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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Asia Tabb speaks with journalists Kate Huangpu and Kara Jeffers about updates on the legalization of recreation cannabis in Pennsylvania.

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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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A national podcast about deaths at the Dauphin County Prison from award-winning journalist Joshua Vaughn.

Asia speaks with Joshua about the podcast.

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The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) and the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) will hold a press conference to call for urgent legislative action on cyber charter funding reform. Education leaders from across the Commonwealth will gather on the front steps of the Capitol to highlight the financial impact on public schools and outline specific, actionable reforms to improve fairness, accountability, and transparency in cyber charter operations.

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