State & Regional News

Forecasters have turned their attention to the end of next week, saying most model guidance indicates a storm system developing and affecting the East Coast — including the mid-Atlantic —around Thanksgiving Day and into Black Friday.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey conceded to Republican challenger David McCormick on Thursday night. The Pennsylvania Department of State ended the automatic recount in the unusually close race since the result was no longer contested.

The drought is far from over, but enough precipitation has fallen to boost the confidence of state officials when it comes to outdoor fires.

Join Megan Frank every Friday at 9:30am and 6:30pm for Insights with LehighValleyNews.com on WLVR. This week, Brittany Sweeney takes her place, joined by politics reporter Tom Shortell and Easton reporter Brian Myszkowski.

Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania is conceding his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick. The concession came Thursday, more than two weeks after Election Day. A statewide recount is showing no signs of closing the gap and Casey's campaign has suffered repeated blows in court.

FirstEnergy sought to raise local customers' electric bills by more than 9%, but the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission blocked the higher rate.

The bipartisan House Tourism & Economic & Recreational Development Committee spent three days in the Lehigh Valley this week. Part of the visit included a hearing with local organizers to discuss funding celebrations of America's 250th anniversary.

After a steady – but not soaking – overnight rain, the area remains on track to break a pair of records that have stood the test of time. But more precipitation is on the way, including snow.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning in effect from Thursday afternoon through Friday afternoon for Carbon and Monroe counties in an "elevation-dependent system."

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild said the House Ethics Committee is split in deliberations over how to handle an investigations into former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz on allegations of sexual misconduct. President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Gaetz to lead the Justice Department.

The United Food and Commercial Workers union says thousands of state jobs are at risk.

Applications for more than $350 million in aid to those who qualify will open on Tuesday, Feb. 1.

Under the program, health care workers give temporary assistance to hospitals in need of help.

Commonwealth Court may have to step in.

Drillers are expected to pay about $234M -- $90 million more than the year before.

A child home for a 10-day quarantine this year would be eligible for about $71.

Grants will go toward replacing gasoline- or diesel-fueled vehicles.

The lead author suggests tighter regulations on the chemical class known as phthalates.

Trump hinted that vote counters could make a difference in an election's outcome.

The 3-state panel is tasked with protecting resources of the Chesapeake Bay.

Wolf said part of the solution is to improve job opportunities, increase community resources and fund schools.

Gov. Tom Wolf is expected to veto the bill.