Journalist Roundtable

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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State College’s NPR station, WPSU, will continue broadcasting after all, following a new partnership agreement with Philadelphia’s WHYY. The plan, unanimously approved by Penn State trustees, allows WPSU-TV and radio to join WHYY without requiring a $17 million subsidy from the university, which was a sticking point in a previously rejected proposal. WHYY now has 30 days to secure at least $8.4 million in funding to complete the transfer, which also requires Federal Communications Commission approval.

the recent firing of Penn State Football Coach James Franklin, which has been a major topic in the community. 

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For many, losing vision can feel like losing opportunities, but for Clinton Tyler and Maribel Surita, Vision Corps in Lancaster has been a place of empowerment, growth, and professional achievement. Both employees credit the nonprofit organization with giving them tools, training, and support to thrive in the workplace despite visual impairments.

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State College&rsquo;s NPR station, WPSU, will continue broadcasting after all, following a new partnership agreement with Philadelphia&rsquo;s WHYY. The plan, unanimously <a href="https://whyy.org/press-releases/whyy-board-of-trustees-approves-proposed-transaction-to-acquire-wpsu-tv-and-radio-safeguarding-local-public-media-access-for-central-pennsylvania-communities/">approved</a> by Penn State trustees, allows WPSU-TV and radio to join WHYY without requiring a $17 million subsidy from the university, which was a sticking point in a previously rejected proposal. WHYY now has 30 days to secure at least $8.4 million in funding to complete the transfer, which also requires Federal Communications Commission approval.
the recent <a href="https://radio.wpsu.org/2025-10-13/penn-state-athletics-speaks-on-firing-of-james-franklin-but-avoids-question-about-50m-buyout">firing</a> of Penn State Football Coach James Franklin, which has been a major topic in the community.&nbsp;
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For many, losing vision can feel like losing opportunities, but for Clinton Tyler and Maribel Surita, Vision Corps in Lancaster has been a place of empowerment, growth, and professional achievement. Both employees credit the nonprofit organization with giving them tools, training, and support to thrive in the workplace despite visual impairments.

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>.

WPSU to Stay on Air Thanks to WHYY Partnership & recent firing of James Franklin; Vision Corps Empowers Blind and Visually Impaired Workers in Lancaster.

As wildfire season ramps up across the state, The Spark spoke with Mike Kern, Chief of the Division of Forest Fire Protection, and Matt Reed, Chief of Wildfire Operations and Planning with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, about what residents need to know. They explained that most wildfires in Pennsylvania are human-caused—often the result of debris burning, unattended campfires, or discarded cigarettes—making prevention a critical part of safety. With dry conditions and shifting winds increasing fire risk, they emphasized the importance of following local burn bans, properly extinguishing fires, and staying aware of changing weather conditions. Kern and Reed also highlighted how their teams prepare year-round to respond quickly and protect both people and natural resources, urging Pennsylvanians to stay informed and take simple precautions to help reduce wildfire risk.

On a recent episode of The Spark, we discussed the future of hemp fiber in Pennsylvania with Gabriella Fioravanti of Thomas Jefferson University and Mike Roth of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The conversation focused on how hemp fiber can be used in products like textiles and building materials, the environmental benefits it offers, and the challenges—like processing infrastructure—that are shaping the industry’s growth in the state.

As wildfire season ramps up across the state,&nbsp;The Spark spoke with Mike Kern, Chief of the Division of Forest Fire Protection, and Matt Reed, Chief of Wildfire Operations and Planning with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, about what residents need to know. They explained that most wildfires in Pennsylvania are human-caused&mdash;often the result of debris burning, unattended campfires, or discarded cigarettes&mdash;making prevention a critical part of safety. With dry conditions and shifting winds increasing fire risk, they emphasized the importance of following local burn bans, properly extinguishing fires, and staying aware of changing weather conditions. Kern and Reed also highlighted how their teams prepare year-round to respond quickly and protect both people and natural resources, urging Pennsylvanians to stay informed and take simple precautions to help reduce wildfire risk.
On a recent episode of&nbsp;The Spark, we discussed the future of hemp fiber in Pennsylvania with Gabriella Fioravanti of&nbsp;Thomas Jefferson University&nbsp;and Mike Roth of the&nbsp;Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The conversation focused on how hemp fiber can be used in products like textiles and building materials, the environmental benefits it offers, and the challenges&mdash;like processing infrastructure&mdash;that are shaping the industry&rsquo;s growth in the state.

The Spark Weekly | April 5 | Wildfires and Hemp Fiber

West Shore Farmers Market

Hemp Fiber

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Greg Katshir is part of the third generation of family leadership at the West Shore Farmers Market in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania. After the market’s founder, Ray Garver Sr., passed away in 1959, and later his son Ray Garver Jr. took over, the family tradition continued when Tracy (Garver) Katshir joined the business in 1990. Today, the Market is managed jointly by Tracy and her husband, Greg Katshir.

(00:23:06)

Pennsylvania has been actively rebuilding its industrial hemp sector—especially fiber hemp—thanks to strong agricultural roots, state support, and increasing demand for sustainable materials.

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Greg Katshir is part of the third generation of family leadership at the West Shore Farmers Market in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania. After the market&rsquo;s founder, Ray Garver Sr., passed away in 1959, and later his son Ray Garver Jr. took over, the family tradition continued when Tracy (Garver) Katshir joined the business in 1990. Today, the Market is managed jointly by Tracy and her husband, Greg Katshir.
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Pennsylvania has been actively rebuilding its industrial hemp sector&mdash;especially fiber hemp&mdash;thanks to strong agricultural roots, state support, and increasing demand for sustainable materials.

From Generational Market Leadership to Industrial Innovation: How the West Shore Farmers Market and Pennsylvania’s Hemp Revival Reflect a Growing Sustainable Future

Match Madness

Women Judges

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We’re joined by Carol Thornton, Executive Director of the Partnership for Better Health, along with leaders from two participating nonprofits:
Ericka Anderson, Landisburg EMS
Jeanna Som, Supportive Partnerships for Youth

Together, they break down Match Madness, a unique annual fundraising campaign now celebrating its 10th year. Modeled after the excitement of March Madness, this initiative brings together 64 local nonprofits—all committed to advancing health equity and serving communities throughout the region. Since 2016, Match Madness has raised more than $6.1 million to support small and mid‑sized organizations making a direct impact.

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In recognition of National Women’s History Month, we also feature Judge Lori A. Dumas, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Judge (term 2022–2031). Judge Dumas reflects on her extensive career—from her decades on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas to her role as a nationally recognized trainer on human trafficking issues.

We explore the broader landscape of women in the Pennsylvania judiciary, where women now make up 34% of active judges statewide. Women hold major leadership roles across Pennsylvania’s appellate courts, including the historic appointment of Chief Justice Debra Todd, the first woman to lead the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Judge Dumas brings firsthand insight into this progress, the importance of representation, and the ongoing evolution of the judiciary.

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We&rsquo;re joined by Carol Thornton, Executive Director of the Partnership for Better Health, along with leaders from two participating nonprofits:
<ul>
<li>Ericka Anderson, Landisburg EMS</li>
<li>Jeanna Som, Supportive Partnerships for Youth</li>
</ul>
Together, they break down Match Madness, a unique annual fundraising campaign now celebrating its 10th year. Modeled after the excitement of March Madness, this initiative brings together 64 local nonprofits&mdash;all committed to advancing health equity and serving communities throughout the region. Since 2016, Match Madness has raised more than $6.1 million to support small and mid‑sized organizations making a direct impact.
(00:22:31)
In recognition of National Women&rsquo;s History Month, we also feature Judge Lori A. Dumas, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court Judge (term 2022&ndash;2031). Judge Dumas reflects on her extensive career&mdash;from her decades on the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas to her role as a nationally recognized trainer on human trafficking issues.
We explore the broader landscape of women in the Pennsylvania judiciary, where women now make up 34% of active judges statewide. Women hold major leadership roles across Pennsylvania&rsquo;s appellate courts, including the historic appointment of Chief Justice Debra Todd, the first woman to lead the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Judge Dumas brings firsthand insight into this progress, the importance of representation, and the ongoing evolution of the judiciary.

WPSU to Stay on Air Thanks to WHYY Partnership & recent firing of James Franklin; Vision Corps Empowers Blind and Visually Impaired Workers in Lancaster.

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