Pennsylvania
In swing-state Pennsylvania, a Latino-majority city embraces a chance to sway the 2024 election
READING, Pa. (AP) — Religion and politics frequently overlap in Reading, an old industrial city in one of the most pivotal swing states of this year’s presidential election.
In Pennsylvania, there is early precedent for this kind of thing. The state began as a haven for Quakers and other European religious minorities fleeing persecution. That includes the parents of Daniel Boone, the national folk hero born just miles from Reading, a town where the Latino population is now the majority.
Today, the Catholic mayor is also a migrant — and the first Latino to hold the office in Reading’s 276-year history. Mayor Eddie Moran is keenly aware of the pivotal role Pennsylvania could play in the high-stakes race, when a few thousand votes in communities like his could decide the future of the United States.
“Right now, with the growing Latino population and the influx of Latinos moving into cities such as Reading, it’s definitely an opportunity for the Latino vote to change the outcome of an election,” Moran says. “It’s not a secret anymore.”
A community of spirituality — and Latinos
In Reading, the sky is dotted with crosses atop church steeples, one after the other. Catholic church pews fill up on Sundays and many stand for the services. Elsewhere, often in nondescript buildings, evangelical and Pentecostal congregations gather to sing, pray and sometimes speak in tongues.
Outside, salsa, merengue and reggaeton music (often sung in Spanglish) blast from cars and houses along city streets first mapped out by William Penn’s sons — and that now serve a thriving downtown packed with restaurants proudly owned by Latinos.
What to know about the 2024 Election
This is a place where, when the mayor is told that his town is 65% Latino, he takes pride in saying: “It’s more like 70%.”
They believe in their political sway. A recent Pew Research Center survey found that eight in 10 Latino registered voters say their vote can make a difference.
On a recent Sunday, Luis Hernandez, 65, born in Puerto Rico, knelt to pray near the altar at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Later, walking out after Mass, Hernandez said he’ll vote for Trump — even on the very day of the former president’s criminal convictions related to hush money for a porn star.
“Biden is old,” Hernandez says, and then reflects on how Trump is only a few years younger. “Yes, but you look at Trump and you see the difference. … Biden’s a good man. He’s decent. But he’s too old.”
In the weeks after he spoke, many more Americans would join in calls for Biden to withdraw from the race after his debate debacle, which crystallized growing concerns that, at 81, he’s too old.
Immigration is a key topic on people’s lips
It’s not just about Biden’s age or debate performance. It’s also, Hernandez says, about the border crisis. He says too many immigrants are arriving in the United States, including some he considers criminals. And, he adds, so much has changed since his Dominican-born father arrived in the 1960s — when, he says, it was easier to enter and stay in America.
For some, there are other issues as well.
“It’s the economy, immigration and abortion,” says German Vega, 41, a Dominican American who became a U.S. citizen in 2015. Vega, who describes himself as “pro-life,” voted for Trump in 2020 and plans to do so again in November.
“Biden doesn’t know what he’s saying. He doesn’t know what he’s doing, and we have a country divided,” Vega says. Trump is “a person of character. … He looks confident. He never gives up; he’s always fighting for what he believes.”
Of course, there are some here who just don’t favor taking sides — except if it’s for Jesus. Listen to Pastor Alex Lopez, a Puerto Rican who cuts hair in a barber shop on the first floor of his home on Saturdays, and preaches on the second floor on Sundays.
“We’re neutral,” he says. “We just believe in God.”
A city with deep industrial roots resurges
Reading was once synonymous with iron and steel. Those industries cemented the creation of the Reading Railroad (an early stop on the Monopoly gameboard) that helped fuel the Industrial Revolution and became, in the late 19th century, one of the country’s major corporations.
Today, the city of about 95,000 people, 65 miles northwest of Philadelphia, is booming once again. Reading is 67% Latino, according to U.S. Census figures, and home to high concentrations of people of Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage — as well as Colombians and Mexicans, who own restaurants and other businesses around town.
Political candidates are taking notice of Reading’s economic and political power. The 2020 presidential election in Pennsylvania was decided by about 82,000 votes, and — according to the Pew Research Center — there are more than 600,000 eligible Latino voters in the state.
It’s true that Reading still leans mostly Democratic. But the Trump campaign doesn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to turn it around. It recently teamed up with the Republican National Committee and Pennsylvania GOP to open a “Latino Americans for Trump” office in a red-brick building near the Democratic mayor’s downtown office.
Moran has made a plea to Biden and other Democrats to take notice and visit Reading before the election. It’s crucial, he says.
“I think that it’s still predominantly Democratic,” he says. “But the candidates need to come out and really explain that to the community.”
One development, Moran says, is that religious leaders are now less hesitant to get involved in politics.
“Things change, even for churches,” he says. Clergy “realize the importance that they hold as faith-based leaders and religious leaders and they’re making a call of action through their congregations.”
The message: Get out and vote
A few blocks from St. Peter’s, a crowd gathers inside First Baptist Church, which dates to the late 19th century.
In a sign of Reading’s changing demographics, the aging and shrinking congregation of white Protestants donated the building to Iglesia Jesucristo es el Rey (Church Jesus Christ is the King), a thriving Latino congregation of some 100 worshippers who have shared the building with First Baptist for nearly a decade.
Pastors Carol Pagan and her husband Jose, both from Puerto Rico, recently led prayer. At the end of the service, microphone in hand, the pastors encourage parishioners to vote in the election — irrespective of who they choose as the president.
“The right to vote is,” Carol Pagan says before her husband chimes in: “a civic responsibility.”
After the service, the congregation descends to the basement, where they share a traditional meal of chicken with rice and beans.
“I believe the principle of human rights have to do with both parties — or any party running,” Carol Pagan says. “I always think of the elderly, of the health system, of health insurance, and how it shouldn’t be so much about capitalism but more rights for all of us to be well.”
Both of the Pagans make clear that they won’t vote for Trump. They’re waiting, like others, for circumstances that might lead Biden to withdraw, so they can support another Democratic candidate.
“It’s our duty to shield that person with prayer — it doesn’t matter if that person is a Democrat or a Republican,” Carol Pagan says. “We owe them that.”
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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Families flock to Tannersville for its abundant all-age activities. With Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor waterpark, the Camelback Mountain Resort draws crowds in every season. In Bushkill and Delaware Water Gap, nature takes the front seat, showcasing the region’s waterfalls and ridges. Hawley, on the other hand, strikes a balance between its historic downtown and outdoor attractions along Lake Wallenpaupack. Each of these Poconos towns ranks among US favorites in 2026, but you’ll still want to choose the right town for you.
Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe’s mountain-backed main street draws half a million people each year. The Poconos town is centered on Broadway, a road seemingly untouched by time. At its western end, the 1881 Mauch Chunk Opera House is one of America’s oldest vaudeville theatres, hinting at the history still to come. Continuing east, 19th-century storefronts are another staple, housing businesses like Sellers Books & Art. Capping the end of Broadway, the 1893 Carbon County Courthouse draws visitors with its clock tower.
A short way further, travelers can board a vintage train ride with the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. The round-trip ride traverses the Lehigh River, crossing bridges and cliffs into Lehigh Gorge State Park. The park’s canyon walls and woodlands are scenic year-round, but fall foliage makes the Lehigh Gorge pop that much more. For panoramic vistas, the Lehigh Gorge Overlook Trail spotlights these hues from overhead.
Delaware Water Gap
Delaware Water Gap is a Pennsylvania borough with an epic backyard. The town’s namesake national recreation area covers over 70,000 forested acres, attracting 4 to 5 million annual visitors with its dramatic scenes and recreation. Carved by the Delaware River, the mile-long “gap” is a hiking hub and sightseeing paradise.
The recreation area stretches roughly 40 miles north of the gap itself, and some of its best hikes sit at that northern end near Milford and Dingmans Ferry. For overlooks and river views, the 2.8-mile Cliff Trail winds atop Raymondskill Ridge just south of Milford. Waterfall chasing is another popular pastime on the George W. Childs Park loop near Dingmans Ferry. Surrounded by hemlock groves, this trail leads to 3 main cascades: Factory Falls, Fulmer Falls, and Deer Leap Falls. With so much to see at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, consider a night under the stars at its Dingmans Campground. Alternatively, you can book a stay back in town at the Deer Head Inn, a historic jazz club and lodge.
Bushkill
Around fourteen miles north of Delaware Water Gap, Bushkill draws crowds with the “Niagara of Pennsylvania.” Located outside the gap’s recreation area, Bushkill Falls is all about waterfalls. Open April through November, this privately-owned Poconos park features 8 cascades across 2 miles of trails. Crossing bridges, stairs, and walkways, the Red Trail is perfect for hikers who want to see all the waterfalls in one go. Bridal Veil Falls and its 2 tumbling “bridesmaids” are just some of the cascades you’ll encounter.
For a shorter hike, the Green Trail centers on Bushkill’s Main Falls. Its 100-foot plunge is a highlight of the park. Once you’ve had your fill of waterfall hikes, Bushkill also leads back to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The town’s Park Access Point features parking, restrooms, a kayak launch, and a boat launch along the Delaware River. It also extends to the McDade Recreational Trailhead, a bike-friendly route extending through most of the park.
Milford
Further north, Milford has one of the prettiest historic districts in the country. Founded along the Delaware River in 1796, the town became a popular Poconos retreat in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, Milford’s historic grid layout makes it a breeze to explore on foot, showcasing a shift between eras. Built circa 1740, the Harford Smith House is the town’s oldest structure. Deeper downtown, Victorian structures like Hotel Fauchère reflect Milford’s shift to tourism. Built in 1880, the Italianate-style structure is a short walk from shops and cafes like The Naked Bagel.
The most famous landmark in Milford requires a short drive to the outskirts of town. The Grey Towers National Historic Site preserves the legacy and inherited home of Gifford Pinchot, the founder and first head of the US Forest Service. Completed in 1886, the stone mansion is renowned for its castle-like appearance, which visitors can tour inside from Memorial Day through October. The grounds can also be explored on self-guided tours of the Marble Court, Walled Garden, and Forest Discovery Trail.
Stroudsburg
Often called the “heart of the Poconos,” Stroudsburg is another borough anchored by its downtown. Much like Milford, Stroudsburg’s history stretches back to the 1700s. The Georgian-style Stroud Mansion is its oldest surviving building, dating back to 1795. Now a museum and home base for the Monroe County Historical Association, the town-founder’s home is a centerpiece of downtown.
Stroudsburg’s timeless character is also tied to the district’s mix of old and new. Main Street’s Sherman Theater is a prime example. Built in the 1920s, it began as a venue for vaudeville acts and now stages a range of modern concerts and comedians. Just off Courthouse Square, Café Duet is another treasured locale set inside a historic landmark. Sitting opposite the Romanesque Revival-style Monroe County Courthouse, this artsy coffee shop was formerly a 19th-century firehouse.
Lehighton
Back toward Jim Thorpe, Lehighton is a southern gateway to the Poconos Mountains. At Extreme Adventure Travel Outfitters, river tubes and inflatable kayaks can be rented to use on the Lehigh River. For lake fun, paddleboats and kayaks are also available for rent at Beltzville State Park. Situated in the Poconos foothills, Beltzville Lake covers nearly 1,000 acres. In addition to paddling, parkgoers can water ski, swim, and relax on Beltzville’s beach.
Sightseeing is the next best activity in Beltzville State Park. Near its beach, parkgoers can find the Harrity Covered Bridge, a landmark built in 1841. Today, the bridge is a popular pedestrian-only photo spot, but it once hosted horse-drawn traffic. Sightseeing also extends to Beltzville’s 15 miles of marked trails. The 1-mile Falls Trail loops to a wooden footbridge hikers can cross to Wild Creek Falls. Spilling in 2 separate sections, the cascade is a must-see during your time in Lehighton.
Tannersville
Home to the Camelback Mountain Resort, Tannersville is a 4-season alpine retreat families love. Unlike other Poconos towns, winter is one of its busiest seasons. Camelback caters to all ski levels with its Ski & Ride Academy, offering lessons for all ages and abilities. 39% of trails are beginner-friendly, with a good mix of intermediate and advanced routes as well. If skiing isn’t your thing, the resort also has over 40 snow tubing lanes.
In the summertime, Camelbeach transforms into a Poconos adventure park. Parkgoers can cross treetop rope courses or soar above the trees on a 4,000-foot zipline. The park also has Pennsylvania’s only mountain coaster and its largest outdoor waterpark, with 37 rides and slides. Even outside summer months, visitors can enjoy 13 rides and slides at Camelback’s Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark. In addition to slides, the indoor park has splash pads, a lazy river, and a 2-level arcade.
Hawley
Hawley attracts a more laid-back vacation crowd with its lakefront and revitalized downtown. Lake Wallenpaupack’s 52-mile shoreline is packed with ways to unwind on the water. The Dock on Wallenpaupack serves cocktails and light bites along the lake’s edge, while sightseers can stroll the 3-mile Wallenpaupack Lake Trail. For a total lake-based adventure, Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour & Boat Rentals offers 50-minute tours of the reservoir. They also rent kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoons for solo exploring.
Heading downtown, the historic Hawley Silk Mill is one of the coolest commercial hubs in the Poconos. The 1880s former textile mill is filled with boutiques, a coffee shop, and creative exhibitions like The Looking Glass Art Gallery. The rest of downtown Hawley has also been revitalized since its industrial boomtown days. Set inside historic brick facades, you can find businesses like Queen of Cups Coffee & Vintage, a cafe and vintage boutique. Nearby, Miss Elly’s Antiques & Such is another eclectic shop inside a clapboard-style Victorian home.
Honesdale
Just 9 miles north of Hawley, Honesdale’s historic downtown is equally eye-catching. Main Street is the central thoroughfare of this 19th-century railroad town, lined with wide sidewalks and Italianate-style brick buildings from when the town boomed. The nostalgic stretch is known for businesses like the Known Grove Books & More. Nearby, history extends to the Wayne County Courthouse, a grand Second Empire-style structure built in the late 19th century. Behind it, Honesdale’s Old Stone Jail is another fascinating site dating back to 1859.
Back toward Main Street, you can board a vintage railroad coach with the Stourbridge Line. Excursions range from themed dinner trains to sightseeing tours, each chugging through the Northern Poconos and Lackawaxen River Valley. Their Autumn Dinner Train is especially popular, pairing seasonal cuisine with views of the region’s fiery foliage. For a bird’s-eye view over Honesdale, Irving Cliff is another phenomenal site to visit in the fall. The Gibbons Park hillside is beautiful year-round, but the views in autumn are exceptional.
A Poconos Town For Every Taste
The Poconos region welcomes 27 to 30 million people annually, and these 9 mountain towns stand apart from the rest. Jim Thorpe is a constant favorite for access to its Victorian downtown and Lehigh Gorge State Park. Close behind, Lehighton’s lakefront draws major crowds to Beltzville State Park. For ski slopes, Tannersville takes the lead, but it also stays abuzz in the summer with Pennsylvania’s only mountain coaster. All the while, Bushkill’s 8 waterfalls put the small unincorporated community on the map.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Lush Pittsburgh Suburb Has Green Spaces, Local Restaurants, And Quaint Charm – Islands
Western Pennsylvania is brimming with charming boroughs, and Plum is among the largest. Located about 20 miles east of downtown Pittsburgh, Plum was one of the original townships established in Allegheny County in 1788, and with a total area of 29 square miles, it’s the second-largest borough in Pennsylvania (and the largest in the county). That means plenty of room for parks filled with green spaces and riverfront land where residents and travelers can enjoy the outdoors.
With a population of around 27,000 people, Plum is a vibrant suburb known for its friendly and welcoming community. While it’s mostly residential, don’t take that to mean it’s boring. During the summer, you can get active on Plum’s hiking trails, sports courts, and climbing wall, or get immersed in the community at the annual Summerfest, which brings carnival rides, games, and food trucks to Larry Mills Park every June. Autumn is time for the yearly FallFest at Plum Creek Park, where adults can enjoy food trucks and craft beer, while the kids take a pony ride or explore the pumpkin patch. Come winter, you’ll find games, crafts, and other entertainment at the Plum Municipal Center’s WinterFest, or you can hit the ski slopes at Boyce Park. Whatever time of year you visit, Plum’s local restaurants and rich history give visitors a lot to explore.
Enjoy Plum Borough’s landmarks and tasty eats
Like many towns in Allegheny County, Plum Borough was a coal town for much of the 20th century. While the region’s last mine closed in 1987, that history is celebrated with the Coal Miner’s Memorial, which was created starting around 2008 and has a permanent home outside the Municipal Building. There are older landmarks to explore here, too, like the 1822 Carpenter Log House. Located inside Boyce Park, the house is maintained by the Allegheny Foothills Historical Society, which has furnished it with historic artifacts, including some owned by the original residents.
Visitors interested in colonial military history can take a stroll down Forbes Trail, the path taken by British General John Forbes on his way to Fort Duquesne in 1758, which follows Old Frankstown Road through Plum Borough. The trail also extends around 15 miles southeast to Hanna’s Town, a recreated Revolutionary War-era town just north of the overlooked cultural hotspot of Greensburg.
Foodies visiting Plum will want to check out its local restaurants. If you’re in the mood for Italian, Palmieri’s Restaurant is a family-owned spot with a history going back to 1956, serving classic steak, seafood, and pasta dishes. For more casual Italian fare, Pugliano’s Italian Grill has wings, sandwiches, and pizza, along with live music on certain days of the week (check the restaurant’s social media for its music schedule). Another local family-run favorite is Eighty Acres Kitchen & Bar, which serves upscale farm-to-table American cuisine like crab cakes, steak, and polenta fries. When you’re ready for a night out, Shooti’s Bar & Grille serves unique seasonal cocktails like Strawberries N’ Cream Martinis or Pineapple Margaritas, along with sandwiches, burgers, and a rotating menu of bar snacks. It also hosts entertainment like live music on the weekends and a karaoke night every Wednesday.
What to know about Plum’s parks and green spaces
There are lots of spots to enjoy the outdoors in Plum. The borough maintains four parks, in addition to green spaces maintained by Allegheny County. Plum’s largest outdoor recreation area is its 1,096-acre Boyce Park, which has activities for every season. When the weather’s warm, you can hike its eight trails, go rock climbing in the Bouldering Park, or take a dip in the wave pool when it’s open in the summer. In the winter, Boyce Park has the only snow tubing and downhill skiing hills in Allegheny County’s park system and hosts events like car shows and live music during the summer.
The northern border of Plum is along the Allegheny River, and this opens up more outdoor fun. Nature lovers can explore the Barking Slopes Conservation Area, where the wooded valley’s steep slopes provide challenging hikes leading to river views. It’s especially beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom, and it houses lots of wildlife, including about 150 species of birds. Bird species consist of songbirds like Orchard Orioles, Yellow-breasted Chats, and Indigo Buntings, all of which are common in the spring and summer. Kayakers can also take a quick paddle to nearby Allegheny Islands State Park, a wildlife haven that can only be reached by boat.
This area of Western Pennsylvania is a great spot for golfers. The famous Oakmont Country Club, home to the hardest golf course in America, is just east of Plum. While that course is members-only, visitors can play at Rolling Fields Golf Club, a public par 70 course with a golf simulator and on-site restaurant. If you’re more into miniature golf, head to Willow Golf Range, which also has a driving range and batting cages.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Gusty storms caused damage across central Pennsylvania, toppling trees onto cars, buildings, utility lines, street lights, and more.
In Harrisburg, the storm left debris from trees strewn about roadways across the city.
Along Front Street near Riverfront Park, numerous trees were toppled in the park and on the roadway. There, Harrisburg’s 4th of July festivities
A large tree took down the traffic light at Front and Chestnut. abc27 News spotted Harrisburg Public Works crews working to clean up the mess.
Across the river in Lemoyne, trees fell on several parked cars.
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Carmine Scicchitano / abc27 News — Lemoyne, Cumberland County. -
Carmine Scicchitano / abc27 News — Lemoyne, Cumberland County.
An abc27 News photojournalist at the scene saw trees atop two parked cars there.
Back in Harrisburg, a tree branch fell and struck a house on Pennwood Road in the city.
East of the city, numerous trees were reported downed as well.
Near Hershey, an abc27 News viewer sent in a photo of a tree which struck a deck.
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Photo Courtesy / Gabrielle Longreen — Near Hershey. -
Michael Brulo / abc27 News — South Hanover Township
Another abc27 News viewer in Mechanicsburg shared photos of downed trees in her neighborhood.
Those trees came down in yards and, in one case, on a house.
In York County, downed trees closed Interstate 83 for a time.
Across the area, over 120,000 power customers were reported out because of the storms.
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