State & Regional News

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie led the field in political fundraising for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District over the past three months. Democratic candidates Ryan Crosswell and Bob Brooks were not far behind, each raising more than $300,000 over the same time period.

Gov. Josh Shapiro's office says without the federal payments for SNAP — the food stamp program — more than $366 million in monthly benefits could be put on hold starting Nov. 1. The federal government shutdown is in its third week.

Northampton County human services workers will not be furloughed on Oct. 20, but may be furloughed at any time with a week's notice. County Executive Lamont McClure said Thursday he did not think a furlough would be necessary this year.

The Philadelphia-based health system will lay off 1% of its staff, citing "financial headwinds." Jefferson Health completed its acquisition of Lehigh Valley Health Network in August 2024.

Three seats on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court are up for retention elections this cycle. Typically a "mundane affair," as described by political scientist Chris Borick, these races now have a lot of eyes on them, with parties looking to flip these judicial seats in swing states.

Applications are open for the second Good Farmer Award U.S. Officials are looking for farmers with less than 10 years of experience who exemplify sustainable farming practices while contributing to community and environmental health.

Republican Roger MacLean and Democrat Josh Siegel are vying for a four-year term as Lehigh County executive. The winner in the Nov. 4 election will succeed Democrat Phil Armstrong, who cannot run again because of term limits.

A crop farm in Lehigh County was included in the latest round of Pennsylvania's Farmland Preservation Program. Twenty-three other farms across the state were also preserved.

Operations at Lehigh Valley International Airport have not suffered from the government shutdown to date, according to Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority officials. However, an increase in air traffic controllers calling out sick during the last shutdown spurred a deal in 2019.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure released a statement Tuesday explaining he would not take a loan to pay the county's bills during the state budget impasse. He urged legislators to adopt a budget and restore the flow of funds.

Wolf said he supports several bills aimed at helping refugees and financially isolating Russia for its invasion.

Pennsylvania is losing a seat in the U.S. House because of population losses in the 2020 Census.

The price of defending Ukraine means some investors may lose money.

The company declared construction complete; folks along a section in Delaware County say otherwise.

Democrats running for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania will debate April 3.

The change involves Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield universities.

Sanctions need to make Vladimir Putin, 'pay a price he cannot afford,' Sen. Pat Toomey said.

COVID-19 has caused health care to adapt to changing conditions.

Says U.S. Sen. Bob Casey: 'Both parties are united in pushing back against Mr. Putin.'

Inflation that leads to a jump in interest rates could be lurking, as well.

Russia is responsible for about 40 percent of Europe's natural gas supply.

The invasion was a surprise, says a local expert, because, "it goes against Putin's playbook of incrementally destabilizing and playing within acceptable norms."