State & Regional News

All three of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices who sought reelection Tuesday will get another term. The result shapes the makeup of the seven-member court through the next presidential election in 2028.

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.

The measure passed the House education committee along party lines, with Republicans in support.

A House committee approved legislation that allows more gas drilling and urges new pipelines.

Three credit reporting agencies have said they will remove medical debt from credit reports that went into collections but were paid off.

The cost of fertilizer is up as much as 300% from last year.

The chemicals accumulate in the environment and don't easily break down.

Gov. Tom Wolf's budget proposal calls for an additional $5 million for the new hires.

Critics say the Department of Education doesn't have the resources to take over school audits.

The funds must be spent by 2026.

Some groups use a patriotic look to promote supremist ideology, says an Anti-Defamation League official.

Not everyone is on board with an idea by a group of state senators to slash Pennsylvania's gas tax by a third through the end of the year.

Among the demands: moderators be registered Republicans who live in Pennsylvania.

Four of the 5 candidates participated in the 1st major debate of the Democratic primary.