The Spark

The cost of keeping cool during the summer heat is expected to rise 12 percent this year, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. Daniel McCunney the Communications Senior Manager for the East Region for NRG.

On average, consumers on average see their bills increase from June through September. According to McCunney, solar panels are a great way to reduce energy consumption.

“Solar panels can help lower your energy bills. They’ll make your house more energy efficient. You’ll be able to in most cases, sell your energy back into the grid. Which could be really helpful. Solar panels can really help, lower your energy costs, and help defray some of those, exorbitant bills that some people get in the summertime when their thermostat, is really driving the cost of their energy.”

During the summer if you plan to leave your home for several days, adjusting the temperature on your water heater could help with reduction.

“A lot of thermostats nowadays also have scheduling features, so you can schedule your temperature in your home so that when you’re away, they have vacation mode so that when you’re away you can turn the temperature up and you’re not cooling a house that no one’s actually in. So that can help lower your costs.”

Listen to the podcast to hear more energy reduction tips.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A bipartisan election protection group is banding together to support the security of American elections.

The Spark host Asia Tabb spoke with former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell(D-PA), Former U.S. Rep Melissa Hart (R-PA), and former State House speaker Keith McCall (D-PA) about leading the Pennsylvania Democracy Defense Project.

The project Is hoping to restore American’s confidence during elections.

“I thought there were so many questions raised over the 2020 election and its aftermath, and some of them deserved more transparency in what we do as a state and as a nation, “said Gov Rendell.

Representative Hart said the bipartisan effort is important to reach everyone while building confidence in the system as a nonpartisan manner.

“The group is really intended to make sure that we can speak to everyone, and that will gain the trust of the public in getting them to participate again. You know, we’ve had doubts sown on both sides of the aisle about whether our elections are secure and fair, “said Rep. Hart.

CLICK here to read more about the Pennsylvania Democracy Defense Project.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are dozens of organizations that support our veterans here in Central Pennsylvania. Marc Miagala the Director of the UPMC Veteran Care Services, and Bill Habacivch the Executive Director of Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania joined Asia Tabb on the Spark to talk about the need for those programs.

The Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania mission is to combat homelessness among veterans by providing support and services needed to promote an empowered life filled with strength and purpose.

“In part, UPMC is part of that support and services. And we’re trying to get these men to live the rest of their lives in dignity and respect. We’ve got a certain percentage of the population that has difficulty in finding, or combatting homelessness, “said Habacivch.

The Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania has come together with e community to build 15 tiny homes surrounding a community center for veterans experiencing homelessness.

“The great thing about the tiny home is they’re shaped in the form of a heart. There’s 15 of them. And so, it looks like a little village. And you know, it’s going to take the village within the members of the village to help each other. And then it’s going to take a larger village to continue to help and pour money into and care into our veterans.”

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For our latest Journalist Roundtable on The Spark, WITF’S Democracy reporter Jordan Wilkie sat down to speak with Asia Tabb about the November Election Coverage. Wilkie also spoke with Asia about election research, community engagement, and more.

Wilkie has even taken it upon himself to learn more about the express vote XL ballot machine that’s used in Cumberland County for elections. You can connect with Jordan by emailing him at [email protected].

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The SS United States Conversancy has issued a $500,000 emergency fundraiser to rehome America’s flagship. The SS United States has been docked at Pier 82 in Philadelphia since 1996.

“SS United States or America’s flagship is the nation’s only remaining great ocean liner. She smashed the transatlantic speed record on her maiden voyage in 1952, and she is an extraordinary symbol of American achievement and excellence and technological innovation. And there’s nothing like her left anywhere. And we are working so hard to save her, “said SS United States Conservancy President Susan Gibbs.

In June, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled the historic vessel would have to find a new home. The legal battle began when the SS United States landlord, Penn Warehousing, increased the rent in August 2021. Shortly after, Penn Warehousing terminated the lease in 2022, and the lawsuit was filed.

“It simply was to get us off the pier. And we never intended to stay at the pier indefinitely… In hindsight, we wish we had an opportunity to negotiate with the landlord and in good faith and talk about what’s involved in removing the ship from the dock. But, it certainly is not a short term effort to be able to quickly put that together, but we are working on it nevertheless to find a temporary home warrant, “said SS United States Conservancy board member Warren Jones.

The SS United States has until Sept 12, to find a new home. WITF has reached out to Penn Warehousing for a interview or statement regarding this matter. As of now, we have not yet heard back yet. However, if we do, we will update this article accordingly.

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, we speak about the importance of HBCU's and the Veterans holistic health clinic Boots To Health.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A nonprofit organization is working to improve the lives of veterans. The Boots to Health Foundation offers life coaching, fitness, training, and nutrition coaching to veterans at no cost.

Logan Spiewak is the co-founder and Executive Director of Boots for Health Foundation. Spiewak, a proud Marine Corps Veteran, struggled significantly when he was discharged from the military.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Shapiro Administration sought out the public’s feedback for the proposed 2025 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP).

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation also invited the public to comment on the draft. PennDOT’s Executive Deputy Secretary Larry Shifflet says the draft consists of projects like infrastructure, and projects that connects PA residents to opportunities and services that support the Shapiro Administration’s vision of a safe and reliable transportation network.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fringe Fest is an arts festival that takes place across the City of Harrisburg connecting artists, venues, and audiences in a spirit celebration. Co-producers Chris Gibson and Brianna Dow stopped by The Spark to tell us the importance of the festival.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meteorologist Dan Tomaso from ABC 27 WHTM joined The Spark to update us on the upcoming weather. We are in another heatwave, and that could possibly impact Centra PA residents with a drought.

Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.