by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-Star State lawmakers have long eyed skill games as both a vice in need of regulation and a potential source of new revenue for the commonwealth. For years, they’ve struggled to reach a consensus on the details. The state Supreme Court’s ruling Monday declaring the devices illegal brought both clarity and
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,
by Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital-Star A new report released by the state Insurance Department on Thursday could offer lawmakers a path forward to help struggling pharmacies. It looked at the potential impact of requiring companies called pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, to pay pharmacists larger fees for filling prescriptions. Pharmacies across Pennsylvania have been closing
This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. by Carter Walker, Votebeat The KNOWiNK Poll Pad, seen here at the Brazos Center in Bryan, Texas in 2024, is the most popular e-pollbook in Pennsylvania. (Photo by Montinique Monroe for Votebeat) Votebeat is a nonprofit news
By John Cole | The Center Square contributor In the latest chapter of U.S. Sen. John Fetterman’s strained relationship with his own party, a key swing county’s Democratic Party has called for him to be voted out of office in 2028. “TRAITOR to Democrats. TRAITOR to Pennsylvanians. TRAITOR to those who worked tirelessly to elect him
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,
by Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital-StarApril 10, 2026 U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon joined Pennsylvania Congressman Scott Perry (R-10) and a group of Republican state lawmakers in Harrisburg to advocate for the commonwealth’s participation in a federal school choice program. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon speaks at the Capitol in Harrisburg on April 10, 2026.(Photo by
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.
Amy Wrobleski, Penn State Like many mushroom harvesters, I got interested in foraging for fungi during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pennsylvania is home to a diverse range of wild mushrooms, both edible and poisonous. I had been preparing for a summer of field work studying foraged desert plants in a remote part of Australia when the
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
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
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 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 Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-StarSeptember 27, 2025 County election officials are required to accurately report when voters’ mail-in ballots have been set aside because of disqualifying errors and allow their votes to be counted on provisional ballots, Pennsylvania’s highest court ruled. Poll workers demonstrate how ballots are received, processed, scanned, and securely stored on Election
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
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 Paige Gross, Pennsylvania Capital-Star The Trump administration wants to greatly expand the development and use of advanced artificial intelligence, including rolling back environmental rules to spur building of power-thirsty data centers and punishing states that attempt to regulate AI on their own. David Sacks, U.S. President Donald Trump’s “AI and Crypto Czar”, speaks to President Trump
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
by John Cole, Pennsylvania Capital-Star As U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement (ICE) conducts raids on farms at the direction of the Trump administration, some lawmakers and agricultural organizations in Pennsylvania are criticizing the effort. “This move could have devastating consequences for our nation’s food security,” Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Chris Hoffman said in 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 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 Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-StarMay 22, 2025 All ten Pennsylvania Republicans voted in support of the massive tax and spending bill that passed the U.S. House early Thursday morning, touting the tax relief, border security and support for working families they said it would provide. The U.S. Capitol is pictured on Feb. 25, 2025. (Photo
by Jacob Fischler, Pennsylvania Capital-Star The U.S. House Agriculture Committee approved, 29-25, Wednesday evening its portion of Republicans’ major legislative package that includes a provision that would shift to states some of the responsibility to pay for a major nutrition assistance program. A “SNAP welcomed here” sign is seen at the entrance to a Big Lots store
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,
by Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital-Star Pennsylvanians who wish to cast a vote in next month’s primary must be registered to vote by May 5. A voter deposits a mail-in ballot at the drop box outside the Chester County Government Center on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Capital-Star/Peter Hall) While off-year elections typically draw less attention than
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
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
by Capital-Star Staff, Pennsylvania Capital-StarFebruary 17, 2025 Central Pennsylvania news veteran Tim Lambert started work Monday as the new editor of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Lambert joins the nonprofit online newsroom, which covers Pennsylvania government, politics, and policy, after more than 23 years at WITF in Harrisburg, where he worked as a host, reporter, multimedia news
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
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,
by Shalina Chatlani, Pennsylvania Capital-Star As Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents fan out across the country to conduct high-profile migrant arrests that President Donald Trump has called for, local and state officials are developing their own directives to support — or possibly thwart — potential ICE visits to public schools. (Getty Images stock photo) The
By Christina Lengyel | The Center Square The Department of Education is seeing renewed interest – and skepticism – in the state’s charter school programs following the rejected application of a cyber school that would enlist teachers as “guides” assisting with AI-driven learning. Thomas Park | Unsplash The incident has underscored the ongoing battle over charter
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
Today marks the first day of the new U.S. administration. Incoming President Donald Trump has vowed to put into place policies on Day One that include deporting “illegal” immigrants in grand sweeps. In a time of anti-immigrant rhetoric and uncertainty about the impact the new policies will have on our local immigrant communities, many migrants
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
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
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
By Christina Lengyel | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) – With all eyes on Pennsylvania, officials across the commonwealth oversaw a relatively smooth Election Day. And despite occasional local issues ranging from bomb threats to power outages, the state largely averted many of the concerns that lingered from previous elections. “Our counties take elections
Alauna Safarpour, Gettysburg College The country is unlikely to know who wins the battleground state of Pennsylvania on election night. That’s because of a quirk in Pennsylvania’s laws. An official Pennsylvania mail-in ballot, seen in Pittsburgh, Oct. 3, 2024. AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar I am an assistant professor of political science at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg,
by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-StarOctober 29, 2024 A federal judge threw out a lawsuit Tuesday by six Republican Pennsylvania members of Congress that sought to set aside military absentee ballots, claiming they were vulnerable to fraud by foreign operatives. (Win McNamee/Getty Images) U.S. District Judge Christopher C. Conner in Harrisburg granted a motion to dismiss
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
By Christen Smith | The Center Square A rumored migrant shelter under consideration in Chambersburg, Pa., has stoked controversy as local officials mull zoning issues and community concerns. The Greene Township Board of Supervisors said Monday that there is no imminent proposal, nor have they been told to expect one. Instead, they’ve heard from a presumed
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
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A state court Friday halted enforcement of a requirement that voters include accurate, handwritten dates on envelopes used to submit mail-in ballots, a ruling likely to keep several thousand Pennsylvania votes from being thrown out in the November election. In a decision handed down as the
by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-Star Two state lawmakers have filed an appeal in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court after a lower court threw out their lawsuit, arguing that absentee ballots must be counted at the polling places where voters would normally cast ballots rather than at county election offices. (Getty Images) The lawsuit, filed in January
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
by Bob McIlhenny At Historic Gettysburg Adams County, “We Brake for Barns!” as our popular bumper sticker declares. Come join us in a day of barn appreciation when HGAC’s third Historic Barns Tour of Gettysburg and Adams County commences on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Travel back in time and enjoy
“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,
by Kim Lyons, Pennsylvania Capital-StarAugust 6, 2024 After Vice President Kamala Harris announced Tuesday that she had selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said she continued to have his “enthusiastic support” as her campaign advanced over the next 90-plus days. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro campaigns for Vice President
by Peter Hall Throwing out mail-in ballots solely because voters fail to write the date violates the Pennsylvania Constitution, an attorney for a group of get-out-the-vote organizations argued Thursday in Commonwealth Court. (Capital-Star photo) The lawsuit by nine voting access groups represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania challenges part of the state’s
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
Visitors to the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center can shuttlebus to the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital to explore the historic site throughout the remainder of the 2024 summer season. The historic site will continue to be open for the summer season of living history and programming on Fridays, Saturdays, and
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
After another funding increase from the state, Pennsylvania’s public colleges will again freeze tuition for the seventh year. The $35 million boost (a 6% increase) in the state budget for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education keeps tuition at $7,716 for undergrads. Pennsylvania was an early adopter of tuition freezes; the University of North
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
by Ian Karbal, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJuly 12, 2024 Perhaps the most significant number in the 2025 budget is $1.1 billion in new spending on K-12 education. (Getty Images) The funding comes after Commonwealth Court declared that Pennsylvania’s current method of funding public schools was unconstitutional, citing inequities between the state’s wealthiest school districts and its poorest.
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