Tom Shortell
Politics ReporterI cover all things politics for LehighValleyNews.com. As veteran reporter of the region, I previously covered the Slate Belt, Northampton County, Lehigh County and local courts during stints at the area’s two newspapers. I also penned the popular Road Warrior column at The Morning Call, keeping readers up to speed on transportation news. I graduated from St. Bonaventure University and have yet to find a pun I don't like. I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. Contact me at toms@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8209.
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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. -
Thousands of federal employees are expected to go on furlough and millions more will be expected to work without pay after Congress failed to reach a short-term funding deal by Wednesday's deadline.
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The U.S. Justice Department has sued Pennsylvania and other states after they refused to turn over sensitive voter data. State and county officials have defended local election practices.
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U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, addressed protests outside his office, criticisms of how President Donald Trump has rolled out tariffs and shifting thoughts on how to approach the war in Ukraine.
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This month, U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie has voted on a crackdown on opioids, debates on President Donald Trump’s tariffs and small business taxes.
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Criminal charges — including involuntary manslaughter in one case — have been filed against two Northampton County young people who, trying to replicate TikTok challenges, seriously injured and killed participants, the Northampton County District Attorney's Office said.
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State Rep. Josh Siegel has radical changes in mind for Lehigh County government, including a potential sales tax and a special housing fund. Meanwhile, former Allentown Police Chief Roger MacLean is running under a "if it's not broke, don't fix it" mentality.
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The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is providing funding to assist the international medical equipment company in growing its apprenticeship program and boosting production.
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A Facebook fight between state Rep. Joshua Siegel, D-Lehigh, and Lehigh County Republican Committee Chairman Joe Vichot over Charlie Kirk and political violence spilled into public view Wednesday.
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Last week, SEPTA and Pittsburgh Regional Transit were permitted to use capital funds to finance operations in 2026. LANTA officials hope PennDOT will grant them same exception to avoid service cuts and fare hikes.
