July 24, 2024Commonwealth Media ServicesLicense plate redesign pits Philly vs. rest of Pennsylvaniaby Tanisha Thomas of Spotlight PAWhy some Pennsylvanians are calling the state’s new license plate “boring” “erasure.”
July 19, 202412 Pennsylvania books you need to read this summerby Tanisha Thomas of Spotlight PAThe Johnstown Flood, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, The School for Good Mothers, and more Pennsylvania-focused reading recommendations from Spotlight PA’s staff.
July 9, 2024Courtesy of Brian Reid / Eventide Light PhotographyWill a former landfill become PA's next stargazing mecca?by Tanisha Thomas of Spotlight PAThe Cameron County site is an hour away from the internationally renowned — and often very crowded — dark sky viewing at Cherry Springs State Park.
July 8, 2024Courtesy Whitetail PropertiesNo, Taylor Swift didn’t buy one of Pa.’s biggest private forestsby Colin Deppen of Spotlight PAUnder Armour co-founder Kip Fulks sold the 7,000-acre property in Elk County to another businessperson with Maryland ties.
Feb. 26, 2024SubmittedBlack Pa. country musicians celebrate the Beyoncé effect, invite new listeners to stick aroundby Tanisha Thomas of Spotlight PAAs Beyoncé’s country singles “16 Carriages” and “Texas Hold ‘Em” usher in a new era for the star, other Black artists in the genre are welcoming the interest and discussing old patterns of exclusion.
Dec. 22, 2023Sara Stewart / For Spotlight PAInside the queer, witchy ‘they bar’ of Millvale, Pa.by Sara StewartMillvale bar Harold’s Haunt welcomes all, including the dead that haunt the Pittsburgh-area neighborhood, according to its owner.
Oct. 31, 2023Colin Deppen / Spotlight PAMeet the podcaster, author, and hairstylist bringing Pa.’s haunted history to lifeby Sara Stewart for Spotlight PAPodcaster, author, and hairstylist Marlin Bressi has an affinity for stories of the strange-but-true variety, and he’ll tell you there’s no better place to dig for them than Pennsylvania.
Oct. 25, 2023Courtesy Alpha Fire CompanyCentre County fire company’s all-female attack line makes historyby Tanisha Thomas of Spotlight PAA Facebook post celebrating Alpha Fire Company’s first all-female attack line brought recognition to the department’s women.
Sept. 1, 2023Civil War TailsCats and cannons collide at Gettysburg’s feline-themed Civil War museumby Sara StewartThe Civil War Tails museum of Gettysburg, PA, uses handmade cat figurines and dioramas to portray pivotal battle moments.
April 21, 2023Commonwealth Media ServicesErie, Pa.’s view of the 2024 solar eclipse will be exceptional. It’s also going to cost you.by Colin Deppen of Spotlight PAErie and Pennsylvania’s northwest corner are in the path of totality, where the moon will 100% cover the sun on April 8, 2024.
Oct. 7, 2022Jason Nark / Philadelphia InquirerHow a psychic started Pennsylvania’s strangest treasure huntby Colin Deppen of Spotlight PADennis Parada has spent years fighting the FBI over a suspected trove of Civil War gold in Elk County he says the agency stole right out from under his nose.
Sept. 23, 2022Amanda Berg / For Spotlight PAThese Pa. voters haven't missed a single November election for at least 50 yearsby Colin Deppen of Spotlight PAAhead of Pennsylvania's 2022 election, Spotlight PA spoke to members of the state's Voter Hall of Fame — people who haven't missed a single November contest for 50 consecutive cycles.
Aug. 16, 2022ELIZABETH ROBERTSON / Philadelphia InquirerSpotted lanternfly squashing was once all the rage in Pennsylvania. Is that zeal fading?by Colin Deppen of Spotlight PAAn app dedicated to promoting the squish and kill of the spotted lanternfly is waning in popularity in Pennsylvania, while gaining in states where the invasive species is newer. Are we losing our edge?