The Spark

Severe flash flooding earlier this month swept across parts of Northeastern Pennsylvania, leaving communities in Luzerne, Lycoming, and Columbia counties scrambling to respond to quickly rising waters and damaged infrastructure. The deluge, which began around 2:30 a.m. on July 14, caused significant disruptions in areas such as Kingston Borough, Harveys Lake, and West Nanticoke—longtime hot spots for flooding. Luzerne County Deputy Director of Emergency Services David Elmore joined The Spark to walk us through what unfolded that morning and how the county responded. “We started receiving reports from Butler Township, Fairmont Township, Ross Township, and parts of Wilkes-Barre City,” said Elmore. “Most of it was caused by a large amount of rain in a small period of time.” One of the hardest-hit areas was Fairmount Township, where water overflowed from Lake Jean in Ricketts Glen State Park, surged down the mountainside, and inundated Route 118. The result: overwhelmed culverts, damaged roadways, and debris flowing into residential yards. Despite the intensity of the flooding, widespread evacuations were largely avoided. A few residents from summer cottages in Patterson Grove required assistance when water blocked road access, but most remained safely in their homes. “It was mostly roadways affecting the flow of traffic,” Elmore said. “The water recedes fast—that’s the key. It’s flash flooding. Water comes down, and it recedes quite quickly.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse, Pennsylvania, may be known today for its bustling shops, restaurants, and homemade jams, but it all started in a garage with a single kettle of jelly. Now celebrating its 71st anniversary, the family-run destination has become a beloved Lancaster County landmark, drawing locals and tourists alike. Michelle Rodinelli, the third-generation owner of Kitchen Kettle, says it all began in August 1954 when her grandparents, Bob and Pat Burnley, took a leap of faith. “They purchased a business from a lady in Mechanicsburg,” she explained. “We bought a few of her recipes, some of her kettles, her green truck. My grandfather came home and said to my grandmother, who just had her third child, ‘I just bought a jelly business, and I’m going to need you to take the day-to-day operations.’” Rodinelli says her grandfather was the visionary behind the endeavor, while her grandmother focused on the daily details. “Tourism was starting to become a thing. People were curious about our area, the food, and the Amish culture. The timing was just really good,” she said. “But it also took a few key partners in the community to say, yeah, let’s see if we can build a tourism community.” What began as a modest jelly-making operation in the family garage has since evolved into a full-fledged village featuring around 35 shops, restaurants, and lodging spaces. But jelly remains at the heart of it all. “I don’t know that jelly would’ve been the thing I picked to be our anchor store, but it has been for 71 years,” Rodinelli laughed. “It really was my grandmother cooking over the stovetop with some local ladies... and it just kind of grew from that. We now make 100 different products.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly AmeriStarRail proposes to team with Amtrak to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026 with a new, privately funded, coast-to-coast train operating between Los Angeles and New York (see attached letter) The Transcontinental Chief will revolutionize rail passenger service and express logistics by carrying passengers, truck drivers and their tractor trailers coast-to-coast in less than 72 hours Also, on the program With federal funding now eliminated for Public Broadcasting, were wondered how reporters from public stations report on this story, when the news is them Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the political gap between urban and rural communities continues to widen, organizations like Braver Angels are working to bring Americans together across that divide. In a recent conversation, Ron Chadwell of Camp Hill, the group’s Blue Co-Chair, joined Tom Cook of Quarryville, a more conservative-leaning member, to explore how respectful dialogue can lead to greater understanding between people who often feel worlds apart. The discussion touched on what drives the urban-rural divide—whether it's values, lived experience, or media influence—and how common misconceptions fuel mistrust. Both men emphasized the importance of storytelling and curiosity. “When people take time to really listen, not just wait their turn to talk, it changes everything,” said Chadwell. Cook noted he’s witnessed people shift their views in real time during Braver Angels events. “It doesn’t always mean agreement,” he said, “but it means seeing each other as human.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With federal funding for public broadcasting officially eliminated, reporters at public media stations now face the unusual challenge of covering a story that hits close to home—their own financial future. On this week’s segment, we spoke with Sydney Roach from WPSU and Carmen Russell-Sluchansky from WHYY about how their newsrooms are navigating the tricky balance of objectivity and personal stake. “Public media doesn’t often become the subject,” said Roach. “So we’re leaning into transparency—letting audiences see how these changes impact not just us, but the communities we serve.” Russell-Sluchansky echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of continuing to hold power accountable, even as the ground shifts beneath their feet: “We have to report the facts, even if we’re one of them.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each January, during some of the coldest days of the year, communities across the country participate in a federally mandated effort to measure homelessness. The Point-in-Time (PIT) count provides a snapshot of those experiencing homelessness in a single 24-hour period. And this year, York County's results were sobering. York County saw a 17% increase in the number of people without shelter compared to last year. “It wasn’t a surprise, but it was certainly disappointing,” said Kelly Blechertas, Program Coordinator for the York County Coalition on Homelessness. “We’re always looking to decrease that number… and seeing such a significant increase was disappointing.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 37th annual Liberty Medal ceremony is set to shine a spotlight on the transformative power of storytelling and civic engagement this October. The National Constitution Center will honor the cast of Hamilton and acclaimed biographer Ron Chernow, whose work inspired the hit Broadway musical, during a live event in Philadelphia on October 17. “The purpose of the Liberty Medal is to recognize men and women of courage and conviction who have defended the blessings of liberty across the globe,” said Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center. “It’s gone to inspiring people over the years—from the Dalai Lama and Malala Yousafzai to Vladimir Zelensky and Mikhail Gorbachev.” This year’s award celebrates Hamilton’s 10th anniversary and its impact on public understanding of American history. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zac Bauermaster didn’t always picture himself as an elementary school principal. In fact, he thought he’d be a high school social studies teacher and basketball coach for life. But his journey through education took unexpected turns—and ultimately led him to a role he now embraces with deep passion and purpose. “I had great teachers and coaches growing up, and I always loved school,” Bauermaster said. “But what I found, no matter the level—high school, middle school, or elementary—is that education is a people business. What I truly love about it is connecting with people and getting to know their story.” Bauermaster, who now serves as principal at Providence Elementary School, has held nearly every role in education, from classroom teacher to administrator. His career spans various grade levels, giving him a broad perspective on student development. “I’ve shaken hands with seniors on graduation day and welcomed kindergarteners on their first day of school,” he said. “It’s a privilege to be part of both milestones.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Christine Helm was hit head-on in a car accident with her daughter, she never expected it would change the course of her life. “We had minor, so-called minor injuries,” she recalled. “I had a shoulder injury, a minor neck injury, and a concussion... but mine didn't [get better]. It just hung on and hung on.” Christine, a former teacher, found herself unable to return to work. Plagued by persistent concussion symptoms and double vision, she visited specialist after specialist—ophthalmologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, neuropsychologists—searching for relief. “I was told that I was left with this partial double vision and a lot of concussion symptoms, and that was just going to be the new me,” she said. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What started in 2011 as a way to make quilting more accessible has grown into a popular series of free, community-driven events across the Northeast. A Quilter’s Destination Quilt Show is now a magnet for experienced quilters, curious newcomers, and international visitors alike — and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After weeks of high humidity and relentless heat, central Pennsylvania is finally getting a break. Meteorologist Dan Tomaso says a shift in air flow from northern and central Canada is bringing much-needed relief. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In time for America’s 250th birthday celebration in 2026, AmeriStarRail is proposing a bold new vision to revolutionize cross-country transportation: the Transcontinental Chief, a privately funded, coast-to-coast train designed to carry passengers, personal vehicles, and even full tractor-trailers—all in under 72 hours. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

July marks Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 and reflect on the ongoing journey toward accessibility, dignity, and equity for people with disabilities. In recognition of the month, The Spark spoke with two Pennsylvania advocates whose personal stories highlight both the challenges and triumphs within the disability community — and who remind us why awareness and advocacy still matter every day. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As tens of thousands of visitor's flock to Gettysburg each year to witness dramatic Civil War reenactments, what they see on the battlefield is just the tip of the iceberg. The team behind these large-scale events—including reenactors Chris and Doug Jones—is already deep in planning mode for 2026. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the cost of living continues to rise across the U.S., parents in Pennsylvania are feeling the squeeze — especially when it comes to raising young children. In a recent interview on The Spark, Laura Beltrán Figueroa, Director of Policy and Research at the Pennsylvania Policy Center, shared how childcare expenses are forcing many working families into impossible financial choices. also, on the program. The State Museum of Pennsylvania is going through a remodeling overhaul starting Spring of 2026 as the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is going through with a $55 million infrastructure revitalization of the building Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As America approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, is taking a dynamic and deeply local approach to honoring the milestone through the statewide initiative, America 250PA. With a strong focus on community, heritage, and education, the Franklin County Visitors Bureau is leading the charge to ensure their corner of Pennsylvania—and the nation’s history—is not overlooked. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) has announced a $55 million, multi-year revitalization of the State Museum of Pennsylvania — the largest investment in the museum’s history since it opened in 1964. The sweeping renovation project is set to begin in spring of 2026 and will include major infrastructure upgrades, accessibility improvements, new exhibit spaces, and even a rooftop event terrace with views of the Susquehanna River and State Capitol. Executive Director of PHMC Andrea Lowery joined The Spark to share details of the ambitious project and what it means for the future of the museum and for Pennsylvanians. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a sweeping decision with far-reaching consequences, Congress has officially cut federal funding for public media with the passage of the Rescissions Act of 2025. The legislation not only halts future appropriations—it also pulls back already-promised funds, leaving public media outlets like WITF reeling and planning for an uncertain future. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the cost of living continues to rise across the U.S., parents in Pennsylvania are feeling the squeeze — especially when it comes to raising young children. In a recent interview on The Spark, Laura Beltrán Figueroa, Director of Policy and Research at the Pennsylvania Policy Center, shared how child care expenses are forcing many working families into impossible financial choices. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At Fort Ligonier in Westmoreland County, history is more than something to read about — it’s something to experience. The reconstructed 18th-century fort, which played a pivotal role in the French and Indian War, offers visitors a full immersion into colonial life, complete with authentic artifacts, historical interpreters, and a sprawling museum collection. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.