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WITF is central Pennsylvania’s leading public media organization and source for news, education and entertainment, with programs from NPR, PBS, WITF and more.

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Pennsylvania Experts Analyze President Trump’s Push for New Election Laws

aired; July 23, 2026 President Donald Trump is intensifying his campaign to persuade Republican lawmakers to pass sweeping new voting restrictions ahead of the November midterm elections. During a recent prime-time address, the president highlighted his administration’s immigration policies, tax cuts and military spending before turning his focus to election security. In his remarks, Trump…

Central Pennsylvania Gardening Tips for Beating Heat, Japanese Beetles and Summer Plant Diseases

aired; July 23, 2026 Summer may be peak growing season, but it also brings some of the biggest challenges for gardeners across central Pennsylvania. During the latest edition of The Spark’s monthly gardening conversation, horticulturist Erica Jo Shaffer discussed the seasonal issues affecting gardens throughout the region and shared practical tips for keeping plants healthy through the hottest…

Why Has Central Pennsylvania’s Weather Been So Wild? Meteorologist Explains Heat, Smoke and Storms

aired; July 23, 2026 From smoky skies and dangerous heat to powerful thunderstorms and tropical humidity, this summer’s weather has left many central Pennsylvanians asking the same question: What is going on? On The Spark , ABC27 meteorologist Dan Tomaso helped explain the recent stretch of unusual weather and why so many different weather events have occurred in such a short period of time. The…

Northern Dauphin County municipalities consider regional EMS authority amid funding challenges

A group of municipalities in n orthern Dauphin County is considering forming a joint authority to oversee emergency services as communities across the state struggle with rising costs and staffing shortages. Officials from five boroughs and four townships will hold a joint special meeting Tuesday, July 28 , to vote on incorporating an authority that would develop a long-term plan to administer…

Perry, Stelson 10th district race for Congress most expensive in Pa.

More donors are giving more money to candidates for the10th-district than any other congressional seat in the state. Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson is outpacing incumbent Republican Scott Perry, especially with cash-on-hand.

ICE withdraws appeal of Pa. environmental directives tied to warehouse purchases

This story was originally published in the Pennsylvania Capital-Star Immigration and Customs Enforcement has abandoned its fight to connect to local water and sewage systems serving two warehouses in Pennsylvania – another step back from the agency’s controversial plans to convert them to detention and processing facilities. Already, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE’s backtracking…

What is SNHA?

Susquehanna National Heritage Area Mark Platts Mark Platts, executive director of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area explains how this nationally recognized region is sparking new awareness of the rich history along the Susquehanna River in both York and Lancaster counties. SNHA is collecting and sharing stories, based upon the Susquehanna’s role as “the lifeblood” of Central Pennsylvania’s…

Pennsylvania Adult Summer Camps Give Grown-Ups a Chance to Rediscover Camp

aired; July 22, 2026 Summer camp isn’t just for kids anymore. Across Pennsylvania, adults are finding opportunities to unplug, learn new skills and reconnect with the joy of camp through experiences designed specifically for grown-ups. On The Spark , Leigh Hurtz, camp director for the Band Camp for Adult Musicians (BCFAM) , and Bill Reifsnyder, executive director of Camp Runabout , shared how…

What You Need to Know About Allergies: Symptoms, Triggers and When to Seek Help

aired; July 22, 2026 Sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose are common signs of allergies, but experts say allergic reactions can range from mild seasonal symptoms to life-threatening emergencies. On The Spark , Dr. Timothy Craig, an allergy and immunology specialist at Penn State Health and professor of medicine and pediatrics, discussed what allergies are, how they develop and why recognizing…

Central Pennsylvania breweries release limited-edition ‘717 Collaboration’ beer

A new beer on tap at several Central Pennsylvania breweries celebrates the camaraderie among the region’s craft brewers. The 717 Collaboration beer, released mid-July, is an annual tradition that took a bit of a break but was revived last year. This year’s creation is a New Zealand-style pilsner described as hoppy but light, with 4.7% ABV and notes of melon, grape and citrus. The beer is on tap…