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A daily newsletter by  |
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| Today: Rising budget, transplant halt, policy funds, differing opinions, and denied trial. Thanks for checking in. |
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THIS IS NO MISTAKE
Quality journalism doesn't happen by mistake. As newsrooms continue to lay off reporters or get gobbled up by profit-hungry hedge funds, Spotlight PA is writing a bold new chapter — together with you. Your gift enables our talented reporters to go deeper, focus on issues being ignored, and keep those with power and influence honest. We have so much work to do, but only you can make it happen. Give now & as a special bonus, your contribution will be DOUBLED » |
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The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is seeking more than $300 million in next year’s budget despite a declining incarcerated population and recent facility closures. Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal to the state legislature included more than $200 million in additional funding for the department. The agency is also asking state lawmakers to approve $100 million in supplemental funds. Officials say the increase is needed to address additional federal requirements and dwindling federal funds, as well as union obligations and overtime. Lawmakers have questioned how such a substantial increase is needed after the prison system promised savings following the closure of two facilities in 2017 and 2020.
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NOTABLE / QUOTABLE
“Mental health challenges impact people all across Pennsylvania and the country — from our reddest counties to our bluest, from our biggest cities to our smallest towns.”
—U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) on why he introduced a bill seeking to establish a federal commission focused on mental health. |
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We're at a critical point: The future of Spotlight PA's nonprofit, nonpartisan investigative journalism depends on your support. This isn't a line — it's the hard truth. Either you support our work so it can continue, or it goes away.
As a special bonus, all contributions today will be DOUBLED thanks to a matched gift offered by the Lenfest Institute for Journalism.
Make a gift now »
You can also give via PayPal or Venmo, or send a check to: Spotlight PA, PO Box 11728, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1728.
Thank you to the 209 people who have given so far, including Nancy N., who said, "It's honest and not politically motivated." Join Nancy & make a gift now » |
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| One of many fragrant flowers blooming in Chester County, via Starr B. Send us your photos by email, use #PAGems on Instagram, or tag us @spotlightpennsylvania. |
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 PROGRAM HALT: Penn State Health has agreed to stop performing kidney transplants for two weeks after scrutiny from federal officials, Spotlight PA reports. The decision deals another blow to the health system’s attempts to rebuild its abdominal transplant program after it suspended operations in 2022 and faced serious disciplinary action from a national oversight body.   STUDENT SERVICES: A proposed bill could reverse a Pennsylvania law that allows schools to bar homeless students from class during residency disputes, the Center for Public Integrity reports. The law conflicts with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which requires school districts to immediately enroll homeless students and provide support services. The state Senate Appropriations Committee has about six months to advance the legislation.  |
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| 🤔 NEXT QUESTION: Are you on top of the news? Prove it with the latest edition of the Great PA News Quiz: McCormick's term limit vow, 'scandalous' conduct, and stunning solar weather |
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DEEPFAKE DRAMA: A Bucks County mother talks about going viral after being falsely accused of creating a deepfake video of her daughter’s cheerleading rivals. SYMBOLIC VOTE: Some Northampton County Council members are seeking to declare the county a “right-to-choose" abortion sanctuary, WFMZ reports. |
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HOT, HOT, HOT Our exclusive 'All Sun, No Shade' beach towels are HOT!
Bold and thick, get ready for Memorial Day with this exclusive Spotlight PA swag. But hurry! Once they're gone, they're gone for the year. SHOP NOW > |
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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. Y R E N L C I D
Friday's answer: Challenger
Congrats to our weekly winner: Nan S.
Congrats to our daily winners: Eric F., Stacy S., Susan R., Becky C., Barbara F., Bob C., Marty M., Vicki U., Eddy Z., Beth H., Daniel M., Jon W., Richard A., Judith D., Jody A., Don H., Marc G., Craig E., Jane R., Cynthia B., Ted W., Edward R., Alan B., Elaine C., Tracy S., Wendy A., Ada M., Jeffrey F., Marie B., Tom M., Susan N., Dan A., Marianne C., Tish M., William Z., Stanley J., Joel S., and Sue.
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