State & Regional News

State parks across the commonwealth are gearing up for what could be a very busy summer season as some federal campgrounds shutter due to staffing shortages.

Registered voters have until 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, to request a mail-in ballot for the May 20 primary election. In Lehigh and Northampton counties, the primary will be limited exclusively to registered Democrats and Republicans.

The Northampton County Drug Task Force raided four convenience stores Thursday — three in the Slate Belt and one in East Allen Township. Besides the cash seized, authorities said the value of products confiscated surpassed $400,000.

State Sen. Lisa Boscola and and state Sen. Nick Miller, both Democrats, voted in favor of legislation that would prevent transgender athletes from competing in girls' sports. State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-Lehigh/Bucks, also supported it.

Bishop Alfred A. Schlert of the Diocese of Allentown and Father Jim Greenfield of DeSales University share their thoughts on the selection of new Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the United States and a 1977 Villanova University graduate.

State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara, D-Delaware County, joined a group of legislators and firefighters Thursday to discuss an upcoming act which will ensure access to PTSI care for first responders.

Ro Khanna's town hall is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. May 17 in the Americus Hotel in downtown Allentown.

Even with several days of rain, the Lehigh Valley remains well below average in long term levels of precipitation. Here's how the rest of the month could shape up.

Lehigh Valley Public Media has cancelled a summer enrichment program and library programming after President Donald Trump ordered a federal funding freeze to NPR and PBS last week.

Latino leaders spoke about a proposed budget bill that would cut funding for Medicaid and SNAP programs while urging residents to vote in the upcoming May election. The leaders from UnidosUS and the Lehigh Valley also touched on immigration fears.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba details the so-called ceasefire, the options he believes Vladimir Putin has left, and what counts as a victory for Ukraine from here on.

Instead of "watchful waiting," the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends intensive lifestyle and behavior therapy for young kids, and for older children, medication.

Doctors say they are still unsure what caused Hamlin's collapse during the Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals a week ago.

The city's water system has suffered disruptions for years, but Christopher Wells says that the city received every loan it requested, and that an ongoing civil rights investigation is political.

Environment Secretary Therese Coffey says the new ban will stop pollution from "billions of pieces of plastic." Advocates applaud the move but say it doesn't go far enough on its own.

President Biden approved an emergency declaration as parts of California issue evacuation orders and close school districts after intense downpours.

Brazil's far-right ex-president was lying low in Orlando, Fla., as a mob of his supporters stormed government buildings this weekend. Analysts say the move insulates him from possible legal jeopardy.

Khalid Mumin, who has been superintendent of the Lower Merion School district in suburban Philadelphia for a little over a year, will be nominated for education secretary after Josh Shapiro is inaugurated on Jan. 17.

Catch up on key developments and the latest in-depth coverage of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

An NPR analysis of data released by the Small Business Administration shows the vast majority of Paycheck Protection Program loans have been forgiven, even though the program was rampant with fraud.

Instead of health insurance, the Rev. Jeff King had signed up for an alternative that left members of the plan to share the costs of health care. That meant lower premiums, but a huge hospital bill.

Owning a home is still a cornerstone of the American dream for many, and a key way to build wealth. What happens when a pandemic and economic headwinds make that feel out of reach?