Spotlight PA

They come crispy, chewy, pillowy, and snappy. Pennsylvanians dip them in cheese, fill them with peanut butter, and cover them in chocolate. And a lot of these pretzels are made in the state. by Asha Prihar of Spotlight PA Pretzels laid out on a baking sheetAsha Prihar of Spotlight PA This story first appeared in

This Sunshine Week, help Spotlight PA track your tax dollars and keep your elected officials here and in Washington honest. by Christopher Baxter Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for

More than 10,000 people support Spotlight PA’s relentless reporting. Join them this Giving Tuesday. by Christopher Baxter Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. VICKI VELLIOS BRINER / For Spotlight PA Next year

Pennsylvania and its county and local governments are on track to spend nearly all of the federal American Rescue Plan Act funds they received to address the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College This story first appeared in Talk of the Town — a daily

Districts in poorer areas are the hardest hit by the budget impasse, as they tend to rely more heavily on the state for funding. by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up

Pennsylvania has made $40 million on frozen cash during the budget impasse. But it won’t pass on interest to service providers once that funding is released. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in

The Pa. Supreme Court is the highest in the commonwealth. Voters will decide in November whether to keep three justices who were elected as Democrats. by Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA This guide was originally published on Oct. 23, 2023. It was updated on Sept. 4, 2025, ahead of the Nov. 4 judicial elections. Decisions

Experts say the rollback will decrease energy production and add $130 on average to bills by the end of the decade. by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free

A Spotlight PA investigation found Pennsylvania politicians and local officials broke promises to replace institutionalized care with community options — despite knowing the devastating consequences. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. A

After about 150 Pennsylvania boroughs and townships were given the authority to raise higher fire and EMS taxes, a lawmaker wants to expand that power for more communities. by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative

Pennsylvania poll workers help to make voting run smoothly on Election Day. Here’s how you can serve as one. by Kate Huangpu and Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA Workers sort mail ballots at the Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown on Nov. 8, 2022.Kate Huangpu and Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent,

Conversations with Cody Balmer’s neighbors and a review of public information reveal a chronically troubled man who does not seem to have a strong political ideology. by Stephen Caruso and Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA Gov. Josh Shapiro is shown fire damage inside the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent,

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal includes $10 million for a Pennsylvania fund that assists financially distressed local governments. by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College Houses on a street in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. Georgianna Sutherland / For Spotlight PA This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom

Spotlight PA’s independent, nonpartisan journalism rises above politics and partisanship to deliver the facts and get results. by Christopher Baxter of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA staffers at the Pennsylvania Capitol in 2023. Dani Fresh / For Spotlight PA When Luen Ng died at 75 after being struck by a hit-and-run driver in Northeast Philadelphia, few

Widespread errors in Pa. insurance provider listings are going uncorrected for months, raising concerns about access to care, a new report shows. by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA The Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power

The governor’s latest budget pitch would send an additional $290 million to the state’s public transit agencies, invest more in a new student-teacher stipend, and more. by Stephen Caruso, Kate Huangpu, and Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA Gov. Josh Shapiro delivers his 2025 budget speech before the legislature. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent,

State House Democrats have a vacancy after a member’s death, and leaders won’t say whether they’ll stop floor votes while they wait to restore their numerical majority. by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA The lower chamber is expected to stay tied until March 25, the date Speaker Joanna McClinton (D., Philadelphia) chose for a special

Lawmakers are resuming their debate over legalizing recreational marijuana. To do it, they have to navigate industry interests, meet restorative justice goals, and more. by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA Supporters of legalizing cannabis for adult use rally outside the Capitol in Harrisburg on June 27, 2023. Ed Mahon / Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is

In 2024, Spotlight PA reporters uncovered slow elder abuse investigations, warnings about troubled transplant programs, and more. by Sarah Anne Hughes of Spotlight PA The exterior of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to

Hospital volunteers and workers observe holiday traditions to help boost the spirits of Pennsylvania kids undergoing exhausting treatments in unfamiliar environments. by Sarah Boden for Spotlight PA Hospital volunteers and workers observe holiday traditions to help boost the spirits of Pennsylvania kids undergoing exhausting treatments in unfamiliar environments. Sarah Boden / For Spotlight PA This

A new report from the Pennsylvania Economy League recommends that Mount Penn adopt a home rule charter, among other recommendations. by Amanda Fries for Spotlight PA Exterior of Mount Penn Borough’s municipal building. Amanda Fries / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power

Despite opposition from hunters, the Pennsylvania Game Commission moved the opening date for rifle deer season from the Monday after Thanksgiving to the Saturday. by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College Colin Deppen / Spotlight PA This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to

Democrat Casey says the greed of “big conglomerates” is to blame for high prices for household essentials. Republican McCormick claims the economy is “weak.” by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA U.S. Senate candidates Dave McCormick, left, and Bob Casey, right. Courtesy campaigns Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism

Already sick, former patients of the failed kidney and liver transplant units face rejection and despair as they look elsewhere and grapple with the one thing they cannot afford to lose: time. by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA and Wyatt Massey of Spotlight PA State College After Hershey Medical Center stopped performing kidney transplants, Jessica

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has thrown his support behind private school vouchers, but most voters aren’t on the same page. Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA A former classroom in Pennsylvania Nate Smallwood / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and

Pennsylvania is home to almost 8 billion trees. Here’s how to get the most out of fall foliage (and more) this season. Sarah Anne Hughes of Spotlight PA The Maylath Farm and Orchard in Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania.Commonwealth Media Services This story first appeared in PA Local, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA taking a fresh, positive

by Carter Walker of Votebeat This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. Sign up for Votebeat’s free newsletters here. MATT SMITH / FOR SPOTLIGHT PA A Western Pennsylvania county that rejected hundreds of mail ballots in the April primary should have notified voters beforehand, a

Pennsylvania local governments are designed to be led by ordinary citizens, but finding and keeping the right people to do the job has become challenging for municipalities of all sizes. by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College Dan Nott / For Spotlight PA A version of this story first appeared in Talk of the

Low wages make it difficult for PA childcare providers to hire and retain staff, which can lead to long wait lists and abrupt closures. by Sarah Boden for Spotlight PA Children at Shady Lane School in Pittsburgh play in a sandbox. Sarah Boden for Spotlight PA This story first appeared in How We Care, a

Thanks to federal dollars, Pennsylvania is passing new energy bills that require bipartisan compromise. Carbon capture, solar investments, and more are on the table. by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA Solar panels in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to

Shapiro has emerged as a top contender for the vice-presidential nod following President Joe Biden’s exit from the race. Learn more about his long political history. BY Stephen Caruso, Angela Couloumbis, Kate Huangpu, and Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism

Pennsylvania township and borough associations want the legislature to let them publish public notices online, but lobbyists for newspapers say voters prefer the status quo. Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College Dan Nott / For Spotlight PA This story first appeared in The Investigator, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA featuring the best investigative

Mistakes and political fights have long delayed an amendment to give sexual abuse survivors a chance to sue the perpetrators. Now, the effort might fail again. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA The exterior of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing

Shortages of ADHD medications have forced patients to ration and to spend hours calling different pharmacies to get prescriptions filled. by Sarah Boden for Spotlight PA A pharmacy worker prepares a prescription. Commonwealth Media Services This story first appeared in How We Care, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA featuring original reporting and perspectives on

A bill that would slightly reduce credit card ‘swipe fees’ is moving quickly through the Pa. legislature, but while merchants are on board, banks and credit card companies are not. by Trebor Maitin for Spotlight PA Members on the floor of the Pennsylvania State House.Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan,

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. Some lawmakers hope that the legislature will finally reach a consensus on how to update Pennsylvania’s charter school law. Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA HARRISBURG —

Democrats continued to vote on behalf of a lawmaker after police issued a warrant for his arrest, leading Republicans to again call for restrictions on the practice. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA Members of the Pennsylvania House on the floor. Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom

The secrecy leaves taxpayers in the dark about who underwrites the outings and what interests they may have in state government policy. by Stephen Caruso and Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA Gov. Josh Shapiro attends a Philadelphia Union game on Sept. 23, 2023. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing

The committee announced the plan for how counties of all sizes will be able to request their portion of the historic $7.5 million investment of state money. by Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA View of the south side of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex at night. Kent M. Wilhelm / Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an

New policies and novel legal theories on everything from abortion to education to election administration are being shaped at the state level. And the decisions made in Harrisburg have a far greater effect on your life than the little done in Washington, D.C. these days. That’s why Spotlight PA’s investigative and public-service reporting on the

The one constant in Harrisburg no matter the dominant political party is a reflexive inclination to shield information from the public. by Christopher Baxter Politicians in Harrisburg come and go, and political majorities shift over time. But one enduring constant, no matter who’s in power, is a reflexive inclination to shield information from the very

Pennsylvania has lost nearly 300 years of election official experience since 2019. The state’s top voting official says this loss is “one of the biggest dangers” to elections. by Carter Walker of Votebeat A poll worker holds voting stickers for community members on Nov. 7, 2023, at Central Elementary School in Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.

Billions of dollars are coming to states to help them respond to the opioid epidemic, but Pennsylvania’s drug paraphernalia law is creating conflict. by Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA and Sarah Boden of WESA Kim Botteicher, executive director of a nonprofit service provider in Westmoreland County, wants Pennsylvania lawmakers to allow syringe services. “It’s right.

Pennsylvanians can get abortions up to 24 weeks. But access advocates say there are still too many restrictions, like waiting periods, parental consent rules, and insufficient funding. by Katie Meyer Public officials and members of Planned Parenthood at a 2022 press conference about the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an

Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering significant changes to the way charter schools are funded as they undertake a monumental overhaul

Four officials share the concrete changes they say would shore up Pennsylvania’s system against frivolous fraud allegations as the 2024 election approaches. by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA Voter registration worker Sharon Schoemaker sorts mail ballots at Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Nov. 7, 2023. Matt Smith / For Spotlight PA Spotlight

Pa. lawmakers have a lot of work left before a state budget is finalized. They have only a week until construction closes the state House for the winter. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA The interior of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection policy now recognizes 1,965 environmental justice areas in Pennsylvania. More than 200 are in rural counties. by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College A map of Pennsylvania’s 2023 environmental justice areas highlighted in red. Screenshot via Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection This story was produced by the State College

Pennsylvanians will see candidates for state Supreme Court, municipal races, and more on the Nov. 7 general election ballot. by Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds the power to account and drives positive change in

The state House has sent the upper chamber a bill to change the date of the 2024 presidential primary to April 2. It’s unclear how the state Senate will respond. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Carter Walker of Votebeat A sign that reads House of Representatives inside the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. Amanda

Pennsylvania’s latest budget gives $112 million to parks and forests, but the infrastructure backlog is $1.4 billion. by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College Commonwealth Media Services This story first appeared in Talk of the Town, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA’s State College regional bureau featuring the most important news and happenings in

Join Spotlight PA on Oct. 12 to learn more about the candidates running for state Supreme Court and more, and what these elections will mean for you. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds the powerful to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our

One of the biggest-ever classes of new lawmakers joined the Pa. legislature this year. Spotlight PA followed 3 of them as they navigated a freshman year full of power struggle and scandal. Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA In order from left, Representatives Dallas Kephart, Justin Fleming, and Tarik Khan.

The rebate program had not seen a full update since 2006 despite repeated bipartisan efforts to stem enrollment declines. by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA The Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public

The governor signed a $45.5 billion appropriations bill after a month-plus dispute over a private school voucher program. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA Gov. Josh Shapiro presented his first budget proposal to the legislature inside the Capitol building in Harrisburg, PA, in March. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is

In seven states, Trump allies sent electoral votes for him to Congress despite his loss. Some are facing investigations and criminal charges, but the saga has a twist in the Keystone State. by Carter Walker of Votebeat This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and

The Biden administration wants states to invest in hydrogen production to fight climate change, but regulating the industry is an emerging conflict in PA. by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA The dome of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with