State & Regional News

The team behind Lehigh University's "Community Mapping for Environmental Justice” project is creating an interactive map of litter in Bethlehem. Officials said the collaborative effort aims to improve the health and well-being of the entire community.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Registration is open for the Nurture Nature Center's Youth Climate Summit of the Lehigh Valley, a free event April 19 and 20. The summit aims to engage middle and high school students in climate change issues, as well as seek solutions.

Rep. Joshua Siegel announced on Friday he will seek a second term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Siegel, 29, represents the 22nd Legislative District, which includes parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is looking for public comment concerning PPL's 2023 billing fiasco which led to a $1 million civil penalty.

During a meeting in Allentown Wednesday, Make the Road Pennsylvania organized a rally in opposition of a bill package from Rep. Ryan Mackenzie that they characterized as "anti-immigrant."

Marc Muffley, 41, of Lansford in Carbon County, had an entire row of family and friends supporting him at the federal courthouse in Allentown. He was arrested and charged last year.

Gov. Josh Shapiro was in Bethlehem on Tuesday to announce the expansion of the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Older, disabled residents can apply for rebates up to $1,000. State Rep. Steve Samuelson authored the legislation.

North Whitehall Township's Klusaritz Family Farm was recognized at the Pennsylvania Farm Show as one of six farms across the state that had been in the same family for more than 100 years.

PPL Electric Utilities and Met-Ed, which serve the Lehigh Valley, said high winds were bringing down poles and wires. The biggest trouble spots appeared to be in Lower Macungie Township, the Bath area, and the Slate Belt.

The company declared construction complete; folks along a section in Delaware County say otherwise.

Democrats running for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania will debate April 3.

The change involves Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield universities.

Sanctions need to make Vladimir Putin, 'pay a price he cannot afford,' Sen. Pat Toomey said.

COVID-19 has caused health care to adapt to changing conditions.

Says U.S. Sen. Bob Casey: 'Both parties are united in pushing back against Mr. Putin.'

Inflation that leads to a jump in interest rates could be lurking, as well.

Russia is responsible for about 40 percent of Europe's natural gas supply.

The invasion was a surprise, says a local expert, because, "it goes against Putin's playbook of incrementally destabilizing and playing within acceptable norms."

Trout season opens across Pennsylvania on Saturday, April 2.

They say Vladimir Putin's decision threatens safety and security around the world.

Though the games are over, many people are still flocking to ice rinks and ski slopes.