The Spark

WITF Democracy Reporter Jordan Wilkie discussed his report on Pennsylvania activist Heather Honey, who is moving from leading election conspiracy groups to a top elections policy role at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Elections experts have raised concerns that Honey’s appointment could undermine federal election support and public confidence. “The appointment of Heather Honey is just confirmation that DHS has gone from being one of the most credible supporters of American election integrity to potentially a purveyor of disinformation,” said David Becker, head of the Center for Election Innovation & Research.

Next, WITF Capitol Reporter Jaxon White weighed in on Pennsylvania’s upcoming Supreme Court retention elections. Three Democratic justices—Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht—face voters this November. Supporters, including legal expert Shanin Specter, argue the justices rule impartially and deserve to keep their seats, while Republican groups are campaigning against them citing key decisions on abortion, mail-in voting, and redistricting.

Finally, PennLive reporters Jenna Wise and Jonathan Bergmueller discussed a Labor Day weekend incident at Harrisburg’s Kipona festival, where a car ran into a crowd, injuring three people, including a 6-year-old child.

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Immigration has long been one of the most divisive issues in American politics. Now, Braver Angels, a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing political polarization, is taking on the challenge with its new two-year initiative: the Citizens Commission on Immigration.

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Stuart Malina is entering his 26th season as music director of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra (HSO), a milestone he admits still surprises him.

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At Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse in downtown Lancaster, community members gather once a month to watch films, sip cocktails, and dive into deep conversations. The series, Philosophy | Drinks | Film—known as PDF—is curated by Dennis M. Weiss, who started the program in 2019.

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When we think of the American Revolution, names like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin often come to mind. But one of its most influential figures came from halfway across the world — a Polish-born engineer and soldier named Thaddeus Kosciuszko.

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The idea of a “traditional” college student — 18 to 24 years old, living on campus, and attending classes full-time — may no longer match reality. That’s what Alvernia University Provost Leamor Kahanov, Ph.D., explained in a recent conversation on The Spark.

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Washington Crossing Historic Park, located along the Delaware River, stands as a pivotal site in American history. It was here that George Washington famously crossed the Delaware on Christmas night in 1776, a daring maneuver that helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War.

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The New Cumberland Music and Film Festival is returning this year, celebrating the best of local talent alongside globally recognized films and performances. Skye Cadzow, producer of the festival, describes it as “a celebration of all things culture and arts, bringing both local talents and global pieces that are being celebrated around the world to the stage right here in central Pennsylvania.”

The festival began in 2022, with its first event taking place in September 2023. “A few of us in the nonprofit, the New Cumberland Collective, started talking about how we wanted to bring some of these elements that we love in pop culture together, start creating a film festival,” Cadzow said. “Last year we ran it back and added even more components… this year we're really thrilled to take things in a slightly new direction.”

This year’s theme centers on “small groups that can make a difference,” featuring documentaries like Middletown, which follows teenagers uncovering a toxic waste scandal in New York, and Speak, which highlights five students competing in national oratory contests. Cadzow said, “The teacher who was part of this project [in Middletown] is actually gonna be at the film to do a Q&A on Friday night following this screening. So, we're thrilled to have that.” The festival will also showcase its first non-documentary film, OBEX, a Sundance favorite, with director Albert Burney and other filmmakers participating in a post-screening Q&A.

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The only English- and Spanish-bilingual public radio station in Lancaster and York counties is expected to cut programming next year in the wake of Congress’ vote last month to rescind public broadcasting funds.

Also on the program:

August 23rd marked the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina; we look into what happened and how meteorology has advanced over the last 2 decades.

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With the season opener against Frostburg State just around the corner, Millersville University’s football team is ready to hit the field. Head Coach J.C. Morgan says the preparation has been months in the making.

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