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Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA

Kate is an investigative reporter covering redistricting for Spotlight PA. She is a recent graduate of Columbia Journalism School’s data journalism program where she reported on police accountability and social services for survivors of domestic violence in New York City. She has previously worked at ABC’s World News Tonight, and MSNBC. Kate enjoys painting and road-tripping, preferably all while listening to Taylor Swift.

Latest by Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA


Pa. primary election 2023: A complete guide to the candidates for state Supreme Court

During the May 16 primary election, Democrats and Republicans will vote for candidates to fill an open seat on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court. The winners will face off in November.
By Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA

Josh Shapiro’s plan to eliminate 2 of Pa.’s cell phone taxes, what does it mean?

Pennsylvania levies some of the highest taxes on cell phones in the country. Shapiro wants to eliminate two, which would fulfill a campaign promise.
By Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA

Updated: March 7, 2023 | 5:56 pm

Josh Shapiro’s Pa. budget pitch includes $1 billion boost for education, no tax increases

The first budget proposal from Pennsylvania’s new governor keeps spending relatively flat and preserves some pandemic-era programs while aiming to get the divided legislature on board.
By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA and Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro admin contends Super Bowl tickets didn’t violate gift ban

The ban, enacted by Gov. Josh Shapiro, prevents him from taking pricey tickets from people or groups with “financial relations” with Pennsylvania.
By Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA and Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA

Tracking Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s biggest campaign promises

New Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro made a lot of promises on the campaign trail. As Shapiro begins the work of governing, Spotlight PA is tracking his progress keeping them.
By Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA

Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro loosens his predecessor’s notoriously strict gift ban for top officials

Gov. Tom Wolf’s gift ban barred officials from accepting even water bottles. New Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro has announced new, more permissive rules.
By Stephen Caruso/SpotlightPA and Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro fills executive staff with loyal allies, political veterans

The new governor’s top advisors will be instrumental in helping Shapiro deliver on campaign promises like raising the minimum wage and cracking down on illegal guns.
By Katie Meyer/Spotlight PA and Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA

Who has Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro nominated for his cabinet? (Full list)

The proposed cabinet would assemble people from across the ideological spectrum who already have experience at top levels of government and public service.
By Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA and Katie Meyer/Spotlight PA

Secrecy has dominated Josh Shapiro’s transition to Pa. governor. It may be a sign of what’s to come.

Incoming Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has an unusually opaque transition team, featuring NDAs and secretive funders.
By Angela Couloumbis/Spotlight PA and Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA

How a constitutional amendment gets on the ballot in Pennsylvania

It’s a lengthy process that requires passage in two legislative sessions and advertising by the Pennsylvania Department of State.
By Kate Huangpu/Spotlight PA
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