As the cost of living continues to rise across the U.S., parents in Pennsylvania are feeling the squeeze — especially when it comes to raising young children. In a recent interview on The Spark, Laura Beltrán Figueroa, Director of Policy and Research at the Pennsylvania Policy Center, shared how child care expenses are forcing many working families into impossible financial choices.

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At Fort Ligonier in Westmoreland County, history is more than something to read about — it’s something to experience.

The reconstructed 18th-century fort, which played a pivotal role in the French and Indian War, offers visitors a full immersion into colonial life, complete with authentic artifacts, historical interpreters, and a sprawling museum collection.

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At the Fashion Archives & Museum at Shippensburg University, fashion isn’t just about style—it’s a portal to the past. Dr. Karin J. Bohleke, director of the museum, calls it her “dream job,” and she’s using it to bring centuries of history to life through original clothing and textiles.

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As the summer sun blazes on, the sounds of marching steps and brass instruments echo from Hershey High School, where band camp is in full swing. Director of Bands Brandon Buterbaugh says while the rehearsals may be long—spanning eight to nine hours a day—the energy and excitement among students are unmistakable.

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A new campaign in Harrisburg is working to reconnect Pennsylvanians with a powerful—but largely erased—chapter of the capital city's history.

The “Look Up, Look Out” campaign seeks to reimagine Harrisburg’s Old Eighth Ward, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that was demolished in the 1910s to make way for Capitol Park. The effort uses historical research and digital tools to draw connections between the once-thriving community and today’s cityscape of state offices and government workers.

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For adults who may have once believed college was out of reach, Messiah University’s Hoverter Course in the Humanities is proving that it’s never too late to return to the classroom. Run by the Center for Public Humanities, the program offers tuition-free, college-credit humanities courses to community members who’ve faced financial, educational, or personal barriers to higher education.

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

As Central Pennsylvania swelters under a July heat dome, many gardeners are left wondering how to care for their plants in extreme heat. Gardening expert and landscape designer Erica Jo joined The Spark to share essential tips for summer plant care, from watering techniques to fertilizing container gardens.

Also on the program, at age 60, Carla Fisher never expected to begin again. But after losing her husband, she pivoted from a long career in finance to become an award-winning fiber artist with her work exhibited in London, Italy, South Korea, and beyond. Her story isn’t just about art—it’s about courage, healing, and proving that transformation can begin at any stage of life.

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As Pennsylvania’s budget remains more than two weeks overdue, this week’s Journalist Roundtable takes a closer look at the gridlock in Harrisburg—and what voters say they want their leaders to focus on.

Joining the conversation are Jordan Wilkie, Regional Democracy Reporter for WITF and LNP, and Stephen Caruso, State Capitol Reporter for Spotlight PA.

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