Articles by: Staff, Spotlight PA

How Local Government Works: A Key Factor in Determining Property Taxes Varies Wildly Across Pennsylvania

How Local Government Works: A Key Factor in Determining Property Taxes Varies Wildly Across Pennsylvania

Property taxes are the lifeblood of municipal revenue and services in Pennsylvania, but depending on when a county last assessed its property values, local governments can overflow with cash or be strapped for it. FULL ARTICLE
by · December 8, 2023 · Local News, News, PA News
New Pa. House Rules Sought to Strengthen Bipartisanship. Insiders Say It Didn’t Work.

New Pa. House Rules Sought to Strengthen Bipartisanship. Insiders Say It Didn’t Work.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — During the chaotic start to this year's legislative session, Pennsylvania House Democrats used their new majority to pass a high-profile set of changes to chamber rules that backers said would make the government more productive and bipartisan. FULL ARTICLE
by · December 5, 2023 · Local News, News, PA News
We Tracked Josh Shapiro’s 11 Biggest Campaign Promises Through His First Year. See How He Did.

We Tracked Josh Shapiro’s 11 Biggest Campaign Promises Through His First Year. See How He Did.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — During his run for governor, Josh Shapiro was boosted by his reputation as a deal-making coalition-builder. FULL ARTICLE
by · December 4, 2023 · Local News, News, PA News
Great Pa News Quiz: 2024 Vision, Snow Droughts, Impeachment Court, and War Machines

Great Pa News Quiz: 2024 Vision, Snow Droughts, Impeachment Court, and War Machines

In this week’s quiz: Pennsylvania feeds an arms race, a seismic election ruling, and a long time with very little snow: FULL ARTICLE
by · December 1, 2023 · Local News, News, PA News
Pa. Legislature Paid $280K to Settle Harassment, Other Claims While Requiring Secrecy in Many Cases

Pa. Legislature Paid $280K to Settle Harassment, Other Claims While Requiring Secrecy in Many Cases

HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania legislature has quietly paid out hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past five years to settle sexual harassment and other claims against lawmakers and staffers, Spotlight PA has learned through open records requests. FULL ARTICLE
by · December 1, 2023 · Local News, News, PA News
Court Ruling on Undated Ballots Brings Confusion as Pa. Counties Certify November Election Results

Court Ruling on Undated Ballots Brings Confusion as Pa. Counties Certify November Election Results

In the wake of a long-awaited federal court ruling, Pennsylvania counties are making diverging decisions about whether to count undated and misdated mail ballots cast during the November election. FULL ARTICLE
by · November 30, 2023 · Local News, News, PA News
Opioid Settlement Money Is Supposed to Expand Syringe Services. Pa.’s Drug Laws Stand in the Way.

Opioid Settlement Money Is Supposed to Expand Syringe Services. Pa.’s Drug Laws Stand in the Way.

BOLIVAR, Pa. — In the basement of a former Catholic church, in a tiny Westmoreland County town battling with a drug epidemic, Kim Botteicher risks arrest to help those who are addicted to opioids and other substances. FULL ARTICLE
by · November 30, 2023 · Local News, News, PA News
How the Ongoing Pa. Budget Impasse is Hurting Community Colleges, Libraries

How the Ongoing Pa. Budget Impasse is Hurting Community Colleges, Libraries

HARRISBURG, Pa. — As Pennsylvania lawmakers continue to debate whether to fund parts of the state budget, people who run key programs around the commonwealth are being forced to make tough decisions. FULL ARTICLE
by · November 29, 2023 · Local News, News, PA News
How Spotlight Pa’s Nonpartisan Journalism Cuts Through the Noise and Gets Results

How Spotlight Pa’s Nonpartisan Journalism Cuts Through the Noise and Gets Results

HARRISBURG — State capitols are the testing grounds for the future of our country. FULL ARTICLE
by · November 28, 2023 · Local News, News, PA News
Pennsylvania Is Investing Millions to Ensure People of All Backgrounds, Abilities Have Access to Public Lands

Pennsylvania Is Investing Millions to Ensure People of All Backgrounds, Abilities Have Access to Public Lands

BELLEFONTE, Pa. — Anthony David Jr. wasn’t comfortable exploring state parks and forests while attending college in Harrisburg. FULL ARTICLE
by · November 27, 2023 · Local News, News, PA News