The final story was based on interviews with more than 80 people and a review of thousands of pages of state government and court records.
Spotlight PA
Posted inNews
Oversight of Pa. recovery homes stalls as officials, advocates disagree on best approach
A state department said a licensing program with financial and safety requirements for recovery homes will save lives, but advocates are pushing back on the added costs.
Posted inNews
Fundamental flaws: Addiction treatment providers in Pa. face little state scrutiny despite harm to clients
A Spotlight PA/KHN investigation shows the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs uses an inherently flawed oversight system that does little to ensure high-quality or effective care.
Posted inNews
Anticipating ‘partisan’ impasse, Democrats ask court to prepare to draw Pa. congressional map
The legal challenge comes just one day after the U.S. Census Bureau confirmed Pennsylvania will lose one of its 18 congressional seats, setting up a contentious battle to protect incumbents.
Posted inNews
You’re invited! A guide and free reader Q&A on what you need to know before the May primary election.
On Tuesday, May 4 at 5 p.m., join Spotlight PA Deputy Editor Sarah Anne Hughes and WHYY’s Politics Reporter Katie Meyer as they break down what you need to know before you vote.
Posted inNews
Pennsylvania will lose a U.S. House seat after redistricting
The loss of one of the state’s 18 congressional districts sets up a high-stakes redistricting process.
Posted inNews
Sunoco failed to disclose some risks of Mariner East pipeline, was ‘negligent’ in response to concerns, judge rules
The ruling was far from a total victory for residents and local officials who had, among other things, sought additional measures to protect children, older people, and those with disabilities.
Posted inNews
Relief for child sex abuse survivors revived in Pa. Senate after Wolf administration error
The bill is advancing despite long-standing objections by some Republicans who believe such a change can only legally be made by amending the state constitution.
Posted inNews
Key GOP lawmaker eyes photo ID, signature matching as Pa. considers voting changes
Election officials were impressed by 10 state House oversight hearings, but it’s still unclear if lawmakers will embrace their recommendations.
Posted inNews
Your guide to Pa.’s 2021 primary ballot questions
All Pennsylvania voters — including independents and minor-party members — will be asked to consider four ballot questions on May 18.
Posted inNews
Board member sues powerful Hershey School, claims he’s being denied financial records
A director and alumnus of America’s wealthiest boarding school claims he had to sue the institution to see how it spends the funding it receives from sales of Hershey bars and Reese’s Pieces.
Posted inNews
Pa. ‘pauses’ Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after blood clotting reports
The preventative measure is intended to give federal regulators time to scrutinize the rare complication, which has been identified in six cases so far in the U.S.
Posted inNews
You’re invited! A free reader Q&A on how to fight back against misinformation in Pa.
A free reader Q&A by Spotlight PA on how partisan groups are masquerading as local news and eroding trust in journalism in Pa.
Posted inNews
Major Pennsylvania state contractor accused of fleecing employees to pump up profits
The State College-based construction and paving company has been paid more than $1.7 billion for state projects.
Posted inNews
Pa. lawmaker wants to compel Wolf administration to release details of wasted COVID-19 vaccine doses
The state Department of Health denied a public records request from Spotlight PA, citing a decades-old law that it has frequently used to shield the public from scrutinizing its pandemic response.