Min Xian of Spotlight PA State College
Local Accountability ReporterCentral and northern Pennsylvania is home to vast natural beauty, historic towns with changing economies, and a diverse mix of social-political values. Xian reports on how local governments are run and how public dollars are spent, with a focus on how public and private forces shape ordinary life in this region.
Before joining Spotlight PA, Xian covered local government and rural issues for the region’s NPR affiliate, WPSU. Originally from southern China, she has called State College home since 2013.
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State College voters will choose from six school board candidates in the fall — four registered Democrats and two registered Republicans. -
A new City of DuBois will come into existence next January resulting from a consolidation. Voters get to pick a whole new city council ahead of its creation.
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Democrats and Republicans will see the same seven candidates for State College school on their primary ballots.
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Pennsylvania and federal open records laws don’t require elected officials to release their work calendars to the public. -
In 2006, Pennsylvania sold 135 acres of land for $1 to start a business park in Centre County. As Amazon moves, local business leaders think the vision has been realized. -
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal includes $10 million for a Pennsylvania fund that assists financially distressed local governments. -
The nomination petition period opens Feb. 18 for Pennsylvania’s 2025 municipal primary election. Races on the ballot include school boards, township supervisors, borough council members, and more. -
While most Pennsylvania local governments are required to file annual financial audits to the state each year, those reports aren’t meant to root out fraud, waste, and abuse. -
Pamela Hackenburg allegedly used Gregg Township’s credit cards to steal almost $533,000 from local taxpayers. The township’s supervisors never looked at a statement. -
Pamela Hackenburg allegedly stole more than half a million dollars in public funds. She has been charged by State Police with theft, receiving stolen property, identity theft, and access device fraud.
