The Spark

What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, September 20, 2018: The millennial generation is individuals ages 21 to 37 who were born between 1981 and 1997. It is a generation of firsts: first to have computers in the classroom, first to take photos without film, first to grow up with social media. Millennials are considered … Continue reading "How millennials get news/How will PA counties that flipped for Trump vote?"

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, September 19, 2018: A top state Senate Republican has introduced legislation to open Pennsylvania’s primaries to unaffiliated voters. Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati admits he doesn’t expect the bill to pass this session but is hoping to at least get the legislation to committee. Currently in … Continue reading "Open primary legislation, Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg and bras across the bridge"

What to look for on Smart Talk Tuesday, September 18, 2018: The 2018 school year got off to a bumpy start around Pennsylvania with multiple schools closing or delaying their start after discovering mold in the buildings. In each case, the mold was remediated and, once air quality samples confirmed it was safe, the buildings … Continue reading "Mold dangers and prostrate cancer awareness"

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, September 17, 2018: Of all the stories to come out of the Grand Jury report on sexual misconduct by those associated with the Catholic Church in Pennsylvania last month, the one that got the most attention was that of five sisters from one family who were sexually … Continue reading "Sisters speak out about abuse by a PA priest"

Photo from Shippensburg University What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, September 14, 2018: Joining Friday’s Smart Talk to discuss student success is Dr. Laurie Carter, president of Shippensburg University. What defines successful students? Is it their GPA, how quickly they find jobs, or how quickly they graduate? Many factors, like mental and social … Continue reading "Dr. Laurie Carter, President of Shippensburg University"

What to look for on Smart Talk Thursday, September 13, 2018: Will Hurricane Florence have an impact on Pennsylvania this weekend? Even if the storm doesn’t affect the region, it still is one of the wettest summers on record. On Thursday’s Smart Talk, we’ll speak with Eric Horst, Director of Millersville University’s Weather Center about … Continue reading "Craft Brewing in Pennsylvania"

What to look for on Smart Talk Wednesday, September 12, 2018: There are 147 names on the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections list of people sentenced to death in the state as of Aug. 1, 2018. This number has been decreasing, not because people are being executed, but because they die while awaiting execution or get … Continue reading "Report on capital punishment in Pennsylvania"

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, September 11, 2018: Everyone worries; some people more than others. When does excessive worry become anxiety? While occasional anxiety is a normal part of everyday life, anxiety disorder involves more than temporary worry; it is marked by worry and fear that does not go away and gets … Continue reading "Anxiety disorder and panic attacks"

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, September 10, 2018: Coming soon to an email inbox, radio, newspaper or website near you: PA Post, a digital-first, citizen-focused news organization created by WITF Public Media. WITF launches PAPost.org on Monday, featuring news articles and analysis focusing on Pennsylvania state policies and politics. There are three … Continue reading "WITF’s PA Post launches and REAL IDs in Pennsylvania"

What to look for on Smart Talk Friday, September 7, 2018: Smart and sustained growth is a goal for most communities. What happens, though, when planned growth and development conflicts with the interests of one or more key stakeholders? Several high-profile community disputes involving municipalities, developers and community membersmade headlines this summer. One such … Continue reading "When interests collide: municipalities, communities and development"