State & Regional News

People came to the polls mindful of the state Supreme Court retention vote — and with a wide variety of issues on their minds, from the federal government shutdown to abortion policy and access to health care.

Here's all you need to know about the 2025 general election in the Lehigh Valley, where scores of local races are on the ballot — including county and municipal offices, plus school boards and Pennsylvania Supreme Court retention questions getting an unusual amount of attention.

Nancy Dischinat served as executive director of Workforce Board Lehigh Valley for the past 27 years, helping build an environment of skilled workers that created a sought-out business environment.

The partisan divide is still a reality when it comes to Pennsylvania's mail-in ballot system. Democrats accounted for nearly two-thirds of Pennsylvania's requests. More than 1 million people statewide requested a mail-in ballot, according to the state.

Lawmakers were told that while insurance companies must notify PennDOT when a policy is canceled, the new insurer is not required to report when coverage is reinstated.

Democrats Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht are each seeking a second 10-year term on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. While retention questions normally receive little attention, the potential to flip control of the high court has drawn massive political spending in the off-year election.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, has organized a food drive while pinning the ongoing government shutdown on Senate Democrats. SNAP benefits that help feed millions of low-income Americans are hours away from expiring.

Two federal judge have ruled that the Trump administration must continue to fund the SNAP food aid program using contingency funds during the government shutdown. The administration has said it can't fund SNAP with the government shuttered.

A group of demonstrators called on Congress Friday to permanently protect the Arctic from drilling, as well as drum up support from Lehigh Valley residents.

A wind advisory goes into effect at 10 a.m. Friday for much of eastern Pennsylvania and northern New Jersey, as strong westerly winds sweep through the region.

An environmental law expert says the EPA retains substantial authority to regulate emissions.

If passenger train expansion can happen in western Pennsylvania, can it also happen here?

Muhlenberg College has been polling on the topic of climate change since 2007.

The Supreme Court’s ruling is likely to galvanize abortion rights voters in Pennsylvania, an expert says.

Said one woman: 'I keep crying every couple of minutes because I can't believe this is actually happening.'

States that place restrictions on abortions will prompt women to travel for the procedure, health workers say.

Reaction to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision was strong and swift.

Legislators are looking for ways to ease the situation.

Most angers will be OK with the small jump in prices, according to one bait shop owner.

Lehigh County will certify both the 2021 general and the 2022 primary elections on Wednesday.

The proposal would waive the state's gas tax between the July 4th and Labor Day weekends.

Public comment on a plan to invest more than $170M is open through month's end.