Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania news and investigations

Top News Energy

The smokestacks of the former coal-fired Homer City Generating Station crumble in a planned demolition in Homer City, Pa.

A big winner in big tech's frantic search for power? Old coal power plants.

by Associated Press

High-voltage grid connections make closed fossil fuel facilities in Pa., nationwide attractive targets for new power as demand skyrockets.

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School administrators struggled to use an unfamiliar system riddled with problems as thousands of students waited for money they were counting on to pay for college.

Glitches, unproven tech in Pa.’s new financial aid system exacerbated delays for thousands of students

by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA

School administrators struggled to use an unfamiliar system riddled with problems as thousands of students waited for money they were counting on to pay for college.

Cody Balmer is escorted from court after his preliminary arraignment on Monday, April 14, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa.

Why the law that forces people to get mental health help didn’t stop the Shapiro arson attack

by Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA

The Capitol

People hold up signs of U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson that say “missing” during a protest outside his Bellefonte office.

The people who represent you in D.C. and Harrisburg are allowed to keep their calendars secret

by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College

Pennsylvania and federal open records laws don’t require elected officials to release their work calendars to the public.

The Pennsylvania Capitol at night.

Emails between Pa. lawmakers and lobbyists will remain hidden from the public after court ruling

by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA

Investigations

Sometimes people who spent time in foster care discover their Social Security benefits were taken only after they apply for benefits later as adults.

Foster care agencies in Pa. took millions owed to kids in their care, often keeping them in the dark

by Julie Christie and Steve Volk / Resolve Philly for Spotlight PA

A Spotlight PA and Resolve Philly investigation found hundreds of kids each year are made to pay for their own foster care, a practice advocates describe as an unfair “tax”.

Photo illustration of the PA Capitol building, checks and bills, and their related iconography.

Powerful interests poured $18M into top Pa. lawmakers’ campaign coffers

by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA

Impact

The Pennsylvania Capitol at night.

Emails between Pa. lawmakers and lobbyists will remain hidden from the public after court ruling

by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA

Advocates called the ruling a missed opportunity to create more transparency around the state legislature and multimillion-dollar lobbying industry.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen faced questions about her department's oversight of medical marijuana doctors, during a February 2025 state Senate budget hearing.

Medical marijuana oversight bill advances after Spotlight PA investigations reveal doctor concerns

by Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA

Good News from Pennsylvania

Mandy Mastros (center) surrounded by a group of Lancaster Moravian Church congregants.

PA Local Heroes: Meet the social worker and pastor helping people through ‘all of the human stuff’

by Asha Prihar of Spotlight PA

Mandy Mastros, pastor at the Moravian Center of Lancaster, wears many hats in her hometown’s community, from adult day center chaplain to advocacy board advisor.

Quiz: It happened in Pennsylvania … or did it? (The answers may surprise you.)

by Asha Prihar of Spotlight PA

It’s no secret that Pennsylvania history is full of notable inventions, contributions to pop culture, and events with national and international significance. But how well do you know them?

Meet a Mayor: There’s more than beers and Blobs in this Pa. borough

by Asha Prihar of Spotlight PA

Phoenixville’s population has grown by a third since the turn of the millennium. Its mayor says the 20,000-person borough has become “like an extended family” to him.

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State College Bureau

An illustration of the seven candidates for State College school board

Pa. primary election 2025: A complete guide to the candidates for State College school board

by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College

Democrats and Republicans will see the same seven candidates for State College school board on their primary ballots.

People hold up signs of U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson that say “missing” during a protest outside his Bellefonte office.

The people who represent you in D.C. and Harrisburg are allowed to keep their calendars secret

by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College

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