The Cumberland County Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASA) is in dire need of volunteers to work with abused and/or neglected children involved in the child warehouse court system. CASA Outreach Coordinator Virginia Koser, and CASA Volunteer Art McNulty, made an appearance on The Spark to talk about why people should volunteer. "I've be…

Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Amy Schumer, Kelly Clarkson, and Tracy Morgan have all tried the Ozempic drug for weight loss. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Ozempic in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, as an effective weight loss tool. The hype surrounding the injectable drug has led to an increase in sales and shortage…

The Dauphin County’s Drug and Alcohol Services is hosting its first annual ‘Youth Summer Sports Fest’. It began in June, and will continue every Wednesday until August 14 from 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Basketball, soccer, volleyball, and other outdoor activities will be held at local parks around Harrisburg giving young people a positive alternative activity …

The pandemic babies who were toddlers, and preschoolers are now school aged showing signs of learning loss, speech delays, behavioral problems and more. Ms. Denean Bressi serves as the Director of Special Education and Student Services at the Susquenita School District. Bressi expressed the students were affected in many ways depending on age level…

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES)’s 2023/2024 Watershed Report Card found the Chesapeake Bay has improved its health score for the first time in 20 years. According to the report card, the Chesapeake Bay received a C+. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Vice President for Environmental Protection and Restoration Alison …

The York County SPCA is hosting a half price dog adoption event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday July 14 at the Brougher Companion Animal Shelter. The Communications Director, Kristen Dempwolf, says this event lower barriers for those looking to adopt a dog. "the process of an adoption can be a little intimidating to people. You know, there are some r…

The cost of keeping cool during the summer heat is expected to rise 12 percent this year, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. Daniel McCunney the Communications Senior Manager for the East Region for NRG. On average, consumers on average see their bills increase from June through September. According to McCunney, sola…

A bipartisan election protection group is banding together to support the security of American elections. The Spark host Asia Tabb spoke with former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell(D-PA), Former U.S. Rep Melissa Hart (R-PA), and former State House speaker Keith McCall (D-PA) about leading the Pennsylvania Democracy Defense Project. The project Is hopi…

There are dozens of organizations that support our veterans here in Central Pennsylvania. Marc Miagala the Director of the UPMC Veteran Care Services, and Bill Habacivch the Executive Director of Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania joined Asia Tabb on the Spark to talk about the need for those programs. The Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania mission i…

For our latest Journalist Roundtable on The Spark, WITF’S Democracy reporter Jordan Wilkie sat down to speak with Asia Tabb about the November Election Coverage. Wilkie also spoke with Asia about election research, community engagement, and more. Wilkie has even taken it upon himself to learn more about the express vote XL ballot machine that’s use…

The SS United States Conversancy has issued a $500,000 emergency fundraiser to rehome America’s flagship. The SS United States has been docked at Pier 82 in Philadelphia since 1996. “SS United States or America’s flagship is the nation’s only remaining great ocean liner. She smashed the transatlantic speed record on her maiden voyage in 1952, and s…

On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly, we speak about the importance of HBCU's and the Veterans holistic health clinic Boots To Health. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WITF, Inc.

A nonprofit organization is working to improve the lives of veterans. The Boots to Health Foundation offers life coaching, fitness, training, and nutrition coaching to veterans at no cost. Logan Spiewak is the co-founder and Executive Director of Boots for Health Foundation. Spiewak, a proud Marine Corps Veteran, struggled significantly when he was…

The Shapiro Administration sought out the public’s feedback for the proposed 2025 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP). The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation also invited the public to comment on the draft. PennDOT’s Executive Deputy Secretary Larry Shifflet says the draft consists of projects like infrastructure, and projects t…

The Fringe Fest is an arts festival that takes place across the City of Harrisburg connecting artists, venues, and audiences in a spirit celebration. Co-producers Chris Gibson and Brianna Dow stopped by The Spark to tell us the importance of the festival. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i…

Meteorologist Dan Tomaso from ABC 27 WHTM joined The Spark to update us on the upcoming weather. We are in another heatwave, and that could possibly impact Centra PA residents with a drought. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WITF, Inc.

The York County History Center serves as a major cultural anchor and community space in downtown York. A former electricity-generating plant transformed York County 150 years ago. The history center will be opening a new museum this summer. Ron Hershner a longtime volunteer, and former board member of the York County History Center, and Joan Mummer…

Meet Dr. Marybeth Gasman, the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Endowed Chair and a Distinguished University Professor at Rutgers University, and Dr. Levon T. Esters, the Dean of Graduate School and Vice Provost for graduate education at Penn State University. The co-authored HBCU: The Power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, published by John Ho…

The Lancaster Farm Sanctuary offers abused farm animals a second chance at life. The non-profit was founded in 2017 by Jonina Turzi and Sarah Salluzzo when it became obvious there was a need to save farm animals. “Although in some circumstances farm animals are protected from egregious abuse, there are a lot of loopholes where it’s like, if it’s co…

According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America, one in ten men will experience depression or anxiety. The study also found less men will receive treatment. June was Men’s Mental Health Month. A month dedicated to breaking the stigmas associated with men and their mental health. UPMC Clinical Psychologist Dr. Rafat Omar calls it the sile…

Ahead of the Fourth of July celebrations, The Spark on WITF had the opportunity of speaking with Sam Peterson, The Director of Veteran Programs for Altior Healthcare. For many veterans, fireworks and loud noises can be triggering for those dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. According to the F&M Global Barometers team, Pennsylvania receiv…

Extreme temperatures and loud booming sounds can have big impacts on our pets. Amanda Brunish, the Director of Marketing and Outreach for the Humane Society of Harrisburg joined The Spark on Friday to offer safety tips for pets during the summer months. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf…

Scientist is saying Tornado Alley is shifting from the Great Plains to the southern U.S., increasing risks to communities. According to AccuWeather, Tornado Alley is described as an area of the U.S. where there is a high potential for tornado development. Meteorologist Dan Tomaso from ABC 27 WHTM joined The Spark to update us on what that shift mea…

Usually the summer calls for cookouts, festivals and jubilees celebrating all the good times. But sometimes for those dealing with eating disorders, those gatherings can feel overwhelming. Behavioral health therapist Elizabeth Sabatino with the UPMC Center for Eating Disorders joins us to shed more light on this topic. Support WITF: https://www.wit…

The Franklin & Marshall Global Barometer of Gay Rights (GBGR®), Global Barometer of Transgender Rights (GBTR™), and the Global Barometers' LGBTQI+ Perception Index (GBPI) provide a global measure of LGBTI human rights in 204 countries and regions. Dr. Susan Dicklitch-Nelson and Erin Hallenbeck join us to provide insights. Support WITF: https://www.…

With the 4th of July holiday near, state officials are urging drivers to be safe on the road. PennDot's Fritzi Shreffler and Pennsylvania State Police Lieutenant Adam Reed join us to remind us about the awful realities of driving under the influence. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform…

Fireworks can be a trauma reminder for those whose served in combat, went through a fire, explosion or gun violence. Sam Peterson is a mental health patient-turned program founder at Altior Healthcare. Sam has founded both out-patient and in-patient treatment programs for veterans and first responders to receive more and effect treatment for mental…

The coronavirus pandemic not only changed everyday learning for high school students, but higher learning education expectations. Grace Halsey was a senior in high school when the COVID19 pandemic struck in 2020. Dr. Carrie Sipes is the Communications, Journalism, and Media Department head and professor at Shippensburg University. Piper Hull gradua…

Tec Centro in Lancaster offers many workforce programs in Central Pennsylvania. It was founded in 2014 through the Spanish American Civic Association. Tec Centro also helps formally incarcerated individuals to reenter into the workforce. Reinaldo “Ray” Rivera is the Associate Director at Tec Centro. Frank Bailey completed the Electromechanical prog…

Shiremanstown in Cumberland County is about to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its founding. The borough's mayor, Tammie Dailey, joins us to talk about their celebration and some of the borough's history. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

This week the high peaked in the high 90’s four days in a row. Extreme heat can make air quality worse, which is bad for the health. WHTM/ ABC 27 meteorologist Dan Tomoso sat down with WITF’s host Asia Tabb on the Spark to explain how the high temperatures could impact our air quality. Listen to the podcast below. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org…

2024 is an election year and WITF is approaching this election differently. WITF’s Director of Journalism Scott Blanchard, and Special Projects Editor Tim Lambert, spoke with The Spark’s Asia Tabb about their commitment to transparent journalism, how they will cover the 2024 election, and the thinking behind their decision. Blanchard also spoke wit…

Saturday June 22 a gun buyback event will be taking place in Harrisburg. The event will be hosted by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Kappa Omega Chapter on 2020 State Street from noon until 5 p.m. The fraternity wanted to step up to unite the community and make a difference. No questions will be asked when returning any firearms. For those who p…

Simply Yoga and Fitness in Carlisle is offering Goat Yoga in the Fall of 2024. Goat Yoga is lighthearted fun, yet gentle yoga class that combines floor movements for beginners while holding baby goats. The goats for the classes are sourced by Double MG Farm who are present to clean up after them behind the classes. Michelle Landis with Simply Yoga …

In June, we recognize and celebrate Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) as Pride Month. The month-long celebration typically brings events, marches, and parades to mark the occasion, while bringing a call for equality and unity. Tesla Taliaferro the President of the Rainbow Rose Center in York joined Pastor Donte A Jones of Lift Unit…

Meet The Spark's new host Asia Tabb! Join WITF's Fred Vigeant as he interviews Asia about her start and what we can expect to see from her and the rest of The Spark team in the future. Asia began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV…

This broadcast is a celebration and commemoration of the illustrious career of Scott LaMar, a broadcasting legend with over 40 years in the industry. In his final broadcast on WITF, Scott reflects on his journey into media, sharing the reasons behind his career choice and revisiting some of his favorite interviews and moments from shows like The Sp…

From Scott LaMar: After 32 years at WITF I’m retiring at the end of this week. On the Spark, we're broadcasting several of my most memorable conversation. On November 19th, 2013 Scott went to Gettysburg to speak with some special guests about the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See o…

From Scott LaMar: After 32 years at WITF I’m retiring at the end of this week. On the Spark, we're broadcasting several of my most memorable conversation. Wednesday, we went back to June of 2014 When Federal Judge John Jones appeared on the program. In May of 2014, Judge Jones struck down Pennsylvania’s defense of marriage law as unconstitutional. …

From Scott LaMar, co-host of The Spark. After 32 years at WITF I’m retiring at the end of this week. On The Spark Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, we’re airing several of my most memorable conversation. Tuesday, we go back to September of 2019 when Sue Klebold appeared on the program. On April 20, 1999, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold walked into Col…

Coming up on this week's program, A new report shows just how dire Pennsylvania's teacher shortage is. Also, the role of bail in criminal cases. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WITF, Inc.

Denzel Brown, a native of Lancaster and a graduate of McCaskey High School, has carved a path of academic and professional achievement that underscores his commitment to economic empowerment. Brown furthered his education at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) and Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. His career trajectory includes significan…

Shelby Witmer, a seasoned family and child services worker with over 25 years of experience in education, recently addressed the critical issue of how poor mental health contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline. Witmer emphasized the need for new systems to support vulnerable and misunderstood children. With a strong focus on mental health advo…

The immensely talented spoken word artist Thunda Khatt recently stopped by to share insights into her creative world and discuss her latest endeavor, THUNDA N MIMOSAS 'Men Have Feelings Too.' This dynamic and captivating poetry showcase is set to take place at the renowned Zoetropolis Theatre in Lancaster, promising to be a highlight of the local a…

Horticulturalist Erica Jo Shaffer was on The Spark Thursday at the height of the growing season with gardening tips. May can be the best late spring month but there’s a lot of do to keep the plants, flowers, trees and garden healthy and thriving. We’ve had a lot of rain this month so how does it affect the garden, what fertilizers are the most effe…

As Juneteenth approaches, YPOC (Young Professionals of Color) is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration that promises to empower Black and Brown professionals and communities. The Juneteenth HBG event is a vibrant extension of YPOC's mission to create lasting change by focusing on emancipatory advancement and reinvesting economic resources bac…

Pennsylvania has a shortage of teachers. More than 2,100 teaching positions were vacant in the state as of October, according to newly released state data — and almost a quarter of those spots were filled not with full-time teachers, but with long-term substitutes. Some who produced the report called it a crisis. Dr. Edward Fuller, a Professor of E…

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but quite frankly more Americans are aware of their mental health – especially since the COVID pandemic. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one in five American adults has experienced a mental health challenge, and one in 20 Americans live with a serious mental illness such as schizo…

A recent study by the ACLU of Pennsylvania has unveiled significant racial disparities in the assignment of cash bail among accused individuals. The research highlights that 55% of Black defendants are assigned cash bail, compared to only 39% of white defendants. Additionally, Black defendants face higher bail amounts, with their average bail set n…

The story of Robinson Crusoe, published in 1719, is the most famous tale of a castaway. But Daniel Dafoe’s Robinson Crusoe was a work of fiction. Best-selling author Eric Jay Dolin’s new book recounts the true story of five castaways in the Falkland Islands during the War of 1812. It’s called Left for Dead – Shipwreck, Treachery and Survival at the…