More than two months past Pennsylvania’s budget deadline, school districts across the state are grappling with uncertainty, borrowing costs, and the possibility of program cuts as they wait for billions in state funding.

Also, on The Spark Weekly:

At the heart of WITF’s mission to provide trusted news, cultural programming, and educational content lies a dedicated team working behind the scenes: the development department. Leading the charge is Elisa Balestra, Vice President of Philanthropy, who joined the station 11 months ago and has quickly immersed herself in connecting the community to the station’s mission.

More than two months past Pennsylvania&rsquo;s budget deadline, school districts across the state are grappling with uncertainty, borrowing costs, and the possibility of program cuts as they wait for billions in state funding.
Also, on The Spark Weekly:
At the heart of WITF&rsquo;s mission to provide trusted news, cultural programming, and educational content lies a dedicated team working behind the scenes: the development department. Leading the charge is Elisa Balestra, Vice President of Philanthropy, who joined the station 11 months ago and has quickly immersed herself in connecting the community to the station&rsquo;s mission.

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 9.14.2025: Behind the Scenes at WITF: How the Development Department Powers Public Media. Pennsylvania Schools Face Strain Without State Budget

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.

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;

The Spark Weekly 9.14.2025: Behind the Scenes at WITF: How the Development Department Powers Public Media. Pennsylvania Schools Face Strain Without State Budget

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