The Spark

In this episode of The Spark, we confront a disturbing incident that has shaken Pennsylvania’s capital: the arson attack on the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg. As law enforcement continues its investigation, we turn to journalists who have been closely following this developing story and the broader rise in political violence across the state. Joining the conversation was Peter Hall and Ian Karbal of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, who have been reporting on the investigation into the arson and its potential political motivations. They provided insight into the ongoing search for answers, how officials are responding, and what this attack may signal about the current political climate in Pennsylvania. Also on the program is Laura Esposito of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, who earlier this year published an in-depth piece on the increase in politically motivated threats and violence across the commonwealth. Esposito helps place the Governor’s Residence arson in a broader context, highlighting how elected officials, law enforcement, and journalists themselves are becoming targets in an increasingly charged atmosphere. Listen to the podcast to hear the conversation. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At least two more Pennsylvania residents have been deported to Bhutan. That brings the total to eight Bhutanese refugees from Pennsylvania and 20 from across the country who have been deported back to Bhutan, according to leaders from those communities who have been tracking cases. In early March, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents began arresting members of the Bhutanese refugee community in Central Pennsylvania. The first deportation flight came on March 26, less than three weeks after the initial arrests, with the next flights on March 28 and April 10. On this special episode of The Spark, Democracy Reporter Jordan Wilkie spoke with Craig Shagin, a lawyer for one of the recently deported men, human rights activist Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, Narad Adhikari, a former refugee from Bhutan and now a U.S. citizen living in Central Pa. and other members of the Bhutanese community about this issue. If you want to read the full story, check out Jordan's article here. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every June, hundreds of riders saddle up for an epic journey spanning eight states and nearly 2,000 miles — all in the name of history. On a recent episode of The Spark, host Asia Tabb caught up with Petra Keller and Linda Jenny of the National Pony Express Association to talk about the enduring legacy of the legendary Pony Express and how it continues to ride strong today. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of National Library Week, we took a closer look at the critical and evolving role libraries play in our lives. To help us understand, we welcomed two local leaders in library services—Ryan McCory, Executive Director of the Dauphin County Library System, and Carolyn Blatchley, Executive Director of the Cumberland County Library System. Together, they painted a vibrant picture of how libraries have become vital hubs of connection, learning, and community. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As maternal health outcomes worsen across the nation, Pennsylvania’s hospital leaders are taking action. Nicole Stallings, president and CEO of the Hospital and Health System Association of Pennsylvania (HAP), joined WITF’s The Spark to discuss the group’s new maternal health report and the sweeping recommendations it offers. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Dr. James P. Delgado took his first dive to the Titanic in 2001, he expected awe. What he didn’t expect was tears. Delgado—one of the world’s foremost marine archeologists—spoke with Asia Tabb for The Spark about what it was like to descend two and a half miles beneath the ocean's surface and come face-to-face with the wreck of the Titanic, a site as iconic as it is tragic. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside Chester County lies Kennett Square, a town known for its mushroom farms. But hidden beneath its surface is a powerful history—one that reveals the courage, solidarity, and risk that defined the Underground Railroad. Today, that legacy lives on through the work of the Kennett Underground Railroad Center (KURC), where volunteers are striving to preserve a story too long overlooked. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors held a public hearing on advancing rural mental health awareness and support on April 8 in Harrisburg. Asia Tabb spoke with Senator Gene Yaw and Dr. Nancy Falvo, Pennsylvania Western University Clarion, Secretary all about it. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly. Saving money is one of the most important habits a young person can develop—but for students and families alike, navigating the many savings options can be overwhelming. From traditional savings accounts to 529 college plans, understanding which tools to use and when can make all the difference in building a solid financial future. also, on the program A study from the Penn State Center for Evaluation and Education and Policy Analysis (CEEPA) shows that fully one third of school districts in Pennsylvania had teacher vacancies, with Special Education faculty especially hard to find. We talk with Dr. Edward Fuller, Associate Professor of Education and co-author of the study. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last weekend saw the largest wave of nationwide demonstrations since the start of the Trump Administration, as protesters rallied under the banner of “Hands Off” to push back against a range of federal policy changes. The protests, which spanned cities across the United States, focused on opposition to the administration’s stances on the economy, immigration, foreign relations, and sweeping efforts to cut federal jobs and programs. To understand the scope of the protests and their local impact, we spoke with three reporters who were on the ground: Jaxson White of LNP | LancasterOnline, Scott Fisher of the York Daily Record, and Anne Danahy of WPSU. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As spring kicks into gear, many homeowners are turning their attention to lawn care. But on a recent episode of The Spark, horticulturist Erica Jo Schaeffer encouraged listeners to look beyond traditional approaches—and question what a “perfect lawn” really means. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park is one of Pennsylvania’s unique attractions. It’s the country’s only all-water cavern and farm-nature-wildlife attraction. Recently, Mark Watson, Executive General Director, and Jeanine Watson, Executive Business Director, joined Asia Tabb on The Spark to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to manage the cavern and wildlife. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re looking for a new favorite watering hole—or twenty—look no further than the Lebanon Valley Libations Trail. Spearheaded by Visit Lebanon Valley, the official Destination Marketing Organization of Lebanon County, this digital trail features 20 breweries, taprooms, and restaurants that proudly pour locally crafted beer. The initiative is more than a toast to tasty brews—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the small businesses that define the heart of the region. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Gettysburg Film Festival is returning for its third year, running May 8–11, 2025, and bringing with it an extraordinary lineup of films, speakers, and historical insights. On The Spark, host Asia Tabb spoke with festival producer Andrew Dalton, director Jake Boritt, and Brett Messenger of the Majestic Theater about what attendees can expect at this year’s event. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the United States Army prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2025, the Army Heritage Center Foundation is leading the charge in preserving and sharing the stories that have shaped the Army—and, by extension, the nation—for two and a half centuries. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As school districts across Pennsylvania continue to grapple with teacher shortages—especially in special education—researchers and educators alike are digging into the data to understand the full scope of the problem and what’s driving it. Dr. Edward Fuller, Associate Professor at Penn State and an expert in education policy, has been examining teacher vacancy trends across the state. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saving money is one of the most important habits a young person can develop—but for students and families alike, navigating the many savings options can be overwhelming. From traditional savings accounts to 529 college plans, understanding which tools to use and when can make all the difference in building a solid financial future. To help make sense of it all, The Spark recently sat down with Sharon Eiswert, Director of Marketing and Deposit Strategy at PSECU, and Lee Fortenberry, an adjunct instructor in the personal financial planning program at Shippensburg University, for a conversation packed with financial wisdom. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Spring in Pennsylvania, the outdoors becomes the place for a hands-on event made specially for women: Women in the Wild. The event is hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources (DCNR) and invites women of all experience levels to explore new skills, boost their confidence in nature, and foster community with others who love the outdoors. Mindy Wilt, an Environmental Education Specialist with DCNR, joined The Spark’s Asia Tabb to share more about the event's origins, its purpose, and why it’s growing in popularity. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly. Braver Angels ran a local workshop this past November, just before the holidays. This workshop helps participants understand the different roles family members play in family conversations and what can be done to prevent family divisions over politics. also on the program... We’ll be focusing on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, which is embarking on its ten-year historic preservation plan. We’ll also ask about the recent move by the PA State Archive into a new building, and have you ever wondered how to apply for a blue and gold historic marker? Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angela Couloumbis, Investigative reporter with Spotlight PA, appeared on The Spark to discuss her latest eye-opening report on elder abuse in Pennsylvania. Her work uncovered serious faps in how the state reviews deaths in elder care facilities – highlighting the lack of accountability, transparency, and follow-through in protecting some of our most vulnerable citizens. During this interview, Angela shared what she discovered, what the Shapiro administration is doing, and why this matters to every Pennsylvanian with a loved one in long-term care. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.