State & Regional News

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s gift ban says he can’t take tickets from groups with “financial relations with the Commonwealth.” Team Pennsylvania was awarded $1.8 million in state contracts this year.

The most popular names have been a constant the past few years, according to the major health networks. But one trend that emerged in 2023 in the Lehigh Valley seems to be tied to sports — specifically, the success and popularity of the Philadelphia Phillies. Taylor Swift also may be having an impact.

The Pennsylvania Department of State is starting a new office to help train county election workers, Pa. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said. It also plans to update its guidance for logic and accuracy testing that could have caught issues with the Northampton County voting machines.

Lafayette College will host the 2024 vice presidential debate this coming September, drawing the world's eyes to its Easton campus. Nicole Hurd, the college's president, hopes it will be an opportunity to highlight the liberal arts school and the greater Easton community.

Lawmakers in Harrisburg passed nearly three dozen laws last week in a final burst of action as they held their last voting session of the year.

Nippon Steel is set to pay more than $14 billion to acquire Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel in a deal that Rep. Susan Wild said is “really kind of heartbreaking."

Pennsylvania's gas tax– the highest in the nation in 2023 – will drop from $0.611/gallon to $0.576/gallon and will remain in place through 2024.

It might seem counterintuitive, but harvesting holiday trees year after year is better for the environment than using an artificial one, experts said, especially amid the proliferation of plastic piling up in landfills.

Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott said these types of incentives will help to attract “the best and brightest” candidates to serve the city.

More than three dozen projects in the Valley were awarded grants, receiving about 7% of the total funding awarded. Statewide, $335 million in grants were announced Wednesday.

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.

A female suspect is the focus of the ongoing investigation, police said.

Borrowing money for a home or auto loan could also cost more.

State environmental officials have found PFAS in one-third of Pa. water systems.

The U.S. is experiencing a 'honeymoon' period right now.

Joro spiders are known for their 10-foot webs, among other things.