The Spark

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Encountering Disability is a series of free events over three days focused on community health and public policy as well as community inclusion and spirituality. Asia speaks with keynote speakers Marisa Brown and Michael Gamel-McCormick, as well as Rev. David Peck who spearheaded the initiative.

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 Consumer Affairs recently published a report covering the top metros in the U.S. with the worst housing shortages. These areas were found after researchers at the site calculated metrics like the vacancy ratio for the 200 most populous metro areas in the country. Not one, not two, but three spots in the Keystone State were ranked amongst the top 10: York in second; Harrisburg in fifth; and Lancaster in ninth.

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October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month—a time to celebrate second chances and spread awareness about the thousands of animals waiting for homes. At the York County SPCA, the mission is clear: every pet deserves a loving, permanent home.

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A new community resource is taking shape in Harrisburg — and it’s not your typical library. The Harrisburg Tool Library aims to lend out everything from drills and garden shears to crockpots and bubble machines, all in the name of empowerment and community care.

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State College’s NPR station, WPSU, will continue broadcasting after all, following a new partnership agreement with Philadelphia’s WHYY. The plan, unanimously approved by Penn State trustees, allows WPSU-TV and radio to join WHYY without requiring a $17 million subsidy from the university, which was a sticking point in a previously rejected proposal. WHYY now has 30 days to secure at least $8.4 million in funding to complete the transfer, which also requires Federal Communications Commission approval.

the recent firing of Penn State Football Coach James Franklin, which has been a major topic in the community. 

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For many, losing vision can feel like losing opportunities, but for Clinton Tyler and Maribel Surita, Vision Corps in Lancaster has been a place of empowerment, growth, and professional achievement. Both employees credit the nonprofit organization with giving them tools, training, and support to thrive in the workplace despite visual impairments.

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From the grand architecture of Hershey’s iconic buildings to the elegant homes lining Lancaster’s streets, Cassius Emlen Urban’s legacy is etched into the very landscape of Central Pennsylvania.

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Pennsylvania hospitals continue to grapple with staffing shortages, affecting not only nurses and doctors but a wide range of hospital roles, from surgical technologists to plumbers and IT specialists. A recent workforce survey by the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) highlights the scope of the challenge.

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The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is celebrating 45 years! Learn about the history of the event and what you can expect when you visit.

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The Harrisburg Tool Library is a place where neighbors can access power tools, gardening equipment and so much more, without breaking the bank.

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CeaseFirePA recently hosted a discussion titled “Most Gun Deaths Are Suicide—It’s Time to Act”, drawing attention to a critical but often overlooked aspect of gun violence.

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As the temperatures dip and leaves begin to fall, gardeners have plenty to think about beyond raking. Horticulturist Erica Jo Schaefer joined The Spark to share her expertise on preparing gardens for winter and ensuring a vibrant spring. “The bulbs should be being planted right now and you can plant as long as the ground isn’t frozen. You could even be planting bulbs on Thanksgiving Day,” Erica explained. For Pennsylvania gardeners, she recommends snowdrops, crocus, daffodils, and tulips—while noting that deer preferences can influence what you plant.

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October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month—a time to celebrate second chances and spread awareness about the thousands of animals waiting for homes. At the York County SPCA, the mission is clear: every pet deserves a loving, permanent home.

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What began as an informal experiment with a single camera and a borrowed guitar has evolved into one of WITF’s most vibrant projects — WITF Music.

also on the program:

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A new October poll from Franklin & Marshall College suggests that many Pennsylvanians are feeling uncertain about the direction of the state — and the health of democracy itself.

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After nearly five decades behind the lens, photographer Joseph A. Rosen says it finally felt like the right time to share the stories he’s captured through his camera. His new book, Inside the Moment: Iconic Blues, Soul, Jazz, Rock, and R&B Images and History), celebrates the emotional and historical power of live performance in striking black and white.

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Each year, the third week of October marks Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, a reminder that one of the most dangerous — yet entirely preventable — environmental illnesses continues to affect families across Pennsylvania.

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At the University of Pittsburgh, fear has found a new home — in academia. The university is now home to the world’s first academic center dedicated to the study of horror, exploring how the genre reflects society’s deepest anxieties and historical traumas.

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Pennsylvania residents could see major jumps in their health insurance premiums next year, according to Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “The rate increases are pretty significant,” Humphreys said, attributing much of the rise to federal inaction. “Pennsylvanians and insurers in Pennsylvania face serious challenges due to Congress's failure to extend enhanced premium tax credits before open enrollment.”

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