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Daniel J. Mallinson, Associate Professor of Public Policy and Administration, Penn State The 2026 midterm elections changed the balance of power in Washington, D.C. It also proved to be a pivotal election in Pennsylvania. Gov. Josh Shapiro handily defeated Republican challenger Stacy Garrity, the current state treasurer. Not only that, it looks like Democrats will

Control of the executive and legislative branches gives Democrats the power to set the state’s policy agenda with few limitations.

The candidates in the 10th Congressional District both favor stock trading bans and term limits for members of Congress.

Carlos Moreno, a disabled asylum seeker, says Cambria County Prison did not provide language and medical aid. At home in Schuylkill County, his growing family suffered.

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

by Ethan Young, Pennsylvania Capital-Star Ethan Young is a summer intern for the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents Association, and a rising senior at the University of Pennsylvania.  A sign opposing a data center project proposed for East Whiteland Township in Chester County on Saturday, May 9, 2026. (Photo by Peter Hall/Capital-Star) In January, as her curiosity

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

Some farmers are reporting total losses, while others estimate about 70% to 90% of their crops won’t make it. By: Katie Knol, WITF At Hollabaugh Bros. farm in Adams County, there wasn’t much they could do about the late freeze in April. State officials visited Cherry Hill Orchards in Lancaster County on May 8, 2026,

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

by Whitney Downard, Pennsylvania Capital-Star The Shapiro administration stepped up its opposition to two proposed immigrant detention centers in Berks and Schuylkill counties on Thursday, issuing administrative orders claiming that housing anyone at either location would violate state water regulations. A warehouse purchased by ICE in Upper Bern Township, Berks County, on Feb. 26, 2026

by Whitney Downard, Pennsylvania Capital-Star Thousands of small businesses across the commonwealth paid billions of dollars under President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down in a decision late last week.  (Photo by Jessica Kourkounis for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star) Lancaster County glass and ceramic decorator Walt Rowen said he believed

The move could have benefits for election administration, but some worry about security and perceptions. BY: CARTER WALKER, VOTEBEAT This story was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization reporting on voting access and election administration across the U.S. The Pennsylvania Department of State is launching a pilot program to try out the use of internet-connected

by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-Star While Wednesday’s jobs report beat expectations for growth in January, about 4,000 Pennsylvania workers have received notices so far this year that they’ll be laid off. That puts the commonwealth third in the country, behind California and New Jersey, for the largest number of jobs eliminated or slated to be

by Jonathan Shorman, Pennsylvania Capital-Star President Donald Trump’s calls this week to “nationalize” elections capped a year of efforts by his administration to exercise authority over state-run elections. The demands now have some state and local election officials fearing — and preparing for — a tumultuous year ahead. “I don’t think we can put anything

by Whitney Downard, Pennsylvania Capital-Star Less than a week before Gov. Josh Shapiro is expected to unveil his spending proposal to kickstart the next state budget process, a group of county commissioners detailed their funding requests to support all 67 counties.  Kyle Kopko, the executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, details the

by Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital-Star Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators, Republican Dave McCormick and Democrat John Fetterman, have spoken out over the killing of Alex Pretti, 37, by federal agents in Minneapolis. Both seem to be pushing slightly against their respective party lines. A picture sits at a memorial to Alex Pretti on Jan. 25, 2026 in

by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJanuary 23, 2026 Interstate highways, the Pennsylvania Turnpike and other major highways will close to trucks and other large vehicles at midnight Saturday in anticipation of the winter storm forecast to blanket the region, state officials said. A TA travel center for truckers in Breezewood, near the Pennsylvania Turnpike, on October

by Whitney Downard, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJanuary 8, 2026 Dozens of fans and guests craned their necks and stood on tiptoes to catch a glimpse of this year’s butter sculpture, a mammoth piece honoring Pennsylvania’s role in the nation’s founding 250 years ago.  A Toast to Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary: Inspired by Founders. Grown by Farmers” is

by Whitney Downard, Pennsylvania Capital-Star Jamie and Carrie Wright rattle off the numbers with ease. Jamie, left, and Carrie Wright live in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and rely on federal premium tax credits to pay for Jamie’s cancer treatment. Those subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year. (Photo courtesy of Carrie Wright) It’s

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

by Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital-StarNovember 27, 2025 More than half a million hunters are expected to take to the fields and woods for Pennsylvania’s firearm deer hunting season that begins on Saturday, Nov. 29 this year.  The season will last through Dec. 13, with hunting allowed on two Sundays – Nov. 30 and Dec. 7.

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

by Ian Karbal More than four months after state lawmakers’ deadline to pass a 2025-2026 budget, a deal may be taking shape at the Capitol in Harrisburg. Following hours-long meetings of both the House Democratic and Senate Republican caucuses Tuesday evening, reports emerged from multiple sources of a tentative agreement to a $50.1 billion budget,

by Whitney Downard, Pennsylvania Capital-StarNovember 5, 2025 At the heart of the longest-ever federal shutdown — now in its sixth week — is whether or not to extend enhanced tax credits for millions of Americans purchasing their plans on Affordable Care Act marketplaces.  Patients have their blood pressure checked and other vitals taken at 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 Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital-StarOctober 21, 2025 Mike Reskovac was starting the harvest at his family farm in Uniontown, Fayette County, later than he’d hoped. Mike Reskovac on his soybean farm in Uniontown, PA (Photo by Ian Karbal/Capital-Star) Late-season rain meant he had to delay it about a week, since soybeans need to be dry

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

by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-Star Emotional debate and rising tempers preceded a vote Wednesday on state House legislation to ban devices used to make semi-automatic handguns fire as quickly as machine guns. The bill, which would add machine gun conversion devices, known as Glock switches, to Pennsylvania’s list of prohibited offensive weapons, was the fourth

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

by Shalina Chatlani, Pennsylvania Capital-Star A combination of Trump administration policies will make health care coverage more expensive for people who purchase plans from health insurance marketplaces — and rural residents will be hit the hardest, according to a new analysis. Researchers from the Century Foundation say Trump administration policies — especially its refusal to

by John Cole, Pennsylvania Capital-Star The 2026 race for governor has begun in Pennsylvania. After months of speculation, state Treasurer Stacy Garrity formally announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor on Monday.  “I’m giving you and your family my solemn oath that I will work hard every day to fix the problems Josh

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

by Jonathan Shorman, Stateline, Pennsylvania Capital-Star U.S. Department of Justice officials say the department will seek voting and election information from all 50 states, according to a national group that includes many top state election officials. A Pennsylvania vote-by-mail ballot envelope (Capital-Star photo by Peter Hall) The department has sent letters to Pennsylvania and at

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

by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-Star With the next state budget a week overdue and the new school year fast approaching, education advocates rallied Monday in Harrisburg with an urgent message for lawmakers. The legislature must follow through on its 2024 commitment to close the spending gap between the state’s wealthiest and poorest school districts, they

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 John Cole, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJune 3, 2025 The latest effort to expand hunting on Sundays in Pennsylvania passed a key House committee with bipartisan support Tuesday. A white-tailed deer is seen at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming on Aug. 8, 2015. (Tom Koerner/USFWS/CC BY 2.0) State Rep. Mandy Steele (D-Allegheny), sponsor of House Bill

by John Cole, Pennsylvania Capital-Star U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ three-day swing through Pennsylvania started on Thursday as he continues his nationwide tour, speaking out against President Donald Trump. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) (Capital-Star photo) On Thursday afternoon, Sanders was to join the Philadelphia AFL-CIO at City Hall for the group’s May Day 2025 rally.

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,

by Ann Rejrat, Pennsylvania Capital-StarApril 7, 2025 At first, Yelena Smekodub didn’t believe her Russian sister-in-law when she said the country was preparing for war. Ukrainian Army replacement troops go through combat training on February 24, 2023 in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) “She’s like, ‘They’re preparing. They’re building

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

by Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital-Star Gov. Josh Shapiro has filed a lawsuit against five federal agencies, alleging that Pennsylvania is unable to access $1.2 billion in federal grant funding appropriated by Congress and that another $900 million is being held up in an undefined review process. The lawsuit also states that billions more dollars could

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

by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJanuary 7, 2025 The Pennsylvania House of Representatives began its new legislative session Tuesday like the previous session, with conditions ripe for partisan gridlock.   Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton reacts after her reelection to the post on swearing-in day Jan. 7, 2025. (Capital-Star/Peter Hall) Instead, a dose of pragmatism and rule

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

The Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association is excited to announce upcoming fun dairy attractions and family activities, a NEW Pepper Jack Grilled Cheese, FREE milkshakes to honor our military on Jan. 9, along with additional partnerships to celebrate the 2025 PA Farm Show, in addition to their NEW limited edition MINT Milkshake. Renewal by Andersen of Central PA

by Jennifer Shutt, Pennsylvania Capital-StarDecember 6, 2024 WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday it will require dairy farms to share samples of unpasteurized milk when requested, in an effort to gather more information about the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Holstein milking cows. (Photo by Kirsten Strough/USDA) Public health officials have

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

by Peter Hall Constellation Energy announced it will restart its nuclear power plant at Three Mile Island in a deal to provide carbon-free electricity to offset the power used by software giant Microsoft’s data centers in the region. Three Mile Island. (Z22/Wikimedia Commons) Microsoft has agreed to buy the full 835 megawatt output from Constellation’s