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

 

Saving money is one of the most important habits a young person can develop—but for students and families alike, navigating the many savings options can be overwhelming. From traditional savings accounts to 529 college plans, understanding which tools to use and when can make all the difference in building a solid financial future.

 

also, on the program

A study from the Penn State Center for Evaluation and Education and Policy Analysis (CEEPA) shows that fully one third of school districts in Pennsylvania had teacher vacancies, with Special Education faculty especially hard to find. We talk with Dr. Edward Fuller, Associate Professor of Education and co-author of the study.  

Coming up on this week's edition of The Spark Weekly.
&nbsp;
Saving money is one of the most important habits a young person can develop&mdash;but for students and families alike, navigating the many savings options can be overwhelming. From traditional savings accounts to 529 college plans, understanding which tools to use and when can make all the difference in building a solid financial future.
&nbsp;
also, on the program
A study from the Penn State Center for Evaluation and Education and Policy Analysis (CEEPA) shows that fully one third of school districts in Pennsylvania had teacher vacancies, with Special Education faculty especially hard to find. We talk with Dr. Edward Fuller, Associate Professor of Education and co-author of the study. &nbsp;

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 3.13.2025: How to Help Your Child Save and The Teacher Shortage

Historian Chrissie Senecal joined The Spark to explore how people throughout history have understood comets and meteors, especially long before modern science could explain what was happening in the sky. With the Geminid meteor shower lighting up December skies and holiday traditions top of mind, the conversation tied celestial events to seasonal stories, including legends surrounding the Star of Bethlehem. Senecal walked through what comets actually are, where they come from, and how ancient observers first recognized them as something different from stars or planets—often seeing them as omens or messages rather than natural objects.

Cumberland County athletes rallied at Ace Pickleball Club in Enola, PA, pushing through a nonstop 48-hour pickleball match to break a world record—while each player competed for a different charity or cause. In this episode, we dive into the endurance, community spirit, and rising popularity of the sport.

<a href="https://chrissysenecal.com/">Historian</a>&nbsp;Chrissie Senecal joined The Spark to explore how people throughout history have understood comets and meteors, especially long before modern science could explain what was happening in the sky. With the Geminid meteor shower lighting up December skies and holiday traditions top of mind, the conversation tied celestial events to seasonal stories, including legends surrounding the Star of Bethlehem. Senecal walked through what comets actually are, where they come from, and how ancient observers first recognized them as something different from stars or planets&mdash;often seeing them as omens or messages rather than natural objects.
Cumberland County athletes rallied at Ace Pickleball Club in Enola, PA, pushing through a nonstop 48-hour pickleball match to break a world record&mdash;while each player competed for a different charity or cause. In this episode, we dive into the endurance, community spirit, and rising popularity of the sport.

The Spark Weekly 12.14.2025: World Record Pickleball Game and Comets, Christmas, and the Cosmos.

Journalist Roundtable

AIDs Resource

In this episode, we dive into three critical conversations shaping Pennsylvania’s political, economic, and public-health landscape.

(00:00:00)

First, Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA joins us to discuss her reporting on the use of taxpayer dollars for security upgrades at Governor Josh Shapiro’s private residence. She explains what her investigation uncovered, why the spending matters, and how it fits into larger questions of transparency and public trust.

Then, we turn to national politics with Roger DuPuis of WVIA, who breaks down former President Trump’s recent visit to northeastern Pennsylvania and his messaging on the economy. Roger shares on-the-ground insights, voter reactions, and what this visit signals heading into the election season.

(00:22:28)

Finally, we shift to community health with Kirsten Burkhart, Executive Director of AIDS Resource and Founder & Executive Director of AR Health. Kirsten traces the organization’s evolution from its founding in 1988, providing compassionate support for individuals dying from AIDS in Lycoming County, to its current role as a comprehensive primary-care provider for people living with HIV and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. She highlights ongoing challenges, expanded services, and the life-saving work happening in Williamsport, State College, and beyond.

 

In this episode, we dive into three critical conversations shaping Pennsylvania&rsquo;s political, economic, and public-health landscape.
(00:00:00)
First, Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA joins us to discuss her reporting on the use of taxpayer dollars for security upgrades at Governor Josh Shapiro&rsquo;s private residence. She explains what her investigation uncovered, why the spending matters, and how it fits into larger questions of transparency and public trust.
Then, we turn to national politics with Roger DuPuis of WVIA, who breaks down former President Trump&rsquo;s recent visit to northeastern Pennsylvania and his messaging on the economy. Roger shares on-the-ground insights, voter reactions, and what this visit signals heading into the election season.
(00:22:28)
Finally, we shift to community health with Kirsten Burkhart, Executive Director of AIDS Resource and Founder &amp; Executive Director of AR Health. Kirsten traces the organization&rsquo;s evolution from its founding in 1988, providing compassionate support for individuals dying from AIDS in Lycoming County, to its current role as a comprehensive primary-care provider for people living with HIV and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. She highlights ongoing challenges, expanded services, and the life-saving work happening in Williamsport, State College, and beyond.
&nbsp;

Beyond the Headlines: Political Transparency, the Economy & HIV Care in Pennsylvania

Doctor Shortage

World Record Breaking Pickleball Game

(00:00:00)

We explore a growing challenge facing millions of Americans: the nationwide doctor shortage that’s making routine appointments harder to get, especially in rural and underserved communities.

(00:23:02)

Cumberland County athletes rallied at Ace Pickleball Club in Enola, PA, pushing through a nonstop 48-hour pickleball match to break a world record—while each player competed for a different charity or cause. In this episode, we dive into the endurance, community spirit, and rising popularity of the sport.

 

(00:00:00)
We explore a growing challenge facing millions of Americans: the nationwide doctor shortage that&rsquo;s making routine appointments harder to get, especially in rural and underserved communities.
(00:23:02)
Cumberland County athletes rallied at Ace Pickleball Club in Enola, PA, pushing through a nonstop 48-hour pickleball match to break a world record&mdash;while each player competed for a different charity or cause. In this episode, we dive into the endurance, community spirit, and rising popularity of the sport.
&nbsp;

The Spark Weekly 3.13.2025: How to Help Your Child Save and The Teacher Shortage

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