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

May 1, 2024 | 10:42 AM

Why a thorny union of two Pa. municipalities can still succeed despite lack of legal remedy

The ongoing consolidation between DuBois and Sandy Township is only the second one in Pennsylvania after lawmakers standardized the process. It has shown the limits of state law.

By Min Xian/SpotlightPA

March 13, 2024 | 12:04 PM

Pa. local governments want long-term state money for cybersecurity as federal grant fills the gap

Federal cybersecurity funding included in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal isn’t enough to help local governments keep up with rising costs, officials say.

By Min Xian/SpotlightPA

March 1, 2024 | 10:27 AM

How to judge the effectiveness of your local government in Pennsylvania

Local governments in Pennsylvania are given certain powers to serve the public, but the services they provide vary widely by municipality.

By Min Xian/SpotlightPA

February 2, 2024 | 8:36 AM

5 takeaways from Spotlight PA’s event on the DuBois corruption case and local government oversight

Spotlight PA hosted a virtual discussion on Jan. 25 about the corruption case in DuBois, Pennsylvania, and what it revealed about ethical conduct and fiscal responsibility in local government.

By Min Xian/SpotlightPA

January 5, 2024 | 9:42 AM

DuBois paid more than $307,000 in legal fees related to city manager corruption investigation, records show

DuBois initially denied an open records request related to how much it spent on legal bills related to the criminal probes of Herm Suplizio. Spotlight PA won an appeal to access the information.

By Min Xian/SpotlightPA

December 8, 2023 | 11:51 AM

How Local Government Works: A key factor in determining property taxes varies wildly across Pennsylvania

How much 1 mil in taxes brings a municipality differs widely all over the state. That has serious implications for municipalities’ budgets.

By Min Xian/SpotlightPA

November 17, 2023 | 7:22 AM

How Spotlight PA reported its investigation into suspended DuBois City Manager Herm Suplizio

A 7-month investigation by Spotlight PA found that Herm Suplizio, the suspended DuBois city manager, helped make the city a success story while allegedly stealing from it.

By Min Xian/SpotlightPA and Angela Couloumbis/Spotlight PA

November 17, 2023 | 7:19 AM

Feds take over corruption case against embattled Pa. city manager

Herm Suplizio, the suspended city manager of DuBois, has been charged by federal authorities with conspiracy and federal program fraud.

By Min Xian/SpotlightPA and Angela Couloumbis/Spotlight PA

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