Asha Prihar

YouTube video by Spotlight PA What do you call your corner of PA?

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...

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.

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/

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.

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...

And I did notice at Acme last week that there was sweetened beverage tax listed on the tag.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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/

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?

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/

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.

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...

(but I also think tone matters more for determining meaning than the actual adjective does)

this is a totally vibes-based answer, but I think in many cases:
- "good question" = "hmmm, I haven't really thought about this, I'm gonna need a minute to think"
- "great question" = "I was really hoping you would ask this and am 100% ready with a prepared answer that I hope you quote"

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.

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.

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...

PA Local - A Weekly Celebration of Pennsylvania Explore Pennsylvania's inspiring people, places, and food every Friday with Spotlight PA's award-winning and free weekly newsletter.

and if this sort of thing is your jam, you may also like PA Local! it's a Friday newsletter (written by me) that includes trivia, various cool things going on in Pennsylvania, and original reporting: www.spotlightpa.org/newsletters/...

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.

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...

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

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!

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...

Recently went to the Bobblehead Hall of Fame in Milwaukee and it was a surprisingly great way to spend $5 and one hour

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

okay, but *where* in Central PA are we talking?

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.

Let this post be a reminder that one upon a time social media was filled with mundane stories like this, and we were arguably better off as a society

I'm like 99% sure the barista at Starbucks earlier this week gave me a cup of just peach juice instead of a peach green tea, and it was kinda undrinkable as-is but I'm not even upset because I've been keeping it in my fridge and adding it to tea at home so it's lasted me three days instead of one 🧡

Escape The Linc: We raced to find the fastest way out after an Eagles game Inquirer staffers braved the post-Eagles game crowds to test five ways — including SEPTA, a rideshare, and more — to beat the rush home from Lincoln Financial Field. Here's what won.

Obsessed with every time the Inquirer does an interactive scrolly-telly multi-modal race share.inquirer.com/QsLtPx

The pending acquisition of WPSU by @whyy.org could mean some notable changes to the workforce of State College's public media outlet.

I spoke with WHYY's CEO about them for this week's Talk of the Town newsletter.

Access Harrisburg - Insider Access to PA Politics Get weekly scoops, expert analysis, and more from Capitol reporter Stephen Caruso. Be the first to know what’s happening in Pennsylvania state government.

Hi all. I’m launching a newsletter with @SpotlightPA. Starting next week, you can get the latest on Pennsylvania government & state politics right to your inbox featuring the same mix of reporting and silly jokes that likely helped you find me on ye ole bird app.
www.spotlightpa.org/newsletters/...

What do Mr. Rogers and George A. Romero have in common? The answer might shock you. The University of Pittsburgh's new Horror Studies Center is home to a global research network dedicated to the genre, which has deep Pennsylvania ties.

Horror is as Pennsylvanian as scrapple.

From the Gothic fiction of authors like Charles Brockden Brown and Edgar Allan Poe, to the creature features of George A. Romero and mindbenders of M. Night Shyamalan, the commonwealth has long been a hub for the genre.

Newsletter Writer/Reporter (Guild Position) - Spotlight PA - Career Page Apply to Newsletter Writer/Reporter (Guild Position) at Spotlight PA in Remote.

Spotlight PA is hiring! It's a union position! Come work for one of the best newsrooms in the bizzz spotlightpa.applytojob.com/apply/FIsBWv...

Plan the perfect Pennsylvania fall weekend Take our short quiz to help you decide how to spend your fall weekends in Pennsylvania. There are a dozen possible outcomes, sourced from our staff.

Pennsylvanians: Do you know what you're doing this weekend? I designed a cute little one-minute quiz to help you figure out how to take advantage of autumn in our beautiful state - www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/10...