Domestic Violence

Public Schools

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More than 15 hundred people have died as the result of domestic violence in Pennsylvania over the past ten years. Many more people are living in abusive relationships or homes. Domestic violence is more than physical violence against someone. Often it can be emotional or financial abuse directed at someone. Domestic violence is a scourge that just that leaves lasting scars. And now a state budget impasse is affecting services can domestic violence survivors rely on. Joining us on The Spark today is Susan Higginbotham, CEO of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence. 

(00:22:26)

Also on the program, the state budget impasse has been going on now for more than four months. Pennsylvania’s public schools are not getting the funding they’re due and are feeling the brunt of it. Some schools are having to take drastic measures like taking out loans that will have to be paid back with interest. How are schools coping? To answer that questions on the program will be Sherri Smith, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.

(00:00:00)
More than 15 hundred people have died as the result of domestic violence in Pennsylvania over the past ten years. Many more people are living in abusive relationships or homes. Domestic violence is more than physical violence against someone. Often it can be emotional or financial abuse directed at someone. Domestic violence is a scourge that just that leaves lasting scars. And now a state budget impasse is affecting services can domestic violence survivors rely on. Joining us on The Spark today is Susan Higginbotham, CEO of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence.&nbsp;
(00:22:26)
Also on the program, the state budget impasse has been going on now for more than four months. Pennsylvania&rsquo;s public schools are not getting the funding they&rsquo;re due and are feeling the brunt of it. Some schools are having to take drastic measures like taking out loans that will have to be paid back with interest. How are schools coping? To answer that questions on the program will be Sherri Smith, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb starts conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, host Asia Tabb start the conversations about what&rsquo;s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at&nbsp;<a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

How has The State Budget Impasse Affected Both Domestic Violence Services and Public Schools?

Journalist Roundtable

Charlie Brenneman

This episode brings together policy, protest, and personal purpose.

(00:00:00)

WITF’s Jordan Wilkie joins us to discuss his reporting on a group of activist Mennonites calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and how their faith-driven activism also centers on supporting immigrants in the United States.

Emily Previti of the PA Capitol Star breaks down new Pennsylvania legislation aimed at cracking down on human trafficking, what’s in the bills, why they matter, and what comes next.

(00:23:01)

We also sit down with Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman for a straightforward look at his unlikely path. From high school wrestler to Spanish teacher, Pros vs. Joes winner, UFC fighter, and now speaker, podcaster, and coach. He talks about chasing dreams, finding purpose beyond competition, and his personal mission to speak at every State Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania.

Three conversations, one episode. Focused on justice, conviction, and what drives people to act.

This episode brings together policy, protest, and personal purpose.
(00:00:00)
WITF&rsquo;s Jordan Wilkie joins us to discuss his reporting on a group of activist Mennonites calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and how their faith-driven activism also centers on supporting immigrants in the United States.
Emily Previti of the PA Capitol Star breaks down new Pennsylvania legislation aimed at cracking down on human trafficking, what&rsquo;s in the bills, why they matter, and what comes next.
(00:23:01)
We also sit down with Charlie &ldquo;The Spaniard&rdquo; Brenneman for a straightforward look at his unlikely path. From high school wrestler to Spanish teacher, Pros vs. Joes winner, UFC fighter, and now speaker, podcaster, and coach. He talks about chasing dreams, finding purpose beyond competition, and his personal mission to speak at every State Correctional Institution in Pennsylvania.
Three conversations, one episode. Focused on justice, conviction, and what drives people to act.

Justice, Faith, and the Fight to Move Forward

Dr. Weiss is a retired Professor of Philosophy at York College of Pennsylvania and a longtime film scholar and educator. He brings a rare combination of philosophical insight, teaching experience, and public-facing film programming.

This follow-up conversation explores how film helps us reflect on identity, technology, and the American experience, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. It highlights a year-long America 250 film series and a four-week course on 1950s science fiction, using classic and contemporary movies to examine cultural ideals, fears, and evolving ideas of what it means to be human. The discussion emphasizes film’s power to spark accessible moral and civic conversations, the importance of independent cinemas in fostering dialogue, and why these themes remain especially relevant during moments of national reflection.

Dr. Weiss is a retired Professor of Philosophy at York College of Pennsylvania and a longtime film scholar and educator. He brings a rare combination of philosophical insight, teaching experience, and public-facing film programming.
This follow-up conversation explores how film helps us reflect on identity, technology, and the American experience, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. It highlights a year-long America 250 film series and a four-week course on 1950s science fiction, using classic and contemporary movies to examine cultural ideals, fears, and evolving ideas of what it means to be human. The discussion emphasizes film&rsquo;s power to spark accessible moral and civic conversations, the importance of independent cinemas in fostering dialogue, and why these themes remain especially relevant during moments of national reflection.

Film, America 250, and The Anxieties of the Atomic Age.

Dickinson Promise

National Bobblehead Day

This episode highlights two institutions breaking the mold.

(00:00:00) Dickinson College expands its tuition-free initiative, opening doors for more students and redefining affordability in higher education.

(00:22:21) Meanwhile, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum marks National Bobblehead Day by unveiling a limited-edition Saturday Night Live bobblehead collection, celebrating creativity, nostalgia, and cultural history. From serious strides in educational access to lighthearted pop culture collectibles, we cover how innovation can take many forms.

This episode highlights two institutions breaking the mold.
(00:00:00) Dickinson College expands its tuition-free initiative, opening doors for more students and redefining affordability in higher education.
(00:22:21) Meanwhile, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum marks National Bobblehead Day by unveiling a limited-edition&nbsp;Saturday Night Live bobblehead collection, celebrating creativity, nostalgia, and cultural history. From serious strides in educational access to lighthearted pop culture collectibles, we cover how innovation can take many forms.

How has The State Budget Impasse Affected Both Domestic Violence Services and Public Schools?

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