Expecting a baby is stressful under the best of circumstances, but financial uncertainty can make it even harder. Ali Groves, Associate Professor at Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health and Research Chair of the mothers and Infants Cash Coalition, has spent years studying how cash transfers can improve reproductive and maternal health outcomes. 

Thomas McCullough, assistant archivist of the Moravian Church Northern Province, traced the deep historical roots behind one of Pennsylvania’s most recognizable holiday symbols: the Moravian star. McCullough explained that the Moravian Church dates back to 1457 and originated in what is now the Czech Republic, later spreading across Europe and eventually to Pennsylvania in 1740.

Expecting a baby is stressful under the best of circumstances, but financial uncertainty can make it even harder. Ali Groves, Associate Professor at Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health and Research Chair of the mothers and Infants Cash Coalition, has spent years studying how cash transfers can improve reproductive and maternal health outcomes.&nbsp;
Thomas McCullough, assistant archivist of the Moravian Church Northern Province, traced the deep historical roots behind one of Pennsylvania&rsquo;s most recognizable holiday symbols: the Moravian star. McCullough explained that the Moravian Church dates back to 1457 and originated in what is now the Czech Republic, later spreading across Europe and eventually to Pennsylvania in 1740.

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 12.21.2025: How Cash Support Can Improve Pregnancy Outcomes in Pa. and Moravian Star History Shines Light on Pennsylvania Holiday Tradition

Journalist Roundtable

Crohn's Disease

(00:00:00)

Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA, Emily Previti of PA Capitol Star, Carter Walker of Votebeat PA, and Jordan Wilkie of WITF share their favorite stories of 2025 in this special year in review journalist roundtable.

(00:22:28)

Crohn’s disease is part of a larger group of illnesses called inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Crohn’s disease is a chronic, or long-term, condition that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as the digestive system. Dr. Matthew Coates, a gastroenterologist at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center tells us all we need to know about this condition.

(00:00:00)
Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA, Emily Previti of PA Capitol Star, Carter Walker of Votebeat PA, and Jordan Wilkie of WITF share their favorite stories of 2025 in this special year in review journalist roundtable.
(00:22:28)
Crohn&rsquo;s disease is part of a larger group of illnesses called inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Crohn&rsquo;s disease is a chronic, or long-term, condition that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, also known as the digestive system. Dr. Matthew Coates, a gastroenterologist at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center tells us all we need to know about this condition.

A Year in Review with Pennsylvania Journalists, and What to Know About Crohn’s Disease.

Loretta Claiborne

Tom Baldridge

(00:00:00)

In this compelling episode, we sit down with two leaders whose impact spans very different worlds but shares a common thread of purpose. Legendary Special Olympian and advocate Loretta Claiborne reflects on her extraordinary journey of resilience, inclusion, and lifelong advocacy for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

(00:22:30)

Then, Tom Baldridge, the new Interim President and CEO of Pennon, joins us to discuss leadership, vision, and what’s next as he steps into his role guiding the organization forward. Together, these conversations explore perseverance, mission-driven leadership, and how individuals can create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

 

(00:00:00)
In this compelling episode, we sit down with two leaders whose impact spans very different worlds but shares a common thread of purpose. Legendary Special Olympian and advocate Loretta Claiborne reflects on her extraordinary journey of resilience, inclusion, and lifelong advocacy for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
(00:22:30)
Then, Tom Baldridge, the new Interim President and CEO of Pennon, joins us to discuss leadership, vision, and what&rsquo;s next as he steps into his role guiding the organization forward. Together, these conversations explore perseverance, mission-driven leadership, and how individuals can create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
&nbsp;

Breaking Barriers & Building Futures: Special Olympian Loretta Claiborne and New Interim President and CEO of Pennon Tom Baldridge

Philly Joy Bank

Fortune Telling Laws in PA

(00:00:00)

SNAP benefits are coming back—but is that actually good news for everyone? We’re talking about what the return of SNAP really means, especially for expecting mothers who were hit hard by cuts and confusing policies. Who’s being helped, who’s still struggling, and what can families realistically expect going forward?

(00:22:27)

We’re also joined by Beck Ravenswood, owner of The Serpent's Key Shoppe and Sanctuary, to talk about something you might not even realize is still illegal in parts of Pennsylvania: tarot reading. After being threatened with arrest by the Hanover Borough Police Department in October 2023, Beck has been fighting back against an outdated law that criminalizes spiritual practices.

From putting food on the table to the freedom to run a small business without fear, this episode digs into what happens when the rules don’t reflect real life, and what it takes to push for change.

(00:00:00)
SNAP benefits are coming back&mdash;but is that actually good news for everyone? We&rsquo;re talking about what the return of SNAP really means, especially for expecting mothers who were hit hard by cuts and confusing policies. Who&rsquo;s being helped, who&rsquo;s still struggling, and what can families realistically expect going forward?
(00:22:27)
We&rsquo;re also joined by Beck Ravenswood, owner of The Serpent's Key Shoppe and Sanctuary, to talk about something you might not even realize is still illegal in parts of Pennsylvania: tarot reading. After being threatened with arrest by the Hanover Borough Police Department in October 2023, Beck has been fighting back against an outdated law that criminalizes spiritual practices.
From putting food on the table to the freedom to run a small business without fear, this episode digs into what happens when the rules don&rsquo;t reflect real life, and what it takes to push for change.

The Spark Weekly 12.21.2025: How Cash Support Can Improve Pregnancy Outcomes in Pa. and Moravian Star History Shines Light on Pennsylvania Holiday Tradition

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