Our favorite stories of 2022

In its first six months, Spotlight PA’s State College regional bureau has produced important public-service journalism for north-central Pennsylvania. 

From accountability coverage about Penn State to a five-month investigation of the borough that hired the cop who killed Tamir Rice, the bureau’s small but energetic team is making its mark on the region and state.

As the year comes to an end, we wanted to share a few of our most impactful stories of 2022.

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Broken Borough

In early July, Tioga — a tiny borough in northern Pennsylvania — swore in Tamir Rice’s killer as its new, and only, police officer. Outrage followed, and the officer withdrew his application within days. The hire made national headlines and drew consternation from Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who in January will be the state’s new governor.

But when the news cycle quickly moved on, Local Accountability Reporter Min Xian dug deep. Her five-month investigation revealed that Tioga was already mired by infighting, personal vendettas, and tribalism among its elected officials when the hire brought local government to a screeching halt.

—Sarah Rafacz, State College Editor

Penn State’s New President

As Neeli Bendapudi took over as Penn State’s president this spring, Spotlight PA spent months digging into her previous role as president of the University of Louisville. During her time in Kentucky, she made tough financial decisions and responded to calls for racial justice. Our comprehensive report examined Bendapudi’s leadership style, the areas she’s faced the most criticism, and what members of the Penn State community can expect from the 19th president.

The profile helps put some recent Penn State news — such as reuniting the law schools and canceling the Center for Racial Justice — in perspective. 

—Wyatt Massey, Penn State Investigative Reporter

Fire Service Funding

Negotiations between Centre County’s Walker Township and its volunteer fire company on whether to raise a fire protection tax reached an impasse this fall. While the fire company insists a $1 million increase was the only way to achieve financial stability without sacrificing services, the three township supervisors cannot agree on how to give additional funding that they said the company deserves. 

As of Dec. 14, talks of a new funding agreement for the Walker Township Fire Company were ongoing. Readers from across Pennsylvania, however, told Spotlight PA that the challenges of the changing relationships between volunteer fire companies — as they grow more reliant on taxpayer funding — and their local governments resonated beyond one municipality.

—Min Xian, Local Accountability Reporter

Investigating Deaths 

This fall, Spotlight PA published a story about the challenges facing coroners’ offices in rural counties. The reporting revealed that how well a death is investigated largely depends on where a person dies. 

Most coroners’ offices lack funding, accreditation, and standardization, according to a study from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and interviews with coroners.

The story reignited debate over how coroners should be selected in Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review published an op-ed questioning the effectiveness of electing coroners. The Pennsylvania State Coroners Association also responded to the study and article. 

—Ashad Hajela, Rural Affairs Reporter and Report for America corps member