Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania news and investigations

Top News Justice System

View of the south side of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex at night.

Lawmakers break without addressing unconstitutional murder sentences, leave 1K Pa. lifers in limbo

by Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA

Prosecutors and advocates are split over whether mandatory minimums or maximums are the best way forward for second-degree murder sentencing.

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Pa. Supreme Court strikes down mandatory life sentences for 2nd-degree convictions

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The exterior of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg.

Lawmakers aim to finish Pennsylvania’s late budget this weekend

by Stephen Caruso and Jaxon White of Spotlight PA

Big issues are unresolved, including whether to cut a data center sales exemption and lower an electric utilities tax.

Pa. House and Senate Democratic leaders hold a state budget press conference on June 30, 2026.

Pennsylvania’s budget is late for the fifth year in a row

by Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA

Good News from Pennsylvania

Illustration of a hand holding a suitcase over Pennsylvania’s silhouette.

In search of rustic relaxation and live arts? Take a day trip to Mt. Gretna.

by Asha Prihar of Spotlight PA

Spotlight PA talked to a resident and a worker about how to spend a day in Mount Greta. The bucolic borough boasts hiking and bike trails, arts programming, and beloved ice cream.

A weekly dose of positive news

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

State College Bureau

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Food residue, temperature issues, and other Centre County restaurant inspections for July 6-12

by Spotlight PA Staff

Pennsylvania inspected 17 retail food establishments in Centre County between June 6-12. Two had violations. See what inspectors found.

The Malesardi Quadrangle at Bucknell University in Union County, PA.

Parents of Bucknell football player who died say they appreciate criminal charges against coach

by Gene Johnson of the Associated Press

Berks County Bureau

A stock image of a restaurant kitchen.

Raw egg storage, frozen meat in grocery bags, and other Berks County restaurant inspections for July 6-12

by Spotlight PA Staff

Pennsylvania inspected 58 retail food establishments in Berks County between July 6 and 12. 33 had violations. See what inspectors found.

Row homes in Reading

Legal barriers keep Reading from enacting some tenant protections advocates seek

by Gabriela Martínez of Spotlight PA

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