Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania news and investigations

Top News Environment

A data center owned by Amazon Web Services, under construction next to the Susquehanna nuclear power plant in 2024.

Shapiro wants to incentivize data centers to be better neighbors. Will that work?

by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA

The governor plans to allow faster permitting for data centers built with consideration for water, energy, and local jobs.

Related Stories

Many Pa. residents don’t want data centers in their communities. State leaders are welcoming them.
Data center tax break created to boost economy, add jobs in Pa. could cost state billions in revenue
As Pa. energy prices rise, advocates skeptical that lawmakers will put aside partisan differences
How Josh Shapiro wants to reshape the region’s power grid operator as prices rise

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The Capitol

A row of lockers at Bennetts Valley Elementary School in Weedville, Pennsylvania on April 5, 2023.

Demand for student teacher stipends outstrips supply as Shapiro proposes boosting program

by Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA

Still, experts say teacher turnover remains a major issue across Pennsylvania, especially in lower-wealth urban and rural districts.

The dome of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg.

Rape crisis centers say Shapiro’s budget will worsen staffing, service challenges

by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA

Investigations

An illustration of two police officers standing in front of filing cabinets with hands coming out of the files.

Hundreds of rapes in the State College area weren’t reported in public police data over nearly a decade

by Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College and Mark Fazlollah for Spotlight PA

The missing data masked the true extent of the crime surrounding Penn State. The central Pa. department never publicly disclosed the error until contacted by Spotlight PA.

A photo illustration of Raymond Hohl encircled by images of the Penn State Cancer Institute, a medical device, and a nurse’s binder of thank you notes.

Alarming internal probes found chemo errors, delays, and ‘toxic’ leadership by Penn State’s cancer chief

by Wyatt Massey of Spotlight PA State College and Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA

Good News from Pennsylvania

Cannons positioned on a field at Gettysburg National Military Park

Gettysburg isn’t just for history buffs and Civil War nerds. Plan your visit with this guide.

by Erin Flynn Jay for Spotlight PA

PA Local consulted two Gettysburg locals about the top places to see and things to do in the small town — for families, history buffs, outdoors enthusiasts, and foodies.

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State College Bureau

An illustration of water coming from a tap, houses, pipes, a Rock Spring Water Company sign, and a PUC sign.

Judge recommends sale of troubled rural water company to one of Pa.’s largest private utilities

by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College

Pennsylvania American Water is the suggested buyer for the long-troubled Rock Spring Water Company. Pennsylvania American has been managing the small rural utility in an interim capacity since March 2025.

A patient room at a health care facility

Why a $193M injection for rural health care in Pa. isn’t easing closure worries

by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College

Berks County Bureau

Gov. Josh Shapiro, cabinet secretaries, and local officials meet to discuss proposed ICE detention centers.

ICE told Pa. agency about warehouse plans in January

by Kate Huangpu and Gabriela Martínez of Spotlight PA

A source close to the Shapiro administration said the agreements were already complete by the time it learned of the plans.

Suzanne Harteg

Meet a longtime volunteer who helps keep families in crisis together

by Susan Shelly McGovern for Spotlight PA

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