providing invaluable assistance to those affected by incarceration. Wi…

Finding Your Roots with Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. is one of the popular TV shows on PBS. Every Tuesday at 8 p.m., Dr. Gates leads a celebrity through their family histories. What makes the show so fascinating are the mysteries uncovered about their families. Recently, Finding Your Roots did something it had never done before – it offered viewers of…

Renowned African American tenor and educator Jonathan Walker-VanKuren continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of music, both on stage and in the classroom. With a diverse repertoire spanning jazz, musical theatre, art song, and opera, Walker-VanKuren has captivated audiences with his powerful voice and versatile performances. Currently se…

On April 8, 2024, Pennsylvania will be graced with a breathtaking celestial show as a total solar eclipse traverses the state and country, spanning across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This rare phenomenon occurs when the Moon positions itself directly between the Earth and the Sun, obscuring the Sun's radiant face from view. The skies wil…

In Lancaster County, tens of thousands of residents have been coming together for over twenty-five years, joining forces with YWCA Lancaster to combat racism and empower women. The organization proudly hosts the biggest and longest consecutively Race Against Racism in the nation, inviting the community to participate in this vital movement. Recogni…

Renowned Spoken Word Poet, Artistic Educator, and Motivational Speaker Brandon Leake continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his unique blend of artistry and charisma. With his distinctive personal narratives, Leake has graced stages across the globe, earning widespread acclaim and recognition. One of the most notable platforms for Leake's …

The glass ceiling – a metaphor for a barrier that kept women and other marginalized people from advancing – usually in their careers. The term is and was used often when a woman had reached a position or place in society for the first time. Breaking through the glass ceiling was seen as how far we’ve come as a society. But that glass ceiling isn’t …

Coming up on this week's episode of The Spark Weekly. Two Philadelphia Inquirer reporters that have investigated forever chemicals of PFAs that go into the making of artificial turf and firefighting equipment and that could also increase the risk of cancer. Also on the program Bryan Wade, the proprietor of Keystones Oral Histories and organization …

AJ Nutter and Dr. Kate Whiteley are the host and producer of the thought-provoking podcast "Self-Identities," which takes a unique approach to storytelling by engaging in conversations with convicted women murderers serving life sentences. Dr. Kathryn Whiteley, a feminist criminologist, leads the podcast as the primary host, with AJ Nutter serving …

The Harrisburg Singers, established in 1984, have risen to prominence as one of Central Pennsylvania's most distinguished choral ensembles. With a rich history spanning four decades, the group has become synonymous with excellence in vocal performance. Comprising of 40 members whose voices and talents intertwine harmoniously, the Harrisburg Singers…

The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus (PLBC) serves as a vital conduit for articulating the concerns and aspirations of the African American populace across Pennsylvania. It plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the community and the state legislature, championing policies geared towards fostering social equity, cultural enrichment, …

Professional athletes have been playing on artificial turf since the mid-60s. Many college football stadiums were outfitted with plastic grass or Astroturf in the 1970s. More high schools are installing artificial turf today with the thinking that’s it’s easier and cheaper to maintain. Pro athletes have complained about artificial turf for decades,…

After nearly 40 years of serving as office space for city agencies, Southern Market has undergone a transformative revival, emerging as a vibrant public space in early 2022. Reimagined and revitalized, the new Southern Market boasts a dynamic array of offerings to cater to diverse tastes and needs. At the heart of the revamped space is a sprawling …

The Major League baseball season begins this week and the man with more hits than any other player in the game’s history – Pete Rose -- is not in the Baseball Hall-of-Fame. Rose was banished for life from baseball in 1989 for gambling on his own team. Best-selling author Keith O’Brien has written a new book, Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pet…

Renowned producer and host Bryan Wade, drawing from his personal journey marked by adversity, has dedicated himself to illuminating the intricate tapestry of American life, transcending racial and socioeconomic barriers. With over two decades of experience in radio, television, and documentary production, Wade's work has consistently aimed at provi…

It is officially spring. Daffodils have bloomed for the last few weeks and now it’s time to really get down to gardening for 2024. Horticulturalist Erica Jo Shaffer was on The Spark Tuesday to talk about bulbs, getting a start on vegetable gardens, mulching and seeding the lawn. Daffodils have been especially prolific this year and Shaffer describe…

Norma Vazquez, a seasoned Certified Lactation Counselor and Birth & Post-Partum Doula, is spearheading a crucial initiative to foster solidarity among women of color on their journey through motherhood. With 16 years of extensive experience in public health, Vazquez has honed her expertise in lactation support, particularly focusing on aiding indiv…

The culture wars in this country are a clash of ideologies or beliefs. But sometimes – maybe even more often today – those emotional differences result in threats of violence or violence itself. In a day that will be long remembered, the city of Lancaster was the center of the culture wars Saturday. The Drag Queen Story Hour event was scheduled for…

Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly: Shannon Powers, Press Secretary with the Department of Agriculture joins us to speak about food safety inspections, what goes into them? Also on the program, Kelly Barnhill, author of the Ogress and The Orphan, joins us to speak about her traumatic brain injury, and what the future holds for her…

Rich Everts, the co-founder and CEO of Bestie Bot, has received recognition for his significant contributions to the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In addition to his role at Bestie Bot, Everts is also the founder of Lancaster AI, an organization that hosts free monthly meetups focusing on the latest advancements in AI. Everts appeared on "…