June 26, 2025David Dermer / APUS Steel takeover gives Trump special powers that future presidents won’t haveby Associated PressControl over special powers reverts to the Treasury Department and the Commerce Department when anyone else is president.
June 18, 2025Julia Demaree Nikhinson / AP$15B takeover of US Steel finalized after Nippon secures national security agreementby Associated PressNippon Steel and U.S. Steel did not list the full terms of the deal, and did not release a national security agreement struck with Trump's administration.
June 18, 2025Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PATrump admin tells Pa., other states to shift broadband focus to cheaper options like Elon Musk's Starlinkby Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PACritics say the changes prioritize “short-term gain over long-term benefits” for the federal broadband program
June 16, 2025Gene J. Puskar / APTrump would have unique control over US Steel’s decision-making under Nippon ‘partnership,’ admin claimsby Associated PressTrump admin officials provided additional insight into the "golden share" arrangement that the federal government made as a condition for supporting the deal.
June 15, 2025Yuki Iwamura / AP1000s of anti-Trump demonstrators gather in Pa., Shapiro thanks them for protesting ‘peacefully’by Associated PressThousands gathered in Philly, where organizers handed out small American flags and people carried protest signs saying "fight oligarchy" and "deport the mini-Mussolinis."
June 13, 2025Matt Rourke / APImmigrant detentions surge at Pa. center accused of abuse as Trump crackdown intensifiesby Elena Eisenstadt for Spotlight PAPennsylvania’s Moshannon Valley Processing Center is one of the biggest federal immigration detention facilities in the country, and advocates fear it risks overcrowding.
June 6, 2025Commonwealth Media ServicesFeds move to drop Sheetz racial discrimination lawsuit after Trump ends key civil rights toolby Associated PressSheetz' policy of denying jobs to anyone who failed a background check disproportionately harmed Black applicants, per the suit.
June 5, 2025J. Scott Applewhite / APTrump admin must restore AmeriCorps programs in Pa., other states that sued over cuts, federal judge rulesby Associated PressThe ruling only applies to states that sued the Trump administration, including Pennsylvania.
June 4, 2025Commonwealth Media ServicesPennsylvania sues USDA over canceled $13M food aid program for schools and food banksby Associated PressThe lawsuit in federal court, announced by Gov. Josh Shapiro, comes three months after the USDA advised states that it was ending the pandemic-era assistance program.
June 4, 2025Courtesy of Allegheny National Forest Visitors BureauLogging will increase by 10% in Pa.’s only national forest this year under Trump directiveby Abigail Hakas of Next Generation NewsroomThe move has sparked fierce debate between environmentalists and pro-logging groups who disagree on cutting trees to reduce wildfire risks or improve forest health.
June 4, 2025Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PAMillions for public Wi-Fi, digital skills classes in Pa. cut as Trump targets 'racist' broadband programby Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PAGroups trying to expand high-speed internet access call the cut in funding, originally created by the Digital Equity Act, a “punch in the stomach”.
May 27, 2025Gene J. Puskar / APUS Steel deal with Japan-based company guarantees American control, McCormick saysby Associated PressThe agreement is expected to resolve Nippon Steel's nearly $15 billion bid to buy the iconic American steelmaker.
May 8, 2025J. Scott Applewhite / APAlleged outburst at union meeting adds to concerns about Pa. Sen. Fetterman’s behaviorby Associated PressThe interaction at Fetterman's Washington office came as former staffers aired concerns about the senator's mental health.
April 29, 2025Matt Rourke / APPenn threatened with prosecution unless it revokes trans swimmer’s awards, apologizes to athletesby Associated PressThe Trump administration has already suspended $175 million in funding for allowing Lia Thomas to compete several years ago.
April 28, 2025Marc Levy / APScott Perry, fellow vulnerable Republicans play hard to get during congressional breakby Associated PressUnanswered phones, locked offices, and few appearances frustrate voters as anger rises, Trump’s approval ratings fall.
April 18, 2025Abby Drey / Centre Daily TimesThe people who represent you in D.C. and Harrisburg are allowed to keep their calendars secretby Min Xian of Spotlight PA State CollegePennsylvania and federal open records laws don’t require elected officials to release their work calendars to the public.
April 25, 2024Nate Smallwood / For Spotlight PAThousands of employees at federal contractors do not have whistleblower protections despite 2013 lawby Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PAA whistleblower reported issues at an affordable housing complex to HUD. But a gap in the law meant she wasn’t protected from retaliation.
March 13, 2024Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PAPa. local governments want long-term state money for cybersecurity as federal grant fills the gapby Min Xian of Spotlight PA State CollegeFederal cybersecurity funding included in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal isn’t enough to help local governments keep up with rising costs, officials say.
Jan. 25, 2024Ed Mahon / Spotlight PAJustice Department expands claims against Pa. courts in opioid addiction treatment caseby Ed Mahon of Spotlight PAThe federal Department of Justice recently broadened its accusations that Pa. courts discriminate against people with opioid use disorder by restricting access to medications.
Jan. 22, 2024Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PAPa.’s broadband authority reverses position on key state law before new federal funding arrivesby Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PAThe Broadband Development Authority initially said it would waive a key section of the 2004 law that restricts publicly owned broadband networks. The agency reversed course after public comments.
Nov. 30, 2023Matt Smith / For Spotlight PACourt ruling on undated ballots brings confusion as Pa. counties certify November election resultsby Carter Walker of VotebeatA federal judge has ruled that Pennsylvania counties should accept undated and misdated mail ballots, but some consider the decision “prospective.”
March 18, 2022TOM GRALISH / Philadelphia InquirerFringe theory cited in Pa. redistricting case could give legislatures unchecked election powerby Ethan Edward Coston of Spotlight PA and Matt Vasilogambros of StatelineLegal experts and voting rights advocates warn the "independent state legislature doctrine" could radically alter election administration across the country.
Feb. 15, 2022Nate Smallwood / For Spotlight PAJustice Department finds Pa. courts discriminated against people with opioid use disorderby Ed Mahon of Spotlight PAA letter from the Department of Justice could have widespread ramifications for Pennsylvanians who are under a court’s supervision and use doctor-prescribed medications to treat opioid use disorder.
Feb. 8, 2022Commonwealth Media ServicesWolf asks GOP-led legislature to spend Pa.’s federal aid dollars as he pitches $1.8B boost for educationby Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA and Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PAThough Wolf’s nearly $44 billion financial blueprint does not include any proposed tax increases, it is almost certain to face pushback from GOP leaders.
Dec. 8, 2021Matt Smith / For Spotlight PARenters in parts of Pa. shut out of rent relief as counties elsewhere sit on millions in unused aidby Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PAThe inefficiency was caused by state lawmakers who chose to distribute most of the money by population rather than the actual number of renters in each county.