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A daily newsletter by  |
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| Today: Speech suit, false positives, frack funds, and Allentown City Council vs. the mayor. It's the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. |
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A Shapiro administration rule banning state employees from engaging in “scandalous or disgraceful” conduct — rolled out amid a wave of pro-Palestinian protests — is poised to draw a free-speech lawsuit.
The Philadelphia-based advocacy group FIRE, or Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, calls the edict an unconstitutional "gag order."
The Shapiro administration has cited the need for “moral clarity” at a time of rising antisemitic and Islamophobic speech, but the policy heightened fears among civil rights advocates and pro-Palestinian and Muslim American groups that employees who express opinions that differ from the Democratic governor’s stance on the war could be unfairly punished.
FIRE says it shared its concerns with the governor's office but got no response. The policy was first reported by Spotlight PA in May.
Read Spotlight PA's full report: Shapiro admin threatened with lawsuit over 'scandalous' conduct order issued amid Gaza protests. |
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NOTABLE / QUOTABLE
"Following the 2020 election, throngs of my constituents contacted me with grave concerns and questions about the electoral procedures that took place – particularly here in Pennsylvania. I did my duty on their behalf and requested a pause in the certification until an investigation was conducted into the concerns that they — and thousands around the nation — expressed."
—U.S. Rep. Scott Perry (R., Pa.) defending his role in attempting to overturn the 2020 election as he faces a tough reelection test |
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Our exclusive PA Landmarks Artwork features landmarks and favorites from across Pennsylvania. And now — for the first time ever — it can be yours for your home, office, or as the perfect gift for the coming holiday season.
Four years ago, we commissioned Pennsylvania artist Brandt Imhoff to dream up an exclusive, hand-drawn design showcasing the pride and joy of the commonwealth. That design became the showcase of our popular tote bag.
Framed prints now available in 11x17, 14x20 and 18x24. Gets yours now » |
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In case you missed it, Spotlight PA launched a new mobile app. Download for free to see our latest stories in an accessible, easy-to-read format and get the latest on events, product offerings, and more.
Download for Apple/iOS
Download for Google/Android |
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| Sunrise at the Okehocking Preserve, via Cindy M. Send us your photos by email, use #PAGems on Instagram, or tag @spotlightpennsylvania. |
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   VOTER GUIDES: All Pennsylvania state representatives and half of state senators will be on the ballot in November. Want to know how to vet incumbents and challengers alike? Let Spotlight PA show you. Then read Spotlight PA's guide to the third-party and major-party candidates vying to be Pennsylvania'a next auditor general — a post that monitors how public dollars are spent to catch waste, fraud, and graft.
• Shapiro endorses 20 state House hopefuls, via the Capital-Star.
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EMERGENCY CASH: Pennsylvania has committed $4.5 million to keep Sharon Regional Medical Center open while the bankrupt owners seek a buyer, per The Herald. Meadville Medical Center has shown interest.
CHARGES FILED: A woman police say was intoxicated and using a partially autonomous vehicle when she caused a Philadelphia crash that killed two people has been charged with homicide while driving under the influence.
CARE CHECKS: Attention new and expecting Pennsylvania parents: Here's a roundup of tools that can help you find child care that meets your needs, via Spotlight PA's How We Care newsletter. Sign up here.
MAYOR SUED: Allentown City Council has officially sued Mayor Matt Tuerk, alleging he interfered with an investigation into discrimination in city hall, Lehigh Valley News reports. Taxpayers will be funding both sides.
THE LONGSHORES: Lower Merion’s newest historical marker will honor a family of women who "made significant contributions to the causes of abolition, women’s rights, civic reform, and women in medicine." |
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Unscramble and send your answer to scrambler@spotlightpa.org. We'll shout out winners here, and one each week will get some Spotlight PA swag. Answers submitted by 5:30 p.m. on issue date will be counted. Please include your first name and last initial. N U O D E R U A V T S
Yesterday's answer: Futuristic
Congrats to our daily winners: Barbara F., Jack R., Elaine C., Barb K., Stacy S., Becky C., Kimberly D., Don H., Jon W., Bob C., Ada M., Wendy A., Timothy A., Deb O., Perry He., Louie C., Susan N.-Z., Dennis M., Daniel M., William Z., Richard A., Annette I., Stacey M., Jeff F., Allison K., Jeffrey F., Judith D., Tom M., Jill C., Stanley J., and Perry Ha. |
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STEPPING DOWN? Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw may be on his way out. Reuters, citing anonymous sources, said Shaw was expected to step down from the role "