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More than 15 hundred people have died as the result of domestic violence in Pennsylvania over the past ten years. Many more people are living in abusive relationships or homes. Domestic violence is more than physical violence against someone. Often it can be emotional or financial abuse directed at someone. Domestic violence is a scourge that just that leaves lasting scars. And now a state budget impasse is affecting services can domestic violence survivors rely on. Joining us on The Spark today is Susan Higginbotham, CEO of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

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Also on the program, the state budget impasse has been going on now for more than four months. Pennsylvania’s public schools are not getting the funding they’re due and are feeling the brunt of it. Some schools are having to take drastic measures like taking out loans that will have to be paid back with interest. How are schools coping? To answer that questions on the program will be Sherri Smith, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.

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Lancaster native Jesse Krimes has turned personal experience into a powerful artistic voice. While serving a prison sentence in his twenties, Krimes used art to process his experiences and reclaim his humanity. What began as a survival tool behind bars has grown into a career that has taken his work from makeshift materials in prison to major museum walls across the country.

November marks National School Psychology Week, a time to recognize the essential work of school psychologists and this year’s theme — “Fostering Belonging and Building Hope.” Across Pennsylvania, these professionals are making a difference in students’ academic success and emotional well-being.

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Reporters Carter Walker of Votebeat and Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA will join us to review the results of Tuesday's election, which includes the Mayoral Election in Harrisburg and the retention vote for three PA Supreme Court justices.

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With an estimated 59 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S., many individuals find themselves balancing their own lives while providing emotional, physical, and logistical support to loved ones—often without adequate resources or rest. This balancing act can come at a cost: high stress, emotional exhaustion, burnout, and even physical health decline.

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November 19 marks the anniversary of the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg. The Gettysburg National Cemetery is famous throughout the world today as the site of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered at the cemetery's dedication ceremonies four and a half months after the battle.

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WITF Reporter Jaxon White talks about the status of SNAP in Pennsylvania.

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Jesse Krimes is a multimedia artist whose work is now featured in the MET. He spoke with Asia Tabb at WITF's Premier Circle event last week. This is that interview.

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Dr. John R. Haddad is the author of a new book, “Thrill Ride: The Transformation of Hersheypark.” Dr. Haddad is professor of American Studies and Popular Culture at Penn State Harrisburg. 'Thrill Ride’ combines storytelling with deep historical research to take readers on a journey through Hersheypark’s transformation from a traditional amusement park for chocolate factory employees to a major attraction enjoyed by millions.

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Prodigy Spectrum Management is York's first and only facility housing homeless veterans and supporting them while they get back on their feet.

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YWCA's Veterans Services provides a full range of employment readiness services to eligible homeless veterans seeking employment and self-sufficiency.

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717 Vintage Fest features a selection of the region’s most established and up-and-coming vintage stores and independent vendors. Learn more about why we should shop vintage, the differences between vintage shopping and thrifting at other stores, and more.

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Today marks the start of National School Psychology Week, and we celebrate and learn about the functions of school psychologist and the impact they can make on our students from this year's recipients of the school Psychologist of the year award.

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This week on The Spark Weekly we highlight two important conversations on Disabilities.

At St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster, a new three-day program called Encountering Disability is sparking dialogue about faith, inclusion, and the human experience. The event, running November 1–3, brings together community partners, advocates, and educators to explore how faith communities can help bridge gaps between disability, policy, and public health.

For many, losing vision can feel like losing opportunities, but for Clinton Tyler and Maribel Surita, Vision Corps in Lancaster has been a place of empowerment, growth, and professional achievement. Both employees credit the nonprofit organization with giving them tools, training, and support to thrive in the workplace despite visual impairments.

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