Sarah Rafacz
@sarahrafacz.bsky.social
editing news about north-central Pennsylvania at Spotlight PA | spotlightpa.org/statecollege
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
My latest investigation for @spotlightpa.org uncovers harrowing situations inside Penn State Health's operating rooms and sterilization unit at Hershey Medical Center.
In one case, an emergency brain operation was done with “contaminated” surgical tools, internal records show.
In one case, an emergency brain operation was done with “contaminated” surgical tools, internal records show.
May 14, 2026 at 1:31 PM
My latest investigation for @spotlightpa.org uncovers harrowing situations inside Penn State Health's operating rooms and sterilization unit at Hershey Medical Center.
In one case, an emergency brain operation was done with “contaminated” surgical tools, internal records show.
In one case, an emergency brain operation was done with “contaminated” surgical tools, internal records show.
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
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/
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
Police misreporting 100s of rapes ‘didn’t make any difference’ to how cases were handled, oversight board says
https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2026/01/state-college-police-crime-data-pennsylvania-borough-council-local-government/
https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2026/01/state-college-police-crime-data-pennsylvania-borough-council-local-government/
Misreported rapes didn’t matter to handling, says State College oversight board
The Community Oversight Board found that the State College police’s misreporting of hundreds of rapes in public crime data “did not lessen the vigor, professionalism, and thoroughness of the investigations.”
www.spotlightpa.org
January 16, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Police misreporting 100s of rapes ‘didn’t make any difference’ to how cases were handled, oversight board says
https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2026/01/state-college-police-crime-data-pennsylvania-borough-council-local-government/
https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2026/01/state-college-police-crime-data-pennsylvania-borough-council-local-government/
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
ICE concerns prompt Lycoming County residents to form aid networks for immigrant neighbors
https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2026/01/ice-federal-immigration-enforcement-pennsylvania-lycoming-county-williamsport-rural-issues/
https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2026/01/ice-federal-immigration-enforcement-pennsylvania-lycoming-county-williamsport-rural-issues/
Lycoming County volunteers respond to ICE concerns
Two volunteer groups in Lycoming County are working to support their immigrant residents amid rising concerns of ICE arrests.
www.spotlightpa.org
January 13, 2026 at 1:23 PM
ICE concerns prompt Lycoming County residents to form aid networks for immigrant neighbors
https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2026/01/ice-federal-immigration-enforcement-pennsylvania-lycoming-county-williamsport-rural-issues/
https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2026/01/ice-federal-immigration-enforcement-pennsylvania-lycoming-county-williamsport-rural-issues/
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
At least two Penn State trustees no longer have access to Diligent, an online file-sharing platform central to an ongoing court case with Spotlight PA.
Penn State revoked access to online files for two trustees
At least two Penn State trustees no longer have access to Diligent, an online file-sharing platform central to an ongoing court case with Spotlight PA.
www.spotlightpa.org
December 23, 2025 at 2:42 PM
At least two Penn State trustees no longer have access to Diligent, an online file-sharing platform central to an ongoing court case with Spotlight PA.
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
Over nearly a decade, the State College Police Department underreported hundreds of rapes in public data, a Spotlight PA investigation found, masking the true extent of the crime in the community surrounding Penn State.
100s of rapes unreported by State College police
The missing data masked the true extent of the crime surrounding Penn State. The central PA department claims it was unaware of a 2013 change to what is considered rape.
www.spotlightpa.org
December 18, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Over nearly a decade, the State College Police Department underreported hundreds of rapes in public data, a Spotlight PA investigation found, masking the true extent of the crime in the community surrounding Penn State.
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
Penn State’s internal reviews found a top doctor’s alarming errors and disruptive leadership. He remains in charge of the cancer center.
https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2025/11/penn-state-health-cancer-institute-raymond-hohl-penn-state/
https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2025/11/penn-state-health-cancer-institute-raymond-hohl-penn-state/
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.
www.spotlightpa.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Penn State’s internal reviews found a top doctor’s alarming errors and disruptive leadership. He remains in charge of the cancer center.
https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2025/11/penn-state-health-cancer-institute-raymond-hohl-penn-state/
https://www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege/2025/11/penn-state-health-cancer-institute-raymond-hohl-penn-state/
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
Play summer bingo with us at Spotlight PA!! We've got a ton of cool trip recommendations from readers to get you started. Bucket list + other details here: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
June 13, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Play summer bingo with us at Spotlight PA!! We've got a ton of cool trip recommendations from readers to get you started. Bucket list + other details here: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful” budget bill could have a disastrous effect on the health of rural Pennsylvanians and the operations of the hospitals and other medical centers that care for them, via @marleyparish.bsky.social
Federal budget could push rural health care in PA to the brink
State officials estimate that rural hospitals could close and 300,000 Pennsylvanians would lose Medicaid coverage under Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
www.spotlightpa.org
June 10, 2025 at 12:32 PM
President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful” budget bill could have a disastrous effect on the health of rural Pennsylvanians and the operations of the hospitals and other medical centers that care for them, via @marleyparish.bsky.social
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
Penn State University’s Board of Trustees will complete a training on the state’s open meetings law and disclose more information about its closed-door gatherings as part of a settlement with Spotlight PA.
The agreement ends 18 months of litigation.
www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege...
The agreement ends 18 months of litigation.
www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege...
Penn State, Spotlight PA settle lawsuit in ‘important win for transparency’
Penn State trustees will complete training on open meetings law and disclose more about closed-door meetings after settling a lawsuit with Spotlight PA.
www.spotlightpa.org
June 9, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Penn State University’s Board of Trustees will complete a training on the state’s open meetings law and disclose more information about its closed-door gatherings as part of a settlement with Spotlight PA.
The agreement ends 18 months of litigation.
www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege...
The agreement ends 18 months of litigation.
www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege...
A few hours after this story was published, Penn State publicly shared the full recommendation report regarding the campus closures. You can read it here: psu-gatsby-files-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/newsdocument...
Internal records explain why Penn State president wants to close 7 campuses
President Neeli Bendapudi has asked the Penn State trustees to approve closing seven commonwealth campuses, which will affect more than 500 employees and thousands of students.
www.spotlightpa.org
May 14, 2025 at 12:21 AM
A few hours after this story was published, Penn State publicly shared the full recommendation report regarding the campus closures. You can read it here: psu-gatsby-files-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/newsdocument...
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
Breaking: Spotlight PA obtained nearly 250 pages of internal Penn State records detailing President Neeli Bendapudi's proposal to close seven commonwealth campuses.
Here's what they say:
www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege...
Here's what they say:
www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege...
Internal records explain why Penn State president wants to close 7 campuses
President Neeli Bendapudi has asked the Penn State trustees to approve closing seven commonwealth campuses, which will affect more than 500 employees and thousands of students.
www.spotlightpa.org
May 13, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Breaking: Spotlight PA obtained nearly 250 pages of internal Penn State records detailing President Neeli Bendapudi's proposal to close seven commonwealth campuses.
Here's what they say:
www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege...
Here's what they say:
www.spotlightpa.org/statecollege...
Pennsylvania’s May 20 primary election is coming up, and Democrats and Republicans in the State College Area School District are choosing from the same seven candidates for school board.
Take our quiz to find out which candidates share your vision for the district and public education.
Take our quiz to find out which candidates share your vision for the district and public education.
Election 2025: See the best State College school board candidates for you
Use our interactive tool to see which State College school board candidates most closely align with what matters to you.
www.spotlightpa.org
May 8, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Pennsylvania’s May 20 primary election is coming up, and Democrats and Republicans in the State College Area School District are choosing from the same seven candidates for school board.
Take our quiz to find out which candidates share your vision for the district and public education.
Take our quiz to find out which candidates share your vision for the district and public education.
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
NEW: We've learned that Penn State's board will not consider campus closures on a case-by-case basis, but will instead take a simple majority vote on one proposal this month.
But the board's plan to hold a virtual-only meeting for the vote could run afoul of a Pennsylvania transparency law.
But the board's plan to hold a virtual-only meeting for the vote could run afoul of a Pennsylvania transparency law.
How Penn State’s trustees plan to vote on campus closures
Penn State trustees plan to meet virtually in May to decide the fate of 12 commonwealth campuses. Lawyers say the plan could run afoul of PA’s transparency law.
www.spotlightpa.org
May 7, 2025 at 1:36 PM
NEW: We've learned that Penn State's board will not consider campus closures on a case-by-case basis, but will instead take a simple majority vote on one proposal this month.
But the board's plan to hold a virtual-only meeting for the vote could run afoul of a Pennsylvania transparency law.
But the board's plan to hold a virtual-only meeting for the vote could run afoul of a Pennsylvania transparency law.
Democrats and Republicans will see the same seven candidates for State College school board on their primary ballots.
A complete guide to the State College school board candidates
Seven candidates, including two incumbents, are cross-filed in the primary race for State College school board.
www.spotlightpa.org
April 21, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Democrats and Republicans will see the same seven candidates for State College school board on their primary ballots.
"How [elected officials] spend their time is just as important as how they spend our money."
Your representatives in D.C., Harrisburg can keep their calendars secret
Pennsylvania and federal open records laws don’t require elected officials to release their work calendars to the public.
www.spotlightpa.org
April 18, 2025 at 1:12 PM
"How [elected officials] spend their time is just as important as how they spend our money."
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
Pennsylvania American has made “crucial” updates to Rock Spring Water Company’s shaky system and recently earned a passing inspection from the Department of Environmental Protection.
But the interim manager wouldn’t disclose how much money it has spent shoring up the rural company’s infrastructure.
But the interim manager wouldn’t disclose how much money it has spent shoring up the rural company’s infrastructure.
Troubled rural water company gets infrastructure improvements
PA American has made several changes and upgrades while serving as the temporary manager of the troubled Rock Spring Water Company.
www.spotlightpa.org
April 16, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Pennsylvania American has made “crucial” updates to Rock Spring Water Company’s shaky system and recently earned a passing inspection from the Department of Environmental Protection.
But the interim manager wouldn’t disclose how much money it has spent shoring up the rural company’s infrastructure.
But the interim manager wouldn’t disclose how much money it has spent shoring up the rural company’s infrastructure.
The Shapiro administration expects some Pennsylvania municipalities to become so financially distressed they could require state assistance as billions in federal stimulus dollars dry up.
Local governments might need Pa.’s help with ARPA funding ‘cliff’
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposes a $10 million increase to the fund that supports financially distressed local governments as federal American Rescue Plan Act money drops off.
www.spotlightpa.org
March 24, 2025 at 3:52 PM
The Shapiro administration expects some Pennsylvania municipalities to become so financially distressed they could require state assistance as billions in federal stimulus dollars dry up.
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
Hi folk. Maybe you realized I've been slow on stories this year. That's because for the past 3 months, I poured over the last 2 years of campaign contributions to the governor & legislative leaders. @spotlightpa.bsky.social has the first of those findings today.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
These powerful interests donated $18M to PA’s top lawmakers
Lobbyists say political donations can lead to access, but PA’s weak transparency laws make it nearly impossible to trace influence.
www.spotlightpa.org
March 24, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Hi folk. Maybe you realized I've been slow on stories this year. That's because for the past 3 months, I poured over the last 2 years of campaign contributions to the governor & legislative leaders. @spotlightpa.bsky.social has the first of those findings today.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
A private entity is poised to take temporary control of a troubled rural water company after a judge approved an emergency request by Pennsylvania’s consumer advocate.
‘Imminent health threats’ to water customers lead judge to order emergency takeover
A Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission judge approved a request to put Rock Spring Water Company in Centre County under new management.
www.spotlightpa.org
February 21, 2025 at 5:51 PM
A private entity is poised to take temporary control of a troubled rural water company after a judge approved an emergency request by Pennsylvania’s consumer advocate.
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
Normally sleepy affairs, a trio of retention elections for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court are set to attract big money as Republicans eye a chance to flip the commonwealth's highest bench. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/02...
Control of Pennsylvania Supreme Court at stake in 2025 election
With control of the state's highest court at stake, Pennsylvania's judicial retention races are drawing national attention.
www.spotlightpa.org
February 21, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Normally sleepy affairs, a trio of retention elections for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court are set to attract big money as Republicans eye a chance to flip the commonwealth's highest bench. www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/02...
With the nomination petition window opening today, here are the basics of running for local public office in Pennsylvania:
Pa. primary election 2025: How to run for local public office
The nomination petition period opens Feb. 18 for the May 20 election. Judicial positions, school board seats, and municipal board members are on the ballot.
www.spotlightpa.org
February 18, 2025 at 2:14 PM
With the nomination petition window opening today, here are the basics of running for local public office in Pennsylvania:
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
Can perhaps not be underscored enough that James Franklin and Penn State were dropped as defendants in this lawsuit because a filing deadline was missed.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/u...
The Power Struggle Over a College Athlete’s Medical Well-Being
When the former team doctor for Penn State football sued for wrongful termination, the case offered a rare look into coaches interfering with medical advice.
www.nytimes.com
February 17, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Can perhaps not be underscored enough that James Franklin and Penn State were dropped as defendants in this lawsuit because a filing deadline was missed.
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/02/16/u...
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
A distressed rural water company whose customers have endured more than a decade of shoddy service should be put under new management as fast as possible, various local and state stakeholders agree.
But the solution could be complicated.
But the solution could be complicated.
Customers of troubled PA water company need relief, stakeholders say
A Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission judge is expected to make a decision soon on an emergency takeover of Rock Spring Water Company in Centre County.
www.spotlightpa.org
February 14, 2025 at 9:14 PM
A distressed rural water company whose customers have endured more than a decade of shoddy service should be put under new management as fast as possible, various local and state stakeholders agree.
But the solution could be complicated.
But the solution could be complicated.
Reposted by Sarah Rafacz
Pennsylvania has given $13.5 million to hundreds of farmers over the past three years to help them pay for bird flu testing, recover lost revenue, and implement biosecurity measures.
These are the tentpoles of the state’s special grant program helping farmers respond to the aggressive virus.
These are the tentpoles of the state’s special grant program helping farmers respond to the aggressive virus.
How PA farmers are battling bird flu with state funding
Bird flu has affected more than 2.2 million birds in PA this year. The state is funding efforts to protect flocks and contain the spread of outbreaks.
www.spotlightpa.org
February 13, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Pennsylvania has given $13.5 million to hundreds of farmers over the past three years to help them pay for bird flu testing, recover lost revenue, and implement biosecurity measures.
These are the tentpoles of the state’s special grant program helping farmers respond to the aggressive virus.
These are the tentpoles of the state’s special grant program helping farmers respond to the aggressive virus.