The Spark

As Pennsylvania moves into September, cooler weather may be on the horizon—but gardeners are facing an ongoing dry spell that’s putting stress on trees, flowers, and vegetable beds. Horticulturist Erica Jo joined The Spark to share advice on how to keep plants healthy during drought-like conditions. Her first piece of guidance: don’t forget about your trees. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central Pennsylvania is once again gathering for a day of food, fun, and giving back as the Alex W. Smith Foundation hosts its 6th annual “Chili Cook-Off for a Cause.” The event honors the life and legacy of Alex Smith, a 22-year-old chef apprentice whose passion for food and people continues to inspire. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania is grappling with a workforce shortage in aging services, raising concerns about access to care for older adults across the state. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adams County’s barns are more than farm buildings — they’re living pieces of history. For the past two decades, the Historic Gettysburg Adams County (HGAC) Barn Preservation Project has been working to keep them standing. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With National Voter Registration Day being observed next week, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt is reminding residents how simple it is to get registered — and why it matters in every election, not just presidential years. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a stretch of cooler weather earlier this month, Central Pennsylvania is back to feeling more like summer. ABC27 meteorologist Dan Tommaso says the warmth will continue into late September — but the bigger story is the lack of rainfall. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What began as one high school band director’s dream in 1975 has grown into a program that has sent thousands of young musicians across Europe. American Music Abroad (AMA), based in New Hope, Pennsylvania, is celebrating nearly five decades of blending music, travel, and cultural exchange. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than two months past Pennsylvania’s budget deadline, school districts across the state are grappling with uncertainty, borrowing costs, and the possibility of program cuts as they wait for billions in state funding. Also, on The Spark Weekly: At the heart of WITF’s mission to provide trusted news, cultural programming, and educational content lies a dedicated team working behind the scenes: the development department. Leading the charge is Elisa Balestra, Vice President of Philanthropy, who joined the station 11 months ago and has quickly immersed herself in connecting the community to the station’s mission. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association may be best known for its long lines at the Farm Show milkshake stand, but Executive Director Dave Smith says the nonprofit’s mission goes far beyond a sweet treat. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prosecutors allege Heller ran a multimillion-dollar ATM investment scheme that defrauded investors out of millions. “It’s a really complex case,” Umble explained, “but at its core, investors thought they were buying into profitable ATMs that didn’t exist.” According to Umble’s reporting, Heller allegedly diverted funds for personal use and to prop up his businesses. Federal investigators say the fraud reached into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Umble emphasized the local impact, noting that many Lancaster County residents and businesses were among those who lost money. “This isn’t just a headline-grabbing national case—it has real consequences here at home,” he said. The case is ongoing as federal prosecutors pursue charges. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to protect your family when the world itself is falling apart? That question is at the heart of Megha Majumdar’s new novel, A Guardian and a Thief. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The soothing aroma of freshly brewed tea will once again fill downtown Mechanicsburg as the 8th annual Pennsylvania Tea Festival returns September 19th and 20th. Held in the lush herb gardens of The Rosemary House and Sweet Remembrances Tea Room, the event promises two days steeped in flavor, culture, and community. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As downtown Harrisburg continues to evolve, local planning experts see both challenges and opportunities in shaping the city’s future. Vern McKissick, a 30-year member of the Harrisburg Planning Commission who helped develop the city’s first Comprehensive Development Plan since the 1970s, reflects on how the energy around downtown projects has shifted over the decades. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the heart of WITF’s mission to provide trusted news, cultural programming, and educational content lies a dedicated team working behind the scenes: the development department. Leading the charge is Elisa Balestra, Vice President of Philanthropy, who joined the station 11 months ago and has quickly immersed herself in connecting the community to the station’s mission. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A collaborative study by the Clinic for Special Children in Lancaster and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has identified an ultra-rare genetic disorder called complement factor I (CFI) deficiency, which is significantly more prevalent in individuals of Old Order Amish ancestry. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the dancers of A Taste of Ireland—The Irish Music & Dance Sensation take the stage in Central Pennsylvania this October, they’ll be bringing with them not only high-energy choreography but also centuries of cultural history. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than two months past Pennsylvania’s budget deadline, school districts across the state are grappling with uncertainty, borrowing costs, and the possibility of program cuts as they wait for billions in state funding. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Education in Ancient Rome was far from the structured classrooms we think of today. Historian Chrissy Senecal joined The Spark to explain how the system evolved over centuries—and how issues of class, gender, and respect for teachers shaped who actually got to learn. 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. The Braver Angels National organization launched a two-year initiative around the topic of immigration - The Citizens Commission on Immigration. The goal is to demonstrate to our US Congress that Americans with differing views can find common ground. The initiative was launched after our 2024 convention and the result of a vote by a balanced red-blue group of about 750 delegates. It will culminate with a "Report to the Nation." The process is similar to the previous two-year initiative on Trustworthy Elections. Also on the program... The idea of a “traditional” college student — 18 to 24 years old, living on campus, and attending classes full-time — may no longer match reality. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WITF Democracy Reporter Jordan Wilkie discussed his report on Pennsylvania activist Heather Honey, who is moving from leading election conspiracy groups to a top elections policy role at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Elections experts have raised concerns that Honey’s appointment could undermine federal election support and public confidence. “The appointment of Heather Honey is just confirmation that DHS has gone from being one of the most credible supporters of American election integrity to potentially a purveyor of disinformation,” said David Becker, head of the Center for Election Innovation & Research. Next, WITF Capitol Reporter Jaxon White weighed in on Pennsylvania’s upcoming Supreme Court retention elections. Three Democratic justices—Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht—face voters this November. Supporters, including legal expert Shanin Specter, argue the justices rule impartially and deserve to keep their seats, while Republican groups are campaigning against them citing key decisions on abortion, mail-in voting, and redistricting. Finally, PennLive reporters Jenna Wise and Jonathan Bergmueller discussed a Labor Day weekend incident at Harrisburg’s Kipona festival, where a car ran into a crowd, injuring three people, including a 6-year-old child. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.