State & Regional News

People in the Lehigh Valley are struggling more to pay for essentials such as rent, food and health care compared to the rest of Pennsylvania, according to a study by the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

With more than two dozen species of fireflies that call Pennsylvania home, it’s no wonder one was adopted as the state’s insect. But, these flashy insects are threatened due habitat loss and light pollution.

The American Red Cross is warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses as a heat wave sweeps the Lehigh Valley. They say a few simple tips can help save lives.

Anna Stofko, 86, was a longtime volunteer in Northampton County Democratic politics. Her daughter said she had an overwhelming influence on her life. “If it wasn’t for her I wouldn't be a state senator,” Boscola said.

In all, more than a dozen Lehigh Valley Public Media broadcasters and journalists were recognized in the annual Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association’s Professional Keystone Media Awards. PBS39 also received honors.

Northampton County Department of Human Services employees represented by SEIU Local 668 called off a strike planned for Friday after eleventh-hour negotiations yielded a potential new contract.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pennsylvania, is slated to appear at Saturday's Rally the Valley for Women's Choice in Bethlehem. It's part of a five-day campaign tour the three-term incumbent is launching this week in his race against Republican challenger David McCormick.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's General Duty Clause essentially says employees are entitled to a safe and healthy workplace. In some cases, that applies to workers that can endure excessive heat, like during a heat advisory.

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild visited Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest to show support for the $35 price cap on most inhalers. Two companies' caps went into effect June 1, with a third expected to follow.

Over the last three decades, more than 400 farms have been preserved in Lehigh County. The program aims to ward off development and protect open spaces.

More than 5,000 Pennsylvanians died from overdoses last year.

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program is funded by coronavirus relief money.

Hospitals in Scranton and York will receive more acute-care capacity and EMS support.

The move is in response to a request by the Wolf administration for federal assistance.

Opponents say a new Lehigh Valley Senate seat splinters rapidly-growing Latino communities.

The program is back for the start of 2022 after being canceled last year due to the pandemic.

Leigh Chapman will be the Department of State's fifth leader in seven years.

The third-largest school district in Pa. is launching its first esports team.

Commonwealth Court is expected to rule soon on a case that could lead to an election probe.

The American Civil Liberties Union was among the chief opponents of approval.

After all but vanishing by the 1960s, the species is now self-sustaining in Pennsylvania.

The money is part of the state's share of $9 billion in American Rescue Plan funds