We're so close: Two generous local donors and Spotlight PA members, Jim Friedlich and Melissa Stern, have pledged $10,000 to encourage you to join them and make a gift to Spotlight PA before Dec. 31.
If you donate now, they will match your gift, dollar-for-dollar.
We have just $7,000 until we hit our goal.
As a reader, you know how important Spotlight PA’s coverage is to upholding democracy in our state. I hope those of you who are still on the fence will make a donation today to ensure this work continues.
Spotlight PA is in the final stretch of its most important membership drive of the year, and every dollar counts. Please give now.
Onwards together,
—Christopher Baxter, Editor in Chief
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"It defies reason that outside interests should be permitted to control or influence purely local affairs."
Two generous local donors just extended our challenge. Jim Friedlich and Melissa Stern believe so strongly in Spotlight PA's mission, they've just pledged an additional $10,000 in matching dollars. That means they will match every dollar you give before Dec. 31. Contribute now.
» SURGE PROBLEMS: An official from Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre talked to NPR about how a flood of COVID-19 patients is straining staff.
» MAPPING POWER: Join us Thursday, Jan. 6 at noon EST for a free panel on the proposed state House and Senate maps, how they could shift political power, and their potential impact on Pennsylvanians. Register for the event here and submit your questions to events@spotlightpa.org.
📷 POST IT
"I loved the way these red leaves have puddled around this tree in my neighbor’s yard in Hellam Township," said PA Poster Chris M. Thanks! Send us your gems, use #PAGems on Instagram, or tag us @spotlightpennsylvania.
PROBLEMS CONTINUE: Six months after Pennsylvania upgraded its online unemployment system, claimants say they're still having issues. WPXI was contacted by two dozen people who have waited months for compensation or have suffered from other issues.
WAR OF WORDS: Nicole Ziccarelli, Westmoreland County's next district attorney, told TribLIVE the prosecutor she beat is not assisting with her transition. Current DA John Peck denied that, saying he missed a call but did respond to a personal letter.
STAFF LOSS: More than 70 attorneys hired by Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner have left since he took office in 2018. The Inquirer spoke to current and former staff who said training is needed.
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.
E I O U C R E N O M S
Wednesday's answer: Toboggan
Congrats to our daily winners: Susan F., Bonnie R., David I., Susan N.-Z., btfoos, Al M., George S., Vicki U., Becky C., Michelle T., Patricia M., John C., Daniel M., Don H., Mike B., Chris M., Elaine C., Doris T., Ronnee G., Neal W., Craig E., Ted W., Diane P., Susan D., Karen W., Kate P., Bruce T., Wendy A., Ann and John, Joanne C., jemccarthy7, Myles M., Brian P., Elizabeth W., Irene R., Dianne K., Kimberly S., Bill S., Kim C., David W., Brandie K., Craig W., and Ann E.
Spotlight PA is an independent, non-partisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and WITF Public Media.
GOV PLEA: Gov. Tom Wolf is calling on GOP leaders in the state Senate to 
HELP DELAYED: More than $350 million in federal funds will be made available to Pennsylvania to help prevent foreclosures, but WESA reports that 
PROBLEMS CONTINUE: Six months after Pennsylvania upgraded its online unemployment system, 
WAR OF WORDS: Nicole Ziccarelli, Westmoreland County's next district attorney, told TribLIVE 
STAFF LOSS: More than 70 attorneys hired by Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner