x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Spark

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, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

news

All Episodes

7:56

Upper Allen Township celebrates 175 years

The Spark ·

2025/03/15

Upper Allen Township is celebrating 175 years in 2025. Tim Wendling, Assistant Township Manager, joined The Spark to share more about this milestone. What is the history of the Upper Allen Township and how it came to be? "So back in 1766, Allen Township was formed from East Pennsboro. And then that encompassed what is currently Monroe Township, Upper Allen Township, and Lower Allen Township. And then in 1825, Monroe Township separated and became its own. Then in 1850, the remaining land was split

en-US

15:22

Beware the Ides of March

The Spark ·

2025/03/15

The Ideas of March is March 15, a day in the Roman calendar that became infamous for the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. Jacob Sider Jost, Associate Professor of English at Dickinson College, joined The Spark to share more about the Ides of March. Where did the phrase, beware the Ides of March, where did that come from? "Beware the Ides of March is a line from Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar… And so, Shakespeare wrote, he wasn't the first to write a tragedy on this topic, but he

en-US

21:31

Journalist Roundtable: Wreckage of Lancaster County...

The Spark ·

2025/03/14

For our journalist roundtable for March 15, we sat down with Logan Gehman and Dan Nephin of LNP/LancasterOnline to discuss the small plane crash that occurred last Sunday shortly after takeoff from the Lancaster Airport. The crash, which left five people injured, has raised questions about flight safety, emergency response, and what comes next for the investigation. During our conversation, Gehman and Nephin shared insights into the details of the crash, the condition of those on board, and the

en-US

11:36

Real ID deadline approaching, what Pennsylvanians...

The Spark ·

2025/03/14

Starting May 7 all U.S. flyers will need a real ID to get through security and federal buildings. Aimee Inama, PennDOT’s spokesperson joined The Spark to share what we need to know before the deadline. Asia: Okay, so let's start with the basics. What exactly is the real ID and why was it introduced? Aimee: A real ID is a federally acceptable photo ID or driver's license. And it's a convenient way for people to use to fly domestically, enter certain federal buildings that require a federally

en-US

11:47

Measles case confirmed in Pa, what you need to know...

The Spark ·

2025/03/14

Health officials in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania have confirmed a case of measles in an unvaccinated child, and it’s possible to sat members of the public were exposed. Dr. Banku Jairath at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical school shared what we need to know about measles and how to stay safe. Asia: Can you start by explaining what measles are and why it is considered such a serious illness? Dr. Jairath: Measles is a preventable, highly contagious, and airborne virus that can

en-US

22:06

Can you escape the tracks on the Strasburg Railroad?

The Spark ·

2025/03/13

The historic Strasburg Railroad is hosting a one-of-a-kind experience. You can now solve a mystery on a train. Avery Klees and Terron Quailes, Director of Entertainment, shared more information about the experience. Asia: Okay, so let's start from the beginning. Tell us where the inspiration came from to create an escape room on a train at such a historic place. Terron: So, the entertainment department started at Strasburg Railroad in 2020. That was when we established the in-house team. I wasn't

en-US

21:28

Allergy season is upon us! Here's how to prepare

The Spark ·

2025/03/13

Spring is around the corner and so is allergy season. If you suffer from sneezing, itchy eyes, and congestion we’ve got you covered. Dr. Tyler Liebgott, Pharm D is a Pharmacy District Leader for CVS Pharmacy in the Harrisburg region. He shared advice on how to manage allergies before they start, the best over the counter treatments, and simple lifestyle changes to help you breathe easier this season. Asia: Could you tell us the current pollen conditions in Harrisburg? Dr. Liebgott: Yeah, so

en-US

22:17

Now-delayed tariffs could threaten billions in...

The Spark ·

2025/03/12

Some of President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs are on hold for now. However, they could have huge impacts in Pennsylvania as billions of dollars in goods comes from Canada annually. Kevin Schreiber, President and CEO of York County Economic Alliance and Jonathan Bowser, President & CEO of Steel Works Construction shared how this could impact businesses in Central PA. Asia: Kevin, so could you give us an overview on these new tares on Canadian goods and what they mean for York County's

en-US

21:31

Local Veteran's journey from trauma through healing

The Spark ·

2025/03/12

PTSD is often called the invisible wound, a battle fought in the mind long after the war has ended. But for those who live with it, the struggle is very real. Kevin Macomber, author of Walking From The Shadows: My journey With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder shared his personal path to healing on The Spark. Asia: So, let's start off with your chapter called Accepting. You said that this book won't be focused on veteran -related PTSD and that you've come to the conclusion that trauma is trauma. Why

en-US

21:55

How to not kill a tree with Erica Jo

The Spark ·

2025/03/11

The weather has been warming up and spring is getting closer. Planting a tree improperly, especially burying the root flare too dee or planting in a hole that’s too small, can lead to the tree’s death or stunted growth. Erica Jo Shaffer shared a breakdown of the common pitfalls to avoid when planting a tree. Asia: Okay, so let's start at the very beginning. What are some of the common mistakes that people make when it comes to choosing a tree? Erica Jo: Well, I think the first thing you

en-US

22:24

Stroud Water Research Center leading the way in water...

The Spark ·

2025/03/11

The Stroud Water Research Center has been focused on the science of rivers and streams since 1967. Scientists at the center conduct studies on these systems and how to protect them. They work hard to advance our knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems through global research, education, and watershed restoration. In this episode of The Spark, we spoke with Jessica Provinski, Director of Development, Lisa Blazure, Soil Health Coordinator, and David Bressler, Community Science Facilitator,

en-US

22:24

Discovery Space of Central PA needs help naming new...

The Spark ·

2025/03/10

Located in State College, Pennsylvania is Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania. Discovery Space is a non-profit science center designed to provide engaging experiences with the experience of technology that sparks curiosity and creativity. Michele Crowl Executive Director of Discovery Space and The Rivet, says the center opened back in 2011 and has grown ever since. “We've since moved to a larger facility. We've been able to expand the programs that we offer. So, we started out with a lot

en-US

42:11

The Spark Weekly 3.9.2025: Avian Flu and Braver Angels

The Spark ·

2025/03/09

Coming up on this week's edition of the spark weekly. Avian Flu has been impacting Pennsylvania’s farms for nearly two years now. The virus has had a major impact on poultry farmers across the state. Our Braver Angels segment for the month of March was about the Braver Angels National Community Debate – National Debate Series: Trump’s First 100 days. This free national debate offers participants from across the ideological spectrum will have an opportunity to speak and ask their

en-US

21:57

Braver Angels: National Debate Series: Trump’s First...

The Spark ·

2025/03/08

Our Braver Angels segment for the month of March was about the Braver Angels National Community Debate – National Debate Series: Trump’s First 100 days. This free national debate offers participants from across the ideological spectrum will have an opportunity to speak and ask their questions. There will also be opportunities for participants to share their experiences in the past 100 days as well. John Wood Jr, National Ambassador for Braver Angels provided insight into the new

en-US

22:21

Journalist Roundtable: Broad Street Market Town Hall

The Spark ·

2025/03/07

Our journalist roundtable segment for March 7 included Diane McCormick of The Burg, and Sue Gleiter of Pennlive. During the segment, we discussed a recent town hall meeting where Harrisburg residents voiced their concerns and heard plans about the restoration of the historic Broad Street Market. Listen to the podcast to hear the conversation.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

22:31

River City Stories Tells the Story of Those Who Call...

The Spark ·

2025/03/07

Two local filmmakers set out to tell stories about Harrisburg that transcend boundaries of race, class, gender and geography.The result is the film River City Stories, which is screening this week at the West Shore Theater in New Cumberland.WITF's Rachel McDevitt spoke with the film's creators Paul Hood and Wallace McKelvey. According to McKelvey, he loved the City of Harrisburg, and wanted to portray that in a film. “I just feel like there's so much more to the city that people think is

en-US

22:19

Free screening of the documentary, The Philadelphia...

The Spark ·

2025/03/06

The documentary The Philadelphia Eleven tells the powerful story of eleven women who in 1974 shattered barriers by becoming the first female priests ordained in the Episcopal Church – challenging tradition, defying expectations, and paving the way for future generations. Margo Guernsey, Director and Producer of the Philadelphia Eleven, felt it was important to tell their story. “I felt like a little bit like I'd been punched in my gut and been told a story that having been an avid

en-US

27:43

Stronger Together Impact Project working to address...

The Spark ·

2025/03/06

Homelessness is a complex issue with many causes from economic hardship, housing shortages, and unexpected crisis. The Stronger Together Impact Project brings together officials from various governmental agencies to the issue of homelessness, seeking new solutions to an issue with a variety of causes. The Stronger Together Impact Project was created by Sonia Pitzi, Director of Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness and Lincoln Area Intermediate Unite #12, and Chris Kapp,

en-US

24:17

The Impact of Avian Flu on PA Poultry Farmers,...

The Spark ·

2025/03/05

Avian Flu has been impacting Pennsylvania’s farms for nearly two years now. The virus has had a major impact on poultry farmers across the state. According to the Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, it is very devastating to farmers after their farm has been hit by the virus. “Nobody wants to do what these farms are required to do. You have to put flocks down. But you have to contain and suppress the virus as quickly as you can. It's the first principle of eliminating

en-US

21:24

National Marching Band Day: Inside the Keystone...

The Spark ·

2025/03/05

The Keystone Indoor Drill Association (KIDA) is one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country, serving the region since its inception in 1981. The organization sponsors competitive events for Indoor Color Guard, Percussion, Dance, and Winds. “Back in the day, we used to also have a competition with majorettes and drill teams. We don't have any of those anymore, but we're, you know. very, very strong with our members for Color Guard and Indoor Drumline, “said Matt Carraher,

en-US

998 results

Similar Podcasts

Expres Ráno

Expres FM

PBS News Hour - Full Show

PBS News

CD Voice

China Daily

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report

Noa Levi

Jeffrey Epstein: The Coverup Chronicles

Bobby Capucci