State & Regional News

Pets are just as suceptible to heat-related injuries and illnesses as we are. Here's how to protect them (and yourself) from the cruel temperatures of summer

People in the Lehigh Valley are struggling more to pay for essentials such as rent, food and health care compared to the rest of Pennsylvania, according to a study by the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

With more than two dozen species of fireflies that call Pennsylvania home, it’s no wonder one was adopted as the state’s insect. But, these flashy insects are threatened due habitat loss and light pollution.

The American Red Cross is warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses as a heat wave sweeps the Lehigh Valley. They say a few simple tips can help save lives.

Anna Stofko, 86, was a longtime volunteer in Northampton County Democratic politics. Her daughter said she had an overwhelming influence on her life. “If it wasn’t for her I wouldn't be a state senator,” Boscola said.

In all, more than a dozen Lehigh Valley Public Media broadcasters and journalists were recognized in the annual Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association’s Professional Keystone Media Awards. PBS39 also received honors.

Northampton County Department of Human Services employees represented by SEIU Local 668 called off a strike planned for Friday after eleventh-hour negotiations yielded a potential new contract.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pennsylvania, is slated to appear at Saturday's Rally the Valley for Women's Choice in Bethlehem. It's part of a five-day campaign tour the three-term incumbent is launching this week in his race against Republican challenger David McCormick.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's General Duty Clause essentially says employees are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace. In some cases, that applies to workers that can endure excessive heat, like during a heat advisory.

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild visited Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest to show support for the $35 price cap on most inhalers. Two companies' caps went into effect June 1, with a third expected to follow.

In the aftermath of the derailment, which released toxic chemicals into the streams and air around East Palestine, many are wondering how the country’s regulations around rail traffic could have allowed a train with 20 cars of hazardous material not to be considered a “high hazard.”

The extra payments that participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, have been getting during the COVID-19 pandemic are ending this month in Pennsylvania, leaving food banks bracing for a surge in demand.

Former president and humanitarian Jimmy Carter has elected to forgo medical treatment to spend his remaining time with his family.

When U.S. Senator John Fetterman checked into the hospital this week to receive treatment for clinical depression, he joined thousands of others who experience this mood disorder after a stroke.

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Lehigh Valley, spoke about her experience with mental health issues and lauded U.S. Sen. John Fetterman for having the courage to publicly seek help.

The Pa. Department of Health is opposing Spotlight PA's request for information on the medical marijuana program, aiming to withhold data on how often physicians approve patients, citing confidentiality rules.

On the recommendation of a doctor, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman is receiving inpatient mental health care at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro says he won't allow Pennsylvania to execute any inmates while he is in office and calls for the state's lawmakers to repeal the death penalty.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sent a scathing letter to the president and CEO of Norfolk Southern on Tuesday, calling out the company for making emergency management decisions without consulting state and local leaders and for prioritizing its railroad operations over “a safer overall approach” for local residents and the environment, after a train derailment near East Palestine, Ohio last week.

The Lehigh Valley is a desirable place to live. But as more move to the region, the volume of affordable housing is shrinking. A quality-of-life survey shows it's a major concern of those who live here.

ArtsQuest is seeking photos of local "Hometown Heroes" for their Memorial Day exhibit.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives released a major report on stolen guns.