|
 AN URGENT CALL: We're kicking off our Spring Member Drive TODAY and we need to raise $35,000 by June 1 to keep Spotlight PA's unmatched reporting going strong. We can't keep Harrisburg honest and hold the powerful to account without you.
As a special bonus, all contributions will be DOUBLED by the Lenfest Institute for Journalism. That means you can have twice the impact.
From unique voting tools to revelatory investigative reporting, no one produces honest, accurate, nonpartisan stories like Spotlight PA. But while we do this work for you, we cannot do it without you.
Make a tax-deductible gift now » |
|
|
A daily newsletter by  |
|
|
|
| Today: Gift policy, compassionate release, distracted driving, Penn protest, ex-trooper, and unemployment assistance. Thanks for checking in. |
|
Newly filed ethics reports show top Pennsylvania state lawmakers accepted nearly $30,000 in travel expenses in 2023, often from groups that have interests before the state.
According to Spotlight PA's reporting, the trips included political conferences and other events bankrolled by campaign groups, organizations pushing alternatives to public education, and more.
Several lawmakers went to Arizona on a trip funded by a mental health provider that has a state contract worth millions. Two state senators attended the Super Bowl on the dime of a millionaire insurance executive.
Pennsylvania’s legislative gift law is one of the laxest in the country. While public officials must report any gift over $250 in value, or hospitality over $650, on annual filings, there is a loophole in which lobbyists spread costs out among clients, keeping lawmakers below the reporting threshold.
|
|
NOTABLE / QUOTABLE
“It’s despicable that any law enforcement official would spread a rumor about me being 'investigated' or about to be 'arrested' to advance a political goal.”
—State Rep. Kevin Boyle (D., Philadelphia) in his first public remarks since his primary loss and the dismissal of a warrant for his arrest |
|
Our Spring Member Drive kicks off today with a huge challenge: If we raise $35,000 by June 1, the Lenfest Institute for Journalism will match every single dollar. That's right — if you give now, your contribution will be DOUBLED.
Put simply: Our unmatched journalism cannot continue without your support.
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 those who have given so far, including Mike Q., who said, "I enjoy your honest reporting." Join Mike and make a gift now » |
|
| "Waiting," a sculpture by artist Seward Johnson, in Harrisburg's Riverfront Park, via Diana P. Send us your photos by email, use #PAGems on Instagram, or tag us @spotlightpennsylvania. |
|
 RELEASE PETITION: Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro is lending his support to an incarcerated man’s bid for compassionate release, Spotlight PA reports. Shapiro’s office said the governor has considered “the unique facts of this case, including Mr. Ezra Bozeman’s rare medical status and length of time incarcerated.” As of November, only around 48 such petitions had been successful over 14 years.   |
|
| 🤔 NEXT QUESTION: Are you on top of the news? Prove it with the latest edition of the Great PA News Quiz: High-flying governors, commencement plans, and fizzy water goes to court. |
|
|
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 > |
|
|
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. N N P E L T A G
Friday's answer: Beatniks or Snakebit
Congrats to our weekly winner: Pat E.
Congrats to our daily winners: Stacy S., Marc G., Barbara F., Don H., Eric F., Lynne E., Elaine C., Kimberly D., Wendy A., Alan B., Richard A., Jon W., Bob C., Tracy S., Perry H., Jeffrey F., Tom M., Jane R., William Z., Susan N., Karen W., and Amelia M.
|
|
|
| |
|
