Most of Pennsylvania’s 52 county agencies responsible for protecting older adults are failing to swiftly review complaints of suspected abuse or neglect, some taking five or more times the mandated 20 days for determinations.

There has been a simultaneous and staggering increase in the number of older Pennsylvanians who have died during an open case of suspected abuse or neglect, according to a new Spotlight PA investigation. 

Investigative Reporter Angela Couloumbis writes:

State aging officials have attributed the increase in large part to the state’s growing population of older adults, a sharp rise in abuse and neglect complaints, and the pandemic that wreaked disproportionate havoc on vulnerable populations.

But because the department does not track the cause of death for people who die during open investigations and county agencies aren’t required to report it, accountability is near impossible.

Read the full investigation: Abuse and neglect reviews for aging Pennsylvanians are woefully slow. The results can be devastating.

Correction: Yesterday's edition incorrectly identified the number of consecutive late budgets in Pennsylvania. This year’s is the third in a row.

SPECIAL EVENT: Join us Tuesday, July 9 from 6-7 p.m. ET on Zoom for a one-on-one interview with author Elizabeth Currid-Halkett, whose new book explores how the urban-rural divide in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. is vastly overstated. Become a member to join this exclusive event.

ROCKY WATERS: Join us Thursday, July 18 from 6-7 p.m. ET on Zoom for a live panel on Pennsylvania’s private water industry, how it is regulated, and how communities are affected when service is subpar. Register for the event here and submit your questions to events@spotlightpa.org.

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SCOTUS EFFECT: Democrats in the Pennsylvania House are looking to preempt municipalities from criminalizing homelessness on the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the right of cities to do just that. A memo says the forthcoming legislation would also work to ensure local governments secure adequate low-barrier housing.
 

LONG COUNT: Three votes separate state Rep. Mike Cabell (R., Luzerne) and primary challenger Jamie Walsh in the heavily litigated ballot counting from April's primary there, with Walsh in the lead. The Times Leader reports Commonwealth Court has granted Cabell’s request to count one provisional ballot (cast by his cousin) and reject another.

BOGEN CONFIRMED: The Pennsylvania Senate has confirmed Debra Bogen as Pennsylvania Secretary of Health a year and half after Gov. Shapiro nominated her for the role, WHTM reports. Eight Republicans voted no.

RETURN TO OFFICE? The union representing thousands of city workers in Philadelphia is suing Mayor Cherelle Parker over her requirement that city staff return to in-office or on-site work full time, via NBC10.

RAIL RUNNERS: The return of passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City is newly plausible thanks to an infusion of federal funding. But Capital-Star asks: Will politics get in the way?

COLLEGE CLOSING: Clarks Summit University in Lackawanna County won't be back for the fall semester. WBRE/WYOU report financial problems at the 92-year-old Baptist Bible college will bring about its closure.

TENT NAMES: Harrisburg's Broad Street Market is asking the public to help name its temporary home following last year's fire. Finalists include "The Pavilion" and "Tenty McTentface," per UPI. Cast your vote here.