The USDA has given Pennsylvania until Friday to provide personal data about those who receive food assistance. And if it doesn’t get the data, it has threatened to withhold more than 10 cents of every dollar in food aid the state currently receives — nearly half a billion dollars each year.

Medicaid cuts got all the attention over the big beautiful bill, but those don’t take affect until after midterms. Similar SNAP cuts are taking effect now.

Here’s where we are in journalism: I made several calls to different levels of the USDA this week to talk to someone about a loan program for losses from a drought. I can’t think of something less controversial. 1/

My latest:

Talked to a number of people about the narrowing gap voter registrations here in PA. But maybe what’s just as notable as the GOP gaining on Dems is the consistent rise of independents — www.wesa.fm/politics-gov...

Hasn’t been this spicy for a few weeks in Lancaster County building. Lancaster County GOP commissioners parlay story of car crash survivor into jabs at rival lancasteronline.com/news/local/l...

Personal news: I'm starting at WITF as its new state Capitol reporter. I'm expanding my coverage of Pennsylvania government/politics, focusing on how decisions made in Harrisburg ripple out to affect people and communities across the Commonwealth.

Why is it so hard to know what Daryl Heller owns? A law professor explains. @lancasteronline.bsky.social lancasteronline.com/news/local/w...

“He knows these officers are going to rely on what he's saying, that he’s reporting this to law enforcement, that's it’s going to be part of the response.”

New story today from @annrejrat.bsky.social and @spotlightpa.org about the regulatory failures at Field of Screams that contributed to a culture that saw teenage volunteers at the popular haunted attraction. The owners continue to remain silent about @annrejrat.bsky.social's findings.

Let’s look at U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker’s latest campaign finance reports, where he disclosed more than $1 million on hand as of June 30 between two PACs. 🧵⬇️

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker responded in part to LNP's reporting on a group of local Indivisible members who organize weekly meetings with his staff to voice their opposition to his policy stances. Full story here: lancasteronline.com/news/politic...

Interesting data: Amtrak usage in Lancaster County since COVID. Wonder where it is now.

Lancaster County’s most dangerous intersections are located in West Hempfield Township, East Hempfield Township and Manheim Township, based on three different types of analysis that include recently released data from the state Department of Transportation. lanc.news/4kuFvb3

Idaho Attorney General: ‘Everyone is Welcome Here’ sign cannot be displayed in Idaho schools because they are “part of an ideological/social movement.” www.idahoednews.org/top-news/att...

Nearly five months into his personal bankruptcy proceeding, ATM network operator Daryl Heller is still struggling to meet the requirement that he reveal all of his personal assets. lanc.news/3I6kSVb

Local law enforcement officials — from police chiefs, to the sheriff to the district attorney — believe plans for the new Lancaster County prison must include a space that streamlines the booking process that follows an arrest. lanc.news/445pgw5

Update on Lancaster County hazmat contract that expires next week — the county says nothing is official but doesn’t seem likely to keep working with HazMat 2. HazMat 2 said it’s already been told to leave its building

An inside look at the reopening of Three Mile Island’s nuclear reactor expected in 2027 (video/photos included) lancasteronline.com/news/politic...

My latest on sacking of Lancaster County police chief.

Tenants could see certain eviction filings sealed under proposal passed by Pa. House lancasteronline.com/news/politic...

The Dauphin County Prison Board recommended the county choose between PrimeCare & Wellpath for the jail’s healthcare There is a wild disconnect with board members trusting an audit that found P was ok at DCP but recommending two of the lowest ranked bidders www.pennlive.com/news/2025/06...

Latest on investigation.

NEW: In 91 years of NewsGuild history, we’ve never seen anything like this. The NLRB is asking a federal court to hold the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in contempt for refusing to restore health care to striking workers. newsguild.org/national-lab...

This investigation was done by @annrejrat.bsky.social and we're proud to publish it. Ann started this project when she was at LNP. Unfortunately, she got laid off last year. She brought it to us, asking if we'd consider working with her to get it out. She did an amazing job on a difficult story.

The School District of Lancaster's board passed a proposed budget with a 4.25% tax increase. If approved in the district's final budget, that would be the highest tax increase from the city school district since 2008. via @lancasteronline.bsky.social lancasteronline.com/news/local/a...

Volunteers who spoke to Spotlight PA described Field of Screams as a hostile environment. lanc.news/4l7WAbn

New from @tommylisi.bsky.social

Pennsylvania's Governor’s Residence underwent extensive security upgrades before last month’s arson attack. Those upgrades cost taxpayers more than $600,000, according to receipts obtained by LNP. lancasteronline.com/news/politic...

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office on Friday issued a lengthy statement expanding on why prosecutors decided not to pursue a criminal investigation into an April 30 incident involving the Manheim Township police chief and a motorcyclist. lanc.news/4jWz1C5

Manheim Township Police Chief Duane Fisher has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an internal investigation. Story to come.

Such a great photo

A video shows Manheim Township’s police chief pulling his firearm and physically grappling with a motorcyclist behind a Fruitville Pike shopping center. lanc.news/4jXPJBi

Don’t understand the legal theory here. Sheriffs are independently elected and commissioners just approve their budgets. Why would a sheriff need permission from commissioners?

Big week for Villanova alums. ✝️🏀

A Lancaster County judge had to send home around 24 people who were in his courtroom Tuesday morning for protection from abuse hearings because no sheriff deputies were available to provide security.Most of the people in the dozen cases were… lanc.news/4lZI6vH

Don’t say you can’t find any helpful election info anywhere for Lancaster County

Tomorrow, tomorrow!!!!!! Death County, Pa hits wide release with the first two episodes coming to all podcast streaming platforms without a paywall podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/d...

Josh Parsons addresses historic special election loss, weighs another state Senate bid in 2026 lancasteronline.com/news/politic...

lancasteronline.com/news/local/l... Marks the return of a model that lost favor after investigation of Joe Apaio in Maricopa County some 15 years ago.

Everyone needs to go follow my incredibly talented colleague @julietterihl.bsky.social www.pennlive.com/news/2025/04...

NEW: A top official in the Department of Labor this week informed all staff members that they could face criminal charges if they speak to journalists, former employees or others about agency business.

Lancaster City Council postponed its meeting Tuesday night after problems with the livestream. Now, the meeting will take place next Tuesday with the same agenda Residents had planned to both speak in support of Janet Diaz or call for her resignation lancasteronline.com/news/local/l...

I spent a couple years as a reporter in Central Illinois, probably most powerful man I've ever had a one-on-one conversation with. Came to small events, no posse, no handlers, easy to talk to. Answered your questions. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/23/u...