Spotlight PA

A lack of transparency baked into state law makes it impossible to determine whether the program is actually improving outcomes for students who receive tuition assistance.

A judge in Centre County has sealed an entire case at the request of Penn State, a rare move that potentially violates the right to open courts guaranteed by the state and U.S. Constitutions.

A federal lawsuit alleges the Pennsylvania court system discriminated against people with opioid use disorder, raising questions about who is responsible for decisions made by local judges.

People who care for two or more dependents will be able to claim up to $6,000 in child care expenses starting next year.

Panelists said legislative action and other accountability measures are needed to close loopholes left in the 2020 law that created Pennsylvania’s law enforcement hiring database.

Home repairs, property tax relief for seniors, and state park repairs are among 20 programs that will be funded with the one-time stimulus money.

County elections officials have mixed reactions to the legislation, which creates grants but doesn’t allow counties to get the jump on counting mail ballots — an ongoing priority.

Legislative Republicans advanced five significant constitutional amendments, including stricter voter ID and enhanced powers for the General Assembly.

The wide-reaching budget, completed a week after the June 30 deadline, was made possible by higher-than-expected revenues that led to a multi-billion dollar surplus.

At least four U.S. Supreme Court justices have signaled support for an extreme legal doctrine that would give state legislatures unchecked power over elections and political maps.

Talks have been difficult this year due to differing priorities among Gov. Tom Wolf and Republican leaders, as well as emboldened conservative rank-and-file dissidents.

The proposed ban complicates budget negotiations as GOP lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf try to complete the process before the June 30 deadline.

Pennsylvania’s voter rolls have been a frequent target of conservative politicians who believe the disproven narrative that the 2020 election was stolen.

Join Spotlight PA July 7 for a free virtual panel on Pennsylvania’s police hiring database and other accountability efforts.

Affected homeowners in Benner Township, Centre County, want to know when and how PFAS chemicals got into their water. State officials defend the delay, pointing to “sound scientific practices.”