Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. Some lawmakers hope that the legislature will finally reach a consensus on how to update Pennsylvania’s charter school law. Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA HARRISBURG —
Democrats continued to vote on behalf of a lawmaker after police issued a warrant for his arrest, leading Republicans to again call for restrictions on the practice. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA Members of the Pennsylvania House on the floor. Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom
By Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our north-central Pa. newsletter, Talk of the Town, at spotlightpa.org/newsletters/talkofthetown. HARRISBURG — A Pennsylvania House panel has advanced a bill that
By Christina Lengyel | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) – Independent pharmacies took center stage earlier this month in support of a bipartisan bill that would rein in the “shadowy middlemen” who control contracts between their businesses and drug companies. State Reps. Jessica Benham, D-Carrick, and Abby Major, R-Ford City, held a press conference
by Christen Smith (The Center Square) – First responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder may soon qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania. Grace David | The Center Square The state House of Representatives approved a proposal on Wednesday to expand the program to cover those living with the condition. Twenty-five other states have already
The secrecy leaves taxpayers in the dark about who underwrites the outings and what interests they may have in state government policy. by Stephen Caruso and Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA Gov. Josh Shapiro attends a Philadelphia Union game on Sept. 23, 2023. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing
The committee announced the plan for how counties of all sizes will be able to request their portion of the historic $7.5 million investment of state money. by Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA View of the south side of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex at night. Kent M. Wilhelm / Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an
New policies and novel legal theories on everything from abortion to education to election administration are being shaped at the state level. And the decisions made in Harrisburg have a far greater effect on your life than the little done in Washington, D.C. these days. That’s why Spotlight PA’s investigative and public-service reporting on the
Pennsylvanians will head to the polls on April 23 to vote in statewide races, including attorney general, U.S. Senate, and more. Here’s everything they need to know. by Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA Matt Smith / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power
By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square (The Center Square) — After years of research, a proposed plan, and a vote to table it, returning the American marten to the woods of Pennsylvania has been postponed — indefinitely. An American marten, which the Pennsylvania Game Commission proposes to reintroduce into the commonwealth.T. Graziano | Pennsylvania Game
Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt joined Spotlight PA’s Kate Huangpu and Votebeat’s Carter Walker in March for a live event about building trust in elections. by Carter Walker of Votebeat Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt in January 2024 at the East Shore Area Library in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Commonwealth Media Services This article is
by John Cole, Pennsylvania Capital-Star PHILADELPHIA— U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan discussed their plans to combat big corporations excessively increasing prices for goods during a roundtable discussion Tuesday. “They have in a sense, my view of it, a captive audience,” said Casey (D-Pa.). “A captive set of a
Poll watchers in Pennsylvania are appointed by candidates and political parties to observe the voting process. Since 2020, their work has become increasingly politicized. by Kate Huangpu Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Elections 101 from Spotlight PA protects you against election misinformation and empowers you to make informed decisions. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — As
by Lauren Jessup (The Center Square) – Pennsylvania could be the second state in the nation to pass legislation that would generate revenue by imposing a fee on international wire transfers sent by undocumented immigrants back to relatives and friends in their home countries. Senators Doug Mastriano, R-Chambersburg, and Chris Gebhard, R-Lebanon, said they will
The one constant in Harrisburg no matter the dominant political party is a reflexive inclination to shield information from the public. by Christopher Baxter Politicians in Harrisburg come and go, and political majorities shift over time. But one enduring constant, no matter who’s in power, is a reflexive inclination to shield information from the very
by Kim Lyons The United Steelworkers union on Tuesday filed a petition with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai, alleging China has used “protectionist and predatory policies” in global shipbuilding, calling on President Joe Biden to conduct a trade investigation into China’s practices in the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors. China “has been relentless in
by Jennifer Shutt WASHINGTON — Congress is on track to approve a staggering $468 billion in government spending this week, finishing part of the work it was supposed to complete by Oct. 1 — including a big boost intended to shore up the federal WIC nutrition program for women, infants, and children. Other agencies will
By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square (The Center Square) — Republican lawmakers tend to emphasize public safety more, but House Democrats say it’s them who are dragging their feet on legislation that addresses the issue. “We’ve sent over 230 substantive pieces of public policy in the form of legislation to the Senate and they have
As Beyoncé’s country singles “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em” usher in a new era for the star, other Black artists in the genre are welcoming the interest and discussing old patterns of exclusion. Tanisha Thomas of Spotlight PA Country musician Samantha Rise performs. Submitted photo. This story first appeared in PA Local, a weekly
by John Cole Republican U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick said “the America we know is slipping away” during an appearance Friday at the 2024 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. David McCormick, who is running for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, is shown speaking to supporters during a
Pennsylvania has lost nearly 300 years of election official experience since 2019. The state’s top voting official says this loss is “one of the biggest dangers” to elections. by Carter Walker of Votebeat A poll worker holds voting stickers for community members on Nov. 7, 2023, at Central Elementary School in Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.
A trustee proposed naming the field Friday, but withdrew the resolution minutes later after objections from Paterno’s son, Jay Paterno, who said it’s not the time to honor his father. By Wyatt Massey of Spotlight PA State College Former Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno in 2010. Centre Daily Times File This story was
By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square (The Center Square) — Legislators from rural Pennsylvania have been wary of expansion by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, concerned that more land under its ownership cuts into development and tax revenues. Jim Hale | Pennsylvania Game Commission via Facebook During a Senate Game & Fisheries Committee on Thursday, they
A Spotlight PA / Votebeat investigation found Heather Honey’s flawed claims have been cited by ex-President Donald Trump and fueled GOP backlash against a tool intended to make voter rolls more accurate. by Carter Walker of Votebeat An illustration of Heather Honey. Leise Hook / For Spotlight PA and Votebeat. This article is made possible
Billions of dollars are coming to states to help them respond to the opioid epidemic, but Pennsylvania’s drug paraphernalia law is creating conflict. by Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA and Sarah Boden of WESA Kim Botteicher, executive director of a nonprofit service provider in Westmoreland County, wants Pennsylvania lawmakers to allow syringe services. “It’s right.
Pennsylvanians can get abortions up to 24 weeks. But access advocates say there are still too many restrictions, like waiting periods, parental consent rules, and insufficient funding. by Katie Meyer Public officials and members of Planned Parenthood at a 2022 press conference about the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an
By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) – Nearly 4,500 dealerships representing all major auto manufacturing brands from every state recently signed a letter to President Joe Biden asking him to “tap the brakes” on his proposed electric vehicle mandate based on a lack of consumer demand. Since the letter was sent in November
Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering significant changes to the way charter schools are funded as they undertake a monumental overhaul
by John Cole, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJanuary 11, 2024 U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Wednesday that the USDA is investing $26 million in Pennsylvania agriculture under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) program. Gov. Josh Shapiro (center) joins Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack (right) and PA Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding (left) to announce a $26
Sen. Bob Casey sent a letter to the manufacturer of specialty formula Nutramigen after more than 650,000 cans were recalled last week. Originally published by The 19th It’s been two years since the start of a formula shortage launched a mad dash to keep babies across the country fed and investigations into the formula market.
By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square (The Center Square) — When the pandemic hit, state and federal governments upped financial aid to the public with more welfare benefits, stimulus checks, and loans. That aid is still high in some cases, with no signs of changing. In Pennsylvania, total monthly SNAP benefits are up 76% compared
by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJanuary 5, 2024 WHITPAIN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Reflecting on the fight to establish America as a democracy and the events that nearly toppled it three years ago, President Joe Biden warned of the danger he believes former President Donald Trump poses to American ideals. President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign
Four officials share the concrete changes they say would shore up Pennsylvania’s system against frivolous fraud allegations as the 2024 election approaches. by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA Voter registration worker Sharon Schoemaker sorts mail ballots at Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Nov. 7, 2023. Matt Smith / For Spotlight PA Spotlight
By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) – Over the last year, Pennsylvania set out in earnest to meet federal goals for the electric vehicle transition. Christen Smith | The Center Square It’s been an expensive and complex process, most of which is yet to be decided. The Biden administration set a target for
by Cassie Miller, Pennsylvania Capital-Star The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to support the Commonwealth’s 800,000 veterans and their families through several statewide programs this year. Soldiers lining up for the annual New York City Veterans Day Parade (Getty Images) “By supporting one of these programs, you are letting
By Christina Lengyel | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) – Families will see a boost in their tax returns in 2024 after the state expanded its Child and Dependent Care tax credit. The expansion – part of a wider series of bills that direct state spending on programs for schools, the criminal justice system,
Pennsylvania has seen an increase in chronic wasting disease since 2012. While the state has implemented tracking and mitigation efforts, testing is still optional for hunters. by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College Photo By Mark Nale This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated
Pa. lawmakers have a lot of work left before a state budget is finalized. They have only a week until construction closes the state House for the winter. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA The interior of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit
Alexes Harris, University of Washington, and Alex R. Piquero, University of Miami In today’s American criminal legal system, courts impose fines and fees as a means to punish people and hold them accountable for legal violations. Several U.S. states are eliminating criminal fines and fees for people who can’t afford them. Getty Images At times,
By Christen Smith | The Center Square (The Center Square) – A new analysis from the CATO Institute found that Pennsylvania ranks 18th nationwide for “personal and economic freedom.” The commonwealth rated higher than all of its neighbors, according to the report, based on laws and regulations that impact personal, regulatory, and financial liberties. Pennsylvania ranks fifth
State capitols are the testing grounds for the future of our country. New policies and novel legal theories on everything from abortion to education to election administration are being shaped at the state level. And the decisions made in Harrisburg have a far greater effect on your life than the little done in Washington, D.C.
by Kim LyonsNovember 20, 2023 U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) released a new “greedflation” report in time for Thanksgiving that examines the ways the items Americans buy for their holiday meals are made more expensive by food and agriculture businesses. A new report from U.S. Sen Bob Casey looks at how companies have increased prices
Katrina Stack, University of Tennessee and Rebecca Sheehan, Oklahoma State University On Nov. 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln traveled to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to dedicate a cemetery at the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. Four months before, about 50,000 soldiers had lost their lives at the Battle of Gettysburg, later seen as
by Jacob Fischler, Pennsylvania Capital-StarNovember 7, 2023 The U.S. House voted late Tuesday to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib for remarks the Michigan Democrat has made about Israel and Palestine amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., right, comforts Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., center, when Tlaib became emotional during remarks
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection policy now recognizes 1,965 environmental justice areas in Pennsylvania. More than 200 are in rural counties. by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College A map of Pennsylvania’s 2023 environmental justice areas highlighted in red. Screenshot via Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection This story was produced by the State College
How quickly Pennsylvania counties can produce election results on Nov. 7 will depend on turnout and the number of mail ballots returned. by Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive
by Kim LyonsOctober 24, 2023 In what he joked was the worst-kept secret in local Pennsylvania politics since Josh Shapiro announced he was running for governor, former WITF executive Blake Lynch confirmed in an interview with the Capital-Star on Tuesday that he’s joining the growing field of Democratic candidates seeking to oppose U.S. Rep. Scott
By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributor (The Center Square) – An organization that ranks the fiscal health of all states said Pennsylvania scored a D after records showed the government lacked enough money to pay the bills in 2022. Grace David | The Center Square The recently released 14th annual Financial State of the States report by
Pennsylvanians will see candidates for state Supreme Court, municipal races, and more on the Nov. 7 general election ballot. by Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds the power to account and drives positive change in
The state House has sent the upper chamber a bill to change the date of the 2024 presidential primary to April 2. It’s unclear how the state Senate will respond. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Carter Walker of Votebeat A sign that reads House of Representatives inside the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. Amanda
Pennsylvania’s latest budget gives $112 million to parks and forests, but the infrastructure backlog is $1.4 billion. by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College Commonwealth Media Services This story first appeared in Talk of the Town, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA’s State College regional bureau featuring the most important news and happenings in
By Christen Smith | The Center Square Eric Glenn | Shutterstock (The Center Square) – Residents receiving or renewing driver’s licenses and state ID cards will be automatically registered to vote. Gov. Josh Shapiro made the announcement early Tuesday, joining Pennsylvania to a list of 23 other states — including Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Georgia,
Join Spotlight PA on Oct. 12 to learn more about the candidates running for state Supreme Court and more, and what these elections will mean for you. Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds the powerful to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our
by Jennifer Shutt, Pennsylvania Capital-Star WASHINGTON — Americans older than six months should get an updated COVID-19 booster this fall, according to a recommendation the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued Tuesday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended Americans should get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. (Javier Zayas Photography/Getty Images) The vaccine
The Civil War Tails Museum of Gettysburg, PA, uses handmade cat figurines and dioramas to portray pivotal battle moments. By Sara Stewart Handmade clay cat figurines at Civil War Tails museum in Gettysburg, PA. This story first appeared in PA Local, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA, taking a fresh, positive look at the incredible
One of the biggest-ever classes of new lawmakers joined the Pa. legislature this year. Spotlight PA followed 3 of them as they navigated a freshman year full of power struggle and scandal. Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA and Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA In order from left, Representatives Dallas Kephart, Justin Fleming, and Tarik Khan.
By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square (The Center Square) — The pandemic revealed all sorts of problems in Pennsylvania’s education system. School districts struggling to recruit school bus drivers was an overlooked one, and the problem hasn’t abated. Students wait to board a school bus in Philadelphia. 4kclips | Shutterstock PennDOT, however, took a step
Advocates say allowing Pennsylvania municipalities to outsource management could improve public services while saving taxpayers money. by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for our regional newsletter, Talk of
Local government officials, whether elected or appointed, shape residents’ lives in a range of ways. Here’s how to become involved in your municipality and what to do when problems arise. by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom
The rebate program had not seen a full update since 2006 despite repeated bipartisan efforts to stem enrollment declines. by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA The Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public
By Tom Gantert | The Center Square (The Center Square) – Fourteen state attorneys general asked the Biden Administration to do more to “combat the plastic pollution crisis.” Jeremy DeBenedictis, President of Alterra Energy, stands in the storage area of shredded plastics his company receives from recycling facilities in their facility in Akron, Ohio, on Thursday,
The governor signed a $45.5 billion appropriations bill after a month-plus dispute over a private school voucher program. by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA Gov. Josh Shapiro presented his first budget proposal to the legislature inside the Capitol building in Harrisburg, PA, in March. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is
In seven states, Trump allies sent electoral votes for him to Congress despite his loss. Some are facing investigations and criminal charges, but the saga has a twist in the Keystone State. by Carter Walker of Votebeat This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and
by Kim Lyons, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJuly 31, 2023 PITTSBURGH – On Saturday, Democrats in Allegheny County selected Pittsburgh-area nonprofit director Lindsay Powell to be their nominee in a special election that will determine the balance of power in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Pittsburgh’s City/County Building (Pittsburgh City Paper photo) Powell, who is director of workforce
The Biden administration wants states to invest in hydrogen production to fight climate change, but regulating the industry is an emerging conflict in PA. by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA The dome of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg. Commonwealth Media Services Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with
Delaware Valley Journal, an Inside Sources Publication Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) (CREDIT: Flickr/AFGE) Pennsylvania Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman are among the Democrats who are sponsoring the re-introduction of the so-called “Freedom to Vote Act,” a sweeping federal law that would override the Keystone State’s election rules. From requiring early voting to preventing voter
by Kim Lyons, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJuly 23, 2023 BRADDOCK, Pa. — By now, most people are aware that U.S. Sen. John Fetterman has been through a difficult time over the past year, to put it mildly. U.S. Sen. John Fetterman talked about his support of reproductive rights to his admiration for Pennsylvania’s senior Sen. Bob Casey,
The group running the attack ads, Commonwealth Action, is not required to disclose its donors. 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. A screenshot from an ad against state House Majority Leader Matt Bradford paid
Shutterstock photo (The Center Square) — A boom year from natural gas impact fees in 2022 could be followed by a dramatic drop in payments, according to a recent analysis. The data suggests that, rather than setting a new floor and bringing in steady funding in the future, recent record-setting payments are a blip. The analysis,
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
by Danielle E. Gaines, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJuly 12, 2023 A settlement agreement has been finalized in a lawsuit that alleged federal officials weren’t doing enough to stop Chesapeake Bay pollution originating in Pennsylvania. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, environmental groups and state governments filed a notice in U.S. District Court on Wednesday, dismissing the 2020 lawsuit.
By Christen Smith | The Center Square Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro unveils his budget proposal on March 7, 2023.Commonwealth Media Services | Contributed photo Editor’s Note: The story has been updated since initial publication to include a statement from Senate President Kim Ward, R-Greensburg. (The Center Square) – Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro blamed legislators, namely
By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributor Jun 30, 2023 (The Center Square) – A new political party wants to bridge the partisan divide and give voters more sway over the election process. Democratic Sens. Lisa Boscola and Tony Williams speak at an event in support of the Forward political party in Harrisburg, Pa. Provided
by Capital-Star Guest Contributor, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJune 29, 2023 By Patrick Beaty The Guardian, or Authority of Law, created by sculptor James Earle Fraser, rests on the side of the U.S. Supreme Court on September 28, 2020, in Washington, DC. (Al Drago/Getty Images). On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down an important decision with major
by Tim Henderson, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJune 28, 2023 The median age rose in almost every state last year, census estimates show, continuing a long-term trend that is pushing states to prepare for aging populations. Seventeen states had median ages over 40 in 2022, according to new U.S. Census Bureau estimates of the age at which half
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
By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributor Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico: Hundreds of Venezuelan migrants crossed the Rio Bravo after the judge announced the suspension of Title 42 to request humanitarian asylum in the United States.David Peinado Romero | Shutterstock (The Center Square) – To be, or not to be, a sanctuary state – that is
Pennsylvania Hallowed Grounds and Preservation Pennsylvania are pleased to announce grant awards to 13 African American cemeteries to assist in their ongoing preservation efforts as part of an African American Cemetery Stewardship Program funded by the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (AACHAF) through the National Trust for Historic Preservation with support from The JPB
by John L. Micek, Pennsylvania Capital-StarJune 19, 2023 Commonwealth Court Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer’s February order declaring Pennsylvania’s public school funding system unconstitutional did far more than set a precedent. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on May 30, 2023. (Photo by Amanda Berg for the Capital-Star) She handed Pennsylvania policymakers perhaps the greatest challenge they will ever
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
By Christina Lengyel | The Center Square contributor Jun 8, 2023 (The Center Square) – Long a priority for Democratic lawmakers, a plan to create a paid family leave tax cleared its first legislative hurdle this week. Following an impassioned debate between lawmakers on the House Labor and Industry Committee, a proposal to establish statewide family and
By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square May 31, 2023 (The Center Square) – Despite the proliferation of anti-overdose drugs and fentanyl test strips in recent years, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle believe involuntary commitment may be the next step necessary to ease the opioid crisis. Trash, including discarded syringes and other rubbish, in an
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
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
Colleen C. Myles, Texas State University Some scholars say beer and wine – and fermentation in general – helped develop a civilization and shaped culture and landscapes over millennia. Portland, Maine’s Rising Tide Brewery supports ‘economic development, LGBTQ+ rights, BIPOC equality … and stewardship of Maine’s natural environment.’ John Ewing/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty
by Robert Zullo, Pennsylvania Capital-StarMay 20, 2023 As much as two-thirds of North America could face shortages of electricity this summer in the event of severe and protracted heat, according to the regulator in charge of setting and enforcing standards for the electric grid. “Increased, rapid deployment of wind, solar, and batteries have made a
by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-StarMay 16, 2023 [*This story was updated at 12:26 a.m., May 16, 2023, to reflect updated unofficial vote tallies] Heather Boyd speaks at her victory party after winning the 163rd Pennsylvania House District special election on Tuesday, May 16, 2022. (Capital-Star photo by Peter Hall) Democrat Heather Boyd won the special
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
Former state Rep and Former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale was in Gettysburg Tuesday, the latest stop on a tour of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, introducing his potential candidacy for Attorney General. “The Attorney General should be the people’s lawyer,” he told a gathering of about two dozen Democrats gathered at the Adams County party headquarters in
By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square (The Center Square) – Long-simmering problems in Pennsylvania’s emergency medical services system have created stress points for ambulance services and fire departments big and small. The House Democratic Policy Committee held a panel on Friday to hear from first responders on where their legislative priorities should be to
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.
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
by Casey Quinlan, Pennsylvania Capital-StarApril 27, 2023 Higher temperatures. Higher gas prices. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Drivers across the country have seen that seasonal given play out in recent weeks. The national average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.64 on April 26, up 21 cents over the previous month, according to AAA.
By Anthony Hennen | The Center Square (The Center Square) — Pennsylvania’s gambling industry has seen major growth in recent years, bringing billions of dollars in tax revenue to the state budget – but also addiction problems and demands for subsidies. Nationally, the commonwealth is near the top for gambling. A ranking from WalletHub, a personal-finance site,
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
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
Have you recently moved or changed your name? Is your voter registration accurate and up to date? Pennsylvania’s primary election is May 16, 2023. Now is the time to make sure you are registered to vote and that your voter registration information is current. You can check your registration status here. It is vitally IMPORTANT that you
by Peter Hall, Pennsylvania Capital-StarApril 20, 2023 Youth advocates and a juvenile justice official called on Pennsylvania lawmakers to address a shortage of space and staff that has created a crisis affecting children in the justice system. Christopher Spriggs is the acting executive director of the currently shuttered Glen Mills School (Philadelphia Tribune photo) While the
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
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