In 50 STATES OF MURDER: An Atlas of American Crime, true crime master Harold Schechter, reveals lesser known, darkly fascinating cases that, taken together, form a unique criminal history of all 50 states in the US!

 

This week, libraries across the country, including the Cumberland County Library System, are taking part in National Banned Books Week, a celebration of the freedom to read and an effort to raise awareness about attempts to remove books from public shelves.

In&nbsp;50 STATES OF MURDER: An Atlas of American Crime, true crime master&nbsp;Harold Schechter, reveals lesser known, darkly fascinating cases that, taken together, form a unique criminal history of all 50 states in the US!
&nbsp;
This week, libraries across the country, including the Cumberland County Library System, are taking part in National Banned Books Week, a celebration of the freedom to read and an effort to raise awareness about attempts to remove books from public shelves.

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>.

The Spark Weekly 10.12.2025: 50 STATES OF MURDER: An Atlas of American Crime; Banned Book Week with Cumberland County Library Systems

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.

and

Dry January is more than just a social media trend or New Year’s challenge—it’s a chance for people to reset their relationship with alcohol, and for some, it can reveal deeper issues that might otherwise go unaddressed. That’s the perspective shared by Zach Whipperman, director of community outreach at Arkview Behavioral Health, during a recent conversation about why so many people are drawn to the month-long pause from drinking.

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.
and
Dry January is more than just a social media trend or New Year&rsquo;s challenge&mdash;it&rsquo;s a chance for people to reset their relationship with alcohol, and for some, it can reveal deeper issues that might otherwise go unaddressed. That&rsquo;s the perspective shared by Zach Whipperman, director of community outreach at Arkview Behavioral Health, during a recent conversation about why so many people are drawn to the month-long pause from drinking.

The Spark Weekly 1.11.2026: Film, America 250, Anxieties of the Atomic Age and Dry January

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.

The Spark Weekly 10.12.2025: 50 STATES OF MURDER: An Atlas of American Crime; Banned Book Week with Cumberland County Library Systems

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