Marley Parish
@marleyparish.bsky.social
I write about Pennsylvania's rural communities for Spotlight PA.
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Marley Parish
@marleyparish.bsky.social
· Nov 22
Hi Bluesky! 👋
I'm a reporter with @spotlightpa.bsky.social. I write about health, the environment, agriculture, community development, and how state agencies and policies affect Pennsylvania's rural communities.
You can find more about me and my work here: www.spotlightpa.org/authors/marl...
I'm a reporter with @spotlightpa.bsky.social. I write about health, the environment, agriculture, community development, and how state agencies and policies affect Pennsylvania's rural communities.
You can find more about me and my work here: www.spotlightpa.org/authors/marl...
Reading City Council is considering a “Welcoming City” ordinance that would formally bar local police from enforcing federal immigration laws or entering into agreements with ICE.
It would also prohibit city employees from gathering or sharing information regarding a person’s immigration status.
It would also prohibit city employees from gathering or sharing information regarding a person’s immigration status.
Reading may become a ‘Welcoming City’ for immigrants. What does that actually mean?
The measure would formally bar Reading, PA, police from collaborating with ICE.
www.spotlightpa.org
October 27, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Reading City Council is considering a “Welcoming City” ordinance that would formally bar local police from enforcing federal immigration laws or entering into agreements with ICE.
It would also prohibit city employees from gathering or sharing information regarding a person’s immigration status.
It would also prohibit city employees from gathering or sharing information regarding a person’s immigration status.
Lawmakers who spoke to Spotlight PA defended the fundraisers and trips, saying that legislating and politicking are unrelated and can coexist.
But two good-government watchdogs said they represent the dysfunction that has contributed to the state’s inability to pass a spending plan.
But two good-government watchdogs said they represent the dysfunction that has contributed to the state’s inability to pass a spending plan.
PA budget impasse drags on while lawmakers raise campaign cash
With the state budget nearly four months late, Pennsylvania schools, nonprofits and local governments are paying the price while lawmakers keep fundraising.
www.spotlightpa.org
October 24, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Lawmakers who spoke to Spotlight PA defended the fundraisers and trips, saying that legislating and politicking are unrelated and can coexist.
But two good-government watchdogs said they represent the dysfunction that has contributed to the state’s inability to pass a spending plan.
But two good-government watchdogs said they represent the dysfunction that has contributed to the state’s inability to pass a spending plan.
Attorneys for those involved in the case met during a recess to discuss a possible deal, but no new progress was reported.
PA water company faces forced sale after years of violations
Rock Spring Water Company could still voluntarily sell to the State College water authority, but a judge overseeing the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission process said time for a deal will run out...
www.spotlightpa.org
October 23, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Attorneys for those involved in the case met during a recess to discuss a possible deal, but no new progress was reported.
Pennsylvania voters will decide the future of three state Supreme Court justices when they cast their ballots on Nov. 4.
Who serves on the high court matters for everyone. From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, here are some decisions that have impacted communities living in cities across the state:
Who serves on the high court matters for everyone. From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, here are some decisions that have impacted communities living in cities across the state:
How PA Supreme Court rulings impact cities like Philadelphia
On Nov. 4, Pennsylvania voters will decide whether to retain three state Supreme Court justices. Here’s how the court has shaped urban communities.
www.spotlightpa.org
October 22, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Pennsylvania voters will decide the future of three state Supreme Court justices when they cast their ballots on Nov. 4.
Who serves on the high court matters for everyone. From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, here are some decisions that have impacted communities living in cities across the state:
Who serves on the high court matters for everyone. From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, here are some decisions that have impacted communities living in cities across the state:
When Pennsylvania voters head to the polls on Nov. 4, they’ll weigh in on the future of the state’s highest court.
Here’s a look at how the state Supreme Court's rulings have influenced rural communities:
Here’s a look at how the state Supreme Court's rulings have influenced rural communities:
How Pennsylvania Supreme Court decisions impact rural areas
Three justices on Pennsylvania’s highest court are up for retention on Nov. 4. Here’s a look at how past rulings have influenced rural communities.
www.spotlightpa.org
October 21, 2025 at 5:46 PM
When Pennsylvania voters head to the polls on Nov. 4, they’ll weigh in on the future of the state’s highest court.
Here’s a look at how the state Supreme Court's rulings have influenced rural communities:
Here’s a look at how the state Supreme Court's rulings have influenced rural communities:
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 Marley Parish
The finance and investment committee last month unanimously voted against moving forward with a proposal for WHYY to acquire WPSU..
Penn State trustees to revisit sale of WPSU during special meeting Monday
The finance and investment committee last month unanimously voted against moving forward with a proposal for WHYY to acquire WPSU..
bit.ly
October 12, 2025 at 6:50 PM
The finance and investment committee last month unanimously voted against moving forward with a proposal for WHYY to acquire WPSU..
Reposted by Marley Parish
“There’s just not a lot of cases like this out there, which makes the CDT’s case so important,” @rcfp.org attorney Paula Knudsen Burke said.
Seeking answers about Centre County ICE arrests, CDT sues for body cam footage
The Centre Daily Times has filed a lawsuit against the Pennsylvania State Police to force the release of the footage.
www.centredaily.com
October 11, 2025 at 12:56 PM
“There’s just not a lot of cases like this out there, which makes the CDT’s case so important,” @rcfp.org attorney Paula Knudsen Burke said.
Clearfield County will make $1 million over five years to act as the middleman between ICE and the private contractor that operates the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, the largest immigration detention facility in the Northeast.
Clearfield County to make $1 million over 5 years on detention center contracts
Clearfield County will make $1 million to act as the middleman between ICE and GEO Group, which operates Moshannon Valley Processing Center.
www.spotlightpa.org
October 7, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Clearfield County will make $1 million over five years to act as the middleman between ICE and the private contractor that operates the Moshannon Valley Processing Center, the largest immigration detention facility in the Northeast.
A State College man who spent more than four decades in prison for a murder conviction that has since been overturned was taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody Friday just as he stood on the doorstep of freedom.
Wrongfully convicted Subu Vedam taken into ICE custody after release from prison
He is detained in the Moshannon Valley Processing Center near Philipsburg, but many questions remain.
www.centredaily.com
October 3, 2025 at 11:38 PM
A State College man who spent more than four decades in prison for a murder conviction that has since been overturned was taken into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody Friday just as he stood on the doorstep of freedom.
Before Pennsylvania regulators decide the fate of the long-troubled Rock Spring Water Company in rural Centre County, the community has a chance to weigh in.
Ferguson Township will host public input hearings at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. today at its municipal building and online.
Ferguson Township will host public input hearings at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. today at its municipal building and online.
Public hearings set as regulators consider Rock Spring Water sale
After years of unreliable service, Rock Spring Water customers can speak up on Sept. 30 ahead of a possible forced sale of the company.
www.spotlightpa.org
September 30, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Before Pennsylvania regulators decide the fate of the long-troubled Rock Spring Water Company in rural Centre County, the community has a chance to weigh in.
Ferguson Township will host public input hearings at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. today at its municipal building and online.
Ferguson Township will host public input hearings at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. today at its municipal building and online.
Happy Goose Day! 🪿
September 29, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Happy Goose Day! 🪿
Reposted by Marley Parish
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...
Reposted by Marley Parish
new from me: how other transit agencies are adapting now that funding won't be included in this year's budget: pausing plans to expand, cutting services, and raising fares
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/09...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/09...
Without state aid, small PA transit systems face service cuts
With recurring state funding off the table, transit systems outside Philly and Pittsburgh are preparing for service cuts, fare hikes, and hiring freezes.
www.spotlightpa.org
September 19, 2025 at 2:02 PM
new from me: how other transit agencies are adapting now that funding won't be included in this year's budget: pausing plans to expand, cutting services, and raising fares
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/09...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/09...
Ferguson Township will host two public input hearings at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sept. 30.
The township doesn’t oversee Rock Spring Water Company but is involved in the state’s regulatory effort to find a permanent fix for the struggling system, which serves about 1,000 of the township’s residents.
The township doesn’t oversee Rock Spring Water Company but is involved in the state’s regulatory effort to find a permanent fix for the struggling system, which serves about 1,000 of the township’s residents.
Public hearings set as regulators consider Rock Spring Water sale
After years of unreliable service, Rock Spring Water customers can speak up on Sept. 30 ahead of a possible forced sale of the company.
www.spotlightpa.org
September 17, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Ferguson Township will host two public input hearings at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sept. 30.
The township doesn’t oversee Rock Spring Water Company but is involved in the state’s regulatory effort to find a permanent fix for the struggling system, which serves about 1,000 of the township’s residents.
The township doesn’t oversee Rock Spring Water Company but is involved in the state’s regulatory effort to find a permanent fix for the struggling system, which serves about 1,000 of the township’s residents.
“Here’s the problem: If you knew how WPSU came to be, it took years and years to create the station it has become. If it goes away, it’s not coming back. So I think it’s absolutely critical that every effort be made to ensure its continuation — even if its continuation is in some reduced form."
Supporters hold out hope after Penn State’s ‘short-sighted’ decision to close WPSU
Penn State said the “most promising option” to save the station was rejected by a committee on the university’s board of trustees.
www.centredaily.com
September 13, 2025 at 3:42 PM
“Here’s the problem: If you knew how WPSU came to be, it took years and years to create the station it has become. If it goes away, it’s not coming back. So I think it’s absolutely critical that every effort be made to ensure its continuation — even if its continuation is in some reduced form."
Reposted by Marley Parish
Horrible, upsetting news that’s a huge blow to our community and central PA media landscape.
Penn State to close WPSU after board committee votes against ownership transfer
“We know this is a deeply disappointing outcome and we are grateful to the dedicated WPSU employees whose work has enriched our lives and made our community stronger,” David Kleppinger, chair of the b...
www.centredaily.com
September 12, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Horrible, upsetting news that’s a huge blow to our community and central PA media landscape.
Ferguson Township has asked that the judge overseeing the regulatory process schedule a public input hearing to let residents speak on the possible forced sale of Rock Spring Water Company.
The proposed date is 6 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the township building and online.
www.puc.pa.gov/pcdocs/18938...
The proposed date is 6 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the township building and online.
www.puc.pa.gov/pcdocs/18938...
Unless Rock Spring voluntarily agrees to sell to State College Borough Water Authority, the state's seldom-used regulatory process to force an acquisition will likely end with another investor-owned utility acquiring the long-troubled system.
A troubled water company refuses to sell to a willing municipal authority, and there’s little the state can do
The Public Utility Commission is moving toward forcing Rock Spring to sell, but says it can’t order a transfer to State College.
www.spotlightpa.org
September 5, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Ferguson Township has asked that the judge overseeing the regulatory process schedule a public input hearing to let residents speak on the possible forced sale of Rock Spring Water Company.
The proposed date is 6 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the township building and online.
www.puc.pa.gov/pcdocs/18938...
The proposed date is 6 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the township building and online.
www.puc.pa.gov/pcdocs/18938...
The attack, first reported by the office on Aug. 11 as a “cyber incident,” has impaired many functions of the agency, as some staff and prosecutors remain unable to access archived emails, files, and internal systems crucial to pursuing cases on behalf of the commonwealth.
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 4:26 PM
The attack, first reported by the office on Aug. 11 as a “cyber incident,” has impaired many functions of the agency, as some staff and prosecutors remain unable to access archived emails, files, and internal systems crucial to pursuing cases on behalf of the commonwealth.
Unless Rock Spring voluntarily agrees to sell to State College Borough Water Authority, the state's seldom-used regulatory process to force an acquisition will likely end with another investor-owned utility acquiring the long-troubled system.
A troubled water company refuses to sell to a willing municipal authority, and there’s little the state can do
The Public Utility Commission is moving toward forcing Rock Spring to sell, but says it can’t order a transfer to State College.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 29, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Unless Rock Spring voluntarily agrees to sell to State College Borough Water Authority, the state's seldom-used regulatory process to force an acquisition will likely end with another investor-owned utility acquiring the long-troubled system.
As state utility regulators resume efforts to force the sale of Rock Spring Water Company, a municipal-run authority remains determined to buy it.
The Public Utility Commission, however, says it can’t order a sale to State College Borough Water Authority because it falls outside the agency's reach.
The Public Utility Commission, however, says it can’t order a sale to State College Borough Water Authority because it falls outside the agency's reach.
A troubled water company refuses to sell to a willing municipal authority, and there’s little the state can do
The Public Utility Commission is moving toward forcing Rock Spring to sell, but says it can’t order a transfer to State College.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 28, 2025 at 12:48 PM
As state utility regulators resume efforts to force the sale of Rock Spring Water Company, a municipal-run authority remains determined to buy it.
The Public Utility Commission, however, says it can’t order a sale to State College Borough Water Authority because it falls outside the agency's reach.
The Public Utility Commission, however, says it can’t order a sale to State College Borough Water Authority because it falls outside the agency's reach.
When landslides and sinkholes damage Pennsylvania houses, homeowners often have limited options to cover repairs and can end up stuck paying a mortgage on an unlivable property.
Now, state House lawmakers want a government-run insurance program to help fill this gap.
Now, state House lawmakers want a government-run insurance program to help fill this gap.
New bill aims to insure PA homes from sinkhole, landslide damage
Options for landslide and sinkhole insurance are limited. A new proposal would create a state-run program for Pennsylvania homeowners.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 21, 2025 at 10:50 PM
When landslides and sinkholes damage Pennsylvania houses, homeowners often have limited options to cover repairs and can end up stuck paying a mortgage on an unlivable property.
Now, state House lawmakers want a government-run insurance program to help fill this gap.
Now, state House lawmakers want a government-run insurance program to help fill this gap.
With Pennsylvania's budget more than seven weeks late, foster care agencies, libraries, and many other state-funded services are making hard financial decisions.
PA budget impasse threatens library, school, foster care services
The budget is more than seven weeks late and there’s no sign of a deal in Harrisburg. That’s starting to mean cuts for funding recipients.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 20, 2025 at 3:19 PM
With Pennsylvania's budget more than seven weeks late, foster care agencies, libraries, and many other state-funded services are making hard financial decisions.
Local governments are wary of a bill that seeks to end a tax levied by some municipalities on campground visits, saying it will strip them of a potential revenue source.
The proposal would update state law to clarify that campgrounds aren’t places of amusement and shouldn’t be taxed as such.
The proposal would update state law to clarify that campgrounds aren’t places of amusement and shouldn’t be taxed as such.
Tax relief possible for some PA campgrounds
A bill that passed the PA House unanimously would remove campground amusement taxes, helping small businesses at the expense of local government revenue.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 11, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Local governments are wary of a bill that seeks to end a tax levied by some municipalities on campground visits, saying it will strip them of a potential revenue source.
The proposal would update state law to clarify that campgrounds aren’t places of amusement and shouldn’t be taxed as such.
The proposal would update state law to clarify that campgrounds aren’t places of amusement and shouldn’t be taxed as such.
Through a first-of-its-kind analysis, Spotlight PA has identified a portion of those donors, which include influential lobbying firms, unions, and corporations with interests before the commonwealth’s government.
We finally know who paid for Josh Shapiro’s inauguration celebrations (kinda)
Spotlight PA traces unions, lobbyists, and corporations behind 15% of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $4M inauguration, but most donors remain undisclosed.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 4, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Through a first-of-its-kind analysis, Spotlight PA has identified a portion of those donors, which include influential lobbying firms, unions, and corporations with interests before the commonwealth’s government.