State & Regional News

The Walking Purchase, a 1737 land grab perpetrated by William Penn's sons, shaped the Lehigh Valley as residents know it today. But, the land wasn’t actually purchased, as the name might suggest — it was swindled from the Lenni-Lenape.

More than 130 people attended the panel, which focused on efforts across the state to tamp down on light pollution, not only to benefit star-gazers, but for fireflies and migrating birds, too.

Lehigh Valley Political Pulse host Tom Shortell wants to hear from you. Readers are encouraged to submit questions through the link in the article. They may be addressed on a future episode of the program.

As the system moves off the Carolina coast and begins to strengthen and lift northward, impacts farther inland — particularly in the Lehigh Valley — are not expected to be overly hazardous.

PennDOT has decided to convert a normally empty parking lot off William Penn Highway into 30 or more truck parking spots. While warehouses have boomed across the Lehigh Valley, truck parking has failed to keep up.

Political scientist Chris Borick joined Tom Shortell again this week to try to make sense of the government shutdown and what it all means.

Senate Democrats have refused to fund the federal government unless Republicans agree to extend tax subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. U.S. Ryan Mackenzie supports the tax subsidies but echoed Republican demands that no deal can be struck until the federal government is funded.

A reinforcing cold front has triggered a freeze watch in the Lehigh Valley from Thursday evening through Friday morning, bringing our coldest overnight temperatures since mid-April.

State environmental officials are calling on residents to nominate their favorite waterway to be 2026 River of the Year. The effort aims to elevate public awareness of specific rivers and recognize important conservation needs and achievements.

The filings, which occurred over the past few days in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey, are individual filings of LLCs, including the location that was based at the Lehigh Valley Mall Lifestyle Center.

A large crowd of Muslim and pro-Palestinian activists gathered in Center City Allentown to decry officials' full support of Israel in the wake of humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Many continue to mourn as thousands have been killed in both Gaza and Israel since last weekend's attack.

The initiative aspires to tell a "more complete" version of the state's history that includes Indigenous stories, something the DCED acknowledges has been lacking. Friday's announcement included a grant to help fund the project.

WLVR's Megan Frank talks with reporters Tom Shortell and Brittany Sweeney.

PennEnvironment released data showing Pennsylvania ranks near the bottom when it comes to the growth of wind energy, solar power, energy storage and other renewable energy metrics over the last decade.

The United Auto Workers strike against Mack Trucks entered its second day Tuesday, drawing visits from U.S. Sen. John Fetterman and U.S. Rep. Susan Wild.

The proposed legislation would prohibit sales of tickets that an agency doesn't actually possess, and prevent such organizations from using logos or images of venues with which they aren't affiliated.

About 300 to 500 people are expected Tuesday night at the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley in Allentown, led by members of the region's Jewish clergy.

Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s support has raised the state’s profile in the national school voucher debate and given advocates optimism the program will become law.

Hamas has claimed responsibility for intense fighting and a barrage of missiles that rocked Israel Saturday. The attacks drew condemnations and concern for civilians caught in the crossfire.

Becky Bradley, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, was one of three speakers in a Friday morning webinar focused on local climate action planning.

It's in our coffee, our baked goods, our savory dishes, our beer... It's everywhere! Pumpkin spice season is in full swing, and we're here for the haters to hear why it's so awful.

WLVR's Megan Frank talks with reporter Phil Gianficaro.