Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania news and investigations

State College Region Local Government

An ambulance seen head on with its lights on in the daylight.

Pa. counties face rising emergency costs. The legislature didn’t include an increase to the 911 phone fee in the budget to help them.

by Melissa Pérez-Carrillo of Spotlight PA State College

While the 911 surcharge increased in 2023, local officials and the state county association say it still needs to be higher.

Related Stories

Pa. county officials say lawmakers’ increase to the 911 phone fee isn’t enough to alleviate taxpayer burden
Pa. adopts $50.8B budget that sends more money to poorest schools, skips difficult policy questions
The accounting tricks that balanced Pa.’s budget — but only on paper

Most Popular Stories

Spotlight PA Games: Daily puzzles and brain teasers

Recent Videos

Editor's Picks

After her son's overdose death, Cyndi Compton became known as a relentless advocate in Tioga County.

Supplying drugs in fatal overdoses has led to 100s of Pa. prison sentences. Grieving families are divided.

by Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA

Pennsylvania is a leader in prosecuting people for providing drugs used in fatal overdoses.

Cyndi Compton looks through papers in her Tioga County home.

A Pa. mom's fight reveals the messy reality of treating overdoses like homicides

by Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA

The Capitol

A sign at a store in Downtown Pittsburgh on Monday, July 27, 2026 indicating the business accepts SNAP cards.

Pennsylvania to spend $14 million fighting SNAP benefits theft with new chip cards

by Cassandra Harris of Pittsburgh Media Partnership Newsroom

At least 2 million new EBT cards will be issued to minimize theft through skimming devices.

The Pennsylvania Capitol building illuminated in teal for Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Shapiro planned to flat fund rape crisis centers. They convinced him to double their line item.

by Natalie Javitt for Spotlight PA

Good News from Pennsylvania

The interior of a glamping tent at Hickory Run State Park.

Camping with … air conditioning? Pa. launches glamping pilot to woo newcomers to outdoor fun.

by Molly Bilinski for Spotlight PA

The state has signed a five-year agreement with Timberline Glamping that allows the company to construct and operate glamping sites at several parks.

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

A stock image of a plate, fork, and knife.

Centre County restaurant inspections for July 27-Aug. 2

by Spotlight PA Staff

Pennsylvania inspected eight retail food establishments in Centre County between July 27 and Aug. 2. Zero had violations. See what inspectors found.

A view of the lake and evergreen trees at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County.

Millions from state lands could be redirected to rural Pennsylvania to help make up for tax-exempt property

by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College

Berks County Bureau

Casas en Reading.

¿Qué protecciones tienen los inquilinos de Pensilvania más allá de las leyes locales?

by Gabriela Martínez de Spotlight PA

Esta es una guía para conocer los derechos que tienen actualmente todos los inquilinos de Pensilvania según la ley estatal.

A stock image of a restaurant kitchen.

Cracked faucet, temperature issues, and other Berks County restaurant inspections for July 27-Aug. 2

by Spotlight PA Staff

More top stories