The Spark Weekly | August 16 | Tourism in PA and The Dangers of Kratom

As summer wraps up in Pennsylvania, Asia Tabb sits down with Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan for a postmortem look at how the Commonwealth handled a busy summer filled with major events, festivals, and visitors. They discuss what went well, the challenges along the way, the economic and tourism impacts across the state, and what Pennsylvania learned from the experience. It's a chance to assess the results of the preparation efforts discussed earlier this year and explore what the season ultimately meant for Pennsylvania's communities, businesses, and tourism industry.Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick is calling for stricter regulation, and potentially a statewide ban, on kratom, a widely available substance he says has been linked to deaths in central Pennsylvania. Sold in gas stations and convenience stores with few restrictions, kratom has sparked growing concern among public health and medical professionals. On this episode of The Spark, we examine what kratom is, why some people use it, the health risks associated with it, and the debate over regulation. Experts in addiction medicine, toxicology, and emergency care join the conversation to discuss the science, public safety concerns, and what Pennsylvanians should know about this controversial substance.