Without giving it all away, we've got some big news coming in 2022 to grow Spotlight PA and deliver more vital journalism. But first it's essential we hit our $70,000 end-of-year fundraising goal.
Help us cross the finish line strong andmake a tax-deductible gift now. As a special bonus, every single contribution will be TRIPLED.
The future of Pennsylvania will forever be shaped by the outcome of critical races next year for governor and U.S. senator. From abortion to election reforms, school funding to taxes, everything will be on the line.
Our journalism stands out among the rest, keeps elected officials honest, empowers voters — and gets results. Now is the time to show your support so this work can continue and grow in 2022.
“As I prepare to conclude my final term in the Senate, I want to thank the great people of the 34th senatorial district for all of their support and encouragement."
We're getting close to our goal of raising $70,000 by the end of the year in order to unlock a massive $70,000 matching gift. Give now to ensure we can meet this goaland continue our vital investigative journalism.
Don't miss this chance to have your contribution TRIPLED. The future of Spotlight PA depends on your support, and we can't afford to lose this critical journalism. Make a tax-deductible gift right now and help us keep it going.
💉 COVID-19 NEWS
» STEPPING DOWN: Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam will resign at the end of the year, capping an 11-month stint at the center of Pennsylvania's COVID-19 response and related controversies, per Capital-Star.
» MASK STUDY: Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University found states with indoor mask rules saw lower numbers of cases during the delta variant-driven summer surge, the Post-Gazette reports.
» INDOOR DINING: Philadelphia will require proof of vaccination for indoor dining starting Jan. 3, WHYY reports. The rule applies to restaurants as well as catering halls, movie theaters, and indoor sports stadiums.
» NO PROOF: If you lost your vaccination card and received your shot outside of Philadelphia, officials have a form that allows you to request a replacement. In Philly, you should contact your vaccination site.
» LAWFUL VS. AWFUL: Join us Thursday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. EST via Zoom for a free panel discussion on why killings by police often are ruled justified and who oversees the process. Register for the event here and submit your questions to events@spotlightpa.org.
📷 POST IT
Out on the town for a gorgeous Friday night in Pittsburgh's Cultural District. Thanks, Dennis B.!Send us your gems, use the hashtag #PAGems on Instagram, or tag us @spotlightpennsylvania.
DAILY RUNDOWN
SANS MAP: Republicans on a key state House panel did not vote Monday on a proposed congressional map that experts say clearly benefits their own party, instead advancing empty placeholder legislation with future legal challenges in mind, Spotlight PA and Votebeat report. The panel's ranking Democrat called the move an all-too-familiar “shell game” to push through the map Republicans ultimately want.
WATER WORLD: A TribLIVE review of 24 different water providers in western Pennsylvania yielded a dramatic price range, with customers paying anywhere from $62.25 to $192.06 for 12,000 gallons of water, the average quarterly amount used in the area surveyed. Experts say the disparity has nothing to do with the actual cost of water, owing instead to a lack of oversight, aging infrastructure, rising costs, and other factors.
HOLD UP: A cornerstone of Gov. Tom Wolf's climate change agenda has hit a roadblock, with Republicans opposed to the measure slow-walking the process in a move Wolf's secretary of environmental protection called a "violation of the separation of powers." The AP reports the rule has cleared regulatory hurdles but can't take effect until it's published by an agency that answers to the Republican-controlled legislature.
Unscramble and send your answer to scrambler@spotlightpa.org. We'll shout out winners here, and one each week will get some Spotlight PA swag.
S H E L O N R B E P C M I I E N
Yesterday's answer: Supersonic or percussion
Congrats to our daily winners: Susan F., Michelle T., Barbara F., Mike B., Craig W., Neal W., Bonnie R., Susan D., Bruce T., Daniel M., Patricia M., Susan N., Becky C., Janet C., Jessica K., Briann M., Craig E., Elaine C., Kimberly S., Irene R., Joel S., James B., Don H., George S., Chris M., David W., John P., Jill K., Bill S., John H., Vicki U., Beth T., Eddy Z., David S., Ann E., Kim C., and Wendy A.
We believe everyone in Pennsylvania should have access to this kind of unique, in-depth, and essential public-service journalism regardless of what they can afford. That’s why we don’t have a paywall on our site, charge a subscription fee, or clutter our articles with ads that have nothing to do with our state.
Instead, we use the honor system.
We are doubling down on the idea that if we ask our readers to contribute what you think we’re worth, we can build a sustainable business model for independent news. If you value the unique journalism Spotlight PA provides, pay it forward and make a contribution now. All gifts will be TRIPLED.
Spotlight PA is an independent, non-partisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and WITF Public Media.
SANS MAP: Republicans on a key state House panel did not vote Monday on a proposed congressional map that experts say clearly benefits their own party, instead advancing empty placeholder legislation with future legal challenges in mind, Spotlight PA and Votebeat report. The panel's ranking Democrat called the move an 
NO DATA: A voluntary FBI program meant to offer a definitive look at how U.S. police use force on citizens 
WATER WORLD: A TribLIVE review of 24 different water providers in western Pennsylvania yielded a dramatic price range, with customers paying anywhere from $62.25 to $192.06 for 12,000 gallons of water, the average quarterly amount used in the area surveyed. Experts say the disparity has nothing to do with the actual cost of water, 
ON FILE: New regulations are on the books and Pennsylvania is now accepting applications for its first-ever licensing program for drug and alcohol recovery homes, part of a concerted effort to get reins on an unchecked industry amid heightened demand and escalating safety concerns. In October, Spotlight PA 
HOLD UP: A cornerstone of Gov. Tom Wolf's climate change agenda has hit a roadblock, with Republicans opposed to the measure slow-walking the process in a move Wolf's secretary of environmental protection called a "violation of the separation of powers." The AP reports the rule has cleared regulatory hurdles but can't take effect 