State & Regional News

This week on Political Pulse, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick dive into the results of President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" about two weeks ago. What do tariffs mean to — and for — the average American? The two dissect that in this week's episode.

Public-service workers were at Allentown City Hall on Tuesday to voice their concern about potential budget cuts at the federal level.

Pennsylvania saw an 18% jump — from 393 antisemitic incidents in 2023 to 465 in 2024. It was a 308% jump from the 114 incidents tracked in 2022, the ADL said in a report Tuesday.

A special Mass to celebrate the life of Pope Francis was held at Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena in Allentown on Monday. Francis died on Monday at 88 after 12 years leading the Catholic Church.

The Diocese of Allentown and Bishop Alfred Schlert said Pope Francis “prioritized the method of accompaniment, reaching both those within the Church and especially those on its periphery,” following the pope’s death. A special Mass will be held Monday at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Siena in Allentown.

The Lyrid meteor shower is at its peak this week. Looking to catch a shooting star? Brad Klein and Marty McGuire talk about prime viewing times on this week's Watching the Skies.

House Republicans are already rallying around U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, as he looks to defend Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. The seat is one of the most competitive — and expensive — congressional races in the country.

Cancer caused 66% of the career firefighter line-of-duty deaths from 2002 to 2019, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters. In his 2025-26 budget proposal, Gov. Josh Shapiro hopes to pay for firefighters' annual cancer screenings at the state level.

Gov. Josh Shapiro was at Memorial Fire Station in West Bethlehem on Friday to share how his proposed 2025-26 budget would support fire companies statewide.

Legislators, community members, and nonprofits came together in Allentown Thursday to discuss the need to raise awareness of sex trafficking and the support required by its victims.

The proceeds from the T-shirts will benefit first responders and the University of Cincinnati's Trauma Center where Hamlin had been receiving treatment.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba details the so-called ceasefire, the options he believes Vladimir Putin has left, and what counts as a victory for Ukraine from here on.

Instead of "watchful waiting," the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends intensive lifestyle and behavior therapy for young kids, and for older children, medication.

Doctors say they are still unsure what caused Hamlin's collapse during the Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals a week ago.

The city's water system has suffered disruptions for years, but Christopher Wells says that the city received every loan it requested, and that an ongoing civil rights investigation is political.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey says the new ban will stop pollution from "billions of pieces of plastic." Advocates applaud the move but say it doesn't go far enough on its own.

President Biden approved an emergency declaration as parts of California issue evacuation orders and close school districts after intense downpours.

Brazil's far-right ex-president was lying low in Orlando, Fla., as a mob of his supporters stormed government buildings this weekend. Analysts say the move insulates him from possible legal jeopardy.

Khalid Mumin, who has been superintendent of the Lower Merion School district in suburban Philadelphia for a little over a year, will be nominated for education secretary after Josh Shapiro is inaugurated on Jan. 17.

Catch up on key developments and the latest in-depth coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

An NPR analysis of data released by the Small Business Administration shows the vast majority of Paycheck Protection Program loans have been forgiven, even though the program was rampant with fraud.

Instead of health insurance, the Rev. Jeff King had signed up for an alternative that left members of the plan to share the costs of health care. That meant lower premiums, but a huge hospital bill.