Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania news and investigations

Top News Health

A person demonstrates how to use drug test strips.

Dangerous animal sedative floods Pa. drug supply, challenging emergency rooms

by Abigail Hakas of Next Generation Newsroom

Medetomidine is more potent than xylazine, another animal anesthetic that began appearing years ago in the opioid supply and challenged longstanding ways to reverse overdoses.

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The Capitol

Supporters of legalizing cannabis for adult-use rally outside the state Capitol in Harrisburg on June 27, 2023.

Bill to sell legal marijuana through state stores rejected by GOP-led panel

by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA

A leading GOP supporter of legal marijuana said the proposal would shut out the private sector and create logistical challenges.

The parking lot of a hospital in Reading.

Powerful health systems oppose a growing effort to prevent hospital closures through more oversight

by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA

Good News from Pennsylvania

The exterior of the Wagner Free Institute of Science in Philadelphia.

Free museums abound in Pa. Find the one for you with this guide.

by Asha Prihar of Spotlight PA

These Pennsylvania museums boast exhibits centered on shoes, arthropods, Renaissance art, and more — all for free. Start planning your next day trip.

Hidden talents of Pennsylvania lawmakers: a New Yorker writer, an MMA fighter, and alligator rescues

by Colin Deppen of Spotlight PA

Pennsylvania lawmakers have hobbies too, and sometimes surprising hidden talents.

Meet a Mayor: The ‘star’ at the edge of Allegheny National Forest

by Asha Prihar of Spotlight PA

Kane Mayor Brandy Schimp says rural areas can get a bad reputation as boring or “barren land,” but it’s “really quite opposite.”

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A fresh look at the incredible people, beautiful places, and delicious food Pennsylvania has to offer.

State College Bureau

Old Main on Penn State’s University Park campus

Penn State president wants to close 7 campuses. Internal records explain why.

by Wyatt Massey of Spotlight PA State College

Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi has proposed closing the DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York campuses. University trustees still need to vote on the plan.

Russell Redding, secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, speaks at an event.

More money for agriculture innovation pitched by Shapiro after high demand

by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College

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