The Spark

For adults who may have once believed college was out of reach, Messiah University’s Hoverter Course in the Humanities is proving that it’s never too late to return to the classroom. Run by the Center for Public Humanities, the program offers tuition-free, college-credit humanities courses to community members who’ve faced financial, educational, or personal barriers to higher education.

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Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly:

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.

Also on the program, 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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As Pennsylvania’s budget remains more than two weeks overdue, this week’s Journalist Roundtable takes a closer look at the gridlock in Harrisburg—and what voters say they want their leaders to focus on.

Joining the conversation are Jordan Wilkie, Regional Democracy Reporter for WITF and LNP, and Stephen Caruso, State Capitol Reporter for Spotlight PA.

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More than 220 miles of the Appalachian Trail weave through Pennsylvania, winding across mountains, valleys, and streams—and right through the heart of central PA. This iconic footpath stretches 2,197 miles from Georgia to Maine, challenging hikers from all walks of life to take part in one of the most grueling and inspiring outdoor adventures in the country.

This week, The Spark team set out to meet some of these determined “thru-hikers” by offering a little surprise comfort along the way—what trail veterans fondly call “Trail Magic.” Armed with a cooler full of cold drinks, fresh fruit, and snacks, we set up at a parking area just off Interstate 81 in Lebanon County near the Swatara Rail Trail, a well-known access point for hikers passing through.

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For more than two decades, Living the Experience has invited audiences to take a powerful walk through history—right into the heart of Lancaster’s role in the Underground Railroad. What started as a church initiative has grown into an immersive reenactment that’s now drawing new attention under the direction of Ondra Haywood.

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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.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.