Episodios

  • What’s at Stake for WITF and Public Media as Senate Approves Bill to Eliminate Federal Funding
    Jul 17 2025

    A bill that could reshape the future of public media in the U.S. is one step closer to becoming law. Early Thursday morning, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 4 – The Recessions Act of 2025, a measure that would completely eliminate federal funding for public media, including funding for WITF in Central Pennsylvania.

    Now, with the bill heading back to the House for a final vote—expected as soon as Friday—the potential consequences are looming large for stations across the country and for the communities they serve.

    To explain what’s at stake, The Spark host Asia Tabb sat down with Fred Vigeant, WITF’s Vice President of Media and Production.

    Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Más Menos
    22 m
  • Shippensburg’s Storied Past: From Colonial Frontier to Industrial Hub
    Jul 17 2025

    As Pennsylvania towns go, few can rival the historical breadth and regional impact of Shippensburg. Founded in the early 1730s, Shippensburg began as a frontier settlement and grew into a critical transportation, military, and industrial hub. This week on The Spark, John Miller of the Shippensburg Historical Society joined host Asia Tabb to shed light on the borough’s deep historical roots and the people who helped shape it.

    Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Más Menos
    23 m
  • Immigration Enforcement on Pennsylvania Farms Raises Concerns About Labor and Food Supply
    Jul 16 2025

    As federal immigration enforcement ramps up across the country, Pennsylvania’s farms are increasingly on edge—and experts say the ripple effects could impact everything from food prices to local economies.

    Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Más Menos
    24 m
  • The History and Legacy of The Cleveland Cliffs Steel Mill
    Jul 16 2025

    The Cleveland Cliffs Steel Mill in Steelton, which was dates back to 1868, went idle as of June 30th. The plant was founded by the Pennsylvania Railroad and acquired by Bethlehem Steel which operated it from 1917 until 2001. Since then, the facility has undergone several ownership changes, with the current owners ultimately deciding to shutter the plant. We’ll speak with Steelton resident and noted historian Barbara Barksdale about the plant’s legacy and its importance, not only in Steelton, but to all of Pennsylvania.

    Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Más Menos
    27 m
  • "It's Never Too Late": Carla Fisher’s Award-Winning Art Blossomed From Loss, Love, and Reinvention
    Jul 15 2025

    At age 60, Carla Fisher never expected to begin again. But after losing her husband, she pivoted from a long career in finance to become an award-winning fiber artist with her work exhibited in London, Italy, South Korea, and beyond. Her story isn’t just about art—it’s about courage, healing, and proving that transformation can begin at any stage of life.

    Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Más Menos
    29 m
  • York County Astronomical Society Shares the Stars with the Public
    Jul 15 2025

    The York County Astronomical Society (YCAS) is helping residents of all ages and backgrounds discover the wonders of the night sky—whether through the lens of a telescope or simply with the naked eye.

    Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Más Menos
    23 m
  • Beat the Heat: Summer Gardening Tips from Erica Jo
    Jul 14 2025

    As Central Pennsylvania swelters under a July heat dome, many gardeners are left wondering how to care for their plants in extreme heat. Gardening expert and landscape designer Erica Jo joined The Spark to share essential tips for summer plant care, from watering techniques to fertilizing container gardens.

    One of her biggest takeaways: you still need to water your plants—especially the new ones.

    Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Más Menos
    23 m
  • The Spark Weekly 07.13.2025: Dam Removals and The Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement
    Jul 13 2025

    Coming up on the Spark Weekly:

    With thousands of dams scattered across its waterways, Pennsylvania has a complicated relationship with its aquatic infrastructure. But a growing number of those dams—especially small, aging, and obsolete ones—are being taken down. And for good reason.

    Also, on the program

    The Pennsylvania State Police’s Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE) is responsible for far more than checking IDs at bars or inspecting bottles at restaurants. Officer Kristyn Plowden, who works in the bureau’s Training and Recruitment Unit for the Central Section, joined The Spark to share the behind-the-scenes role BLCE officers play in promoting public safety across the Commonwealth.

    Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Más Menos
    43 m