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 state Supreme Court now will make the ultimate decision on congressional seat boundary lines.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro sent lawmakers a letter with six proposals to fill vacancies.

PennDOT said bridges are inspected every two years, and those with weight restrictions are inspected annually.

The Legislative Reapportionment Commission approved the updated maps 4-1 and now the public will weigh in on the maps.

The University of Pennsylvania study examined rates for accessing care after hospitalization.

Republican lawmakers say the money is needed instead to offset looming budget deficits.

The 2022 election could prove to be the most expensive the state has ever seen.

Bridges, roads and ports are all a part of the state's infrastructure.

The deadline to apply is May 10, even with a battle looming in the state Supreme Court.

The money will be aimed at hardest-hit communities and distributed over the next two decades.

Gov. Tom Wolf has pledged to appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court.

None of the 4 candidates received the two-thirds of the committee's votes required.