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.
Session is over. Stay tuned for more from me on this.
August 21, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Session is over. Stay tuned for more from me on this.
Kathleen Strain speaking now. More about here here: www.witf.org/2025/03/28/v...
Voices of the Epidemic: A Call for Transparency in Opioid Settlement Spending | WITF
Aired; March 27th, 2025.The opioid epidemic has devastated families and communities across Pennsylvania, leaving countless individuals searching f […]
www.witf.org
August 21, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Kathleen Strain speaking now. More about here here: www.witf.org/2025/03/28/v...
"We're angry because no one's listening," Ousterman said.
August 21, 2025 at 5:48 PM
"We're angry because no one's listening," Ousterman said.
Susan Ousterman is the next speaker. More about her and her story here: www.spotlightpa.org/series/turne...
Failure by Pa. officials to clarify rules around medical marijuana, addiction treatment had serious consequences
Tyler Cordeiro was denied funding for treatment despite a state program offering help for anyone, even without insurance. The problem: his medical marijuana card.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 21, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Susan Ousterman is the next speaker. More about her and her story here: www.spotlightpa.org/series/turne...
Sharon White speaking now, talking about a family member.
August 21, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Sharon White speaking now, talking about a family member.
Gail Groves Scott, public health researcher and advocate, is speaking now and criticizing what she calls the trust's secrecy.
August 21, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Gail Groves Scott, public health researcher and advocate, is speaking now and criticizing what she calls the trust's secrecy.
A county commissioner was called next, but said he was just there to learn. He thanked the board.
August 21, 2025 at 5:37 PM
A county commissioner was called next, but said he was just there to learn. He thanked the board.
Carla Sofronski of PA Harm Reduction Network talking now and she's criticizing money going to what she considers wasteful programs.
August 21, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Carla Sofronski of PA Harm Reduction Network talking now and she's criticizing money going to what she considers wasteful programs.
"I'm tired of being shut out. ...I still do not feel heard," she said.
August 21, 2025 at 5:28 PM
"I'm tired of being shut out. ...I still do not feel heard," she said.
Advocate Marianne Sinisi is speaking now. She's talking about her child that she lost, and she's also talking about families aren't being given a say in these settlement spending decisions.
August 21, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Advocate Marianne Sinisi is speaking now. She's talking about her child that she lost, and she's also talking about families aren't being given a say in these settlement spending decisions.
Those programs often rely on fear-based messaging, information only approaches which aren't effective or personal testimonies that do not resonate with youth, Hanley said.
August 21, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Those programs often rely on fear-based messaging, information only approaches which aren't effective or personal testimonies that do not resonate with youth, Hanley said.
What type of prevention doesn't work? One-time presentations, assemblies or classroom talks rarely build skills, change attitudes or reduce substance use, Jeff Hanley told the opioid trust.
August 21, 2025 at 5:24 PM
What type of prevention doesn't work? One-time presentations, assemblies or classroom talks rarely build skills, change attitudes or reduce substance use, Jeff Hanley told the opioid trust.
Now up is Jeff Hanley with the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance. He's talking about the importance of spending settlement money on prevention programs that are proven to work, that are effective or evidence-based.
August 21, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Now up is Jeff Hanley with the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance. He's talking about the importance of spending settlement money on prevention programs that are proven to work, that are effective or evidence-based.
Next speaker was with the Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addictions.
August 21, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Next speaker was with the Institute for Research, Education and Training in Addictions.
Here's the link: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2024/04...
Can opioid settlement money fund public defense?
Billions of dollars have begun flowing to Pennsylvania and other states.
www.spotlightpa.org
August 21, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Here's the link: www.spotlightpa.org/news/2024/04...
Andrew Capone, an attorney and official with the Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania, is speaking now. He's urging the trust to remove guidance discouraging settlement funds from being spent on public defenders. @dtohl.bsky.social and I wrote about the conflict last year.
August 21, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Andrew Capone, an attorney and official with the Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania, is speaking now. He's urging the trust to remove guidance discouraging settlement funds from being spent on public defenders. @dtohl.bsky.social and I wrote about the conflict last year.
Listening session starting now. Event link is available here: www.paopioidtrust.org/meetings/202...
Pennsylvania Opioid Trust - 20250821 Public Listening Session
www.paopioidtrust.org
August 21, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Listening session starting now. Event link is available here: www.paopioidtrust.org/meetings/202...
About 17 people signed up, VanKirk said. But only 10 people responded to a follow-up outreach for confirmation, he said. Trust is going to reconvene for that session at 1 p.m.
August 21, 2025 at 3:49 PM
About 17 people signed up, VanKirk said. But only 10 people responded to a follow-up outreach for confirmation, he said. Trust is going to reconvene for that session at 1 p.m.
A listening session is scheduled for later today at 1 p.m. Info to view virtually is also available here: www.paopioidtrust.org/meetings/202...
Pennsylvania Opioid Trust - 20250821 Public Listening Session
www.paopioidtrust.org
August 21, 2025 at 2:14 PM
A listening session is scheduled for later today at 1 p.m. Info to view virtually is also available here: www.paopioidtrust.org/meetings/202...