State & Regional News

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Registration is open for the Nurture Nature Center's Youth Climate Summit of the Lehigh Valley, a free event April 19 and 20. The summit aims to engage middle and high school students in climate change issues, as well as seek solutions.

Rep. Joshua Siegel announced on Friday he will seek a second term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Siegel, 29, represents the 22nd Legislative District, which includes parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is looking for public comment concerning PPL's 2023 billing fiasco which led to a $1 million civil penalty.

During a meeting in Allentown Wednesday, Make the Road Pennsylvania organized a rally in opposition of a bill package from Rep. Ryan Mackenzie that they characterized as "anti-immigrant."

Marc Muffley, 41, of Lansford in Carbon County, had an entire row of family and friends supporting him at the federal courthouse in Allentown. He was arrested and charged last year.

Gov. Josh Shapiro was in Bethlehem on Tuesday to announce the expansion of the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Older, disabled residents can apply for rebates up to $1,000. State Rep. Steve Samuelson authored the legislation.

North Whitehall Township's Klusaritz Family Farm was recognized at the Pennsylvania Farm Show as one of six farms across the state that had been in the same family for more than 100 years.

PPL Electric Utilities and Met-Ed, which serve the Lehigh Valley, said high winds were bringing down poles and wires. The biggest trouble spots appeared to be in Lower Macungie Township, the Bath area, and the Slate Belt.

Pennsylvania’s economy will center around agriculture in 2024, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Since 2009, the Neighborhood Improvement Zone has invested $500 million of state tax dollars into redeveloping 128-acres of Allentown. State Sen. Jarrett Coleman has called for a review of the program to ensure Pennsylvania's making a wise investment.

Lafayette College officials are preparing to host the U.S. vice presidential debate Sept. 25. Two watch parties are in the works, and the school is already seeking volunteers to help with the festivities.

A service at St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Allentown observed two years since Russia invaded Ukraine, as aid seen as essential to the war's future stalls in Congress.

A video clip showing auditor general candidate Malcolm Kenyatta telling a voter his Lehigh Valley-based opponent Mark Pinsley of not caring about Black people is circulating online, raising questions about the campaign.

Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta declined to discuss complaints about Taiba Sultana's petitions for state representative, saying he did not want to interfere with any potential investigation.

Medicare recipients will see cost-cutting measures take effect this year, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.

Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong credited the Lehigh Valley's history of collaboration for building the best place to live in the country. After his remarks, he denied allegations by Controller Mark Pinsley that his administration attempted to cover up a controversial audit.

State Senator Nick Miller is hosting two rental rebate programs at apartment complexes in Allentown on February 23 and March 1.

A bright meteor raced across the skies around 6:50 p.m. Wednesday, with people near the Lehigh Valley reporting the sighting.

More than a dozen people pushed council to act, arguing the Israel-Hamas war is a local issue because Allentown taxpayer dollars are helping to fund Israel's military operations.

Such a cease-fire resolution would put Bethlehem among 70-something other municipalities across the country with some form of official public stance on the conflict.

More than 100 businesses, officials, organizations and environmental advocates statewide — including two from the Lehigh Valley — signed a letter to Shapiro arguing his economic development plan, “Pennsylvania Gets It Done,” fails to prioritize sustainable industries and instead doubles down on fossil fuels.