Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania news and investigations

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The exterior of Clarks Summit State Hospital, one of six state psychiatric hospitals in Pennsylvania.

Funding cuts, lawsuits, and fear derailed Pennsylvania's plan to close state hospitals and invest in community mental health care

by Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA

After a period of psychiatric hospital closures and investment in community support, Pennsylvania has shifted focus to the most restrictive care possible.

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A photo of the entrance to Field of Screams in Mountville, Lancaster County, from the 2020 season.

Popular Pa. haunted attraction allowed man convicted of exposing himself to children to volunteer alongside minors

by Ann Rejrat for Spotlight PA

Advocates want the legislature to reform a state clearance law to protect children at businesses like Field of Screams in Pennsylvania.

PA Gov. Josh Shapiro

$1M in taxpayer money will be used to make security upgrades at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s private residence

by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA

The Capitol

Work continues at a shale gas well drilling site in St. Mary's, Pa., March 12, 2020.

Democrats may sacrifice climate program to break Pennsylvania's budget impasse

by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA

Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a key climate change program, has been tied up in litigation for years.

Activity outside the governor's office in the state Capitol in October 2025.

All the major players in Pa.’s budget impasse met in person this week. Will a deal follow?

by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA

Investigations

A photo of a notebook, paper, a cross, and sobriety chips.

A mother's fight to save her son shows the tragic consequences of Pa.'s failure to build a better mental health system

by Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA

A Spotlight PA investigation found Pennsylvania politicians and local officials broke promises to replace institutionalized care with community options — despite knowing the devastating consequences.

Good News from Pennsylvania

Mayor JoJo Burgess of Washington, Pa., poses with the Washington County baseball team.

Meet a Mayor: The post-industrial, baseball-loving Pa. city eager to strike out on its own

by Asha Prihar of Spotlight PA

Washington Mayor JoJo Burgess says his post-industrial hometown is tight-knit, beautiful, and “coming back soon.”

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

State College Bureau

The DuBois sign was constructed thanks to $2.3 million in federal, state, and city funding that Herm Suplizio oversaw.

Former Pa. city manager's $1.5M theft trial could start this spring after 2-year delay

by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College and Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA

John “Herm” Suplizio’s lawyers had demanded more details about allegations that he and another ex-DuBois employee stole public funds.

The winning trivia team celebrates at the third annual “Clink and Think” Quiz Bash Fundraiser on Oct. 26, 2025, at Axemann Brewery in Bellefonte.

Centre County trivia event raises $17,000 for Spotlight PA State College’s investigative, public-service journalism

by Spotlight PA Staff

Berks County Bureau

A Western Berks Ambulance Association ambulance.

EMS funding crisis forces some Berks municipalities to consider new taxes, fees

by Amanda Fries of Spotlight PA

Some municipalities in Berks are wrestling with imposing a tax or fee dedicated to emergency medical services as they put together budgets for 2026 and try to preserve a system in crisis.

Alexander Civil, founder of Berks-based nonprofit Bring the Change.

Meet a Berks County activist who wants to empower neighbors to change their community

by Gabriela Martínez of Spotlight PA

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