State & Regional News

Lehigh Valley Planning Commission officials last month held the first regional climate planning workshop of the year, WorkshopLV: Environment.

Forecasters are calling for calling for “quite the icy slop of wintry precipitation across the region, including both sleet and freezing rain” as a quick-hitting winter storm descends upon the region late Wednesday.

Republicans balked at Gov. Josh Shapiro's $51.4 billion budget proposal Tuesday, saying the spending patterns did not align with Pennsylvania's financial realities. Lawmakers will debate the plan and determine its outcome.

Justin Simmons, who served a decade in the Pennsylvania House, is the first Republican to announce a bid for the county’s top job.

According to a release issued by ICE, Luis Gualdron-Gualdron, “a citizen and national of Venezuela who previously entered the United States without inspection,” was arrested on Jan. 31 without incident near the prison shortly after an immigration detainer was not honored.

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick discuss the areas likely to be included in the state budget, including education funding, school vouchers and a possible bailout for SEPTA.

Gov. Josh Shapiro is scheduled to deliver his budget proposal for 2025-26 to a joint session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. He is expected to seek more money for public schools and public transit.

Last week, just two leases for Big Lots locations in the Lehigh Valley were listed for sale by Gordon Brothers Retail Partners. Now leases for all locations in the area are for sale as the asset liquidation company enters phase two of its sales.

Residents can comment on a draft of the 2025-2029 Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, or SCORP, through March 3. There's a public input form, as well as scheduled webinars.

February is "going to be loaded,” meteorologist Bobby Martrich said, describing an “overrunning pattern” that goes through mid-month and could potentially bring the Lehigh Valley no fewer than three — and possibly four — storm chances before Valentine’s Day.

The Pennsylvania Department of State released a report on this year’s presidential primary over the weekend … that includes recommendations for the November 3 general election – and a request for swift legislative action.

As state lawmakers debate how to help Pennsylvania’s economy recover from the coronavirus shutdown, environmental groups see an opening for a cleaner future.

Governor Tom Wolf says his administration is learning better ways to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on Latinos in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania’s top health official is taking a personal stand against transphobia after weeks of headlines detailing bigoted incidents involving her across the state.

The recent death of an infant in Berks County, who tested positive for COVID-19, is sparking questions about how the virus impacts the very young.

Friday was the deadline for mandatory universal coronavirus testing for Pennsylvania’s nursing homes and long-term care facilities - but officials said about one in five couldn’t meet that deadline.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro charged two pipeline companies with polluting groundwater and streams in a series of spills in 2015 along a pipeline project in Washington County.

Allentown School District officials are recommending that all schools open virtually this fall. The news comes as the state’s experiencing a rise in coronavirus cases which has raised questions about student safety in the classroom.

Governor Tom Wolf has condemned transphobia in Pennsylvania. The governor released a statement Wednesday censuring actions at the Bloomsburg Fair in Eastern PA.

An Eastern PA state fair came under fire this week after posting photos that have been described as transphobic, showing a man at a Bloomsburg carnival game dressed up as Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine.

New restrictions for restaurants and bars in Pennsylvania are now in effect, as part of Governor Wolf’s effort to mitigate a surge in coronavirus cases. Some in carbon county who believe the one-size-fits-all approach isn’t right.

Pennsylvania's ability to provide food assistance benefits without in-person interviews is set to expire July 31. Governor Tom Wolf is asking the federal government to extend waivers related to the program during the COVID-19 pandemic.