Regional identity runs deep in PA. In this piece, I dive into why that is, and why people get so passionate about the way we talk about where in the state we're from. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/08...

Why Pennsylvanians care so dang much about regional names, borders

Regional identities shape how Pennsylvanians relate to each other, what they call areas of the state, and where they decide to put down roots.

spotlightpa.org

I've spent the past month or so chatting with Pennsylvanians about how they refer to their part of the state, and what makes their areas unique — but actually defining the regions we've been discussing isn't always a clear-cut task. Help us find consensus: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/08...

Which of these maps best represents Pa.’s many and oft-disputed regions?

As part of a series on Pennsylvania regions, their names, their identities, and whether it all matters, Spotlight PA needs your input. Take our survey.

spotlightpa.org

Every time I see the phrase "AI startup," my brain automatically goes "who is Albert/Alfred/Allen and why is he starting so many new companies?"

I'll be in Scranton for an in-person event hosted by Spotlight PA! We'll be discussing my reporting on the mental health system, and hearing from people directly affected. Please join us!

Spotlight PA's PA Local newsletter has been sharing Pennsylvania day trip tips every so often — our latest guide is to Mount Gretna, which is a great spot for free or low-cost fun. Check it out here, and subscribe for free! (There's a sign-up box in the story.) www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/07...

How to spend a day in Mount Gretna, PA

Explore Mount Gretna with a local's guide to the best places to eat, hike, shop, and enjoy the arts in the rustic Pennsylvania community.

spotlightpa.org

Does this Pa. utility offer North America’s best-tasting tap water? They’re headed to DC to compete. https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06/chester-water-authority-best-tap-water-awards-taste-pennsylvania-local/

Gourds aren’t just for autumn. These Pa. artists use the organic vessels as a canvas year-round. https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06/gourd-society-lebanon-craft-art-show-festival-pennsylvania-local/

The niche but passionate world of Pennsylvania gourd art

At the Pennsylvania Gourd Society Art Show and Festival, enthusiasts and professionals gather to share their work and trade know-how.

spotlightpa.org

A fun Friday read: I spoke with the fourth-gen president of Knoebels ahead of the park's 100th birthday. We talked about its history, the vintage vibes, how it handles being in a flood-prone area, why it's free to enter, and whether it will stay that way. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/05...

There’s no place like Knoebels, Pa.’s world-famous and affordable amusement park

President Brian Knoebel reflects on Knoebel's history and its lasting popularity as an affordable, world-famous amusement park.

spotlightpa.org

If you think about it, it's kind of unfair to all the other times of year for melon, cherry, and berry season to overlap so much

Pretzels for breakfast? For lunch? For dessert? In Pa., the answer is always yes. https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/04/pretzels-history-germany-lititz-philadelphia-lancaster-county-immigration-pennsylvania-local/

How pretzels became an essential PA snack

Experts say several factors contributed to pretzels becoming an essential Pennsylvania snack, from immigration to transportation infrastructure.

spotlightpa.org

New Hope is one of Pa.’s artsiest towns. Here’s how to spend a day there.

New Hope day trip guide: Restaurants, art galleries, and more

PA Local talked to residents of New Hope, PA, about the best restaurants, art galleries, and activities in the Delaware River town.

spotlightpa.org

As someone who's fascinated by Pennsylvania's varied food landscape, I had so much fun talking to three residents from different parts of the state who've poured their time and love for local cuisine into making specialized food maps. Read it here: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/03...

Pennsylvania food mappers aim to help you find the best eats

Driven by their palates, three Pennsylvanians are mapping the commonwealth’s culinary landscape. Their maps cover fish fries, niche hot dogs, and more.

spotlightpa.org

NEWS: It’s my first day at SpotlightPA today, reporting on the state Capitol and this year’s midterm elections. I’m excited to work with such a great team. Add me to your newsletters and send me your tips: jwhite@spotlightpa.org.

True Pennsylvanians have seen at least 1 of these essential films set in the state https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/03/academy-awards-silver-linings-playbook-blob-groundhog-day-pennsylvania-local/

20 must-see movies set in Pennsylvania, according to experts

To determine the must-see movies set in Pennsylvania, Spotlight PA consulted film experts from across the commonwealth, as well as cinephiles on staff.

spotlightpa.org

When someone asks which part of Pennsylvania you’re from, what do you say? I've always said central, but I've been pondering whether that's technically correct. I'm working on a story about PA's regions, and I want to hear your thoughts! More details in the video ⬇️ www.youtube.com/shorts/1xfTG...

What do you call your corner of PA?

YouTube video by Spotlight PA

youtube.com

A review of budget documents and new Shapiro administration estimates shows Pa. could lose out on about $2 billion in revenue by mid-2031 due to a tax break that some lawmakers want to repeal. https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/02/data-centers-pennsylvania-tax-break-sales-exemption-capitol/

PA data center tax break expected to cost $2B

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration estimates the annual cost of the tax break will rise by hundreds of millions of dollars in the coming years.

spotlightpa.org

Did you know that the art for US coins comes to life right here in PA? I talked to two artists at the US Mint in Philadelphia who design & sculpt art for coins (and Congressional medals) about their work, including some of their latest for the semiquincentennial. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/02...

These PA artists sculpt the coins that end up in your pocket

The U.S. Mint’s production facility in Philadelphia employs a team of sculptors and designers who translate iconic history into pocked-sized art.

spotlightpa.org

Niche question: Did something change recently that led to “original” soy milk being subject to the Philadelphia beverage tax? I’ve noticed it’s more expensive than the unsweetened stuff at the stores where I shop, and I don’t recall that being the case before. Or I could be remembering wrong.

I've lost count of the number of times I've heard or seen "milkshake" and "PA Farm Show" in the same sentence, so I decided to look into how they came to have so much hype around them: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01...

What makes PA Farm Show milkshakes such a big deal?

The PA Dairymen’s Association has served shakes at the Farm Show since 1953, and in the years since, the drink has become nearly synonymous with the event.

spotlightpa.org

Gen Z has entered city hall. Meet 4 young Pa. mayors who want to bring new ideas to local government. https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01/gen-z-mayors-first-terms-pennsylvania-local/

Meet 4 Gen Z mayors taking office across Pennsylvania

Spotlight PA spoke to four incoming Pennsylvania mayors under 30 about their ambitions, their platforms, and what drew them to the position.

spotlightpa.org

Quiz: Which of these iconic products was made or designed in Pa.? https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01/quiz-made-in-pennsylvania-inventions-pennsylvania-local/

Which of these iconic products was made or designed in PA?

From a popular fast food item to an iconic children’s toy, numerous innovations have happened in Pennsylvania. Can you identify eight of them?

spotlightpa.org

Looking for a Friday listen? Every song has a Pennsylvania connection on this holiday playlist, assembled by yours truly: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...

25 holiday songs by PA musicians

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

spotlightpa.org

A Spotlight PA investigation found the head of the Penn State Cancer Institute was repeatedly under internal review in recent years for extra chemo doses, unexplained delays in changing treatments, and creating a 'toxic' workplace.

Internal reviews found Penn State cancer chief’s errors, ‘toxic’ leadership

Despite documented warnings and calls for action, Penn State has stood by Raymond Hohl as it pursues a prestigious National Cancer Institute designation.

spotlightpa.org

In your inbox, if you subscribe to Access Harrisburg: A deep dive on the budget, from deficits and flying cars to the NFL draft and Trump tax cut repeals. You can sign up (for a new monthtly sub!) here: buy.stripe.com/dRm28t9SXfTc...

It's Friday, which means it's time to district yourself from work for a few minutes by playing a little game, brought to you by yours truly: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...

Which famous Pennsylvanian said it? Test your knowledge

Match 10 quotes to their speakers — prominent people who’ve lived in Pennsylvania. Test your knowledge with this quick game from Spotlight PA.

spotlightpa.org

Student journalists: Want a hands on opportunity to learn government and political journalism alongside a crew of veteran reporters, diving into the machinations of a key swing state? Then apply to the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents' Association internship!

PLCA Interships

The Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents' Association (PLCA) offers paid summer journalism internships to two college students or recent graduates.

pacapitolreporters.org

Anywho, amid all this, here's the latest update I got: Shapiro and Democrats may agree to end a statewide program to cap carbon from power plants to appease Senate Republicans and end the 130+ day budget impasse. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...

Shapiro considers RGGI exit to end PA budget impasse

Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a key climate change program, has been tied up in litigation for years.

spotlightpa.org

Stephen Caruso@stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 10mo ago

And now: Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) emailed his caucus, telling them to "pack a bag" and be prepared to return to Harrisburg as soon as Tuesday evening pending ongoing budget talks.

A fun fact about me is that I will almost always love the live version of an album better than the studio version

Are you voting today in Pennsylvania? If you still have questions about where your polling place is, who is on the ballot, and how to vote, Spotlight PA has you covered: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/10/pennsylvania-municipal-election-day-2025-last-minute-voting-guide-elections/

My colleague @katehuangpu.bsky.social reports that a similar meeting has taken place this morning. "We're working," President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland) told reporters after she left.

Stephen Caruso@stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 10mo ago

Leadership from all the legislative caucuses (Senate, House; R & D) just entered Governor Shapiro's office.