State & Regional News

Sunday's rain could transition to snow as the storm system departs the region Monday morning, with the potential to affect the morning commute, according to the National Weather Service.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture updated its plant hardiness map, showing a warmer Lehigh Valley. The region has moved into a warmer zone from the one where it was placed more than a decade ago. Experts say it has consequences for plant seasons and species.

If you're doing anything outdoors, do it Saturday. Rain will arrive Sunday and is forecast to intensify later in the day, with gusty winds. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Sunday afternoon into Monday afternoon.

In a letter to Gov. Josh Shapiro, state Rep. Milou Mackenzie asked the Department of State to provide Northampton County with instructions on how to avoid more Election Day mistakes with their voting machines.

A sprawling storm system is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and snow to the region this weekend.

Almost 11,000 birds of prey were counted this year during the Lehigh Gap Nature Center’s annual autumn hawk watch as they made their way along the raptor "superhighway" in the Valley’s backyard.

Amtrak officials previously said passenger rail between Allentown and New York City could be restored as soon as 2024. However, a $300,000 study exploring the proposed connection is more than a month overdue.

Forecasters say the Lehigh Valley will see a mixed bag of precipitation in the days ahead, with snow showers possible Wednesday and Thursday and a potent storm system expected this weekend.

Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a visit to Allentown that as part of his 2024-25 budget, he will fund a program providing scholarships to students in poor-performing school districts.

State lawmakers on Monday held a committee hearing titled “Minimizing Risk & Harm: Preparing for Pennsylvania’s Hydrogen Future.” It comes almost two months after President Joe Biden announced seven regional clean hydrogen hub projects, including two in Pennsylvania.

Three credit reporting agencies have said they will remove medical debt from credit reports that went into collections but were paid off.

The cost of fertilizer is up as much as 300% from last year.

The chemicals accumulate in the environment and don't easily break down.

Gov. Tom Wolf's budget proposal calls for an additional $5 million for the new hires.

Critics say the Department of Education doesn't have the resources to take over school audits.

The funds must be spent by 2026.

Some groups use a patriotic look to promote supremist ideology, says an Anti-Defamation League official.

Not everyone is on board with an idea by a group of state senators to slash Pennsylvania's gas tax by a third through the end of the year.

Among the demands: moderators be registered Republicans who live in Pennsylvania.

Four of the 5 candidates participated in the 1st major debate of the Democratic primary.

A female suspect is the focus of the ongoing investigation, police said.

Borrowing money for a home or auto loan could also cost more.