The Spark

The vaping epidemic among teenagers is a huge problem across the nation. To combat this issue, Steelton-Highspire High School has launched the Catch My Breath Program. This initiative is designed to engage students in meaningful conversations about the risks of vaping while providing them with the tools to resist peer pressure. In a recent interview on The Spark, teachers Mark Wise and Kara Mancini shared their experiences with implementing the program and the impact it has had on their students. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When most people think of Shenks Ferry, they picture spring wildflowers, a beloved spot under the Lancaster Conservancy. But as Adam Zurn, Executive Director of Uncharted Lancaster, reveals, the area holds much more than just natural beauty—it is steeped in rich history, industrial remnants, and even a ghostly legend. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the best stories weren’t found on the highways, but on the back roads of America? And what if the real beauty of this country was tucked away in places you never think to look? Photographer David Skernick knows better than anyone. As the author of The Back Roads of Maine (coming March 28) and The Back Roads of the Mid-Atlantic States (coming April 28), his work captures the charm, solitude, and character of America’s lesser-known routes—including right here in Pennsylvania. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the evening of March 5, 1770, the streets of Boston erupted into violence in what would become one of the most pivotal moments leading up to the American Revolution. Known as the Boston Massacre, this deadly confrontation between British soldiers and colonial protestors galvanized anti-British sentiment and shaped the course of American history. But what led to this tragic night, and how was it perceived at the time? We spoke with Dr. Jacqueline Beatty, Associate Professor of History and Political Science at York College of Pennsylvania, to understand the broader context and lasting impact of the event. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A groundbreaking project is unfolding at McCaskey High School in Lancaster, where a group of students, under the guidance of social studies teacher Dr. Todd Mealy, is working to bring history to life through the Witness Stones Project. This initiative aims to honor and remember individuals who were once enslaved by unearthing their stories and ensuring they are not forgotten. The McCaskey students are focusing their research on four individuals—Bob, Sue, Frank, and Bet—who were enslaved by Revolutionary War figure Edward Hand. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway is a massive infrastructure project reshaping transportation in central Pennsylvania. With a price tag of approximately $970 million, the project will create a vital bypass along the Route 15 corridor in Snyder, Northumberland, and Columbia counties, while also featuring a new bridge over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Spanning over 11 miles, the new roadway aims to ease congestion, improve safety, and support regional economic growth. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LifeSmarts is now in its 31st year, a competition sponsored by the Consumers League. It aims to prepare teens with knowledge and skills they can apply in their daily lives. Cumberland Valley High School’s LifeSmarts team is headed to nationals in Chicago April 24. Also on the program, In a time of increasing political and social division, the new documentary Louder Than Guns seeks to do something many have struggled to accomplish—foster meaningful conversations about gun violence across all aisles of the political and social divide. Directed by filmmaker Doug Pray and journalist David Greene Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Journalist Roundtable conversation for March 28 included LancasterOnline/LNP’s Brett Sholtis and Pennlive's Ivey DeJesus. This week we discussed their reports on the six Bhutanese men who were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a Pike County Prison. This interview was recorded on Thursday March 27 at 1:30 p.m. Since the recording, A spokesman for the Bhutanese community in the Harrisburg area confirmed reports that at least four men in ICE detention had been deported. Listen to the podcast to hear the entire conversation. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie has reported extensively on this situation. CLICK HERE, to read his article. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gettysburg is steeped in Civil War history, but one of its most overlooked narratives—the history of its Black community—is about to receive a long-overdue acknowledgment. This month, Lincoln Cemetery, Gettysburg’s only surviving Black burial ground, will undergo a significant transformation. Volunteers will gather to place grave markers at over 130 unmarked graves recently discovered through ground-penetrating radar (GPR). Jean Green, President of the Lincoln Cemetery Association, has been leading this effort. “The cemetery was established in 1867 as a final resting place for Gettysburg’s Black citizens,” she explains. “It is the only concrete evidence that there was a Black community here.” Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The opioid epidemic has devastated families and communities across Pennsylvania, leaving countless individuals searching for answers, accountability, and support. As the state receives billions of dollars in settlement funds from opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, the question remains: How will this money be used to address the crisis effectively? Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring is officially here, and with it comes unpredictable weather patterns that keep residents on their toes. On the Spark, we spoke ABC27 meteorologist Dan Tomaso about the recent and upcoming weather pattens. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a free service for seniors and other eligible taxpayers, where volunteers from various fields help individuals with the preparation of state and federal income tax forms. We spoke with Heidi Newhaus, Volunteer Center Director for the United Way of the Capitol Region about the “Money in Your Pocket” initiative. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Larry Richardson, President and CEO of YMCA of the Roses, has announced that he will be retiring after more than 30 years at the organization. He played a major role in transforming the organization and strengthening the Y’s impact on housing insecurity and homelessness in York and Lancaster. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staffing cuts at Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County will have an effect on visitors for the upcoming summer season. Matt Price, Executive Director of the Huntingdon County Visitor’s Bureau joined the spark to share the impacts. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Greene, host of Left Right and Center and Doug Pray, Film Director for Louder Than Guns speak with Asia Tabb about gun violence and their new film. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Mears plans to return to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with his latest play entitled THE MISTAKE on April 15-16. During this, the 80th anniversary year of the bombing of Hiroshima. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LifeSmarts at Cumberland Valley High School includes students from ninth through twelfth grade, with approximately 150 students participating in the initial qualifying rounds each year. The top performers advance to further training, preparing for state and national competitions. Their training includes monthly quizzes, team practices, and specialized study in key subject areas. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a recent episode of The Spark, host Asia Tabb sat down with Carrie King, Katie Brilhart, and Becky Ludwit from the PA Partnerships for Children (PPC) to discuss their advocacy efforts for better education, healthcare, child welfare, and policies that support children and families in Pennsylvania. 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: Brett Sholtis of LNP/Lancaster Online will discuss his reporting on the rise and fall of the Paramount ATM Network Carter Walker of VoteBeat, reporting on the number of poll workers for upcoming elections in PA Also, on the program: In a time of increasing polarization, religious leaders and scholars are coming together to address one of the most pressing and complex issues in modern faith: Christian nationalism. This movement, which intertwines national identity with religious belief, has sparked deep conversations about the role of faith in public life and the risks of conflating Christianity with political power. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, there’s a place for video game lovers, collectors, and pop culture lovers. Just Press Play, owned by Zac Geig, is more than just a video game store—it’s a tribute to decades of gaming history and a testament to the power of nostalgia. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.