Asha Prihar
@ashaprihar.bsky.social
I write newsletters for Spotlight PA & love to analyze Taylor Swift lyrics | formerly: Billy Penn/WHYY, City Cast Philly
Pinned
Asha Prihar
@ashaprihar.bsky.social
· Nov 20
Wow, so many new followers! I guess it's time to introduce myself: I'm Asha, a newsletter writer/reporter at Spotlight PA.
You can find my bylines on PA Post, a daily roundup of news from around the commonwealth, and PA Local, a weekly newsletter ft. Pennsylvania people, places, trivia, & more.
You can find my bylines on PA Post, a daily roundup of news from around the commonwealth, and PA Local, a weekly newsletter ft. Pennsylvania people, places, trivia, & more.
Reposted by Asha Prihar
Anywho, amid all this, here's the latest update I got: Shapiro and Democrats may agree to end a statewide program to cap carbon from power plants to appease Senate Republicans and end the 130+ day budget impasse.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
November 10, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Anywho, amid all this, here's the latest update I got: Shapiro and Democrats may agree to end a statewide program to cap carbon from power plants to appease Senate Republicans and end the 130+ day budget impasse.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
A fun fact about me is that I will almost always love the live version of an album better than the studio version
November 5, 2025 at 10:00 PM
A fun fact about me is that I will almost always love the live version of an album better than the studio version
Reposted by Asha Prihar
Are you voting today in Pennsylvania?
If you still have questions about where your polling place is, who is on the ballot, and how to vote, Spotlight PA has you covered:
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/10/pennsylvania-municipal-election-day-2025-last-minute-voting-guide-elections/
If you still have questions about where your polling place is, who is on the ballot, and how to vote, Spotlight PA has you covered:
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/10/pennsylvania-municipal-election-day-2025-last-minute-voting-guide-elections/
November 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Are you voting today in Pennsylvania?
If you still have questions about where your polling place is, who is on the ballot, and how to vote, Spotlight PA has you covered:
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/10/pennsylvania-municipal-election-day-2025-last-minute-voting-guide-elections/
If you still have questions about where your polling place is, who is on the ballot, and how to vote, Spotlight PA has you covered:
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/10/pennsylvania-municipal-election-day-2025-last-minute-voting-guide-elections/
Reposted by Asha Prihar
My colleague @katehuangpu.bsky.social reports that a similar meeting has taken place this morning. "We're working," President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland) told reporters after she left.
Leadership from all the legislative caucuses (Senate, House; R & D) just entered Governor Shapiro's office.
October 28, 2025 at 3:03 PM
My colleague @katehuangpu.bsky.social reports that a similar meeting has taken place this morning. "We're working," President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R., Westmoreland) told reporters after she left.
I'm like 99% sure the barista at Starbucks earlier this week gave me a cup of just peach juice instead of a peach green tea, and it was kinda undrinkable as-is but I'm not even upset because I've been keeping it in my fridge and adding it to tea at home so it's lasted me three days instead of one 🧡
October 24, 2025 at 10:03 PM
I'm like 99% sure the barista at Starbucks earlier this week gave me a cup of just peach juice instead of a peach green tea, and it was kinda undrinkable as-is but I'm not even upset because I've been keeping it in my fridge and adding it to tea at home so it's lasted me three days instead of one 🧡
Obsessed with every time the Inquirer does an interactive scrolly-telly multi-modal race share.inquirer.com/QsLtPx
Escape The Linc: We raced to find the fastest way out after an Eagles game
Inquirer staffers braved the post-Eagles game crowds to test five ways — including SEPTA, a rideshare, and more — to beat the rush home from Lincoln Financial Field. Here's what won.
share.inquirer.com
October 22, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Obsessed with every time the Inquirer does an interactive scrolly-telly multi-modal race share.inquirer.com/QsLtPx
Reposted by Asha Prihar
The pending acquisition of WPSU by @whyy.org could mean some notable changes to the workforce of State College's public media outlet.
I spoke with WHYY's CEO about them for this week's Talk of the Town newsletter.
I spoke with WHYY's CEO about them for this week's Talk of the Town newsletter.
October 21, 2025 at 3:31 PM
The pending acquisition of WPSU by @whyy.org could mean some notable changes to the workforce of State College's public media outlet.
I spoke with WHYY's CEO about them for this week's Talk of the Town newsletter.
I spoke with WHYY's CEO about them for this week's Talk of the Town newsletter.
Reposted by Asha Prihar
Hi all. I’m launching a newsletter with @SpotlightPA. Starting next week, you can get the latest on Pennsylvania government & state politics right to your inbox featuring the same mix of reporting and silly jokes that likely helped you find me on ye ole bird app.
www.spotlightpa.org/newsletters/...
www.spotlightpa.org/newsletters/...
Access Harrisburg - Insider Access to PA Politics
Get weekly scoops, expert analysis, and more from Capitol reporter Stephen Caruso. Be the first to know what’s happening in Pennsylvania state government.
www.spotlightpa.org
October 17, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Hi all. I’m launching a newsletter with @SpotlightPA. Starting next week, you can get the latest on Pennsylvania government & state politics right to your inbox featuring the same mix of reporting and silly jokes that likely helped you find me on ye ole bird app.
www.spotlightpa.org/newsletters/...
www.spotlightpa.org/newsletters/...
Reposted by Asha Prihar
Horror is as Pennsylvanian as scrapple.
From the Gothic fiction of authors like Charles Brockden Brown and Edgar Allan Poe, to the creature features of George A. Romero and mindbenders of M. Night Shyamalan, the commonwealth has long been a hub for the genre.
From the Gothic fiction of authors like Charles Brockden Brown and Edgar Allan Poe, to the creature features of George A. Romero and mindbenders of M. Night Shyamalan, the commonwealth has long been a hub for the genre.
What do Mr. Rogers and George A. Romero have in common? The answer might shock you.
The University of Pittsburgh's new Horror Studies Center is home to a global research network dedicated to the genre, which has deep Pennsylvania ties.
www.spotlightpa.org
October 17, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Horror is as Pennsylvanian as scrapple.
From the Gothic fiction of authors like Charles Brockden Brown and Edgar Allan Poe, to the creature features of George A. Romero and mindbenders of M. Night Shyamalan, the commonwealth has long been a hub for the genre.
From the Gothic fiction of authors like Charles Brockden Brown and Edgar Allan Poe, to the creature features of George A. Romero and mindbenders of M. Night Shyamalan, the commonwealth has long been a hub for the genre.
Reposted by Asha Prihar
Spotlight PA is hiring! It's a union position! Come work for one of the best newsrooms in the bizzz spotlightpa.applytojob.com/apply/FIsBWv...
Newsletter Writer/Reporter (Guild Position) - Spotlight PA - Career Page
Apply to Newsletter Writer/Reporter (Guild Position) at Spotlight PA in Remote.
spotlightpa.applytojob.com
October 3, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Spotlight PA is hiring! It's a union position! Come work for one of the best newsrooms in the bizzz spotlightpa.applytojob.com/apply/FIsBWv...
Pennsylvanians: Do you know what you're doing this weekend? I designed a cute little one-minute quiz to help you figure out how to take advantage of autumn in our beautiful state - www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/10...
Plan the perfect Pennsylvania fall weekend
Take our short quiz to help you decide how to spend your fall weekends in Pennsylvania. There are a dozen possible outcomes, sourced from our staff.
www.spotlightpa.org
October 10, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Pennsylvanians: Do you know what you're doing this weekend? I designed a cute little one-minute quiz to help you figure out how to take advantage of autumn in our beautiful state - www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/10...
four listens in & I’m filling out my Jack Antonoff apology form
October 4, 2025 at 5:27 AM
four listens in & I’m filling out my Jack Antonoff apology form
Happy goose day to all who celebrate
I was on vacation last week so didn't get a chance to share this piece when it came out, but I had a lovely time speaking to people in the Juniata River Valley about Goose Day, a quirky & unique local holiday that's celebrated every Sept. 29: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/09...
Celebrate Goose Day, Pennsylvania’s hyper-regional holiday
For over a century, central Pennsylvanians have gathered near the start of fall to celebrate Goose Day, a quirky holiday with ties to Europe.
www.spotlightpa.org
September 29, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Happy goose day to all who celebrate
I was on vacation last week so didn't get a chance to share this piece when it came out, but I had a lovely time speaking to people in the Juniata River Valley about Goose Day, a quirky & unique local holiday that's celebrated every Sept. 29: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/09...
Celebrate Goose Day, Pennsylvania’s hyper-regional holiday
For over a century, central Pennsylvanians have gathered near the start of fall to celebrate Goose Day, a quirky holiday with ties to Europe.
www.spotlightpa.org
September 26, 2025 at 3:02 PM
I was on vacation last week so didn't get a chance to share this piece when it came out, but I had a lovely time speaking to people in the Juniata River Valley about Goose Day, a quirky & unique local holiday that's celebrated every Sept. 29: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/09...
If you are a museums nerd like me and will be traveling domestically, I highly recommend getting a local museum membership that offers reciprocal admission to others. My bf & I joined one for $150 before we left for a multi-city trip and ended up going to $200+ worth of museums 💸
September 22, 2025 at 1:45 PM
If you are a museums nerd like me and will be traveling domestically, I highly recommend getting a local museum membership that offers reciprocal admission to others. My bf & I joined one for $150 before we left for a multi-city trip and ended up going to $200+ worth of museums 💸
Leap-the-Dips, a 123-year-old coaster near Altoona, only travels at about 10mph, but a now-rare type of engineering adds extra thrills.
Fans told me it's a unique experience, but no one has been able to ride it since 2023 — and its future is unclear.
My latest: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/08...
Fans told me it's a unique experience, but no one has been able to ride it since 2023 — and its future is unclear.
My latest: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/08...
This PA roller coaster built in 1902 still charms riders
Leap-the-Dips in Blair County is one of a kind, say fans of the 123-year-old wooden ride. But the attraction is grounded and a return date is unclear.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 29, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Leap-the-Dips, a 123-year-old coaster near Altoona, only travels at about 10mph, but a now-rare type of engineering adds extra thrills.
Fans told me it's a unique experience, but no one has been able to ride it since 2023 — and its future is unclear.
My latest: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/08...
Fans told me it's a unique experience, but no one has been able to ride it since 2023 — and its future is unclear.
My latest: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/08...
Reposted by Asha Prihar
Big news from me: The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is currently locked out of many crucial systems after being hit by a ransomware attack earlier this month.
Will provide updates as I have them.
Will provide updates as I have them.
Ransomware attack on PA attorney general leads to case delays
The attack temporarily took out the department’s website and email and locked staff out of court files.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 29, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Big news from me: The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is currently locked out of many crucial systems after being hit by a ransomware attack earlier this month.
Will provide updates as I have them.
Will provide updates as I have them.
After having such a lovely time bookshop-hopping at Philly's annual bookstore crawl on Saturday, it was such a delight to read this WVIA story about downtown Scranton's three indie bookstores & how they encourage visitors to do their own little informal crawls 💖 www.wvia.org/2025-08-25/b...
Bookstore boom: new Scranton indie booksellers find support, not competition
Over the past year, three independent bookstores have opened in downtown Scranton, each hoping to fill the same void in the city. But instead of competition, the owners say they've found support among...
www.wvia.org
August 25, 2025 at 9:59 PM
After having such a lovely time bookshop-hopping at Philly's annual bookstore crawl on Saturday, it was such a delight to read this WVIA story about downtown Scranton's three indie bookstores & how they encourage visitors to do their own little informal crawls 💖 www.wvia.org/2025-08-25/b...
Reposted by Asha Prihar
If you'd like a fun read on this cloudy morning, check out my interview with Michele Bannon, the mayor of Carbondale, PA.
We talked about her city's hidden gems, her decades-long government career, and Carbondale's claim to fame: an (alleged) UFO sighting.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/08...
We talked about her city's hidden gems, her decades-long government career, and Carbondale's claim to fame: an (alleged) UFO sighting.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/08...
Meet a PA mayor who embraces UFOs and small town quirkiness
Carbondale Mayor Michele Bannon says her hometown is full of kind, generous people with “coal miner mentalities,” and praises its love of UFOs.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 18, 2025 at 2:29 PM
If you'd like a fun read on this cloudy morning, check out my interview with Michele Bannon, the mayor of Carbondale, PA.
We talked about her city's hidden gems, her decades-long government career, and Carbondale's claim to fame: an (alleged) UFO sighting.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/08...
We talked about her city's hidden gems, her decades-long government career, and Carbondale's claim to fame: an (alleged) UFO sighting.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/08...
Reposted by Asha Prihar
Two years ago, after publishing a story on competency assessments trapping people in jail, I got a call from Sue.
She told me about her yearslong struggle to get her son mental health care, and how none of it mattered.
In the end, all of those attempts failed to find stability for her son Robert.
She told me about her yearslong struggle to get her son mental health care, and how none of it mattered.
In the end, all of those attempts failed to find stability for her son Robert.
July 28, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Two years ago, after publishing a story on competency assessments trapping people in jail, I got a call from Sue.
She told me about her yearslong struggle to get her son mental health care, and how none of it mattered.
In the end, all of those attempts failed to find stability for her son Robert.
She told me about her yearslong struggle to get her son mental health care, and how none of it mattered.
In the end, all of those attempts failed to find stability for her son Robert.
Pennsylvania's train history is extensive and rich, and I learned over the course of working on this story that there are many, many museums/heritage railroads across the state that try to preserve it and share stories about how railroads shaped PA. Like, a lot.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/07...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/07...
Volunteers, museums help preserve PA’s railroad history
Trains played a huge role in Pennsylvania’s development, and local museums and volunteer groups statewide help to preserve that history.
www.spotlightpa.org
July 25, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Pennsylvania's train history is extensive and rich, and I learned over the course of working on this story that there are many, many museums/heritage railroads across the state that try to preserve it and share stories about how railroads shaped PA. Like, a lot.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/07...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/07...
I can’t get on board with social platforms overusing AI for many reasons, & a minor one among them is that when I search “which bagel is your girlfriend” it’s APPARENTLY not smart enough to conjure up the “which bagel is your girlfriend” post that I literally JUST saw but lost when I refreshed
July 25, 2025 at 4:02 AM
I can’t get on board with social platforms overusing AI for many reasons, & a minor one among them is that when I search “which bagel is your girlfriend” it’s APPARENTLY not smart enough to conjure up the “which bagel is your girlfriend” post that I literally JUST saw but lost when I refreshed
if I am watching a dessert recipe video on Instagram and I see any sign of protein powder, that’s my sign to stop watching
July 25, 2025 at 3:47 AM
if I am watching a dessert recipe video on Instagram and I see any sign of protein powder, that’s my sign to stop watching
Reposted by Asha Prihar
Pennsylvanians: Do you know someone who deserves recognition for doing good in their PA community?
Nominate them to be featured in our monthly PA Local Heroes series! You can submit their name & a few lines about them here: forms.gle/9WBuEgLrTkxS...
Examples of some previous profiles in thread 🧵
Nominate them to be featured in our monthly PA Local Heroes series! You can submit their name & a few lines about them here: forms.gle/9WBuEgLrTkxS...
Examples of some previous profiles in thread 🧵
PA Local Heroes nomination form
Know a person in your community who deserves some praise? Let us help.
Spotlight PA is spotlighting one community do-gooder each month with a feature, sponsored by Ballard Spahr, in our PA Local newsl...
forms.gle
July 16, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Pennsylvanians: Do you know someone who deserves recognition for doing good in their PA community?
Nominate them to be featured in our monthly PA Local Heroes series! You can submit their name & a few lines about them here: forms.gle/9WBuEgLrTkxS...
Examples of some previous profiles in thread 🧵
Nominate them to be featured in our monthly PA Local Heroes series! You can submit their name & a few lines about them here: forms.gle/9WBuEgLrTkxS...
Examples of some previous profiles in thread 🧵