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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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The organization Braver Angels joined us to share practical tools for navigating political conversations at the family dinner table without letting them divide us. In November, a local PA Braver Angels workshop helped participants understand the difference roles family members play in family conversations and what can be done to prevent family divisions over politics.

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The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) is embarking on a ten-year historic preservation project. Andrea Lowery, Executive Director of PHMC, recently joined Asia Tabb on The Spark to discuss the commission’s ambitious goals for safeguarding the state’s rich history.

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The U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center (AHEC) in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, stands as the premier archive of the United States Army, offering an extensive collection of historical documents, artifacts, and research materials. Dr. Kate C. LeMay, Director of the U.S. Army Heritage Center, recently sat down with The Spark host Asia Tabb to discuss the center’s invaluable role in preserving and educating the public about military history.

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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.

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