Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania news and investigations

Top News Rural issues

Broadband equipment in rural Pennsylvania.

Expanding broadband in rural Pa. was complicated by rule changes and uncertainty in 2025

by Charlotte Keith of Spotlight PA

A $42 billion federal grant program was supposed to expand broadband to every home and business. But cuts and changed rules created new challenges.

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Millions for public Wi-Fi, digital skills classes in Pa. cut as Trump targets 'racist' broadband program

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The Capitol

The interior of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg.

Pa. could end the year with the lowest number of new laws in at least a decade

by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA

Pennsylvania legislators have passed just 65 bills in 2025, which is poised to be an all-time low for the past decade, leaving key priorities unfinished.

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Val Arkoosh speaks at an event about Medicaid funding.

Pennsylvania restricts weight-loss drugs for Medicaid patients amid budget woes

by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA

Investigations

A photo illustration of Raymond Hohl encircled by images of the Penn State Cancer Institute, a medical device, and a nurse’s binder of thank you notes.

Alarming internal probes found chemo errors, delays, and ‘toxic’ leadership by Penn State’s cancer chief

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

Despite warnings and calls for action, Penn State has stood by its cancer center director as it pursues a prestigious federal designation.

Penn State Cancer Institute

Fear and disorder plagued Penn State’s $410 million pursuit of an elite cancer center, internal reviews found

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

Good News from Pennsylvania

Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during the 2025 Capitol Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Every song has a Pa. connection on this holiday playlist

by Asha Prihar of Spotlight PA

From religious hymns to classic covers by some of the commonwealth’s best known musicians, PA Local’s holiday playlist spans genres and decades.

A weekly dose of positive news

A fresh look at the incredible people, beautiful places, and delicious food Pennsylvania has to offer.

State College Bureau

Main Street in Brookville, Pennsylvania

From big cities to rural Pennsylvania: The ‘Shop Ladies of Brookville’ have brought flair to a small town

by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College

Drawn by historic homes and a slower pace, these women moved to rural Pennsylvania and opened their own storefronts all while building a network of support and friendship.

An illustration of water coming from a tap, houses, pipes, a Rock Spring Water Company sign, and a PUC sign.

Rate hike, bankruptcy, or sale: Pa. judge to decide what’s next for troubled rural water company

by Marley Parish of Spotlight PA State College

Berks County Bureau

Kraig and Janet Biehl in their Perry Township home.

How a Berks County family attacked by a rabid cat fell through gaps in Pa.’s animal control system

by Gabriela Martínez of Spotlight PA

A family in Perry Township, which doesn’t provide animal control services, says it had to scramble for assistance.

A photo of Callie, a semi-feral cat in Perry Township, who attacked the Biehl family because she had rabies.

What Berks County residents need to know if they encounter a rabid animal

by Gabriela Martínez of Spotlight PA

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