Welcome to another week, Pennsylvania! Just a quick programming note that we’ll be operating on a limited schedule these next couple of weeks.

This week, we’ll be in your inbox today, Wednesday, and Friday.

Next week, ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.

We’ll be back to our regular schedule beginning Monday, Dec. 1.

(Shutterstock)

For those who celebrate, happy National Hiking Day—a day to get outdoors and enjoy all the beauty and benefits of nature. Of course, today is a workday for many, so it’s not an ideal time to get out and hike. But if you work from home, maybe you can carve out some time to hit a nearby trail. Short of that, the weekend will be there before you know it!

Though November marks the end of the fall foliage season, late fall is still an ideal time to hit the hiking trails in Pennsylvania, with cool but manageable temperatures, fewer crowds, and the last glimpses of autumn color. 

Our food and travel writer, Kalena Thomhave, is highlighting seven of her favorite spots for fall hiking across Pennsylvania, from the foothills of the Alleghenies to the heart of the Pocono Mountains.

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“Penn’s Treaty with the Indians” is a famous 1771 painting depicting an idealized version of William Penn entering into the 1682 Treaty of Shackamaxon (a street in present-day Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood) with the Lenape. While Penn and the Lenape committed to peace, it wasn’t long until Penn’s descendants cheated the Lenape and pushed them out of their territory. (Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts/public domain)

The area we call Pennsylvania had a long history before it was known by that name. Numerous Indigenous tribes occupied different parts of the area, migrated through and away from it, engaged in conflict and alliances, and in some cases, vanished due to disease or warfare before European settlers ever met them.

Many tribes were decimated by colonization, either directly through violence and forced removal or indirectly through the spreading of disease. Others were displaced or weakened by wars with neighboring tribes, often driven by colonial pressures.

But many Native Americans still live in Pennsylvania, carrying on their traditions and maintaining their cultures, despite the fact that the commonwealth is one of the few states that does not have a federally recognized Native American tribe or any tribal reservations. The state also does not officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day with roots that go back to 1977.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we’re highlighting the nine Indigenous tribes who were the real founding fathers of our state.

• Erie County’s 2025-26 flu season is off to an unusually early start, with 62 cases already reported and a fast-rising weekly count. Health officials urge residents to get vaccinated soon, stay home when sick, and seek antivirals quickly if flu symptoms hit. Learn more from local health experts here.

• Bucks County residents are spotting rare piebald deer, whose distinctive brown-and-white coats come from a recessive genetic trait. Unlike albino deer, piebalds typically have dark noses and eyes, though some develop skeletal issues. They’re legal to hunt in Pennsylvania, but their unusual look often draws strong public interest. Read more here.

• Holiday parades and tree-lighting events kick off Saturday across Bucks and Montgomery counties, with celebrations running through mid-December. Communities are planning marching bands, carolers, food vendors, Santa visits, live nativities and more. Get dates, routes, and highlights for festivities here.

Ever wonder what’s keeping this whole thing—you know, America—from just totally falling apart? It’s not the folks yelling on TV or trolling online: It’s the quiet work happening in local communities like yours.

The real pillars of democracy aren’t marble buildings or political parties—they’re people. And keeping this country free comes down to simple, everyday acts of community engagement, volunteerism, and organizing.

Democracy isn’t just about elections, power, or who’s in charge. It’s all the little ways people work together to make America feel like home.

Yes, running for local office or volunteering at the polls are great ways to get involved, but this sort of work doesn’t always involve the ballot box. 

Other ways you can do your part include:

👉 Donating food or supplies to local pantries to support families affected by the federal government shutdown.

👉 Backing community projects at public parks and libraries that make shared spaces stronger.

👉 Attending school board or city council meetings to keep local decision-making transparent.

👉 Having honest conversations with people you might not agree with—and choosing respect over outrage.

These small actions may not make headlines, but together they keep the system steady.

Don’t leave it up to the podcasters and talking heads on the news to tell you the state of your own democracy. Look around your community—because that’s where the real work of keeping America together happens. 

Reach 230,000+ Pennsylvanians who care about their communities! Sponsor The Keystone’s Dec. 6 Special Edition, “How to Get Involved and Give Back this Holiday Season.” Book by Nov. 21, 2025, and save 20% off your placement.

Click here to get started.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Patrick Berkery with stories from Kalena Thomhave and USA Today via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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