State & Regional News

Lehigh Township volunteer firefighters shared the obstacles they faced fighting a 600-acre fire that erupted on Blue Mountain. Almost a month later, it's still not technically out.

The Lehigh Valley is in a 9-inch rain shortfall. The prolonged dry spell has raised concerns about the longevity of fresh-cut Christmas trees this year. And, it's thinning out the trees planted this year to grow for future holiday seasons.

The township's Shade Tree Commission was awarded 15 trees from a statewide nonprofit dedicated to improving the tree canopy in urban areas.

Listings will include risks for flood, wildfire, wind, heat and air quality, as well as interactive maps and insurance requirements.

Highs in the 30s and lows mainly in the 20s are forecast for the weekend and well into next week, which could be jarring on the heels of one our warmest Novembers on record.

More shoppers are using ‘buy now, pay later’ plans heading into Black Friday and the holiday season, as the ability to spread out payments looks attractive at a time when Americans still feel the lingering effect of inflation and already have record-high credit card debt. Experts say the short-term loans can lead consumers to overextend themselves and warn that those who use credit cards for the service face higher interest expenses.

With no quick cure for the fast-moving, but slow-to-kill disease, experts said American beech trees could be functionally extinct throughout the state within 10 to 15 years.

Democrats in Pennsylvania lost its 19 presidential electoral votes, a U.S. Senate seat, three other statewide races, and two congressional seats.

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Lehigh Valley, will close her third term in Congress on Jan. 3 after being defeated in the election by Republican Ryan Mackenzie. From the inside, Wild has been a witness to major swings in American politics in her six years in Washington.

In a release Monday, the PUC said prices would adjust December 1. That means all customers will see changes in the price-to-compare from competitive suppliers against the rate of the default utility.

The popularity of internet-based gambling in Pennsylvania has taken off as the pandemic caused casinos to shutdown. But online gambling addiction may be rising as well.

Dr. Rachel Levine said she would continue to promote science and fact-based COVID-19 guidance if confirmed to be Assistant U.S. Secretary of Health during a hearing before a U.S. Senate committee Thursday.

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman is calling for reform to jail sentences of life without parole.

In a divided Senate this past weekend, Pennsylvania’s split delegation stood together. Both Democrat Bob Casey and Republican Pat Toomey voted to convict former President Trump. The Senate ultimately voted to acquit.

A Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court case is being called the first of its kind, challenging the fate of inmates serving life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Pennsylvania has received more than 2 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine but, fewer than a million residents have received their first shot.

Improving legal services for female veterans is the focus of a new law spearheaded by Lehigh Valley Congresswoman Susan Wild.

Pennsylvania is one of only three states where voters choose judges through elections. But some say a new bill in the General Assembly would change the way judges are elected and subject the judiciary to partisan control.

A Harrisburg woman charged in connection with the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol has been released from custody with restrictions.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services released its Racial Equity Report that examines inherent racism in state aid programs and states how DHS plans to promote diversity in its own ranks.

Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) is looking forward to Democrat Joe Biden taking over the Oval Office but says the Senate will have its work cut out this week when it will resume the impeachment proceedings for former President Donald Trump.

Pennsylvania officials announced Jan. 19 that the state is expanding eligibility for the coronavirus vaccine to include anyone over 65.