Spotlight PA 
Democrats believe they have their best shot in recent memory at winning a vaunted trifecta — control of the governorship and both legislative chambers. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA The dome 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
Every Pennsylvania school district got at least $50,000 of the $565 million in new spending. by Jaxon White 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’s 500 school
At Glenn Hope Care Farm, Aimee Morris offers former service members and their families outdoor activities and therapies aimed at improving health. by Ann Rejrat photo courtesy Devin Fink PA Local Heroes is a monthly feature sponsored by Ballard Spahr. Installments appear first in PA Local, Spotlight PA’s weekly newsletter that takes a fresh, positive look
On May 19, Pennsylvanians will vote for primary candidates in races for governor, state House, and Senate, and more. 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. Photo by Elizabeth Estrada of 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
The case could still be appealed up to the state Supreme Court. by Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA The exterior to the Pennsylvania Judicial Center. Kent M. Wilhelm / 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
Pennsylvania has universal no-excuse mail voting. Here’s everything you need to know about the process ahead of the May 19 primary election. by Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA Workers sort mail ballots on Primary Election Day 2024 at Northampton County Courthouse in Easton, Pennsylvania. Matt Smith / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan,
Adrienne Lapidos, University of Michigan; Elizabeth Thomas, Temple University, and Kristen Abraham, University of Detroit Mercy Imagine your dream is to get a job at the local library. You have a love for people and for books. You also have schizophrenia, a psychiatric disability that makes life in the community more challenging. You often have
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
Advocates for the legislation say without it, Pa. is missing a key tool to fight fraud and is losing out on millions in federal dollars. by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA Gov. Josh Shapiro unveils his 2026 budget address in the Pennsylvania Capitol.Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom
Pennsylvania Democratic lawmakers say it’s time for Senate Republicans to act, but a key GOP lawmaker says his caucus is “very divided” on the issue. 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
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
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 newsletters. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvanians have voted to retain three Democratic state Supreme Court justices, granting them additional terms on the bench after an
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
By Sarah Boden 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 our free newsletters. As federal vaccine policies and messaging shift under the Trump administration, pediatricians across Pennsylvania are working to maintain proven standards
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
On Nov. 4, you may be asked to consider candidates who want to make decisions on local taxes, public safety, and more in your community. Here’s what you need to know. by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College Municipal Elections 101 from Spotlight PA educates readers about the local positions on their ballots and empowers them to
The conservative political action committee is closely associated with two other groups urging voters to reject new terms for Supreme Court justices. by 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
By Christopher Baxter 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. There are more forces at work than ever to silence free and fearless reporting, and there are fewer resources than
By 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 — On Nov. 4, voters across Pennsylvania will fill vacancies on Commonwealth Court and Superior Court. Pennsylvania’s two intermediate
Guidelines provide different levels of access, and experts say it’s now up to pharmacies to decide which recommendations to follow. by Ed Mahon and 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
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
On Nov. 4, you may be asked to consider candidates who want to be in charge of collecting taxes or auditing local finances. Here’s what you need to know. by Amanda Fries of Spotlight PA Municipal Elections 101 from Spotlight PA educates readers about the local positions on their ballots and empowers them to make informed decisions. Sign
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
By Charlotte Keith 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 — Sweeping changes are coming to a massive program that aims to bring high-speed internet to everyone in the
This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for Talk of the Town, a weekly newsletter of local stories that dig deep, events, and more from north-central PA, at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown. Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College HARRISBURG
This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for Talk of the Town, a weekly newsletter of local stories that dig deep, events, and more from north-central PA, at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown. By Wyatt Massey of Spotlight PA State College
Pennsylvanians will head to the polls today to vote in judicial and municipal races. Here’s everything you need to know. by Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA Matt Smith / 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 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,
A bill would require direct care workers to pass a competency exam rather than have a diploma or GED. Advocates argue a more direct solution to the staffing shortfall would be to increase wages. by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA State Senator Dave Argall speaks at a 2025 event for older Pennsylvanians. Commonwealth Media Services
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
Hunger affects students’ grades and health, but thousands of Pennsylvania kids fall just outside the income threshold for even reduced lunch. Advocates say free lunch for all is the solution. by Sarah Boden for Spotlight PA Daniel Fishel / For Spotlight PA This story first appeared in How We Care, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight
The nomination petition period opens Feb. 18 for Pennsylvania’s 2025 municipal primary election. Races on the ballot include school boards, township supervisors, borough council members, and more. This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for Talk
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
We must restore journalism to its constitutional role as an independent check on power and influence that answers to no one but the people. bt Christopher Baxter of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA — an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit newsroom in Pennsylvania — keeps elected officials in the state Capitol honest. VICKI VELLIOS BRINER / For Spotlight
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
The Pennsylvania House will remain under Democratic control in 2025 as the party held on to all 102 of its seats — including one in Trump country. by Stephen Caruso and Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA “Vote Here” signs at Temple Sinai in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA, on Election Day, Nov. 5,
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
Pennsylvania’s fleeting pawpaw season has arrived and the “hillbilly mango” is ripe for the picking, assuming you can find one. by Colin Deppen of Spotlight PA Pawpaw fruits and seeds on a table. Virginia State Parks / Flickr This story first appeared in PA Local, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA taking a fresh, positive
“Scavengers Reign” was co-created by Charles Huettner, who grew up in the Biglerville area. by Colin Deppen of Spotlight PA A still from episode one of “Scavengers Reign.” Colin Deppen of Spotlight PA This story first appeared in PA Local, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA taking a fresh, positive look at the incredible people,
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
By Marley Parish 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 and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our north-central Pa. newsletter, Talk of the Town, at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown. HARRISBURG — A Pennsylvania House panel has advanced a bill that
Ezra Bozeman, incarcerated in Pa. state prisons since a murder conviction in the 1970s, is quadriplegic and in need of specialized care. by Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA Photo of Ezra Bozeman courtesy of Christine Roess Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and
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
Pennsylvanians will head to the polls on April 23 to vote in statewide races, including attorney general, U.S. Senate, and more. Here’s everything they need to know. by Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA Matt Smith / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power
Learn how Pennsylvania verifies the identities of people who want to vote by mail, ensures that ballots are secure, and more. by Carter Walker of Votebeat Workers sort mail ballots on Nov. 7, 2023, at Northampton County Courthouse in Easton, Pennsylvania. Matt Smith / For Spotlight PA Elections 101 from Spotlight PA protects you against election misinformation and
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt joined Spotlight PA’s Kate Huangpu and Votebeat’s Carter Walker in March for a live event about building trust in elections. by Carter Walker of Votebeat Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt in January 2024 at the East Shore Area Library in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Commonwealth Media Services This article is
Robert Knobel, Queen’s University, Ontario and Kristine Spekkens, Queen’s University, Ontario Eclipse fever has gripped North America, where many people are talking, worrying — and obsessing — about the April 8 total solar eclipse. The eclipse itself is beautiful and moving, and is an incredible opportunity to excite and involve the community in the scientific
Pennsylvanians will see candidates for statewide races including attorney general, as well as U.S. Senate, and more on the April 23 primary election ballot. by Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA A sign showing people where they should cast their ballots for an election. Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and
Poll watchers in Pennsylvania are appointed by candidates and political parties to observe the voting process. Since 2020, their work has become increasingly politicized. by Kate Huangpu Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Elections 101 from Spotlight PA protects you against election misinformation and empowers you to make informed decisions. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — As
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
As Beyoncé’s country singles “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em” usher in a new era for the star, other Black artists in the genre are welcoming the interest and discussing old patterns of exclusion. Tanisha Thomas of Spotlight PA Country musician Samantha Rise performs. Submitted photo. This story first appeared in PA Local, a weekly
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.
A trustee proposed naming the field Friday, but withdrew the resolution minutes later after objections from Paterno’s son, Jay Paterno, who said it’s not the time to honor his father. By Wyatt Massey of Spotlight PA State College Former Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno in 2010. Centre Daily Times File This story was
A Spotlight PA / Votebeat investigation found Heather Honey’s flawed claims have been cited by ex-President Donald Trump and fueled GOP backlash against a tool intended to make voter rolls more accurate. by Carter Walker of Votebeat An illustration of Heather Honey. Leise Hook / For Spotlight PA and Votebeat. This article is made possible
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
Pennsylvania hired genealogy company Ancestry.com to digitize a sweeping list of historical documents. Now, the company claims it owns those digital copies. by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA Officials from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission show Gov. Josh Shapiro the new Pennsylvania State Archives building. Commonwealth Media Services This story first appeared in The
Pennsylvania has seen an increase in chronic wasting disease since 2012. While the state has implemented tracking and mitigation efforts, testing is still optional for hunters. by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College Photo By Mark Nale This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated
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
Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has recently signed several bills that chip away at Pennsylvania’s five-month-old budget impasse. by Stephen Caruso 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 account and drives positive
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
How quickly Pennsylvania counties can produce election results on Nov. 7 will depend on turnout and the number of mail ballots returned. by Katie Meyer 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 power to account and drives positive
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
The Civil War Tails Museum of Gettysburg, PA, uses handmade cat figurines and dioramas to portray pivotal battle moments. By Sara Stewart Handmade clay cat figurines at Civil War Tails museum in Gettysburg, PA. This story first appeared in PA Local, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA, taking a fresh, positive look at the incredible
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.
Advocates say allowing Pennsylvania municipalities to outsource management could improve public services while saving taxpayers money. 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 and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our regional newsletter, Talk of
Local government officials, whether elected or appointed, shape residents’ lives in a range of ways. Here’s how to become involved in your municipality and what to do when problems arise. 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
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