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.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, addressed the Greater Lehigh Valley Healthcare Summit on Friday. His appearance was met with protesters outside.

While lab testing for some suspected cases of infant botulism is still ongoing, nearly 40 cases have been reported in 18 states after confirmed exposure to ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula, including in Pennsylvania.

The coalition of 35 House lawmakers is led by Democratic Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia. They’re calling for a vote by Dec. 18 in both chambers of Congress, ahead of the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits by year's end.

“These signs of erosion within the Republican unity around the president and his policy proposals," political scientist Chris Borick said on this week's Political Pulse.

The last supermoon of the year soon will shine in December skies. When a full moon is closer to Earth in its orbit, a so-called supermoon happens.

Lehigh Valley Shift4 founder and billionaire spacewalker Jared Isaacman urged senators on Wednesday to take swift action on his bid to lead NASA, after being yanked and then renominated by President Donald Trump.

Meteorologist Bobby Martrich of EPAWA Weather Consulting highlighted the area as one to watch, thanks to the setup of a “thermal gradient” or baroclinic boundary as the storm moves through.

The Lehigh Valley is under a winter weather advisory from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, with total snow and sleet accumulations of 2 to 5 inches expected, with the greatest amounts at higher elevations.

PennDOT has announced a successful construction season across District 5, including millions of dollars invested in Lehigh Valley road improvements.

While the program has expanded into the Lehigh Valley over the past few years, and is growing in popularity, officials said demand has also increased this year as federal programs and initiatives were canceled or paused.

The Lehigh Valley is in line for potential snowfall Tuesday as a coastal storm takes aim at the region, but there's a lot of uncertainty at this point," forecasters say.

After persistently dry, windy weather last year triggered concerns over the longevity of holiday trees, this year’s crop is shaping up well, Lehigh Valley growers said, with many different varieties available.