State & Regional News

While not federally recognized, residents across the country for the last half-century have acknowledged Earth Day by demonstrating for more environmental protections, cleaning up their communities or learning more about the planet they call home through educational initiatives.

Dr. Debra D. Esernio-Jenssen, a Lehigh Valley Health Network physician facing multiple lawsuits over alleged child abuse misdiagnoses, has announced her retirement. Separately, Lehigh County announced it will create a new "community centered" Child Advocacy Center.

Easton activist Lance Wheeler, known for his work with West Ward WISE, has been cleared of charges of threats and abuse against a trio of Wilson teens in 2022.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America released its Allergy Capitals report this month. Allentown ranked in the Top 15 nationwide.

A section of Institute Drive will be closed through most of April to protect breeding amphibians. Experts said the road-closing conservation effort is not only important for the animals, but also for the region’s overall landscape and ecosystem.

According to experts, the only way to view the total eclipse on April 8, 2024, is to be inside the 120 mile-wide path of totality. Outside of it, you won't have nearly the same experience.

Crews worked Saturday to repair a sinkhole that opened in the westbound lanes of Route 22 in Northampton County. The 9-feet-deep sinkhole was partially in the right lane and highway shoulder, according to a PennDOT spokesman.

Spring wildfire season runs from March through May across the commonwealth. State officials are urging residents to do their part to prevent wildfires.

The Lehigh Valley ranked first in the nation in economic development projects in 2023 than any similarly sized market, according to Site Selection magazine. The region also ranked fourth in all communities in the Northeast.

About a million Pennsylvanians have medical debt, but a proposal in the Gov. Josh Shapiro's 2024-25 budget could help alleviate those debts. State Rep. Josh Siegel, who represents parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township, is an advocate for the proposal.

Kevin Dellicker, an intelligence officer in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, nearly upset former Lehigh County Commissioner Lisa Scheller in the 2022 GOP primary for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. He'll hope to defeat Democratic incumbent Susan Wild in next year's race.

Storms pounded eastern Pennsylvania, including the Lehigh Valley, with widespread flooding before the heavy rainfall pushed to the east and gradually weakened overnight.

Berks County recorded the highest rainfall totals locally, with storm total accumulations at 10 inches near Oley Township and surrounding areas just after 5 p.m., according to social media reports.

It is predicted that there will be numerous flash floods on Sunday, affecting the area.

An effort to subject Pennsylvania’s cyber charter schools to stronger ethics standards and curb the amount of money school districts must pay them passed the state House of Representatives.

WLVR's Megan Frank talks with Sarah Mueller and Phil Gianficaro.

The Miller-Keystone Blood Center is facing a critical shortage of blood supply, prompting an urgent appeal for donors of all blood types.

Throughout the five weeks, participating museums, libraries and special exhibitions provide free admission, guided tours, activities and programs suitable for visitors of all ages.

While the Lehigh Valley is no stranger to the effects of climate change, the new record is a startling reminder about how how global warming has local impacts.

New regulations require more direct care hours for residents and tighter staffing ratios at nearly 700 long-term care facilities statewide.

Maria Montero, a member of former Gov. Tom Corbett's administration, declared her candidacy for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District with the FEC this week. She'll aim to unseat Democratic incumbent Susan Wild in the 2024 congressional race.

Pennsylvania’s Democratic-controlled House passed a new, $45.5 billion state spending plan after a days-long stalemate over education funding. The chamber approved the main bill, 117-86, Wednesday night.