Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania news and investigations

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Lawmakers, Shapiro admin push to end practice of counties taking Social Security money owed to foster kids

by Steve Volk / Resolve Philly for Spotlight PA

After a 2025 Resolve Philly / Spotlight PA investigation, a federal directive urged states to end the practice

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Foster care agencies in Pa. took millions owed to kids in their care, often keeping them in the dark
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The Capitol

The exterior to the Pennsylvania Judicial Center.

Pennsylvania judges say blocking Medicaid for abortion violates state constitution

by Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA

The case could still be appealed up to the state Supreme Court.

The view of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg from State Street.

Shapiro wants to eliminate three 'niche' tax credits. Supporters say they should be expanded.

by Charlotte Keith 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

Pretzels laid out on a baking sheet

Pretzels for breakfast? For lunch? For dessert? In Pa., the answer is always yes.

by Asha Prihar of Spotlight PA

They come crispy, chewy, pillowy, and snappy. Pennsylvanians dip them in cheese, fill them with peanut butter, and cover them in chocolate. And a lot of these pretzels are made in the state.

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

Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visit the Lancaster County Rapid Response Center to host poultry producers and industry leaders for a roundtable discussion on the ongoing surge in Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) infections.

Hotline for Pa. farmers sees major drop in calls, texts amid mental health crisis

by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College

The AgriStress Helpline had a surge in calls from Pennsylvania farmers in its first year. But since 2024, usage has dropped.

The bell tower of Old Main on Penn State's campus

High court rejects Penn State’s bid to keep trustee records hidden from public, Spotlight PA

by Spotlight PA Staff

Berks County Bureau

View of warehouse at 3501 Mountain Road in Upper Bern Township.

The Shapiro admin’s unusual challenge to new ICE detention centers could take years to play out

by Molly Bilinski for Spotlight PA

A state agency has barred ICE from connecting to water or sewer via orders that the feds have appealed.

Gina Fiore

Meet a volunteer who teaches English as a second language classes

by Susan Shelly McGovern for Spotlight PA

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