
Laura Benshoff covers stories of statewide interest for Keystone Crossroads and WHYY, with a focus on immigration. She previously reported on the suburbs, public education, and mental health. Her work has aired nationally on NPR, Marketplace and Reveal/CIR. Prior to becoming a journalist, she worked for the City of Philadelphia’s Commerce Department. Laura attended McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She diligently works at speaking Spanish and knows a little French.
More from the Contributor
N.J. releases plan to reduce maternal mortality rate, fix racial disparities
A Black mother in New Jersey is seven times more likely than a white mother to die from maternity-related complications, according to the report.
20 hours ago
Biden action on Liberian immigrants has community in Philly hopeful
President Joe Biden issued an executive order to shield certain Liberians from deportation, and promised to fix a green card program launched under Trump.
4 days ago
Feds charge Pa. banking secretary’s stepson in cyberstalking case
Mikael La Ferla was charged in federal court. His mother is the second wife of Vague, a Texas native and Philly resident who is Pa. Banking Secretary.
5 days ago
These Pa. leaders helped beat Trump. Here’s what they expect from Biden
Many agree on at least one thing: when Biden takes office, they aren’t expecting all the concerns of the Trump years to magically disappear.
6 days ago
Listen 2:14The Capitol riot could lead to further radicalization. Here’s how to pull people back from the brink
Here are what experts say about the rise in extremism, and what friends, family members, and bystanders can try to do about it.
1 week ago
Listen 2:00Philly landmarks and government buildings to be guarded as inauguration precaution
Philadelphia police will be staffed in case of emergency Saturday through Inauguration Day. Commissioner Outlaw says other law enforcement are on call.
2 weeks ago
Pa. coronavirus update: Vaccination pace slow, improvements promised
Pennsylvania has received 827,300 vaccine doses and has given out 285,671. More than 48,000 nursing home residents and staff are among the recipients.
2 weeks ago
‘Numb,’ ‘disappointed,’ and divided: Pa. voters say insurrection at Capitol was a turning point
Much of the reaction among Biden and Trump supporters caused reactions that broke along existing political fault lines.
3 weeks ago
Listen 4:34Philly-area congressional delegations condemn violent insurrection at U.S. Capitol
Members of Congress have been hunkered down through much of the afternoon as security attempted to retake control of the chamber from Trump insurrectionists.
3 weeks ago
Black and Hispanic workers feeling brunt of pandemic recession according to Philly Fed
A new report from the Federal Reserve of Philadelphia adds detail to how the recession has created two different employment realities, stratified by race and education level.
3 weeks ago
As restrictions lift, reopened Pa. businesses cast a wary eye towards the future
After state officials introduced the now-expired limits, COVID-19 cases declined slightly from a peak in mid-December, but a post-holiday bump could still materialize.
3 weeks ago
As Pa. cracks down on business defying shutdown, hundreds appear on scofflaw list
“There is nothing political with me whatsoever,” said one restaurant owner in the Philadelphia suburbs. “I’m just trying to survive.”
4 weeks ago