Covering big, 'hard-hitting' stories in 2021

PLCA is an ideal introduction to political reporting for young journalists. Coming into the internship, I had no experience covering state government, but I was trusted with important stories, given guidance and constructive feedback on my work, and even given the opportunity to pitch my own story ideas.

​Even during another pandemic summer where newsrooms worked remote or hybrid, editors took care to make sure I was getting the experience I wanted, and made sure I could cover events and conduct interviews in person whenever I could. I covered Biden’s visit to a Macungie truck plant, a protest at the Capitol where four organizers were arrested, and Gov. Tom Wolf’s visit to a business incubator in Bethlehem. I covered stories on hard-hitting topics like college student hunger, statewide unemployment and the push to increase Pennsylvania’s $7.25 minimum wage. Stories I covered for Spotlight PA and other outlets were syndicated across front pages all over Pennsylvania. 

Being treated like a professional, full-time journalist is the best part of this internship — it gave me the confidence and skills I needed to grow as a journalist, and helped me land a full-time job once the summer ended. I can’t recommend it more  for any college juniors and seniors interested in statehouse reporting!

Lindsay Weber, 2021 intern
Macalaster College, Class of 2021