State & Regional News

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 Lehigh County Board of Elections voted 3-0 to certify 191,158 ballots Wednesday afternoon. Fights over how to count contested provisional ballots are already popping up in the neck-and-neck U.S. Senate race between Bob Casey and David McCormick.

Organic whole and baby carrots linked to Grimmway Farms, including several brands available in stores throughout the Lehigh Valley, have been recalled due to concerns of E. coli.

The precautionary measure across Pennsylvania comes at no cost to farmers. While the virus hasn't been reported in commonwealth cattle, other states have seen a marked uptick in cases.

The Kutztown Folk Festival, known as the oldest continuously operated folk festival in America, is no more.

Sheetz will offer its holiday price slash on Unleaded 88 fuel this year. The deal will be available at five of six Lehigh Valley Sheetz gas stations, unlike the July 4 promo that was not offered anywhere this year.

The lead author suggests tighter regulations on the chemical class known as phthalates.

Trump hinted that vote counters could make a difference in an election's outcome.

The 3-state panel is tasked with protecting resources of the Chesapeake Bay.

Wolf said part of the solution is to improve job opportunities, increase community resources and fund schools.

Gov. Tom Wolf is expected to veto the bill.

Some claimants are being falsely accused of fraud.

Journalist Gene Tauber says it's about 'helping people make decisions on how to reduce their own risk.'

Pennsylvania is being sued over the way it funds education.

John Fielding's right wing posts could affect how he does his job, some fear.

They don't bite or contain toxins, but they still don't have many friends in Pennsylvania.

The only number that dropped last week was the number of vaccines administered.

Ideally, maps must be completed by Jan. 24 for the May primary election to proceed smoothly.