Spotlight PA

Spotlight PA is dedicated to producing nonpartisan investigative journalism about Pennsylvania government and urgent statewide issues. We are an independent watchdog unafraid to dig deep, fight for the truth and take on the powerful to expose wrongdoing and spur meaningful reform. We connect Pennsylvanians to their state, and to each other, through public service journalism that matters to their lives and is creatively told in the many modern, digital ways they consume their news.

What’s Pa.’s past budget impasses can tell us about the current standoff

July 17, 2023 by Spotlight PA

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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. In the past 20 years, PA has passed 13 late budgets, including four impasses that went over 100 days. The Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg. Commonwealth Media Services

Adams misses out on state “Whole-Home Repairs” program

June 26, 2023June 26, 2023 by Spotlight PA

by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA This story first appeared in The Investigator, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA featuring the best investigative and accountability journalism from across Pennsylvania. Sign up for free here. HARRISBURG — As a new $125 million Pennsylvania grant program for home repairs gets underway, demand is expected to be overwhelming, and

Why some lawmakers think this will be the year Pa. raises its minimum wage

June 14, 2023June 14, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA At the moment, Pennsylvania’s wage floor is $7.25 an hour — the same as the federal minimum. The legislature last increased the state’s minimum wage in 2006. The dome of the Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg. Tom Gralish / Philadelphia Inquirer This story first appeared in The Investigator, a weekly

Pa. budget 2023: Your guide to what’s on the table, what comes next, and how to follow along

June 7, 2023 by Spotlight PA

The Pennsylvania legislature has a June 30 deadline to complete a multibillion-dollar budget. Here’s what you need to know. Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. The Pennsylvania State Capitol

Shapiro won’t share daily calendar, a departure from previous Pa. governor’s transparency

May 31, 2023 by Spotlight PA

The Democratic governor’s decision to withhold details about who he meets behind the scenes is legally sound, though experts said he could choose to reveal more. Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA 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

Pa. is sitting on billions in unclaimed property. This bill would get some of it back to its owners.

May 24, 2023 by Spotlight PA

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity has proposed legislation that would allow Pa. to automatically return some unclaimed money to people with no action required on their part. Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for

Pa. primary election 2023: When to expect results, how vote counting will work, and more

May 15, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. Mail ballots are sorted and counted in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on Election Day, November 2022.Matt Smith / For Spotlight PA HARRISBURG — In the

Party affiliation can be misleading in local Pa. elections. Here’s why.

May 3, 2023 by Spotlight PA

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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. For decades, Pa. school board candidates have been able to run in both parties. But as races get more partisan, some lawmakers want to change that.

The Pa. legislature appears to have met a tax break it doesn’t like: one for teachers, nurses, and cops

May 1, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has proposed a tax credit for new teachers, nurses, and cops. Republicans are skeptical. Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA Tom Gralish / Philadelphia Inquirer 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 Media. Sign up for our

Pa. doesn’t fund public defense. Shapiro’s budget would change that.

April 26, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. The Defender Association budget of more than $50 million helps employ about 500 attorneys and other staffers to provide indigent defense

Affordability remains top issue for Pa.’s state-related universities during budget process

April 24, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Wyatt Massey 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 the Town. Despite a funding boost, Pennsylvania’s state-related universities may still raise what is already

Expecting more than $1 billion in opioid settlement money, Pa. grapples with policing versus treatment

April 18, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA and Kate Giammarise of WESA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. Opioid overdoses kill thousands of people each year in Pennsylvania, and settlement money is meant to

Pa. Medicaid re-enrollment: What you need to know to keep your health insurance or find other options

April 14, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — If you’re one of the nearly 3.7 million Pennsylvanians who use Medicaid for health insurance, you’ll need to requalify

Almost 40 elementary schools have closed in rural north-central Pa. in the past decade. Here’s why.

April 12, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Ashad Hajela 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 the Town. Nate Smallwood / For Spotlight PA STATE COLLEGE — At least 38 elementary

Pa. primary election 2023: A complete guide to the candidates for Commonwealth and Superior Courts

April 10, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — In May, Democrats and Republicans will choose their parties’ candidates for three vacant

How Local Government Works: A basic guide to requesting public records in Pa.

March 24, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College In January, I hosted an event that highlighted how Pennsylvania’s system of fragmented local governments hinders public oversight. The level of interest in the topic and the number of questions from attendees overwhelmed me, delighted me — and it gave me an idea. What if I answered your

Pa. primary election 2023: A complete guide to the candidates for state Supreme Court

March 21, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — During Pennsylvania’s primary election in May, Democrats and Republicans will choose their parties’ nominees to fill a seat on

Key senator’s record on election policy has Democrats, voting advocates worried passing reform will be difficult

March 10, 2023 by Spotlight PA

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. This article is available for reprint under the terms of Votebeat’s republishing policy. As the legislature returns to work after a slow start to the session, progressive advocates and Democratic

Six years after hazing death, Penn State plans to drop the Greek life oversight it championed

March 3, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Wyatt Massey 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 the Town. STATE COLLEGE — Penn State is quietly planning to roll back its oversight

Joanna McClinton elected first female speaker of the Pa. House as Mark Rozzi steps down

February 28, 2023 by Spotlight PA

by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA | Feb. 28, 2023 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. Democrat Joanna McClinton was elected the first female speaker of the Pennsylvania House on Tuesday after

Mark Rozzi says he will step down as speaker of the Pennsylvania House

February 28, 2023 by Spotlight PA

By Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Democrat Mark Rozzi plans to step down as speaker of the Pennsylvania House after two tumultuous months presiding

Shapiro admin contends taking Super Bowl tickets from group that gets state money didn’t violate governor’s own gift ban

February 23, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — The Shapiro administration insists the governor did not violate his own gift ban

What the public can and can’t know about Four Diamonds, beneficiary of Penn State THON’s fundraising

February 21, 2023February 17, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Wyatt Massey of Spotlight PA 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 the Town. STATE COLLEGE — For years, thousands of Penn State students have participated in a grueling

5 ways Pa.’s marijuana laws could change in 2023

February 14, 2023 by Spotlight PA

by Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — As the legislative session picks up, Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering a host of changes to the state’s cannabis

Tracking Josh Shapiro’s biggest campaign promises

February 10, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. Tom Gralish / Philadelphia Inquirer HARRISBURG — Gov. Josh Shapiro made a lot of promises on the campaign trail. Now, he

Democrats sweep special elections, affirming first Pa. House majority in 12 years

February 7, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Democrats have swept three Allegheny County special elections, cementing their one-vote majority in the Pennsylvania state House and ending

Why a Pa. school district decided to arm its officers with semi-automatic rifles

February 1, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Ashad Hajela of Spotlight PA State College 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 north-central Pennsylvania. Sign up for free here. ALTOONA — At least two school districts in Pennsylvania now allow their police officers

Hopes of bipartisan cooperation give way to complete deadlock in the Pa. House

January 26, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania House officially adjourned Tuesday until late February, almost certainly ending any chance of voters seeing constitutional amendments

How communities in north-central Pa. are attempting to preserve a scarce resource: darkness

January 23, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Ashad Hajela 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 the Town. Communities in north-central Pennsylvania are taking action to limit outdoor artificial lighting that

Josh Shapiro sworn in as governor

January 20, 2023January 18, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — In his first moments as Pennsylvania’s 48th governor, Democrat Josh Shapiro touted his

No significant changes found in hand recount of 2020 presidential election in Pa.’s Lycoming County

January 15, 2023 by Spotlight PA

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. This article is available for reprint under the terms of Votebeat’s republishing policy. A recount of the 2020 presidential race conducted this week in a Pennsylvania county did not

This Pa. county is about to start a hand recount of its 2020 presidential election results

January 9, 2023 by Spotlight PA

This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. This article is available for reprint under the terms of Votebeat’s republishing policy. More than two years after the last ballot was cast in the 2020 election, Lycoming County plans to recount all presidential

What Mark Rozzi’s record can tell us about what kind of Pa. House speaker he’ll be

January 6, 2023 by Spotlight PA

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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — In the Pennsylvania Capitol, no other issue defines the legislative career of newly minted state House Speaker Mark Rozzi more than helping survivors of

Who will lead the Pennsylvania House? Lawmakers will soon decide as power struggle continues

January 2, 2023January 1, 2023 by Spotlight PA

Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Lawmakers in Pennsylvania’s state House are scheduled to elect a new speaker Tuesday. But unlike in most legislative sessions,

3 key takeaways from Spotlight PA’s investigation of how a local government nearly collapsed after hiring Tamir Rice’s killer

December 25, 2022December 25, 2022 by Spotlight PA

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 the Town. A five-month investigation by Spotlight PA detailed how the government of Tioga,

Pa. Republicans fight to prolong House majority and pass far-reaching constitutional amendments

December 19, 2022December 17, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Republicans in Pennsylvania’s state House could hold a functional majority until at least mid-February thanks to Democratic vacancies —

Wolf backs regulatory change that would formalize discrimination protections for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians

December 10, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — In the closing days of his final term in office, Gov. Tom Wolf is backing a regulatory change that

How often are Penn State’s private planes flying during a budget crunch?

December 9, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Wyatt Massey of Spotlight PA State College The Penn State Transparency Tracker is an ongoing effort by Spotlight PA to document and share the ways in which the university is, and is not, being transparent with the community. Due to its special “state-related” designation, Penn State is not subject to open records laws beyond the

In tussle for Pennsylvania House leadership, parties clash over math and precedent

December 5, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Calculating which party controls a legislative chamber normally requires simple math. But less than a month after the critical

Jobs are up! Wages are up! So why am I as an economist so gloomy?

December 3, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Edouard Wemy, Assistant Professor of Economics, Clark University In any other time, the jobs news that came down on Dec. 2, 2022, would be reason for cheer. The U.S. added 263,000 nonfarm jobs in November, leaving the unemployment rate at a low 3.7%. Moreover, wages are up – with average hourly pay jumping 5.1% compared

Rejecting undated mail ballots disproportionately impacts communities of color in Pa., data shows

December 1, 2022 by Spotlight PA

This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. This article is available for reprint under the terms of Votebeat’s republishing policy. Pennsylvania’s policy of rejecting undated and incorrectly dated absentee and mail ballots is more likely to impact voters from communities with

Nonpartisan journalism is vital to the future of Pa. Here’s how you can keep it going.

November 28, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Christopher Baxter of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. Huge stories will shape Pennsylvania’s future next year. With a new administration in the governor’s office and a shift in power

The post-election review designed to give Pa. voters more confidence in the results, explained

November 26, 2022 by Spotlight PA

This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. This article is available for reprint under the terms of Votebeat’s republishing policy. A person approaches the table and picks up a 10-sided die. She rolls. Four. The next roller in line takes her

The Democratic takeover of the Pa. House will be a little messy to start. Here’s why.

November 19, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — The Democrats have won control of the Pennsylvania House, but the party will need to rely on Republican support

Democrats win control of Pennsylvania state House after picking up 12 seats

November 19, 2022November 17, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Democrats have won control of the Pennsylvania state House for the first time

Have Democrats flipped the Pa. House? The latest on the deciding races.

November 17, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — With control of the Pennsylvania state House on the line, attorneys for Democratic and Republican candidates in two close,

Why these Pa. teams got left out of the minor league baseball union

November 17, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Colin Deppen of Spotlight PA This story was produced by Spotlight PA in collaboration with Defector, an independent sports blog and media company. HARRISBURG — Professional baseball will become a fairer sport next year — at least in terms of compensation. After a successful unionization push by minor league players, the workforce — historically paid

After losing by a landslide, Mastriano won’t concede to Shapiro

November 10, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA, Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA, Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. Republican Doug Mastriano had yet

Democrats believe they will take control of the Pennsylvania House for the first time in more than a decade

November 9, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Democrats believe they will win enough state House seats after Tuesday’s midterm

Democrat Josh Shapiro elected governor of Pennsylvania, defeating Republican Doug Mastriano

November 9, 2022November 9, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Democrat Josh Shapiro has won the election to be Pennsylvania’s 48th governor, cruising to a decisive victory over far-right

2022 Pa. election: A last-minute guide to everything you need to know to vote Nov. 8

November 3, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Election Day 2022 is approaching and Spotlight PA wants to make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge you’ll

Why are undated mail ballots such a big deal in Pennsylvania?

November 3, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court is expected to soon rule on a case that could decide whether undated mail ballots can

Pa. election 2022: Where governor candidates Mastriano and Shapiro stand on mail ballots, election security, and voting rights

October 29, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s next governor will have a lot of power over the way elections are run, and the two major

Pa. election 2022: How redistricting could alter control of the legislature and other changes to watch Nov. 8

October 27, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — It’s showtime for Pennsylvania’s brand-new legislative districts. The revamped state House and Senate

Wolf administration insists undated mail ballots will be valid this November as counties proceed with caution

October 22, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s top election official is doubling down on guidance that directs county officials to count undated mail ballots during

How well a death in Pennsylvania will be investigated depends largely on where someone dies

October 21, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Ashad Hajela 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 the Town. STATE COLLEGE — In one Pennsylvania county, the coroner’s office relies on an

Pa. election 2022: Where governor candidates Mastriano, Shapiro stand on rural health care, broadband, and agriculture

October 20, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Ashad Hajela and Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — People who live in rural Pennsylvania face unique barriers to health care, broadband, and

Pa. Election Day 2022: A complete guide to the Nov. 8 election, including how to vote, find your polling place, understand mail ballots, and more

October 18, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — On Nov. 8, Pennsylvanians will make their way to polling places to decide the governor’s race and U.S. Senate

Pa. election 2022: Where governor candidates Mastriano, Shapiro stand on the opioid epidemic, medical marijuana, and other health issues

October 15, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — As a freshman state senator, Doug Mastriano (R., Franklin) rose to prominence by vocally opposing the Wolf administration’s

Elecciones de Pa. 2022: Una guía básica para investigar a los candidatos al Senado, a gobernador y a otros cargos

October 8, 2022 by Spotlight PA

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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. Ethan Edward Coston of Spotlight PA Traducido por Nikola Johnson y editado por Ana Graciela Méndez. HARRISBURG — Todas las miradas estarán puestas en Pensylvania en

Unresolved gray areas in Pa. mail voting law likely to spur fresh confusion, legal challenges

October 6, 2022October 6, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — As millions of Pennsylvanians once again go to the polls this November, some

Pa. election 2022: Where governor candidates Mastriano, Shapiro stand on energy and the environment

October 6, 2022October 4, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. In Pennsylvania, it’s usually not a question of whether a statewide candidate is supportive of the oil and gas industry but

Gettysburg resident Lefty Biser among Pa. voters who haven’t missed a single November election for at least 50 years

September 30, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Colin Deppen of Spotlight PA This story first appeared in Spotlight PA’s PA Local newsletter, a fresh, positive look at the incredible people, beautiful places, and delicious food Pennsylvania has to offer. Sign up for free. HARRISBURG — Gareth Biser of Gettysburg hasn’t missed a November election since he cast his first vote for

Pa. election 2022: There will be no constitutional amendments on the Nov. 8 ballot, but big ones are looming

September 27, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania voters will not see any proposed constitutional amendments on this year’s November ballot, but that is almost certain

Pa. election 2022: How to serve as a poll worker on Nov. 8

September 24, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — When Pennsylvania holds its 2022 general election in November, thousands of poll workers will ensure that voting runs smoothly.

Skill games company woos Pa. lawmakers with trips to wild Wyoming rodeo

September 19, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — “It’s the sounds, the lights, the competition or the experience of a lifetime. Everyone comes for a different reason

Regular private meetings among top Penn State trustees may be violating Pa.’s transparency law

September 18, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Wyatt Massey 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 the Town. STATE COLLEGE — For more than a decade, some of the most powerful

Pa. election 2022: Your complete guide to the candidates for governor

September 13, 2022September 12, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA, Ethan Edward Coston of Spotlight PA and Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — The 2022 election for Pennsylvania governor is

How Harrisburg Works: The rules for Pa. lawmaker per diems, speaker v. leader, and other Q&As

September 10, 2022September 9, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Capitol is a convoluted place. Spotlight PA’s Stephen Caruso wants to help you understand how the sausage

Pa. lawmakers spent at least $3 million on private lawyers, experts during redistricting battle, invoices show

September 5, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania state lawmakers spent at least $3 million in taxpayer money on outside law firms and experts as they

The business of volunteer fire companies has become harder to sustain. Can collaboration help?

August 31, 2022 by Spotlight PA

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 the Town. BENNER TOWNSHIP — Volunteer fire companies face many common stressors in funding and staffing. Is

Your license plate frame is enough for police in Pa. to pull you over, court rules

August 25, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Thousands of drivers in Pennsylvania could now be at greater risk of getting pulled over by police — all

Pa. lawmakers weigh bill that would allow independents to vote on primary candidates

August 17, 2022August 17, 2022 by Spotlight PA

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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA HARRISBURG — Former elected officials and government experts told a panel of state lawmakers that Pennsylvania’s primary system should be opened

Pa. Supreme Court upholds no-excuse mail voting ahead of midterms

August 2, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — The state Supreme Court has upheld Pennsylvania’s mail ballot law, preserving for the

New Pa. budget injects $125M into private school tax credit program that lacks basic accountability

July 19, 2022 by Spotlight PA

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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — When Gov. Tom Wolf and the Republican-led legislature hammered out the $45.2 billion budget deal in early July, they delivered a historic windfall to

Pennsylvania has a new child care tax credit. Here’s what you need to know.

July 14, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Wolf has approved a new, permanent child care tax credit that will allow families to claim

School districts get big boost in new PA budget

July 14, 2022July 11, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania lawmakers have sent Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf a $45.2 billion spending plan

Pa. House Republicans want to block state funding for the University of Pittsburgh over fetal tissue research

July 14, 2022June 30, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — A proxy fight over abortion led by state House Republicans jeopardizes hundreds of millions of dollars in tuition assistance

Top Pa. lawmakers have tentative deal to ban private money, increase funding for county election offices

June 22, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Top Pennsylvania lawmakers have struck a tentative deal to get private money out of election administration. The exact

Facing pressure from Democrats, Pa. panel avoids considering gun bills in wake of mass shootings

June 15, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — A state House panel punted on considering a slate of gun bills Monday, instead sending them to another committee

Candidates of color say they need more party support, financial backing to be successful in Pa.

June 10, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Neither Omy Maldonado nor Yamelisa Taveras had run for office before May of this year. Maldonado is a

An obscure state law could blunt the impact of up to $1 billion in federal funding for Pennsylvania’s broadband expansion

June 2, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. An obscure provision tucked into Pennsylvania law nearly two decades ago could complicate the state’s access to a massive influx

How a mail ballot ruling in Pa. could affect 2022 primary election results

May 25, 2022May 25, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — A federal appeals court ruled Friday that election officials in one Pennsylvania county must count legally cast mail

How Doug Mastriano built a grassroots movement in Pa. on election denial, Christianity, and Facebook

May 25, 2022May 23, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Ethan Edward Coston of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Two years ago, one Republican operative responded to the thought of a

Pa. primary 2022: Doug Mastriano wins GOP nomination for governor, will face Democrat Josh Shapiro

May 17, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Doug Mastriano is the projected winner of Pennsylvania’s Republican primary for governor, defeating a crowded field in a

Despite high vaccination rates among Pa. prisoners, some COVID restrictions remain in place

May 17, 2022May 17, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — More than two years after the first coronavirus cases were reported in Pennsylvania state prisons, some of the mitigation

Pa. primary 2022: A last-minute guide to everything you need to know to vote May 17

May 12, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — On May 17, Democrats and Republicans in Pennsylvania will vote for candidates running in local and statewide races. The

Pa. Election Day 2022: A complete guide to the May 17 primary, including how to vote, find your polling place, understand mail-in ballots, and more

May 3, 2022April 29, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — More than a few things have changed since Pennsylvanians last went to the polls. Your congressional and legislative

Pa. primary election 2022: 5 takeaways from Spotlight PA’s Republican gubernatorial debate

April 22, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Ethan Edward Coston of Spotlight PA and Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Five of the nine Republican candidates running to be Pennsylvania’s next

Pa. primary election 2022: Your guide to the Democratic and GOP candidates for governor

April 18, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Ethan Edward Coston of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — When Democrats head to the polls on May 17 for Pennsylvania’s

Oversight of Pa. addiction recovery homes will begin soon, but operators slow to opt-in

April 13, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — The Wolf administration is preparing to enforce its long-awaited licensing system for addiction recovery homes, which have operated

Pa. election 2022: A guide to the primary race few voters are paying attention to

April 8, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — By now, most voters have likely heard about the congested, double-digit field of contenders jockeying in this year’s

Parents of teen shot by Pennsylvania State Police sue troopers, local DA

April 1, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Gary Harki of Spotlight PA and Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — The parents of a Chinese American teenager fatally shot by Pennsylvania State Police

Judge admonishes Pa. State Police for response to request seeking email, phone records

March 28, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Gary Harki of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — A judge last week scolded the Pennsylvania State Police for the agency’s poor response to a reporter seeking

What makes a political map fair? Here’s what we learned during Pa.’s recent redistricting cycle.

March 23, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA This article is part of a yearlong reporting project focused on redistricting and gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. It is made possible by the support of Spotlight PA members and Votebeat, a project focused on election integrity and voting access. HARRISBURG — What makes a political map fair? It’s a question

Fringe theory cited in Pa. redistricting case could give legislatures unchecked election power

March 21, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Ethan Edward Coston of Spotlight PA and Matt Vasilogambros of Stateline 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 Media. This story is a collaboration with Stateline, an initiative of The Pew Charitable Trusts that provides daily reporting and analysis

Pa. Supreme Court rejects legal challenges to state’s new legislative maps

March 17, 2022 by Spotlight PA

Pa. Supreme Court weighs future of state’s popular mail voting law

March 11, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA 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 Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — The fate of Pennsylvania’s popular vote-by-mail law now lies in the hands of the state’s highest court, which

A complete guide to Pennsylvania’s redistricting court challenges

March 5, 2022 by Spotlight PA

By Spotlight PA Staff This article is part of a yearlong reporting project focused on redistricting and gerrymandering in Pennsylvania. It is made possible by the support of Spotlight PA members and Votebeat, a project focused on election integrity and voting access. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s new political maps may have been picked, but that doesn’t

Congressional map picked by Pennsylvania Supreme Court unlikely to dramatically alter partisan balance

February 24, 2022 by Spotlight PA