State & Regional News

Pennsylvania's new $47.6 billion budget sets aside $500 million to improve old industrial sites so new businesses can expand or relocate to the properties.

A text scam is making its rounds again, according to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Recipients are urged to not click the link in the text.

Other major goals for both parties fell by the wayside: Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro didn’t get recreational marijuana or a tax on skill games; legislative Democrats didn’t get a minimum wage increase; legislative Republicans didn’t get tax cuts.

Gov. Josh Shapiro is expected to visit the Bethlehem Steel General Office Building on Tuesday to promote his $500 million shovel-ready development program. The program was funded in the recently approved $47.6 billion 2024-2025 state budget.

During a visit to Bethlehem Monday, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said the American public needs to know how a gunman was able to access a roof with a clear shot at former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally Saturday.

Gov. John Shapiro last month signed HB 1333 into law, which allows for recycled materials to be used in stuffed toys manufactured and sold statewide. In the Lehigh Valley, one toy manufacturer plans to launch a sustainable line.

The National Weather Service has extended an excessive heat warning now in effect until at least 6 a.m. Wednesday, with dangerously hot conditions and heat index values up to 106 degrees in the Lehigh Valley.

While many Lehigh Valley residents were shocked by an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, it was not exactly surprising in today's divisive, supercharged political climate, they said.

For almost a century, hikers have trekked the Appalachian Trail, the world’s longest hiking-only footpath. A thru-hiker documenting her trek on social media recently stopped in the Lehigh Valley.

Former U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent hoped the attack on former President Donald Trump would lead to Americans softening the rhetoric that has consumed American election campaigns. A wounded Trump was whisked offstage as one spectator was shot and killed and two others were critically injured. “It’s a sad state of affairs for where our political system is right now,” said one Lehigh Valley lawmaker.

Pennsylvania will receive more than $2 billion from two pharmacy chains.

Students who are targeted because of their gender identity or sexual orientation can file a complaint with state commission.

Counties can apply to Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development starting Monday, Dec. 12.

The total cost of the governor’s race in Pennsylvania topped $100 million in this last election cycle, a staggering amount that set a new spending record in the race to snag the state’s highest office.

Both parties seem to agree that Feb. 7 would be a good date for special elections, but neither party thinks the other has the right to set it. It’s a case of disagreeing to agree. Or something.

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission approved 36 new honorees for 2022, including the Allentown State Hospital and the President Pumping Engine in Upper Saucon Township.

A public viewing for Assistant Chief Zachary Paris, 36, and firefighter Marvin Gruber, 59, both of New Tripoli, will be held on Saturday, December 17 at Northwestern Lehigh Middle School.

Volunteer firefighters Zachary Paris, 36, and Marvin Gruber, 59, died Wednesday in a house fire in West Penn Township, Schuylkill County.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro has announced the charges against 30 individuals and 21 businesses located in Lehigh, Lebanon and Philadelphia counties. They are accused of “title washing” and re-titling stolen vehicles.

Thursday's breeze in Lynn Township seemed to spread the sorrow of a close community losing two members whom, it seemed, nearly everyone not only knew but held in high regard.

The state's Independent Fiscal Office reported Thursday that workforce participation among Pennsylvanians under age 35 has declined much more than for older workers since the onset of the pandemic.

New Tripoli firefighters Marvin Gruber and Zachary Paris perished in a fatal fire in West Penn Township, Schuylkill County.