Early research shows that artificial intelligence could be used to improve learning, creativity and social interaction among kids and teens. But the technology could still be harmful to childhood development – that’s according to a new review study by experts at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

And we take a deep dive into the Central PA Spelling Bee, being held this Saturday, March 21. Joining WITF’s Karen Hendricks in conversation is Jen Eley with WITF’s Pennon Education which organizes the spelling bee. We learn more about the competition, what’s at stake, and the value of spelling in our society today.

A town hall is being held this weekend by a group opposed to the Trump administration's plan to convert a Berks County warehouse into an immigration detention center. The group ICE Out Upper Bern is holding the event at the Shartlesville Fire Company, Sunday afternoon from 1 to 3.

A Lancaster County woman is accused of stealing more than $700,000 from her employer - Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course - located in Dauphin County.

Penn State is out to claim an elusive fifth straight NCAA Division I men’s wrestling title this weekend.

And now it’s time for a new weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I’ll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  

Today’s bright spot is this: There's a new professional baseball league for women — more than seven decades after women had a league of their own. Spring training for the WPBL began this week.

And you can listen to the full 4-minute story from NPR as heard on WITF’s Morning Edition earlier this week – 

https://www.npr.org/2026/03/18/nx-s1-5746038/new-professional-baseball-league-for-women-debuts-this-week