The Spark

Pennsylvania’s fall foliage season is officially underway, and according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), it’s shaping up to be one of the most colorful — and longest — in the country.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lebanon Valley College Jazz Orchestra (VJO) has released its second commercial album, Jungle Book, showcasing the talent and dedication of student musicians under the direction of Dr. Jeff Lovell and Dr. Justin Morell. The album features four original compositions by Morrell and highlights guest performances from multi-Grammy-nominated trombonist Alan Ferber and New York-based saxophonist Hashem Assadullahi.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DoorDash is helping transform food access in Pennsylvania through its community initiative, Project Dash. The program partners with organizations like Hunger Free Pennsylvania to deliver meals and essential items to those who need them most — particularly seniors with limited mobility or transportation options.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On October 6, as part of a partnership with the Dauphin County Bar Association, Keep Our Republic (KOR) will host a public forum titled “The Independent Court: What It Is and Why It Matters” at Widener Law School in Harrisburg. The panel will feature former United States Court of Appeals Judge Andre Davis, former District of New Jersey Federal District Court Judge Robert Kugler, and President Judge Emerita Bonnie Leadbetter of the Commonwealth Court. Together, they will discuss why judicial independence is a cornerstone of democracy.

As schools across Pennsylvania welcome students back to classrooms, mental health experts are using Suicide Awareness Month to highlight a growing concern: youth suicide and the importance of supporting students’ social-emotional well-being.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this month’s Braver Angels segment on The Spark, the focus was on a principle often discussed but not always fully understood: free speech. Host Asia Tabb was joined by Wilt Wilkinson, host of the conservative podcast Derate the Hate and national Braver Angels leader, and Ron Chadwell, a retired Pennsylvania attorney and local Braver Angels organizer.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Pennsylvania enters its fourth month without a state budget, at least six counties are exploring lines of credit to cover essential services, according to Spotlight PA reporters Katie Meyer and Stephen Caruso.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Harrisburg Book Festival is back this year, running October 15–19, bringing together authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts from across the region. The festival promises panels, book signings, and special presentations that highlight a wide range of genres and creative voices.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than a century, the East Broad Top Railroad has been a lifeline for central Pennsylvania. Built in the 1870s, it is the oldest surviving narrow-gauge railroad east of the Mississippi — and it still runs on its original track and steam locomotives.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On October 6, as part of a partnership with the Dauphin County Bar Association, Keep Our Republic (KOR) will host a public forum titled “The Independent Court: What It Is and Why It Matters” at Widener Law School in Harrisburg. The panel will feature former United States Court of Appeals Judge Andre Davis, former District of New Jersey Federal District Court Judge Robert Kugler, and President Judge Emerita Bonnie Leadbetter of the Commonwealth Court. Together, they will discuss why judicial independence is a cornerstone of democracy.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anders Beck, the dobroist for acclaimed bluegrass-americana band Greensky Bluegrass, recently shared the story of how he stumbled into the instrument that would define his career. “I was a guitar player, getting into bluegrass, and realized flat-picking guitar just wasn’t my thing,” Beck said. “Then I found the dobro—played with a slide, lots of sustain—and I just fell in love. I played six hours a day.”

Beck also reflected on the band’s longevity as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. “The reason we’re still going strong? We didn’t stop,” he explained. “We keep pushing ourselves creatively, evolving our sound, and trying new things. Our live shows are like a psychedelic rock odyssey, but on bluegrass instruments.”

Over the years, Greensky Bluegrass has blended traditional bluegrass roots with innovative sounds. Beck described the evolution: “We started with the classic setup, one mic, traditional instruments. Now we’ve got amps, pedals, and experimental sounds—but the instruments are still at the core.”

The band’s journey, Beck says, has been as much about friendship as music. “We’re five best friends. The band has always been constant, no matter the challenges.”

Greensky Bluegrass will be bringing their signature sound to Harrisburg on October 2, marking another milestone in a career defined by creativity, innovation, and a love of bluegrass in all its forms.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.