BY ELIZABETH ESTRADA FOR SPOTLIGHT PA ON OCTOBER 14, 2024.

The 2024 election is critical, with Pennsylvania playing a pivotal role in determining the next president. Find out how to register, locate your polling place, vote by mail, and more in this comprehensive election guide.

BY NIGEL THOMPSON BY OCTOBER 16, 2024

Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for a third time, focuses his 2024 campaign on immigration and the economy. His plans include completing the border wall, mass deportations, and addressing inflation through deregulation and tax cuts. Trump also emphasizes foreign policy, opposing U.S. involvement in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict, while pushing right-wing cultural issues like banning "critical race theory" in schools.

BY RAFAEL BITANGA, NIGEL THOMPSON, AND JALEN RAMSEUR-WILLIAMS ON OCTOBER 2, 2024.

This short documentary features Daniela Morales, a 23-year-old DACA recipient that reflects on the impact that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has made on her life, and the ever-present sense of uncertainty she feels, especially during every election cycle.

BY ELIZABETH ESTRADA OF SPOTLIGHT PA ON SEPT. 12, 2024.

Students in Pennsylvania's almost 300 colleges, universities, and technical schools will be eligible voters in the upcoming election. This comprehensive guide will help student determine their eligibility status and understand how to make their voice heard on the ballot.

BY ILIANA PINEDA, FRANCES ALMODOVAR, AND CLAUDIA CEBALLOS ON OCTOBER 3, 2024.

The 40th Annual La Feria del Barrio, hosted by Taller Puertorriqueño in partnership with other local Latinx organizations, brought Philly's Latinx community together with live music, dancing, delicious food, and arts on Sept. 8. Watch the full video recap.

BY JENSEN TOUSSAINT ON SEPT. 16, 2024.

Philadelphia’s Black heritage sites, including the National Marian Anderson Museum, Paul Robeson House & Museum, and The Friends of the Tanner House, play a crucial role in the city’s history but face significant preservation challenges. On September 10, 2024, the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia’s panel discussion at the Cosmopolitan Club highlighted the urgent need for increased funding and advocacy to sustain these landmarks. Despite their historical importance, these sites often receive less attention compared to tourist-heavy areas, with calls for $1 million to $3 million in funding to ensure their preservation. Proceeds from the event will directly support these vital cultural sites.

BY NIGEL THOMPSON ON SEPT. 3, 2024

Daniela Morales and Adesola Ogunleye share their experiences as DACA recipients navigating life in the U.S. Both women are driven by their desire to make a positive impact in their communities, despite the challenges of their immigration status, and remain hopeful and engaged as the 2024 presidential election approaches.

BY ILIANA PINEDA ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2024. Iliana Pineda reported on the Aug. 21 protest by the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition (PICC), demanding the closure of four regional detention centers. "We are urging our elected officials to improve immigrant rights, starting with shutting down these centers," stated PICC Executive Director Jasmine Rivera. The protest concluded at U.S. Senator John Fetterman's office, where community members shared their harrowing experiences in detention facilities, including the death of Cameroonian immigrant Frankline Okpu.

BY KATIE MEYER OF SPOTLIGHT PA ON AUGUST 19, 2024.

What happens if Pennsylvania's governor steps down? Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis may have to prepare for a potential transition should Governor Josh Shapiro advance to a higher office or depart. Pennsylvania's leadership and political landscape may change according to its political succession plan.

BY DANIELLE OHL OF SPOTLIGHT PA; JESSICA LUSSENHOP OF PROPUBLICA; AND IRINA BUCUR, TRACY LETURGEY AND EDDIE TRIZZINO OF THE BUTLER EAGLE ON AUGUST 20, 2024

Local police in Butler, PA were warned of vulnerabilities prior to former President Trump's rally, but a security breakdown, poor coordination, and other issues led to a gunman injuring Trump and killing one man. Officials recommend improvements in security if Trump returns.

BY NIGEL THOMPSON ON AUGUST 26, 2024

Immigrant advocates are speaking out as the 2024 election approaches, despite both major parties overlooking their calls for action. On August 21, a group assembled outside Philadelphia’s ICE field office before marching to U.S. Senator John Fetterman’s office in Philadelphia. Their renewed demands focus on closing the remaining ICE detention centers in PA and NJ.

BY NIGEL THOMPSON ON AUGUST 09, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris is endorsed by Joe Biden as the new Democratic presidential nominee for the 2024 election. She has received significant support and raised substantial funds for her campaign. Her stance on key issues includes a strong defense of abortion rights, a focus on improving the economy to address inflation and cost of living concerns, and a commitment to continuing efforts to expand and protect health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

BY NIGEL THOMPSON ON AUGUST 08, 2024

Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, made their first joint appearance in North Philadelphia in front of 14,000 people. Harris outlined her campaign message, focusing on affordable housing, healthcare, and paid leave for workers. She also emphasized defending fundamental freedoms, including reproductive and voting rights, and promoting gun safety. Governor Walz highlighted his background as a teacher and mentor, emphasizing working for the common good.

BY GABRIELA WATSON-BURKETT ON JULY 24, 2024

¡Presente! Media and Free Migration Project joined forces to bring you an enlightening and thought-provoking video series based on the Abolitionist Futures’ 2022 Reading List. This first video explores the concept of transformative justice and its implications for addressing harm within communities.

BY NIGEL THOMPSON ON JULY 10 2024

Explore the crucial role of Latino voters in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania as the 2024 presidential election approaches. Despite current low turnout trends, discover strategies to mobilize this key demographic and impact the race between Biden and Trump.

Discover how immigrants have revitalized Pennsylvania's population, bolstered local economies, and influenced political representation in PICC's latest report. As the state faces a population decline, immigration emerges as a crucial driver of growth and stability. Learn about the substantial contributions of immigrant workers and entrepreneurs, and the urgent call for pro-immigrant legislation ahead of the 2024 elections.

BY CLAUDIA CEBALLOS ON JUNE 14, 2024

Playwright Erlina Ortiz delves into a myriad of emotions, resilience, brotherhood, love, and forgiveness in her unique musical work “Siluetas”. This one-of-a-kind production was released on May 29 at Temple University’s Randall Theater by Power Street Theatre Company.

BY JENNIFER HERNANDEZ ON MAY 30, 2024

Immigration is a top issue in the upcoming elections, with increased support for conservative policies, including mass deportations and ending birthright citizenship. Advocacy groups are concerned about ICE arrests of immigrants with pending criminal charges, adding to the debate.

BY CLAUDIA CEBALLOS AND ALEX PIZARRO ON MAY 15, 2024

iMPerRFeCT Gallery is currently showcasing “LATINAS IN PHILLY: These are our stories”. Curated by Ayiana Viviana, this multi-sensorial exhibition celebrates the artwork of fifteen Latina artists, including photographers, yarn artists, and painters. #Presente Media attended the Artist Talk on May 1st, where the public could hear firsthand from the artists about how their cultural and personal stories shaped their art. The colorful exhibition pieces highlight the creativity, strength, and power of these Latina artists.

BY ED MAHON OF SPOTLIGHT PA & KATE GIAMMARISE OF WESA ON MAY 6, 2024

Records obtained by Spotlight PA and WESA reveal how Pa. counties used tens of millions in opioid settlement dollars. Counties are waiting to hear if an oversight board will publicly approve their strategies.