A bill that could reshape the future of public media in the U.S. is one step closer to becoming law. Early Thursday morning, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 4 – The Recessions Act of 2025, a measure that would completely eliminate federal funding for public media, including funding for WITF in Central Pennsylvania.

Now, with the bill heading back to the House for a final vote—expected as soon as Friday—the potential consequences are looming large for stations across the country and for the communities they serve.

To explain what’s at stake, The Spark host Asia Tabb sat down with Fred Vigeant, WITF’s Vice President of Media and Production.

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As Pennsylvania towns go, few can rival the historical breadth and regional impact of Shippensburg. Founded in the early 1730s, Shippensburg began as a frontier settlement and grew into a critical transportation, military, and industrial hub. This week on The Spark, John Miller of the Shippensburg Historical Society joined host Asia Tabb to shed light on the borough’s deep historical roots and the people who helped shape it.

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As federal immigration enforcement ramps up across the country, Pennsylvania’s farms are increasingly on edge—and experts say the ripple effects could impact everything from food prices to local economies.

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The Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill in Steelton—an industrial cornerstone since 1868—went idle as of June 30, sending shockwaves through the community and across the Commonwealth. Once a thriving symbol of American industrial might, the mill's closure left residents grappling with the loss of both jobs and a deeply personal legacy.

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At age 60, Carla Fisher never expected to begin again. But after losing her husband, she pivoted from a long career in finance to become an award-winning fiber artist with her work exhibited in London, Italy, South Korea, and beyond. Her story isn’t just about art—it’s about courage, healing, and proving that transformation can begin at any stage of life.

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The York County Astronomical Society (YCAS) is helping residents of all ages and backgrounds discover the wonders of the night sky—whether through the lens of a telescope or simply with the naked eye.

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As Central Pennsylvania swelters under a July heat dome, many gardeners are left wondering how to care for their plants in extreme heat. Gardening expert and landscape designer Erica Jo joined The Spark to share essential tips for summer plant care, from watering techniques to fertilizing container gardens.

One of her biggest takeaways: you still need to water your plants—especially the new ones.

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Coming up on the Spark Weekly:

With thousands of dams scattered across its waterways, Pennsylvania has a complicated relationship with its aquatic infrastructure. But a growing number of those dams—especially small, aging, and obsolete ones—are being taken down. And for good reason.

Also, on the program

The Pennsylvania State Police’s Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement (BLCE) is responsible for far more than checking IDs at bars or inspecting bottles at restaurants. Officer Kristyn Plowden, who works in the bureau’s Training and Recruitment Unit for the Central Section, joined The Spark to share the behind-the-scenes role BLCE officers play in promoting public safety across the Commonwealth.

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The story of American industry is deeply woven into the steel beams, machine tools, and echoes of labor found inside the National Museum of Industrial History in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. On The Spark, host Asia Tabb spoke with museum curator Andria Zaia and historian Mike Piersa about the museum’s roots, its Smithsonian affiliation, and how it brings the legacy of industrial America to life.

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On a recent episode of The Spark, Dr. Chrissy Senecal joined host Asia Tabb to uncover new and evolving discoveries about early humans—from our earliest ancestors in Africa to the impact of DNA inherited from long-extinct relatives like Neanderthals and Denisovans. The conversation explored groundbreaking insights into how humans evolved and what modern science is teaching us about our ancient past.

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