Asha Prihar
@ashaprihar.bsky.social
I write newsletters & stories about Pennsylvania for @spotlightpa.org | 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.
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...
Niche question: Did something change recently that led to “original” soy milk being subject to the Philadelphia beverage tax? I’ve noticed it’s more expensive than the unsweetened stuff at the stores where I shop, and I don’t recall that being the case before. Or I could be remembering wrong.
January 31, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Niche question: Did something change recently that led to “original” soy milk being subject to the Philadelphia beverage tax? I’ve noticed it’s more expensive than the unsweetened stuff at the stores where I shop, and I don’t recall that being the case before. Or I could be remembering wrong.
I've lost count of the number of times I've heard or seen "milkshake" and "PA Farm Show" in the same sentence, so I decided to look into how they came to have so much hype around them:
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01...
What makes PA Farm Show milkshakes such a big deal?
The PA Dairymen’s Association has served shakes at the Farm Show since 1953, and in the years since, the drink has become nearly synonymous with the event.
www.spotlightpa.org
January 16, 2026 at 10:05 PM
I've lost count of the number of times I've heard or seen "milkshake" and "PA Farm Show" in the same sentence, so I decided to look into how they came to have so much hype around them:
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01...
Reposted by Asha Prihar
Gen Z has entered city hall. Meet 4 young Pa. mayors who want to bring new ideas to local government.
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01/gen-z-mayors-first-terms-pennsylvania-local/
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01/gen-z-mayors-first-terms-pennsylvania-local/
Meet 4 Gen Z mayors taking office across Pennsylvania
Spotlight PA spoke to four incoming Pennsylvania mayors under 30 about their ambitions, their platforms, and what drew them to the position.
www.spotlightpa.org
January 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Gen Z has entered city hall. Meet 4 young Pa. mayors who want to bring new ideas to local government.
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01/gen-z-mayors-first-terms-pennsylvania-local/
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01/gen-z-mayors-first-terms-pennsylvania-local/
Reposted by Asha Prihar
Quiz: Which of these iconic products was made or designed in Pa.?
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01/quiz-made-in-pennsylvania-inventions-pennsylvania-local/
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01/quiz-made-in-pennsylvania-inventions-pennsylvania-local/
Which of these iconic products was made or designed in PA?
From a popular fast food item to an iconic children’s toy, numerous innovations have happened in Pennsylvania. Can you identify eight of them?
www.spotlightpa.org
January 2, 2026 at 4:01 PM
Quiz: Which of these iconic products was made or designed in Pa.?
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01/quiz-made-in-pennsylvania-inventions-pennsylvania-local/
https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/01/quiz-made-in-pennsylvania-inventions-pennsylvania-local/
Looking for a Friday listen? Every song has a Pennsylvania connection on this holiday playlist, assembled by yours truly:
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
25 holiday songs by PA musicians
From religious hymns to classic covers by some of the commonwealth’s best known musicians, PA Local’s holiday playlist spans genres and decades.
www.spotlightpa.org
December 19, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Looking for a Friday listen? Every song has a Pennsylvania connection on this holiday playlist, assembled by yours truly:
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/12...
Reposted by Asha Prihar
A Spotlight PA investigation found the head of the Penn State Cancer Institute was repeatedly under internal review in recent years for extra chemo doses, unexplained delays in changing treatments, and creating a 'toxic' workplace.
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 3:29 PM
A Spotlight PA investigation found the head of the Penn State Cancer Institute was repeatedly under internal review in recent years for extra chemo doses, unexplained delays in changing treatments, and creating a 'toxic' workplace.
Reposted by Asha Prihar
In your inbox, if you subscribe to Access Harrisburg: A deep dive on the budget, from deficits and flying cars to the NFL draft and Trump tax cut repeals. You can sign up (for a new monthtly sub!) here: buy.stripe.com/dRm28t9SXfTc...
November 20, 2025 at 5:07 PM
In your inbox, if you subscribe to Access Harrisburg: A deep dive on the budget, from deficits and flying cars to the NFL draft and Trump tax cut repeals. You can sign up (for a new monthtly sub!) here: buy.stripe.com/dRm28t9SXfTc...
It's Friday, which means it's time to district yourself from work for a few minutes by playing a little game, brought to you by yours truly: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
Which famous Pennsylvanian said it? Test your knowledge
Match 10 quotes to their speakers — prominent people who’ve lived in Pennsylvania. Test your knowledge with this quick game from Spotlight PA.
www.spotlightpa.org
November 14, 2025 at 4:15 PM
It's Friday, which means it's time to district yourself from work for a few minutes by playing a little game, brought to you by yours truly: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Asha Prihar
Student journalists: Want a hands on opportunity to learn government and political journalism alongside a crew of veteran reporters, diving into the machinations of a key swing state? Then apply to the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents' Association internship!
PLCA Interships
The Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents' Association (PLCA) offers paid summer journalism internships to two college students or recent graduates.
www.pacapitolreporters.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Student journalists: Want a hands on opportunity to learn government and political journalism alongside a crew of veteran reporters, diving into the machinations of a key swing state? Then apply to the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents' Association internship!
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 💸