The Spark

Republican legislators in Pennsylvania are pushing forward with a review of the 2020 presidential election; one that many have described as modeled after the audit conducted in Arizona recently. Democrats have responded by pointing out the election has been reviewed twice since November 3, without any evidence of fraud or irregularities. Republicans say that much … Continue reading "Republicans move forward with calls for 2020 election review"

The flu virus is around all year, but is most common in the United States during the fall and winter months. The severity and duration of the flu season varies based on different factors, to include the viral strain of the dominant virus. In the fall of 2020, health officials tracking the flu noticed lower … Continue reading "The flu season poses unique challenge to the COVID fight"

Artist Margaret Keane enjoys great fame around the world for her works featuring subjects with large eyes, a style that ignited a movement and earned great commercial success. Fifty years ago, one of Keane’s paintings was stolen from the lobby of a Dentist who commissioned the piece. The painting is titled “Eyes Upon You” and … Continue reading "Stolen Margaret Keane painting recovered after 50 years"

The Pennsylvania Auditor General released the results of a performance audit more than 18 months after the Wolf administration enacted COVID mitigation protocols and business closures. The closures and waiver process were met with a great deal of criticism by business owners and Republican legislators who complained the process was fraught with inequities and problems. … Continue reading "Auditor General investigation finds flaws and irregularities in the pandemic business shutdown"

There are 470 public libraries in Pennsylvania, each an important part of their community. Books and libraries are so important that an Act of Congress established the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress in 1977, to serve as a focal point for celebrating the legacy of books and to advocate for libraries. … Continue reading "Pennsylvania Center for the Book, promoting literacy and libraries throughout the Commonwealth"

Elections are complicated and labor intensive events. Preparation for an election and staffing on the actual day relies on volunteer poll workers to fulfill a majority of the tasks. The Pennsylvania Department of State is actively encouraging citizens who are interested in learning more about elections to get involved at the polls. Is it hard … Continue reading "Poll workers are hard to recruit and retain, impacting future elections"

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) celebrates their centennial this month; supporting the philanthropic activities of donors wanting to positively impact communities. Scholarships are a big part of TFEC initiatives, as they offer a proverbial “leg-up” to those with ambition, but with limited resources. As part of the Centennial event TFEC will host a free … Continue reading "World-class musicians to play for the organization that helped them get their start"

The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species to the United States that was first discovered in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014. Now, nearly half of the state is experiencing an infestation of the pest, to include most of the WITF listening area. The insect is known to feed on over 70 species of plants so … Continue reading "The invasive Spotted Lanternfly infestation moves throughout the state"

To many North American Christians, familiar depictions of Jesus Christ often reflect their own ethnicity: light skin tone, Caucasian hair and facial features. But is this really what Jesus would look like? As a Palestinian Jewish man, he would likely have a darker complexion and different facial features than are typically conveyed in Western art. … Continue reading "Art exhibit will present versions of Jesus Christ’s image that don’t reflect colonial influence"

Muhammad Ali is one of the best-known sports and cultural figures of the 20th century. He was a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who captivated millions of fans throughout the world with his athletic power in the ring, and personality outside of it. On Sunday, September 19, WITF-TV will air a four-part PBS documentary film series … Continue reading "The life and legend of Muhammad Ali"