Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania news and investigations

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State Sen. Frank Farry (center) spoke at a May news conference to support more funding for SEPTA.

More funding for SEPTA unlikely this year thanks to deep conflicts over gaming expansion

by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA

Senate Republicans say they’ll support transit funding in exchange for taxing skill games, but a deal has been elusive.

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Pennsylvania's medical marijuana program has allowed doctors with past misconduct to certify patients.

Prior misconduct rarely an obstacle for doctors in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program

by Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA

One doctor’s battle to rejoin Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program reveals how the state wields its gatekeeping power.

An illustration of a transplant operation under a surgical light.

Top Penn State Health surgeon warned leaders about transplant problems months before shutdown. Then he was let go.

by Wyatt Massey of Spotlight PA State College and Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA

The Capitol

Outside the Forks Township Community Center in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, Election Day 2023.

The (basically) secret list of campaign donations by no-bid contractors

by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA

Pennsylvania's no-bid contractors must report campaign donations, but accessing those records is hard. Here's why it matters.

The Pennsylvania House floor inside the Capitol building in Harrisburg.

As Democrats fight to keep control of the Pa. House, poll shows their agenda is popular

by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA

Investigations

The Secret Service immediately surround former President Trump after he was shot during his campaign stop at the Butler Farm Show grounds on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

Trump assassination attempt shows long-standing flaws in Secret Service protections

by Danielle Ohl of Spotlight PA; Jessica Lussenhop of ProPublica; and Irina Bucur, Tracy Leturgey and Eddie Trizzino of The Butler Eagle

A Spotlight PA, ProPublica and Butler Eagle investigation found the process for securing campaign events was susceptible to attack for years.

Illustration of an older person looking outside a window as days go by.

Abuse and neglect investigations of aging Pennsylvanians are woefully slow. The results can be devastating.

by Angela Couloumbis of Spotlight PA

Impact

The question of who gets to be a medical marijuana doctor in Pennsylvania is facing new scrutiny from lawmakers following a Spotlight PA investigation.

Spotlight PA investigation spurs call for more oversight of who can be a medical marijuana doctor

by Ed Mahon

A proposal could clarify eligibility for physicians, and it’s intended “to protect the health and safety of the patients” in Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program, two lawmakers say.

Editor’s Notes

Spotlight PA staffers outside the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg, PA in 2023.

Spotlight PA wins prestigious Public Service Award for 4th-straight year for its betterment of Pennsylvania

by Spotlight PA Staff

Latest From Our Daily Newsletter

The inauguration of Gov. Josh Shapiro at the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg on Jan. 17, 2023.

Activists target guv's 'scandalous' conduct rule

Plus, the faulty tests tearing families apart.

The real history behind Trump’s Philly falsehoods

Plus, tonight's presidential debate.

What a court ruling means for rejected mail voters

Plus, 'massive violations' inside an ICE facility.

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State College Bureau

Disaster Survivor Assistance teams speaking with a disaster survivor in Tioga County

More than $1M is available for rural Pa. counties hit hard by Tropical Storm Debby. Here’s how to apply.

by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College

Residents in Lycoming, Potter, Tioga, and Union counties can apply for federal aid.

Two deer seen in Pittsburgh.

Farmer support could lead Pennsylvania to lift its near-total ban on Sunday hunting

by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA and Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College

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