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 female suspect is the focus of the ongoing investigation, police said.

Borrowing money for a home or auto loan could also cost more.

State environmental officials have found PFAS in one-third of Pa. water systems.

The U.S. is experiencing a 'honeymoon' period right now.

Joro spiders are known for their 10-foot webs, among other things.

A local LGBTQ advocate says it's no surprise the 4-star admiral is among the 12 women of the year.

Two Pa. legislators would like to see them, but not cocktails in cans, return.

Republican primary candidates are focusing on rising gas and fossil fuel prices.

Better pay for direct support workers and billions in extra education funding are in the plans.

The reforms come amid widespread complaints about mail service slowdowns.

The party is launching its campaign for the wide-open races of governor and U.S. Senate.

The problem will not be solved quickly or easily, some say.