The Spark

A pivotal case now before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court could determine whether the state continues participating in a key carbon-reduction program known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The outcome may have lasting implications for Pennsylvania’s energy policy, economy, and environmental health.

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This Memorial Day weekend, the skies over Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) will roar with precision, speed, and spectacle as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels take over Central Pennsylvania—a first for the region and a homecoming for the event’s promoter.

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When Dr. Hagir Elsheikh’s son, Kareem, was diagnosed with autism, she found herself navigating an under-resourced system. Determined to change that reality for other families, she founded Kareem’s Mission—a nonprofit dedicated to providing support, advocacy, and education for individuals with autism across Central Pennsylvania and beyond.

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Homefields Care Farm is set to launch its 26th growing season on May 30, 2025. This milestone underscores its enduring commitment to providing meaningful work and community engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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When people talk about the history of civil rights in America, they usually mention famous names like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. But there are other important people, like William Miller Barbour from Middletown, Pennsylvania, who don’t get as much attention even though they did a lot for the movement. Recently, researchers at Elizabethtown College have been working to bring more attention to Barbour and everything he did.

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In a recent episode of The Spark, Dr. Christine Senecal, Associate Professor of History at Shippensburg University, delved into the multifaceted history of birth control. Drawing from her extensive background in medieval history and women's studies, Dr. Senecal provided a comprehensive overview of how family planning has evolved across different cultures and eras.

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Since Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana in 2016, the cannabis industry has grown quickly—but not without growing pains. In a recent interview on WITF's The Spark, host Asia Tabb sat down with Judith D. Cassel, a leading attorney and advisor for cannabis companies, to explore how the legal landscape has evolved and what misconceptions still cloud this rapidly expanding market.

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History isn't always written in the halls of government or on the battlefields of revolution. Sometimes, it's tucked into the rugged edges of Pennsylvania’s landscapes — like the Welsh Mountains of Lancaster County, where the Buzzard Gang built their legend.

On a recent episode of The Spark, I sat down with historian and criminal justice expert Michael Zimmerman to explore the dark and fascinating legacy of this infamous local family of outlaws. Zimmerman, who grew up on the edge of the Welsh Mountains himself, has spent decades researching the Buzzards — a group of six brothers and their extended gang who terrorized southeastern Pennsylvania from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s.

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In the heart of Harrisburg, there’s a hidden gem — 24 miles of scenic trail connecting neighborhoods, natural spaces, and historic landmarks. It’s called the Capital Area Greenbelt, and it’s more than just a path. At the center of its most festive celebration is Tour de Belt, the annual bike ride that brings thousands of riders together and highlights the Belt’s significance.

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Our journalist roundtable segment for May 16 included Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Kara Jeffers of Lilly Broadcasting, who discussed the latest developments in Pennsylvania's push to legalize recreational cannabis.

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