The Spark

After weeks of persistent rain, cloudy skies, and cooler-than-normal temperatures, it looks like Central Pennsylvania is finally on the cusp of a dramatic weather shift. Meteorologist Dan Tomaso joined The Spark this week to explain what’s been driving the recent soggy stretch and what we can expect as we head into mid-June.

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In a world that’s transformed since 2018, artist and designer Davide DeAngelis felt called—by something beyond himself—to return to Starman Tarot, the vibrantly metaphysical deck he originally created in collaboration with the late David Bowie.

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When Stella Boheme received the first physical copy of her debut book, Read Like a Queen, she was overcome with emotion.

“Oh my gosh… the word that just comes to mind for me is surreal,” she said in an interview on The Spark. “It went from an idea that I had to start writing and every step of the way it just felt like, am I really doing this? And when I finally got the physical advanced copy, it finally hit me that yeah, this is happening.”

Coming out this September, Read Like a Queen is a bold reimagining of the traditional tarot guide, wrapped in the sparkle, empowerment, and self-discovery that defines Boheme's unique life as both a seasoned tarot reader and a dynamic drag performer.

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On the latest episode of The Spark, Rob Franklin—writer, educator, and creative force—joined us to discuss his buzzed-about debut novel, Great Black Hope. The book, which was released June 10, is already drawing critical acclaim for its raw and resonant portrayal of identity, addiction, and Black excellence.

“It’s super exciting and gratifying, especially for a first book,” Franklin said of the attention the novel has received. “I think it really just validates the project…to hear that writers I really admire have thought about it carefully and admired parts of it—that’s been one of the greatest gifts of my life.”

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In Central Pennsylvania, LGBTQ+ youth are navigating increasingly complex and often dangerous environments at home, in school, and in their communities. Advocates Amber Roadcap, Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Central PA, and Hope Dehnert, a local LGBTQ+ youth advocate and researcher, joined The Spark to speak candidly about the challenges these young people face—and what all of us can do to support them.

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As concerns about student mental health continue to rise, two Pennsylvania colleges—Bucknell University and Pennsylvania College of Technology—are being recognized for their leadership in suicide prevention and mental health services. Both institutions recently received the PA CARES designation, a recognition from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for campuses that demonstrate a strong commitment to student mental wellness.

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This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement, a religious tradition born during the Protestant Reformation that has since spread across the globe.

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Once a dominant player in the American pharmacy world, Camp Hill-based Rite Aid is now struggling to survive after filing for bankruptcy for the second time. With hundreds of stores slated for closure, the company’s downfall marks a dramatic turn for one of Pennsylvania’s most recognizable corporate names.

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In Central Pennsylvania, LGBTQ+ youth are navigating increasingly complex and often dangerous environments at home, in school, and in their communities. Advocates Amber Roadcap, Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Central PA, and Hope Dehnert, a local LGBTQ+ youth advocate and researcher, joined The Spark to speak candidly about the challenges these young people face—and what all of us can do to support them.

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The City of Harrisburg is gearing up for one of its biggest Juneteenth celebrations yet — and for organizer Dr. Kimeka Campbell, it’s about more than festivities. It’s about honoring history, building community, and reclaiming economic power.

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What started as one woman’s personal mission to advocate for animal welfare has blossomed into one of the most anticipated community events in Lancaster. The 9th annual Lancaster VegFest took place this past weekend, drawing thousands of attendees and over 140 vendors to celebrate plant-based living, sustainability, and inclusivity.

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