State & Regional News

The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report shows air quality got worse in the Lehigh Valley. The report was released Wednesday.

The Growing Greener Plus grant program aims to address critical environmental concerns, like flooding, as well as protect waterways and watersheds. Applications are due June 20.

Five choral ensembles from Bangor to Emmaus will perform at Carnegie Hall in May and June.

The Vermont senator will speak Saturday, May 3, during a rally at the Stabler Athletic & Convocation Center at Lehigh University, according to his website.

Local healthcare providers and legislators appeared a press conference at Valley Youth House in Bethlehem to shed light on children’s mental health issues and to advocate for continued state and federal funding.

The first winner of the Good Farmer Award U.S. was announced on Earth Day. The competition sought beginner farmers who exemplify sustainable farming practices.

The statement accuses President Donald Trump's administration of "government overreach" and "political interference" that is putting higher education in danger.

Jefferson Health announced a five-year agreement to host a PGA TOUR Champions tournament — the pro golfers' senior circuit — at Lehigh Country Club starting in 2026.

The study by the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion in Allentown also found considerable differences in public health opinions along political party affiliations.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport fired Chief Executive Officer Ju'Riese Colón, Tuesday. The move comes after the company faced scrutiny for employing former Allentown Vice Unit officer Jason Krasely, who has been charged with rape, theft, sex trafficking and other crimes.

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.

Sen. Bob Casey's reelection campaign announced he raised $4 million in the last quarter. The Scranton native will need the money if the 2024 race is anywhere near as expensive as the $167.2 million U.S. Senate campaign in 2022 ultimately won by John Fetterman.

State environmental officials, along with conservationists across the U.S., are partnering this summer for a firefly observation program called the Firefly Watch Community Science Project.

Talks between Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro, the Republican-controlled state Senate, and the narrowly Democratic-controlled state House fell apart last week thanks to a deadlock over whether to include private school vouchers in the spending plan.

Police say a gunman in a bulletproof vest has opened fire on the streets of Philadelphia, killing five people and wounding two boys before he surrendered to responding officers. The shootings took place over several city blocks, and dozens of spent shell casings were found.

O'Hanlon retired at Lafayette in 2022 after 27 seasons. His hiring at Cardinal O'Hara in Delaware County brings him back to the Philadelphia Catholic League, where he played high school ball in the 1960s.

Megan Ryan, the VP for enrollment at Muhlenberg College, said the college will not change its diversity goals following the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action.

Earlier this month, the state Senate approved Sen. Lisa Boscola's bill, which would increase the fine and direct any fees collected towards bald and golden eagle conservation efforts across the commonwealth.

The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm watch for several counties in eastern Pennsylvania, including Lehigh and Northampton. The watch will remain in effect until 11 p.m. Sunday.

Changing their tune? Pennsylvania lawmakers consider replacing the state's official song.

Lehigh Valley prepares for a humid Sunday with the possibility of severe thunderstorms and damaging winds. Showers and thunderstorms are expected in the afternoon, with a line of storms forming and moving eastward. There is also a small chance for brief spin-ups.

Officials and residents of several New Jersey shore towns say the state’s law decriminalizing marijuana use is having an unintended effect: emboldening large groups of teenagers to run amok on beaches and boardwalks, knowing there is little chance of them getting in trouble for it.