State & Regional News

The Lehigh Valley Passenger Rail Analysis will be unveiled during a special informational meeting on Wednesday. Here's what to know and what could happen next.

Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, said House Bill 905 could be run through its legal paces in the next couple of months.

Dubbed the “residence reimagining project” by a staffer for the Democratic governor, the work will focus on bringing in new pieces of furniture, art, and other items to the public areas of the historic mansion along the Susquehanna River.

Aimee Kohler in 2022 launched The Running Kind, a sustainable, Valley- based business focused on zero-carbon racing events for both amateurs and professionals. The next race is set for April 7.

The conference in Lancaster this week will include workshops on business, entrepreneurship, technology, civic engagement, health and well-being, politics and government, and mentoring.

Philadelphia set a record Saturday with its wettest March day on record, eclipsing 3 inches just before 2 p.m. The Lehigh Valley didn't get quite that much, but set a record of its own for the day, according to the National Weather Service.

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.

Danelo Cavalcante, who escaped from Chester County Prison last week, has been on the run for six days. He was convicted last month of killing his girlfriend and is extremely dangerous, according to authorities.

A Red Cross volunteer from the greater Lehigh Valley just got back from assisting displaced people in Hawaii following devastating wildfires there. Her job was to try and reconnect families.

Former Allentown City Councilman Josh Siegel, now a state representative, accepted two tickets from the Lehigh Valley IronPigs to see the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Houston Astros at last fall's World Series. The gift may have violated the city's Code of Ethics.

The change that would be effective only for the 2024 primary election.

Allentown City Councilman Ed Zucal said independent investigators are needed to dive into allegations of racism and discrimination in City Hall. Mayor Matt Tuerk's administration has been beset by complaints from the Allentown NAACP and former Human Resources Director Nadeem Shahzad.

Under Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong's proposed budget, local property owners would pay an average of $768.10 in county taxes. It's Armstrong's fifth proposed budget without a tax hike in six years.

Wawa is making the special offer available to teachers and school staff as schools are reopening.

Gov. Josh Shapiro came together with fellow politicians at the Allentown Campus of Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical College to discuss funding for trade work education and apprenticeship programs Wednesday.

The program empowers high schoolers to be local leaders when it comes to caring for the environment.

Environmental groups are calling on state regulators to deny a request from a crypto-mining company to burn tires as fuel for its operations.

The $3.05 million in federal funding comes on behalf of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program. The Easton Avenue project is one of five across the state.

Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office warns residents about a surge in telephone scams and offers tips on avoiding fraudulent calls.