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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Advocates say allowing Pennsylvania municipalities to outsource management could improve public services while saving taxpayers money. -
Local government officials, whether elected or appointed, shape residents’ lives in a range of ways. Here’s how to become involved in your municipality and what to do when problems arise.
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The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code lays out how land use decisions in local governments are made.
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A year after Tioga hired the police officer who killed Tamir Rice, borough officials who promised changes struggle with persisting issues.
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The mysterious money was apparently stored at a local nonprofit then delivered weeks after former DuBois City Manager Herm Suplizio was arrested on corruption charges.
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A recent decision by the Pa. Commonwealth Court established a new three-factor test to judge when social posts on public officials' personal accounts are public records.
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A 266% funding increase for Pennsylvania’s Municipal Assistance Program could help local governments spend tax dollars more efficiently while providing public services collectively.
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After DuBois City Manager Herm Suplizio’s arrest for alleged theft of over $600,000 in public funds, Sandy Township officials question how the two municipalities’ consolidation can go forward.
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Lawmakers are holding hearings to dig into the budget ahead of the June 30 deadline. For the fourth year in a row, judicial officials won't be required to appear.
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Authorities say Herm Suplizio, the politically connected manager of DuBois, stole more than $600,000 from public accounts. He now faces sweeping corruption charges.
