Ed Mahon
@edmahon.bsky.social
Investigative reporter at Spotlight PA. Also: chess player, soccer coach, Rubik's cube solver, coffee drinker, president of Pa. Legislative Correspondents' Association, 2x Ninja Warrior chair at my oldest son's elementary school.
I watched this clip just to see how the last name was pronounced. (We are not related, to be clear.) www.ktiv.com/2025/09/30/p...
Police Chief Ed Mahon looks back on 42 years of serving South Sioux City
South Sioux City Police Chief Ed Mahon is preparing for his next career milestone: retirement.
www.ktiv.com
October 1, 2025 at 3:12 PM
I watched this clip just to see how the last name was pronounced. (We are not related, to be clear.) www.ktiv.com/2025/09/30/p...
Reposted by Ed Mahon
The Institute is proud to honor @edmahon.bsky.social, an investigative reporter at @spotlightpa.org, with the 2025 Neil and Susan Sheehan Award for Investigative Journalism.
Join us at @pressclubdc.bsky.social on Dec. 9 to celebrate: www.pressclubinstitute.org/2025/09/12/e...
Join us at @pressclubdc.bsky.social on Dec. 9 to celebrate: www.pressclubinstitute.org/2025/09/12/e...
Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA honored with the Institute’s Sheehan Award for Investigative Journalism - Journalism Institute
Ed Mahon, an investigative reporter at Spotlight PA, will receive the 2025 Neil and Susan Sheehan Award for Investigative Journalism.
www.pressclubinstitute.org
September 12, 2025 at 3:04 PM
The Institute is proud to honor @edmahon.bsky.social, an investigative reporter at @spotlightpa.org, with the 2025 Neil and Susan Sheehan Award for Investigative Journalism.
Join us at @pressclubdc.bsky.social on Dec. 9 to celebrate: www.pressclubinstitute.org/2025/09/12/e...
Join us at @pressclubdc.bsky.social on Dec. 9 to celebrate: www.pressclubinstitute.org/2025/09/12/e...
The board for the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust is meeting now. Info to view virtually is available here.
www.paopioidtrust.org/meetings/202...
www.paopioidtrust.org/meetings/202...
Pennsylvania Opioid Trust - 20250821 Public Board of Trustees' Meeting
www.paopioidtrust.org
August 21, 2025 at 2:12 PM
The board for the Pennsylvania Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Trust is meeting now. Info to view virtually is available here.
www.paopioidtrust.org/meetings/202...
www.paopioidtrust.org/meetings/202...
Big fay: I have TWO photos in Spotlight PA’s weekday newsletter. One was for a news article. The other was inspired by my kids’ obsession with the “Hamilton” soundtrack.
July 24, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Big fay: I have TWO photos in Spotlight PA’s weekday newsletter. One was for a news article. The other was inspired by my kids’ obsession with the “Hamilton” soundtrack.
Reposted by Ed Mahon
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 🧵
Reposted by Ed Mahon
Great reporting out of West Virginia - by great student journalists - about where opioid settlement money is going in a state that's long been considered the epicenter of the opioid and overdose crisis.
As millions in opioid settlement funds reach West Virginia, counties are making high-stakes choices about how to spend them.
'The Price of Recovery' series explores the tension between political priorities, financial pressures and community needs.
www.100daysinappalachia.com/the-price-of...
'The Price of Recovery' series explores the tension between political priorities, financial pressures and community needs.
www.100daysinappalachia.com/the-price-of...
The Price of Recovery — 100 Days in Appalachia
As millions in opioid settlement funds reach West Virginia, counties are making high-stakes choices about how to spend it — revealing the tension between political priorities, financial pressures and ...
www.100daysinappalachia.com
July 3, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Great reporting out of West Virginia - by great student journalists - about where opioid settlement money is going in a state that's long been considered the epicenter of the opioid and overdose crisis.
Reposted by Ed Mahon
As the Senate passes unprecedented Medicaid cuts, my colleague Sarah Gantz profiled five Philly-area families who are worried about affording food, medications, and mental health services going forward: www.inquirer.com/health/medic...
The ‘big, beautiful bill’ is poised to cut Medicaid. Here’s what’s at stake for five Philly-area families.
Medicaid insures one in four Pennsylvania residents, and it is poised for cuts under President Donald Trump’s first major policy package, “The Big Beautiful Bill."
www.inquirer.com
July 1, 2025 at 4:27 PM
As the Senate passes unprecedented Medicaid cuts, my colleague Sarah Gantz profiled five Philly-area families who are worried about affording food, medications, and mental health services going forward: www.inquirer.com/health/medic...
One of Jessica Berry's overdoses ended up in a news article, she said, and some of the online comments questioned why people like her were even worth saving.
“It really broke my heart,” she said. “But it also lit a fire in me.”
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
“It really broke my heart,” she said. “But it also lit a fire in me.”
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
Real stories of recovery shape Spotlight PA’s addiction reporting.
How Spotlight PA used community conversations, a survey, and data tools to elevate public voices in Pennsylvania’s opioid settlement rollout.
www.spotlightpa.org
June 30, 2025 at 12:43 PM
One of Jessica Berry's overdoses ended up in a news article, she said, and some of the online comments questioned why people like her were even worth saving.
“It really broke my heart,” she said. “But it also lit a fire in me.”
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
“It really broke my heart,” she said. “But it also lit a fire in me.”
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
I learned at least one new thing about Pennsylvania's medical marijuana program while creating this quiz. I'm curious if you will!
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
Test your knowledge of PA's booming medical marijuana program.
Medical marijuana cards are a big business in Pennsylvania, but how much do you know about the program? Test your knowledge in our new interactive quiz.
www.spotlightpa.org
June 25, 2025 at 1:48 PM
I learned at least one new thing about Pennsylvania's medical marijuana program while creating this quiz. I'm curious if you will!
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
Reposted by Ed Mahon
Tons of great stories in here — guarantee you’ll get some ideas!
Great working on this with @edmahon.bsky.social and @aneripattani.bsky.social
Great working on this with @edmahon.bsky.social and @aneripattani.bsky.social
A big list of 30 opioid settlement story ideas and 30 other public health story ideas: docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
I created this with @aneripattani.bsky.social and @wadrewhawkins.bsky.social .
I created this with @aneripattani.bsky.social and @wadrewhawkins.bsky.social .
60 opioid settlement and other public health story ideas - (IRE)
docs.google.com
June 21, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Tons of great stories in here — guarantee you’ll get some ideas!
Great working on this with @edmahon.bsky.social and @aneripattani.bsky.social
Great working on this with @edmahon.bsky.social and @aneripattani.bsky.social
A big list of 30 opioid settlement story ideas and 30 other public health story ideas: docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
I created this with @aneripattani.bsky.social and @wadrewhawkins.bsky.social .
I created this with @aneripattani.bsky.social and @wadrewhawkins.bsky.social .
60 opioid settlement and other public health story ideas - (IRE)
docs.google.com
June 20, 2025 at 6:29 PM
A big list of 30 opioid settlement story ideas and 30 other public health story ideas: docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
I created this with @aneripattani.bsky.social and @wadrewhawkins.bsky.social .
I created this with @aneripattani.bsky.social and @wadrewhawkins.bsky.social .
Reposted by Ed Mahon
Proud of @annrejrat.bsky.social and everyone at SpotlightPA.org for getting this story told: lancasteronline.com/news/local/t...
Teen volunteers were harassed, groped and pressured into sex by adults at Field of Screams, former staff say
Volunteers say they brought allegations of abuse directly to owners of Field of Screams, as well as to law enforcement. The accused continued in a supervisory position.
lancasteronline.com
June 17, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Proud of @annrejrat.bsky.social and everyone at SpotlightPA.org for getting this story told: lancasteronline.com/news/local/t...
I've written about efforts to increase oversight of medical marijuana laboratories and doctors in Pennsylvania. State Sen. Dan Laughlin (R., Erie) has proposed an arguably bigger change. www.palegis.us/senate/co-sp...
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memo 46264 Information; 2025-2026 Regular Session - PA State Senate
View the details of the Co-Sponsorship Memo, including the subject, who circulated it, and whether it has become PA Legislation.
www.palegis.us
June 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM
I've written about efforts to increase oversight of medical marijuana laboratories and doctors in Pennsylvania. State Sen. Dan Laughlin (R., Erie) has proposed an arguably bigger change. www.palegis.us/senate/co-sp...
Penns Valley still rules.
June 12, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Penns Valley still rules.
Reposted by Ed Mahon
New weight loss drugs like Ozempic for Medicaid patients are projected to cost PA $1.3 billion this year. To cut costs, the Shapiro admin plans to limit access next month. But some House lawmakers have another idea -- negotiate with drug companies.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
Low-income Pennsylvanians may lose access to weight loss drugs
The Shapiro administration's plan would limit Ozempic access under Medicaid to save costs. Not everyone is on board.
www.spotlightpa.org
June 12, 2025 at 1:03 PM
New weight loss drugs like Ozempic for Medicaid patients are projected to cost PA $1.3 billion this year. To cut costs, the Shapiro admin plans to limit access next month. But some House lawmakers have another idea -- negotiate with drug companies.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/06...
I’m presenting at the PA Prevention Conference today. My family drove up with me. (They are sightseeing in State College now.) Before we split up for the day, my 8-year-old son asked, “What if you mess up 15 times?”
June 11, 2025 at 4:51 PM
I’m presenting at the PA Prevention Conference today. My family drove up with me. (They are sightseeing in State College now.) Before we split up for the day, my 8-year-old son asked, “What if you mess up 15 times?”
Pa. opioid trust meeting happening now. Discussion happening now regarding this agenda item: "Presentation by Penn State re: Pennsylvania Opioid Settlement Data Website." Link to the full agenda is here: www.paopioidtrust.org/getmedia/1d4...
www.paopioidtrust.org
June 5, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Pa. opioid trust meeting happening now. Discussion happening now regarding this agenda item: "Presentation by Penn State re: Pennsylvania Opioid Settlement Data Website." Link to the full agenda is here: www.paopioidtrust.org/getmedia/1d4...
Reposted by Ed Mahon
Very excited to present @IRE_NICAR next month with @edmahon.bsky.social & Drew Hawkins! We'll be sharing 60 rapid-fire ideas for stories on opioid settlement money & public health topics in 60 minutes. You'll walk away with inspiration for quick turns, features & investigations.
May 22, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Very excited to present @IRE_NICAR next month with @edmahon.bsky.social & Drew Hawkins! We'll be sharing 60 rapid-fire ideas for stories on opioid settlement money & public health topics in 60 minutes. You'll walk away with inspiration for quick turns, features & investigations.
Reposted by Ed Mahon
@spotlightpa.org investigative reporter @edmahon.bsky.social partnered with @wesa.fm, Pittsburgh's NPR station, to produce an audio version of his child welfare coverage. Listen here: ow.ly/5zoF50Vtl8G
Listen: Child welfare agencies are buckling under staffing shortages as Pa. debates using opioid money to help
Spotlight PA investigative reporter Ed Mahon partnered with WESA, Pittsburgh's NPR station, to produce an audio version of his child welfare coverage.
ow.ly
April 2, 2025 at 4:49 PM
@spotlightpa.org investigative reporter @edmahon.bsky.social partnered with @wesa.fm, Pittsburgh's NPR station, to produce an audio version of his child welfare coverage. Listen here: ow.ly/5zoF50Vtl8G
“I don’t think it was the intention of the General Assembly for us to have a de facto legalization program, and I’m concerned that that’s what we have set up with the lack of oversight of the medical marijuana program,” said state Rep. Arvind Venkat, a Democrat and physician.
shorturl.at/Ebxu4
shorturl.at/Ebxu4
PA bill targets ‘extraordinary’ medical marijuana certifications
Bipartisan legislation, prompted by Spotlight PA investigations, would strengthen the PA health department's ability to regulate medical marijuana doctors.
www.spotlightpa.org
March 27, 2025 at 12:34 PM
“I don’t think it was the intention of the General Assembly for us to have a de facto legalization program, and I’m concerned that that’s what we have set up with the lack of oversight of the medical marijuana program,” said state Rep. Arvind Venkat, a Democrat and physician.
shorturl.at/Ebxu4
shorturl.at/Ebxu4
Reposted by Ed Mahon
Mayor Parker's administration is ending a community-led grant program funded by opioid settlement dollars. It allowed residents to decide where money flowed in the neighborhood. www.kensingtonvoice.com/en/parker-ad...
Parker administration ends community-led opioid settlement grants, leaving Kensington programs in limbo
The Overdose Prevention and Community Healing Fund, or Prevention Fund, used a community-led grantmaking process to distribute $3.1 million to 43 organizations in 2024.
www.kensingtonvoice.com
March 26, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Mayor Parker's administration is ending a community-led grant program funded by opioid settlement dollars. It allowed residents to decide where money flowed in the neighborhood. www.kensingtonvoice.com/en/parker-ad...
Reposted by Ed Mahon
So, I decided to get my own. Today, @spotlightpa.bsky.social is publishing data on all commutations votes taken since 2000.
As you'll see, it's somewhat incomplete. But I'm hoping to bring you more soon! For now, happy Sunshine Week!
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
As you'll see, it's somewhat incomplete. But I'm hoping to bring you more soon! For now, happy Sunshine Week!
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
Spotlight PA makes 25 years of state commutation votes public
PA’s Board of Pardons makes life-changing decisions with little transparency. Spotlight PA is making 25 years of commutation votes available for the first time.
www.spotlightpa.org
March 21, 2025 at 1:31 PM
So, I decided to get my own. Today, @spotlightpa.bsky.social is publishing data on all commutations votes taken since 2000.
As you'll see, it's somewhat incomplete. But I'm hoping to bring you more soon! For now, happy Sunshine Week!
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
As you'll see, it's somewhat incomplete. But I'm hoping to bring you more soon! For now, happy Sunshine Week!
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
Reposted by Ed Mahon
Creative & informative tool from @spotlightpa.bsky.social that let's you be the decision-maker on opioid settlement funds. Will you make the same choices that the state council that oversees the money in Pennsylvania has so far?
We launched a new tool today as part of our ongoing coverage of opioid settlement money. I'm really excited for this one.
It puts you (and the rest of the public) in the role of a decision-maker. Give it a try:
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
It puts you (and the rest of the public) in the role of a decision-maker. Give it a try:
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
Pa. opioid settlement money: How should it be spent?
Use our interactive tool to share your views on what types of spending should be approved for Pennsylvania’s opioid settlement funds.
www.spotlightpa.org
March 19, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Creative & informative tool from @spotlightpa.bsky.social that let's you be the decision-maker on opioid settlement funds. Will you make the same choices that the state council that oversees the money in Pennsylvania has so far?
We launched a new tool today as part of our ongoing coverage of opioid settlement money. I'm really excited for this one.
It puts you (and the rest of the public) in the role of a decision-maker. Give it a try:
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
It puts you (and the rest of the public) in the role of a decision-maker. Give it a try:
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
Pa. opioid settlement money: How should it be spent?
Use our interactive tool to share your views on what types of spending should be approved for Pennsylvania’s opioid settlement funds.
www.spotlightpa.org
March 19, 2025 at 12:35 PM
We launched a new tool today as part of our ongoing coverage of opioid settlement money. I'm really excited for this one.
It puts you (and the rest of the public) in the role of a decision-maker. Give it a try:
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
It puts you (and the rest of the public) in the role of a decision-maker. Give it a try:
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
Fun day to be in the Capitol.
March 17, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Fun day to be in the Capitol.