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Your Team

Meet the team of reporters watching out for you in the state capital

by Christopher Baxter |

Man walks in front of Pennsylvania state capitol
Courtesy Philadelphia Inquirer

Spotlight PA’s team of investigative reporters will cover the state government and urgent statewide issues like never before, digging in hard on everything from health to the State Police to environment and more.

The goal: to tell stories no one else is telling, to be a catalyst for discussion and engagement, and to drive change.

That’s why we want to introduce you to each member of the team and tell you a little bit about what they’re covering, and how to contact them. Some of the most impactful journalism begins with a tip from a concerned reader. Reach out to the reporters directly, or check out more secure ways of contacting our newsroom.

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Criminal Justice

Attorney General’s Office, State Police, Capitol Police, corrections, national guard/military and veteran affairs

Angela Couloumbis: “I write about Pennsylvania’s top law enforcement and corrections agencies and how they use their extraordinary powers, and I strive to hold them accountable for their actions. Please contact me with tips and ideas, I want to hear your story.”

The Capitol

Governor, Legislature, campaign finance, revenue, Department of State, Department of General Services

Liz Navratil: “I cover the governor’s office and state legislature. Please tell me how they are — or aren’t — meeting your needs.”

Health & Human Rights

Health, mental health, housing, aging, drugs and alcohol

Aneri Pattani: “I write about health and human rights. Send me tips about medical errors and failures in mental health or substance use treatment that have affected your loved ones. Also interested in issues such as domestic violence and hate crimes.”

Consumers, Cars & Courts

Judiciary, inspector general, professional licensing boards, transportation, Turnpike Commission

Sara Simon: “I use data and documents to uncover stories about Pennsylvania’s roads and regulations — from the Turnpike Commission and PennDOT to the judicial system and state licensing boards.”

Environment & Labor

Environment, natural resources, labor, industry, Public Utility Commission

Rebecca Moss: “I write about environmental oversight, industry, and worker health and safety issues. Contact me with ideas, tips or documents.”

Tracking the Money

Community and economic development, auditor general, insurance, banking, securities, Commonwealth Finance Authority

Charlotte Keith: “I’m covering economic development, insurance, and banking, with a special focus on the Commonwealth Finance Authority. Help me follow the money.”

Human Services & Education

Human services, education, Higher Education Assistance Agency, Liquor Control Board, Gaming Control Board

Daniel Simmons-Ritchie: “I investigate issues relating to education and human services in Pennsylvania (e.g. disability services, welfare, Medicaid, food stamps, etc.). Reach out to me if you see people in distress or see regulators failing to do their jobs.”

Spotlight PA receives funding from nonprofit institutions and readers like you who are committed to investigative journalism that gets results. Become a Founding Donor today at spotlightpa.org.