Newsroom
Home Improvement, Season 2: Democrats highlight demand for Whole Home Repairs
On Groundhog Day, standing outside the recently renovated home of Kelly and Mo Scatena in Pittsburgh, Democratic politicians joined together to call for not just six weeks but another whole season of home improvement. “I was afraid (my home) was going to crumble out...
Democrats urge state lawmakers to put new funding into Whole Home Repairs program
PITTSBURGH — Kelly Scatena had a serious dilemma: The house she’s owned in Mt. Oliver for 23 years had a seriously leaky roof and a crumbling foundation, and she and her family weren’t in a position to fix either one. “Four or five years ago we had our first roof leak...
Majority of City Councilmembers Support Angel Davis Eviction Accountability Bill
PHILADELPHIA – Today, Councilmember Kendra Brooks (At-Large) announced legislation to bring oversight and accountability to Philadelphia’s eviction system, which has been plagued by violence for years. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District), Councilmember Nicolas...
How We Move Forward Together: People’s Action
For the US Left, much of last year was marked by big shifts and big gatherings, taking stock and plotting paths. Convergence first conceived of this series before Hamas attacked Israel and Israel invaded Gaza, shattering lives and upending politics. But as the shadows...
Our picks for stories of the year
I appreciated the human angle in our coverage of Whole-Home Repairs. The Thompson family – whose home was the first Whole-Home Repairs project completed – shared a relief that illustrated why the program is such a big deal to Pennsylvanians. But it remains to be seen...
Letters to the Editor – Capitol leak
In a recent article, Spotlight PA reporter Stephen Caruso listed the many ways a state Capitol roof leak was derailing services and funding to Pennsylvania residents and institutions. Yet he failed to mention the most glaring irony: The legislature’s displacement also...
Demand for Pennsylvania’s Whole-Home Repairs Program has been overwhelming, but more funding is on hold
HARRISBURG — Stephanie Fritsch is terrified to take a shower. She worries water will start seeping through the floor and into the room below, but she can’t afford to repair the leaky plumbing in her house in Dauphin County. Determined not to miss her shot at getting...
Inside the ‘Envy Office,’ Reporters Find a Trend, and a Story
Perhaps you’ve seen them on Instagram: offices that look a whole lot cooler than yours. There are soundproof phone booths. Winged armchairs. Bookshelves stacked with strategically placed art books and old copies of The New Yorker. They evoke a trending workplace style...
Philly celebrates third annual Palestinian Day of Solidarity at the Art Museum, despite city leaders’ absence
Over 100 people gathered at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Wednesday for the city’s third annual Palestinian Day of Solidarity — an event that was both a celebration of a long-standing immigrant community as well as a platform for continued grief and...
Palestinian Solidarity Day goes on amid war, clashes with city government
Palestinian flags waved on a frigid Wednesday afternoon as a crowd gathered at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s steps. “Today was not supposed to happen,” Jude Husein said into a microphone. “But year after year through patience, persistence, positivity...
The Envy Office: Can Instagrammable Design Lure Young Workers Back?
Inside the “blueberry muffin” conference room, the walls are, naturally, painted blue. Not just any blue — it’s the calming color you might find a baby’s bedroom, what the paint can refers to as “sea to shining sea.” Anchoring the room is a table, red and oblong,...
Pennsylvania General Assembly Members Call for Ceasefire and Release of Hostages Amid Ongoing Violence
PENNSYLVANIA — Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly have issued a call to Pennsylvania’s Congressional Delegation, urging them to support a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the provision of humanitarian aid to those affected by ongoing violence in...
Israel and Hamas agree to temporary cease-fire, hostage release deal
WASHINGTON — Israel and Hamas have reached a deal for a short-term humanitarian ceasefire that will allow the release of some hostages and increase humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip, U.S. officials said late Tuesday. President Joe Biden praised the...
PA State Legislators Call for Congressional Support for Ceasefire and Release of Hostages
Harrisburg, PA − November 21, 2023 − Today members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly called for congressional support for a ceasefire, for the release of all hostages, and for humanitarian aid to residents throughout the region impacted by the ongoing...
12 Pa. legislators call on congressional delegation to encourage Israel-Hamas ceasefire
HARRISBURG — Twelve state lawmakers signed an appeal to Pennsylvania’s entire Congressional Delegation urging them to support a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. The state legislators showed caution in using neutral language in addressing the...
What We Learned at the 2023 Ideas We Should Steal Festival
More than 400 guests joined us Friday for our sixth annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival presented by Comcast NBCUniversal — an event as inspiring for the ideas we heard on stage as the audience who came looking for ways to make change. Here’s just a little of what...
Resumed Evictions In Philly Bring Back Accusations Of ‘Private Mercenary Army For Landlords’
Tensions continue to rise over Philadelphia's landlord-tenant officer even as the office resumes locking out tenants.
Eviction Sealing: Protecting PA Families and Communities
Senator Saval Calls for Eviction Sealing on Behalf of PA Families and Communities
Councilmembers Brooks and Thomas Host Community Conversation on Opportunities for Young People
PHILADELPHIA – Last night, Councilmember Kendra Brooks (At-Large) and Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (At-Large) convened over 30 community members for a conversation about the need for more support and opportunities for young people in Philadelphia. Participants reviewed...