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Why Pa. pharmacies keep closing and how lawmakers want to slow the trend, explained in 7 stats

by Ed Mahon of Spotlight PA HARRISBURG — Since July, Spotlight PA has written several stories about hundreds of pharmacy closures across Pennsylvania and how they force patients to travel further, wait longer, or simply go without medications they rely on. One reason our news organization has continued reporting on the issue is the reaction we’ve received from so many people across the state. About 30 readers reached out after our initial story, many describing their own problems. There are also many different aspects to dive into, including how state lawmakers have tried to ...

Medical center seeks artwork for Huntingdon clinic

HUNTINGDON — James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center is seeking artwork from veterans and community members for display at its new community-based outpatient clinic in Huntingdon. The initiative aims to feature artwork created by veterans in clinic spaces, with themes including military service, patriotism, regional culture and personal resilience. Submissions are currently being accepted for the Huntingdon clinic, which is scheduled to open this summer. The initial collection period runs through April 10. Those interested are asked to submit a photo of their artwork by email to ...

Poll: Most Americans back limits on school activism

(The Center Square) – A majority of American voters favor guardrails on K-12 political activism during school hours and say students should remain focused on academics, according to a new poll. The Center Square Voters’ Voice Poll found 58% of voters support limits on activism during school hours, and 39% say schools should focus strictly on academics and avoid activis The poll, conducted by Noble Predictive Insights between March 2–5, 2026, surveyed 2,659 registered voters, including 1,177 Republicans, 1,270 Democrats and 773 Independents, of whom 330 do not lean toward ...

Shapiro parodies and chatbot phone banks — how AI is popping up in Pa. elections

by Kate Huangpu of Spotlight PA HARRISBURG — Candidates for office in Pennsylvania are using AI tools to generate parody images of their rivals, create campaign materials, and answer questionnaires. They aren’t making deepfakes, which are images, audio, or videos generated to appear real and misinform the public. But that doesn’t mean tech and election experts aren’t concerned that this could be coming as generative AI becomes more accessible and sophisticated, which is why many state lawmakers want to take action. Deepfakes have already been used to influence major ...

Volunteers sought for watershed cleanup event

From staff reports SPRING CREEK — ClearWater Conservancy will host its 30th annual Watershed Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 18, inviting volunteers to help remove trash from streams, roadsides and parks across central Pennsylvania. The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon and is open to individuals, families and groups. Participants can register in advance and will be assigned to cleanup sites throughout Centre County. Organizers said the effort, which began in 1997 with a focus on the Spring Creek watershed, has grown into one of the region’s longest-running environmental ...

Pa. invests $6M in free period products for students

From staff reports PITTSBURGH — Pennsylvania has invested $6 million over the past two years to provide free period products to students in schools statewide, with an additional $3 million proposed in the 2026-27 state budget. The funding supports distribution of menstrual hygiene products in more than 750 school districts, intermediate units, career and technical centers, and brick-and-mortar charter schools. State health officials said the initiative is intended to reduce barriers to learning. National data shows one in four students struggles to afford period products, and ...