The Spark

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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lancaster’s vibrant theater scene is getting a thought-provoking addition this month as the Lancaster Shakespeare Theatre presents Streamers, a powerful drama set during the height of the Vietnam War. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many in Central Pennsylvania, surf fishing might seem like a distant coastal pastime, but Matt Bryson, a Harrisburg/Hershey resident, has turned the sport into a personal passion and a competitive triumph. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A historic log cabin in downtown Gettysburg is being restored to become the town’s first dedicated Black History Museum, highlighting the lives and legacy of the Hopkins family and the wider Black community in the area. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report from the PA Health care Cost Containment Council outlines why Pennsylvanians stay in the hospital-the types of procedures they undergo. Using data collected from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, this type of fact-based information showing the overall total number of cases performed at a facility level reflects the degree of experience a facility has in caring for patients who undergo a procedure. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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! Filled with hundreds of dark tales of murderous mayhem, 50 STATES OF MURDER is a chilling work of storytelling and an authoritative survey of the United States’ homicidal history. Schechter explores each state’s most grizzly, gruesome, and notorious murders that have passed into regional lore. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The internationally acclaimed saxophone quartet Ensemble du Bout du Monde — whose name translates to “the ensemble at the edge of the world” — will bring their genre-bending blend of classical, contemporary, and experimental music to Perry County on October 11. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pennsylvania’s fall foliage season is officially underway, and according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), it’s shaping up to be one of the most colorful — and longest — in the country. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lebanon Valley College Jazz Orchestra (VJO) has released its second commercial album, Jungle Book, showcasing the talent and dedication of student musicians under the direction of Dr. Jeff Lovell and Dr. Justin Morrell. The album features four original compositions by Morrell and highlights guest performances from multi-Grammy-nominated trombonist Alan Ferber and New York-based saxophonist Hashem Assadullahi. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DoorDash is helping transform food access in Pennsylvania through its community initiative, Project Dash. The program partners with organizations like Hunger Free Pennsylvania to deliver meals and essential items to those who need them most — particularly seniors with limited mobility or transportation options. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On October 6, as part of a partnership with the Dauphin County Bar Association, Keep Our Republic (KOR) will host a public forum titled “The Independent Court: What It Is and Why It Matters” at Widener Law School in Harrisburg. The panel will feature former United States Court of Appeals Judge Andre Davis, former District of New Jersey Federal District Court Judge Robert Kugler, and President Judge Emerita Bonnie Leadbetter of the Commonwealth Court. Together, they will discuss why judicial independence is a cornerstone of democracy. As schools across Pennsylvania welcome students back to classrooms, mental health experts are using Suicide Awareness Month to highlight a growing concern: youth suicide and the importance of supporting students’ social-emotional well-being. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this month’s Braver Angels segment on The Spark, the focus was on a principle often discussed but not always fully understood: free speech. Host Asia Tabb was joined by Wilt Wilkinson, host of the conservative podcast Derate the Hate and national Braver Angels leader, and Ron Chadwell, a retired Pennsylvania attorney and local Braver Angels organizer. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Pennsylvania enters its fourth month without a state budget, at least six counties are exploring lines of credit to cover essential services, according to Spotlight PA reporters Katie Meyer and Stephen Caruso. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Harrisburg Book Festival is back this year, running October 15–19, bringing together authors, readers, and literary enthusiasts from across the region. The festival promises panels, book signings, and special presentations that highlight a wide range of genres and creative voices. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than a century, the East Broad Top Railroad has been a lifeline for central Pennsylvania. Built in the 1870s, it is the oldest surviving narrow-gauge railroad east of the Mississippi — and it still runs on its original track and steam locomotives. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On October 6, as part of a partnership with the Dauphin County Bar Association, Keep Our Republic (KOR) will host a public forum titled “The Independent Court: What It Is and Why It Matters” at Widener Law School in Harrisburg. The panel will feature former United States Court of Appeals Judge Andre Davis, former District of New Jersey Federal District Court Judge Robert Kugler, and President Judge Emerita Bonnie Leadbetter of the Commonwealth Court. Together, they will discuss why judicial independence is a cornerstone of democracy. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anders Beck, the dobroist for acclaimed bluegrass-americana band Greensky Bluegrass, recently shared the story of how he stumbled into the instrument that would define his career. “I was a guitar player, getting into bluegrass, and realized flat-picking guitar just wasn’t my thing,” Beck said. “Then I found the dobro—played with a slide, lots of sustain—and I just fell in love. I played six hours a day.” Beck also reflected on the band’s longevity as they celebrate their 25th anniversary. “The reason we’re still going strong? We didn’t stop,” he explained. “We keep pushing ourselves creatively, evolving our sound, and trying new things. Our live shows are like a psychedelic rock odyssey, but on bluegrass instruments.” Over the years, Greensky Bluegrass has blended traditional bluegrass roots with innovative sounds. Beck described the evolution: “We started with the classic setup, one mic, traditional instruments. Now we’ve got amps, pedals, and experimental sounds—but the instruments are still at the core.” The band’s journey, Beck says, has been as much about friendship as music. “We’re five best friends. The band has always been constant, no matter the challenges.” Greensky Bluegrass will be bringing their signature sound to Harrisburg on October 2, marking another milestone in a career defined by creativity, innovation, and a love of bluegrass in all its forms. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theatergoers in Lancaster are in for a unique experience this October as Creative Works of Lancaster presents the world premiere of Dead Inside, a new play by local playwright Gwen Tulin. Known for its innovative approach to performance, Creative Works specializes in nomadic theater, bringing productions to unconventional spaces around the city. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visitors to Lititz may find themselves twisting their own pretzel while stepping back in time at the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, America’s oldest commercial pretzel bakery. Founded in 1861, the bakery’s origins are said to be a happy accident. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.