The Spark

In his in-depth investigative podcast Death County, PA, PennLive journalist Joshua Vaughn dives deep into a troubling pattern of deaths and alleged abuse at Dauphin County Prison (DCP) — a facility many incarcerated individuals describe as so inhumane, they’d rather die than remain inside.

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On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly;

Ashlie Crosson, an English and journalism teacher at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, has just been named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year — and while the spotlight may be on her, she’s making it clear her mission is still focused on the students she serves.

Also, on the program.

A Pennsylvania Senate panel has rejected a bill advanced by Democrats that would permit the sale of recreational cannabis to adults at state-owned stores.

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As the debate over public education funding continues in Pennsylvania, a concern from school administrators and business officials are calling for urgent reform of how cyber charter schools are funded. At the heart of their concern: a decades-old funding formula they say unfairly drains resources from public schools and lacks accountability.

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History buffs and curious visitors alike will have the rare opportunity to experience early American industry in action during the upcoming Open House at the Bowmansville Roller Mill on May 17, hosted by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County.

Built in 1850—and with roots going back to 1737, even before George Washington was born—the Bowmansville Roller Mill stands as one of Lancaster County’s last two fully functional water-powered mills. On May 17, guests will not only tour this remarkable structure but also witness live milling and sawmill demonstrations, offering an authentic glimpse into 19th-century life.

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In a new exhibit, York College students are breathing life back into one of York’s long-silent landmarks: Zion Lutheran Church. The church, which has been vacant for more than 30 years, is the centerpiece of a student-led public history project that uncovers not only its architectural grandeur but its deep-rooted legacy of community outreach, social justice, and cultural connection.

The project is the product of a collaboration between York College's Museum Studies course and the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA). For Associate Professor Dr. Jacqueline Beatty, who teaches the course, the exhibit represents the kind of hands-on, community-engaged work that transforms student learning.

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Ashlie Crossan, an English and journalism teacher at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, has just been named the 2025 National Teacher of the Year — and while the spotlight may be on her, she’s making it clear her mission is still focused on the students she serves.

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In Harrisburg, a small team is taking a new approach to curb gun violence—one that places empathy, community engagement, and early intervention at its core. Group Violence Intervention (GVI), led by Angelo Bailey and Gina Vasquez, aims to interrupt cycles of violence by connecting high-risk individuals with resources, not just repercussions. The program, supported by law enforcement but driven by community partnership, is actively shifting the narrative around crime prevention.

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

This week, Dickinson College President John Jones and Susquehanna University President Jonathan Green joined more than 300 higher-education leaders in publicly condemning what they described as “unprecedented government overreach and political interference endangering American education and public research funding."

also, on the program,

Acclaimed award-winning author Dan E. Hendrickson shines a powerful light on female empowerment through his gripping novels centered around heroic women who lead with courage, conviction, and heart.

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This week’s journalist roundtable dove into the growing staffing shortages impacting all corners of the justice system—from sheriff’s deputies to public defenders.

Joining the conversation were Dan Nephin, reporter for LNP/LancasterOnline, and Kara Jeffers, multimedia journalist at Lilly Broadcasting. Both shared insights from their reporting and on-the-ground observations, highlighting how vacancies in law enforcement and legal defense are straining local justice systems across Pennsylvania.

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Listen to the podcast for the full conversation. 

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, author Dan E. Hendrickson joins The Spark to share a story rooted in love, legacy, and liberation. His latest novel, Brandy, Dame of the Caribbean, continues the saga of a woman pirate turned abolitionist, capturing both swashbuckling adventure and heartfelt family moments.

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