State & Regional News

It’s a special year for cicadas, insects known for their high-pitched mating songs. Two adjacent broods are expected to co-emerge for the first time in 221 years. Here's the next time they emerge in the Valley.

Stanley cups have skyrocketed in popularity, following other trends in reusable drinkware. But, fads like these can encourage overconsumption, experts said.

The state agency that promotes hunting in Pennsylvania has hired a lobbying firm run by a former top lawmaker using tens of thousands of dollars in public funds.

Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to invest more money in Pennsylvania's transit authorities. The money could plug a funding gap at LANTA as COVID relief dollars run dry, said Executive Director Owen O'Neil.

Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed increasing basic education funding by $1.1 billion, laying the groundwork to slash tuition costs at state-owned schools and taking out a $500 million bond to spur economic development.

Gov. Shapiro will deliver his budget address on Tuesday, Feb. 6. The deadline to deliver a completed spending plan is June 30.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, state parks across Pennsylvania were inundated with visitors.

State officials late last month announced the theme for this year’s annual tick-themed art contest, “Protect. Check. Remove.” Last year, there were no winners in the Lehigh Valley.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Republican congressional candidates Maria Montero and Ryan Mackenzie criticized U.S. Rep. Susan Wild after she said Carbon County "drank the Trump Kool-Aid" on a conference call with prominent Pennsylvania Democrats.

Orthopedic massage can ease pain brought on by repetitive stress, heavy lifting and more.

The initiative with 11 other states would charge power plants for carbon dioxide they emit.

Democrats say the new draft has little chance of passing because it wasn't negotiated with the governor's office.

The American Red Cross has mobilized volunteers from around the country, including Pennsylvania, to help victims of the recent tornadoes.

The ACLU is concerned that voter information can be kept safe.

Beam took the job in January when Dr. Rachel Levine was named to a post in the Biden administration.

Families have been using the expiring child tax credit for basics like food.

Individual school districts must now decide if their students will mask or not.

The term "LatinX" is meant to include everyone and make them feel welcome.

Activist groups have called on state police to be more transparent in use of force cases.

The ruling comes as COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations rise dramatically in Pennsylvania.

Both the Pa. Senate and House say they intend to hold public hearings on the redistricting proposals.