Marley Parish
@marleyparish.bsky.social
I write about Pennsylvania's rural communities for Spotlight PA.
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Marley Parish
@marleyparish.bsky.social
· Nov 22
Hi Bluesky! 👋
I'm a reporter with @spotlightpa.bsky.social. I write about health, the environment, agriculture, community development, and how state agencies and policies affect Pennsylvania's rural communities.
You can find more about me and my work here: www.spotlightpa.org/authors/marl...
I'm a reporter with @spotlightpa.bsky.social. I write about health, the environment, agriculture, community development, and how state agencies and policies affect Pennsylvania's rural communities.
You can find more about me and my work here: www.spotlightpa.org/authors/marl...
In mailed letters, the privately owned company asked customers whether they would be interested in forming a cooperative to take over the system rather than transferring it to Pennsylvania American Water.
Rock Spring pitches co-op instead of PA American sale
In a letter sent to customers in rural Centre County, Rock Spring asked about interest in forming a cooperative to manage water service.
www.spotlightpa.org
September 17, 2026 at 11:15 AM
In mailed letters, the privately owned company asked customers whether they would be interested in forming a cooperative to take over the system rather than transferring it to Pennsylvania American Water.
Guthrie is expanding its volunteer program to help patients who may need to meet the new 80-hour monthly community engagement requirement.
How Guthrie plans to help PA Medicaid patients
The health system is expanding its volunteer program to keep patients insured when the Trump administration’s stricter Medicaid rules go into effect.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 31, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Guthrie is expanding its volunteer program to help patients who may need to meet the new 80-hour monthly community engagement requirement.
Reposted by Marley Parish
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...
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.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM
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...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/08...
Reposted by Marley Parish
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...
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.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 14, 2026 at 5:02 PM
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...
Help us find consensus:
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/08...
The bill would boost the budgets of rural communities that host tax-exempt property, such as state forests and parks, and that have few other options for raising money to fund services. However, the source of the money could leave the bill open to legal challenges on constitutional grounds.
PA bill would give local governments a cut of state land revenue
The legislation would especially benefit rural Pennsylvania, which often has more state-owned land and fewer residents.
www.spotlightpa.org
July 30, 2026 at 4:11 PM
The bill would boost the budgets of rural communities that host tax-exempt property, such as state forests and parks, and that have few other options for raising money to fund services. However, the source of the money could leave the bill open to legal challenges on constitutional grounds.
Reposted by Marley Parish
Family planning and health organizations that serve tens of thousands of people across Pennsylvania could see federal funding delayed or denied by a new Trump administration policy, a new lawsuit alleges.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...
PA family planning group sues over Trump Title X policy change
The Trump admin has added an ‘alignment review’ for Title X grants, which help low-income and uninsured patients access family planning.
www.spotlightpa.org
June 26, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Family planning and health organizations that serve tens of thousands of people across Pennsylvania could see federal funding delayed or denied by a new Trump administration policy, a new lawsuit alleges.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...
Reposted by Marley Parish
Following Spotlight PA's story today, GOP nominee Stacy Garrity is calling for seven public debates with incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro before the general election.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...
Shapiro and Garrity open to a 2026 PA governor debate
Experts say political debates are getting rarer, but this year both PA candidates for governor say they’re open to it.
www.spotlightpa.org
June 23, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Following Spotlight PA's story today, GOP nominee Stacy Garrity is calling for seven public debates with incumbent Gov. Josh Shapiro before the general election.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...
Reposted by Marley Parish
Chatbots on 5 websites claimed to be licensed to practice medicine in the commonwealth when prompted by Spotlight PA — the same kind of output that led the Shapiro administration to file a lawsuit last month.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...
AI chatbots still pose as doctors amid PA crackdown
Five role-playing bots claimed to be doctors, then provided fake Pennsylvania medical license numbers when prompted.
www.spotlightpa.org
June 8, 2026 at 11:46 AM
Chatbots on 5 websites claimed to be licensed to practice medicine in the commonwealth when prompted by Spotlight PA — the same kind of output that led the Shapiro administration to file a lawsuit last month.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06...
Pennsylvania American and Rock Spring have three months to negotiate an asset purchase agreement.
June 8, 2026 at 3:16 PM
Pennsylvania American and Rock Spring have three months to negotiate an asset purchase agreement.
Two years after a @spotlightpa.org investigation found that customers served by Rock Spring were failed by the private utility, state regulators, and elected officials, Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission unanimously voted to force the water company to sell to Pennsylvania American.
June 4, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Two years after a @spotlightpa.org investigation found that customers served by Rock Spring were failed by the private utility, state regulators, and elected officials, Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission unanimously voted to force the water company to sell to Pennsylvania American.
Reposted by Marley Parish
Asbestos. This was not in the press release. No one was saying what triggered this move. Hanna found out: Asbestos.
Berks County officials weigh postponing courthouse upgrades and buying the 600 Penn St. building, a move that could affect Reading's CRIZ funding. https://www.spotlightpa.org/berks/2026/05/berks-courthouse-local-government/
May 14, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Asbestos. This was not in the press release. No one was saying what triggered this move. Hanna found out: Asbestos.
Reposted by Marley Parish
Problem-solving at the laundromat. Prenatal nutrition advice at the pharmacy. Mental health screenings through an app.
Inside the Shapiro administration’s ‘absolutely ambitious’ plan to prevent maternal deaths www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/04...
Inside the Shapiro administration’s ‘absolutely ambitious’ plan to prevent maternal deaths www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/04...
Inside the Shapiro admin’s plan to prevent maternal deaths
Pennsylvania’s new maternal health plan has been praised as ambitious, but advocates warn funding may fall short of long-term goals.
www.spotlightpa.org
April 15, 2026 at 1:37 PM
Problem-solving at the laundromat. Prenatal nutrition advice at the pharmacy. Mental health screenings through an app.
Inside the Shapiro administration’s ‘absolutely ambitious’ plan to prevent maternal deaths www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/04...
Inside the Shapiro administration’s ‘absolutely ambitious’ plan to prevent maternal deaths www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/04...
Between February 2022 and June 2024, the AgriStress Helpline fielded 107 calls and texts from Pennsylvania farmers and those calling on their behalf. Of those, 58 came in the first 11 months after the number launched with help from a $500,000 federal grant.
Calls to PA farmer crisis hotline drop after early surge
Despite an ongoing mental health crisis, fewer Pennsylvania farmers are calling a helpline designed for them.
www.spotlightpa.org
April 14, 2026 at 2:42 PM
Between February 2022 and June 2024, the AgriStress Helpline fielded 107 calls and texts from Pennsylvania farmers and those calling on their behalf. Of those, 58 came in the first 11 months after the number launched with help from a $500,000 federal grant.
Just one week after announcing plans to shut down inpatient, emergency, and long-term care services at Bradford Regional Medical Center in rural McKean County, Kaleida Health says it is now in talks with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine about a possible acquisition.
February 26, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Just one week after announcing plans to shut down inpatient, emergency, and long-term care services at Bradford Regional Medical Center in rural McKean County, Kaleida Health says it is now in talks with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine about a possible acquisition.
Officials at the State College Borough Water Authority were disappointed but not surprised by the recommendation.
PA judge recommends private company to buy Rock Spring
After years of unreliable service, a judge has recommended a private sale of Rock Spring Water Company to Pennsylvania American.
www.spotlightpa.org
February 20, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Officials at the State College Borough Water Authority were disappointed but not surprised by the recommendation.
Nearly two years after a Spotlight PA investigation found that customers served by Rock Spring Water Company were failed by the private utility, state regulators, and elected officials, a judge has recommended a forced sale.
PA judge recommends private company to buy Rock Spring
After years of unreliable service, a judge has recommended a private sale of Rock Spring Water Company to Pennsylvania American.
www.spotlightpa.org
February 19, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Nearly two years after a Spotlight PA investigation found that customers served by Rock Spring Water Company were failed by the private utility, state regulators, and elected officials, a judge has recommended a forced sale.
A utilities judge has recommended the sale of Rock Spring Water Company to Pennsylvania American Water.
👀 Order here: www.puc.pa.gov/pcdocs/19145...
📝 Story to come!
👀 Order here: www.puc.pa.gov/pcdocs/19145...
📝 Story to come!
February 18, 2026 at 5:55 PM
A utilities judge has recommended the sale of Rock Spring Water Company to Pennsylvania American Water.
👀 Order here: www.puc.pa.gov/pcdocs/19145...
📝 Story to come!
👀 Order here: www.puc.pa.gov/pcdocs/19145...
📝 Story to come!
The outlook for rural hospitals in Pennsylvania remains grim as the state prepares to make the best of decreased federal investments and faces budgetary challenges that officials say make it impossible to absorb the cuts.
New money for rural health care isn't easing closure worries
The five-year Rural Health Transformation Program is meant to expand and strengthen access to care, but state officials and experts warn the money isn’t enough to fix every problem.
www.spotlightpa.org
February 11, 2026 at 8:14 PM
The outlook for rural hospitals in Pennsylvania remains grim as the state prepares to make the best of decreased federal investments and faces budgetary challenges that officials say make it impossible to absorb the cuts.
Reposted by Marley Parish
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...
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.
www.spotlightpa.org
February 6, 2026 at 3:33 PM
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...
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...
Reposted by Marley Parish
NEW: ICE buys $87M warehouse in Berks County as it plots expansion of immigration detention centers across the U.S. https://www.spotlightpa.org/berks/2026/02/ice-warehouse-berks-county-purchase-federal-government/
ICE buys $87M warehouse in Berks County
Deed records show the Trump administration purchased a 520,000-square-foot warehouse in Hamburg, PA, for $87.4 million on Feb. 2.
www.spotlightpa.org
February 2, 2026 at 5:15 PM
NEW: ICE buys $87M warehouse in Berks County as it plots expansion of immigration detention centers across the U.S. https://www.spotlightpa.org/berks/2026/02/ice-warehouse-berks-county-purchase-federal-government/
Each came for different reasons — a house, family, a slower pace — and together, they’ve formed a network of support within the local business community and built friendships.
Meet the ‘Shop Ladies of Brookville’
They left big cities for rural Pennsylvania and have formed a network of support in downtown Brookville.
www.spotlightpa.org
December 16, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Each came for different reasons — a house, family, a slower pace — and together, they’ve formed a network of support within the local business community and built friendships.
Recent legal filings lay out a number of paths for consideration: Give Rock Spring more time to raise rates and reorganize; allow Pennsylvania American Water to file for bankruptcy to enable a municipal sale; or direct the State College Borough Water Authority to acquire the system.
PA judge to decide what’s next for Rock Spring Water Company
Rock Spring, Pennsylvania American, and utility regulators have proposed competing plans for the future of the water system in rural Centre County.
www.spotlightpa.org
December 8, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Recent legal filings lay out a number of paths for consideration: Give Rock Spring more time to raise rates and reorganize; allow Pennsylvania American Water to file for bankruptcy to enable a municipal sale; or direct the State College Borough Water Authority to acquire the system.
Reading City Council is considering a “Welcoming City” ordinance that would formally bar local police from enforcing federal immigration laws or entering into agreements with ICE.
It would also prohibit city employees from gathering or sharing information regarding a person’s immigration status.
It would also prohibit city employees from gathering or sharing information regarding a person’s immigration status.
Reading may become a ‘Welcoming City’ for immigrants. What does that actually mean?
The measure would formally bar Reading, PA, police from collaborating with ICE.
www.spotlightpa.org
October 27, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Reading City Council is considering a “Welcoming City” ordinance that would formally bar local police from enforcing federal immigration laws or entering into agreements with ICE.
It would also prohibit city employees from gathering or sharing information regarding a person’s immigration status.
It would also prohibit city employees from gathering or sharing information regarding a person’s immigration status.
Lawmakers who spoke to Spotlight PA defended the fundraisers and trips, saying that legislating and politicking are unrelated and can coexist.
But two good-government watchdogs said they represent the dysfunction that has contributed to the state’s inability to pass a spending plan.
But two good-government watchdogs said they represent the dysfunction that has contributed to the state’s inability to pass a spending plan.
PA budget impasse drags on while lawmakers raise campaign cash
With the state budget nearly four months late, Pennsylvania schools, nonprofits and local governments are paying the price while lawmakers keep fundraising.
www.spotlightpa.org
October 24, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Lawmakers who spoke to Spotlight PA defended the fundraisers and trips, saying that legislating and politicking are unrelated and can coexist.
But two good-government watchdogs said they represent the dysfunction that has contributed to the state’s inability to pass a spending plan.
But two good-government watchdogs said they represent the dysfunction that has contributed to the state’s inability to pass a spending plan.
Attorneys for those involved in the case met during a recess to discuss a possible deal, but no new progress was reported.
PA water company faces forced sale after years of violations
Rock Spring Water Company could still voluntarily sell to the State College water authority, but a judge overseeing the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission process said time for a deal will run out...
www.spotlightpa.org
October 23, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Attorneys for those involved in the case met during a recess to discuss a possible deal, but no new progress was reported.