The Spark

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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Lee Cole’s new novel, Fulfillment, takes readers deep into the warehouses and inner lives of working-class America, telling a story of two half-brothers on diverging paths. The book captures both the physical grind of warehouse labor and the existential weight of trying to find purpose in a chaotic, modern world.

Cole joined The Spark to talk about his inspiration, the emotional terrain of his characters, and the layered meaning behind the book’s title.

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In downtown Lancaster, a cozy and colorful new business is creating a buzz — not just for its coffee, but for its cuddly residents and inclusive vibe. Co-founded by Jax Lanza and John Bender, two professionals who left careers in teaching and law, the cat café is more than just a trendy hangout. It’s a passion project rooted in community, comfort, and connection.

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Harrisburg is charting a bold course for revitalizing its downtown core—one that blends short-term wins with a long-term vision rooted in community input, economic development, and local identity.

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For nearly seven decades, the Central Pennsylvania Spelling Bee has brought together young students from across the region to compete in one of the area’s most cherished academic traditions. Since about 15 to 17 years ago, public media organization WITF has proudly taken on the role of organizing the bee, continuing the legacy that was originally sponsored by PennLive and the Patriot-News.

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

June marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the unique challenges men face in seeking mental health support. Dr. Luke Piper, a psychiatrist at UPMC Lititz, joined The Spark Weekly to share both professional insights and a deeply personal story.

When Van Wagner talks about trees, it’s more than just classroom chatter — it’s a personal mission. The Danville Area High School agriculture teacher and certified forester recently completed a unique and physically demanding journey: climbing a tree at the highest point in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

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In a time of deep political division, two leaders with vastly different backgrounds—one in marketing, the other in human resources—are helping Pennsylvanians find common ground through Braver Angels, a national nonprofit focused on depolarization.

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As Pennsylvania approaches its June 30 budget deadline, the state Capitol is bustling with legislative maneuvering, behind-the-scenes negotiations, and intense public advocacy. But according to journalists closely watching the process, it’s still early—and anything could happen.

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Long before founding Pennsylvania, William Penn Jr. was just “a guy in England,” according to historian Daniel K. Richter. But his story—and the colony he helped establish—was anything but ordinary.

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The spotlight is once again shining bright in Hershey as the 17th season of the Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards kicks off—an annual celebration of high school theater talent from across Central Pennsylvania.

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