Skip Navigation

Min Xian/SpotlightPA

Local Accountability Reporter
Email: mxian@spotlightpa.org
Twitter: @minxian_
Telephone: (267) 618-6677
Signal: (267) 618-6677
Focus: Local government accountability

Central 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.
Email: mxian@spotlightpa.org

Latest by Min Xian/SpotlightPA

August 21, 2023 | 5:00 AM

New bills would let Pennsylvania local governments hire firms as managers

Advocates say allowing Pennsylvania municipalities to outsource management could improve public services while saving taxpayers money.
By Min Xian/SpotlightPA
July 17, 2023 | 5:00 AM

How Local Government Works: How does municipal planning work in your community?

The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code lays out how land use decisions in local governments are made.
By Min Xian/SpotlightPA
July 5, 2023 | 5:00 AM

Rocky governance persists in tiny Pa. borough that hired Tamir Rice’s killer

A year after Tioga hired the police officer who killed Tamir Rice, borough officials who promised changes struggle with persisting issues.

By Min Xian/SpotlightPA
June 7, 2023 | 5:00 AM

A Pa. town seeks to pause consolidation with its scandal ridden neighbor city

In a rare move, Sandy Township argues that Herm Suplizio’s alleged theft of public funds in DuBois and the city’s lack of oversight justify a delay of consolidation proceedings.
By Min Xian/SpotlightPA
June 2, 2023 | 10:37 AM

A DuBois official was arrested on corruption charges. Then nearly $100K in cash arrived at city hall.

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.
By Angela Couloumbis/Spotlight PA and Min Xian/SpotlightPA
May 22, 2023 | 5:00 AM

How Local Government Works: Are government officials’ personal social media posts public records?

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.
By Min Xian/SpotlightPA
May 17, 2023 | 5:00 AM

Proposed Pa. budget nearly quadruples funding for local government cooperation

A 266% funding increase for Pennsylvania’s Municipal Assistance Program could help local governments spend tax dollars more efficiently while providing public services collectively.
By Min Xian/SpotlightPA
April 24, 2023 | 10:37 AM

DuBois official’s corruption arrest puts consolidation with Sandy Township at risk

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.

By Min Xian/SpotlightPA
April 17, 2023 | 11:24 AM

Why Pennsylvania courts won’t be a part of this year’s budget hearings

By Min Xian/SpotlightPA
April 10, 2023 | 9:15 AM

How a Pa. city manager allegedly stole thousands of taxpayer dollars with virtually no oversight

Authorities say Herm Suplizio, the politically connected manager of DuBois, stole more than $600,000 from public accounts. He now faces sweeping corruption charges.
By Min Xian/SpotlightPA
LOAD MORE