When people talk about the history of civil rights in America, they usually mention famous names like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. But there are other important people, like William Miller Barbour from Middletown, Pennsylvania, who don’t get as much attention even though they did a lot for the movement. Recently, researchers at Elizabethtown College have been working to bring more attention to Barbour and everything he did.

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In a recent episode of The Spark, Dr. Christine Senecal, Associate Professor of History at Shippensburg University, delved into the multifaceted history of birth control. Drawing from her extensive background in medieval history and women's studies, Dr. Senecal provided a comprehensive overview of how family planning has evolved across different cultures and eras.

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Since Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, the cannabis industry has grown quickly—but not without growing pains. In a recent interview on WITF's The Spark, host Asia Tabb sat down with Judith D. Cassel, a leading attorney and advisor for cannabis companies, to explore how the legal landscape has evolved and what misconceptions still cloud this rapidly expanding market.

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History isn't always written in the halls of government or on the battlefields of revolution. Sometimes, it's tucked into the rugged edges of Pennsylvania’s landscapes — like the Welsh Mountains of Lancaster County, where the Buzzard Gang built their legend.

On a recent episode of The Spark, I sat down with historian and criminal justice expert Michael Zimmerman to explore the dark and fascinating legacy of this infamous local family of outlaws. Zimmerman, who grew up on the edge of the Welsh Mountains himself, has spent decades researching the Buzzards — a group of six brothers and their extended gang who terrorized southeastern Pennsylvania from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s.

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In the heart of Harrisburg, there’s a hidden gem — 24 miles of scenic trail connecting neighborhoods, natural spaces, and historic landmarks. It’s called the Capital Area Greenbelt, and it’s more than just a path. At the center of its most festive celebration is Tour de Belt, the annual bike ride that brings thousands of riders together and highlights the Belt’s significance.

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Our journalist roundtable segment for May 16 included Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Kara Jeffers of Lilly Broadcasting, who discussed the latest developments in Pennsylvania's push to legalize recreational cannabis.

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On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly;

Ashlie Crosson, an English and journalism teacher at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, has just been named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year — and while the spotlight may be on her, she’s making it clear her mission is still focused on the students she serves.

Also, on the program.

A Pennsylvania Senate panel has rejected a bill advanced by Democrats that would permit the sale of recreational cannabis to adults at state-owned stores.

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In his in-depth investigative podcast Death County, PA, PennLive journalist Joshua Vaughn dives deep into a troubling pattern of deaths and alleged abuse at Dauphin County Prison (DCP) — a facility many incarcerated individuals describe as so inhumane, they’d rather die than remain inside.

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As the debate over public education funding continues in Pennsylvania, a concern from school administrators and business officials are calling for urgent reform of how cyber charter schools are funded. At the heart of their concern: a decades-old funding formula they say unfairly drains resources from public schools and lacks accountability.

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History buffs and curious visitors alike will have the rare opportunity to experience early American industry in action during the upcoming Open House at the Bowmansville Roller Mill on May 17, hosted by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County.

Built in 1850—and with roots going back to 1737, even before George Washington was born—the Bowmansville Roller Mill stands as one of Lancaster County’s last two fully functional water-powered mills. On May 17, guests will not only tour this remarkable structure but also witness live milling and sawmill demonstrations, offering an authentic glimpse into 19th-century life.

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