The Spark

On the evening of March 5, 1770, the streets of Boston erupted into violence in what would become one of the most pivotal moments leading up to the American Revolution. Known as the Boston Massacre, this deadly confrontation between British soldiers and colonial protestors galvanized anti-British sentiment and shaped the course of American history. But what led to this tragic night, and how was it perceived at the time? We spoke with Dr. Jacqueline Beatty, Associate Professor of History and Political Science at York College of Pennsylvania, to understand the broader context and lasting impact of the event.

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A groundbreaking project is unfolding at McCaskey High School in Lancaster, where a group of students, under the guidance of social studies teacher Dr. Todd Mealy, is working to bring history to life through the Witness Stones Project. This initiative aims to honor and remember individuals who were once enslaved by unearthing their stories and ensuring they are not forgotten. The McCaskey students are focusing their research on four individuals—Bob, Sue, Frank, and Bet—who were enslaved by Revolutionary War figure Edward Hand.

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The Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway is a massive infrastructure project reshaping transportation in central Pennsylvania. With a price tag of approximately $970 million, the project will create a vital bypass along the Route 15 corridor in Snyder, Northumberland, and Columbia counties, while also featuring a new bridge over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. Spanning over 11 miles, the new roadway aims to ease congestion, improve safety, and support regional economic growth.

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LifeSmarts is now in its 31st year, a competition sponsored by the Consumers League. It aims to prepare teens with knowledge and skills they can apply in their daily lives. Cumberland Valley High School’s LifeSmarts team is headed to nationals in Chicago April 24.

Also on the program,

In a time of increasing political and social division, the new documentary Louder Than Guns seeks to do something many have struggled to accomplish—foster meaningful conversations about gun violence across all aisles of the political and social divide. Directed by filmmaker Doug Pray and journalist David Greene

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Our Journalist Roundtable conversation for March 28 included LancasterOnline/LNP’s Brett Sholtis and Pennlive's Ivey DeJesus. This week we discussed their reports on the six Bhutanese men who were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a Pike County Prison.

This interview was recorded on Thursday March 27 at 1:30 p.m. Since the recording, A spokesman for the Bhutanese community in the Harrisburg area confirmed reports that at least four men in ICE detention had been deported. 

Listen to the podcast to hear the entire conversation.

 

WITF’s Jordan Wilkie has reported extensively on this situation. CLICK HERE, to read his article.

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Gettysburg is steeped in Civil War history, but one of its most overlooked narratives—the history of its Black community—is about to receive a long-overdue acknowledgment. This month, Lincoln Cemetery, Gettysburg’s only surviving Black burial ground, will undergo a significant transformation. Volunteers will gather to place grave markers at over 130 unmarked graves recently discovered through ground-penetrating radar (GPR).

Jean Green, President of the Lincoln Cemetery Association, has been leading this effort. “The cemetery was established in 1867 as a final resting place for Gettysburg’s Black citizens,” she explains. “It is the only concrete evidence that there was a Black community here.”

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The opioid epidemic has devastated families and communities across Pennsylvania, leaving countless individuals searching for answers, accountability, and support. As the state receives billions of dollars in settlement funds from opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, the question remains: How will this money be used to address the crisis effectively?

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Spring is officially here, and with it comes unpredictable weather patterns that keep residents on their toes. On the Spark, we spoke ABC27 meteorologist Dan Tomaso about the recent and upcoming weather pattens.

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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a free service for seniors and other eligible taxpayers, where volunteers from various fields help individuals with the preparation of state and federal income tax forms. We spoke with Heidi Newhaus, Volunteer Center Director for the United Way of the Capitol Region about the “Money in Your Pocket” initiative.

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Larry Richardson, President and CEO of YMCA of the Roses, has announced that he will be retiring after more than 30 years at the organization. He played a major role in transforming the organization and strengthening the Y’s impact on housing insecurity and homelessness in York and Lancaster. 

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