State & Regional News

A storm system that will gain steam off the coast and potentially turn into a nor'easter could affect the Lehigh Valley region's weather Monday into Tuesday. At least one forecaster speculates it might be our last chance for a measurable snowfall, which has been in short supply this winter.

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s nominees for attorney general and state police commissioner received unanimous approval from the Pennsylvania’s Republican-controlled Senate.

Advocates and service providers fear a proposed $20 million funding increase for community mental health services would not go far enough.

The Lehigh Valley is no longer under a winter weather advisory Friday except in parts of Northampton County, as the precipitation in the area will mostly be rain. But heavy snow is expected in the Poconos.

Local high schools are participating in the Central East Pennsylvania Science Olympiad on March 16 at Kutztown University.

The new user-friendly website emphasizes mobile accessibility.

Rep. Susan Wild will host a webinar Friday, March 10 with groups across District 7 about how to apply for grants under the Community Project Funding program.

“The long-term period looks to be defined as a more active and unsettled timeframe compared to the middle of this week,” the National Weather Service said in its latest forecast discussion, noting confidence has increased for a system that will impact the region late Friday through early Saturday morning.

Lehigh Valley Health Network was victimized in a cybersecurity attack last month. The network said it refused to pay a ransom. Now, patient information and photos have been posted on the dark web, according to LVHN.

Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced $52.5 million in grants intended to prevent suicide. Named for Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox, the suicide prevention grant program is now in its second year. Its goal is to fund community-based organizations that work with veterans and their families. Last year, the VA gave awards to three groups in Pennsylvania, including more than $530,000 to St. Luke’s Penn Foundation in Carbon County. Eighty recipients won awards nationwide in the program’s first year. Grant applications are due by May 19 with awards expected to be announced in September. Selected organizations will receive funding for 2024. More information on how to apply is available at mentalhealth.va.gov.

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.

WLVR’s Hayden Mitman recently spoke with Angela Couloumbis, a reporter for Spotlight PA, to find out how this legislation might expand gambling in the state.

State senators are weighing the risks and benefits of Pennsylvania joining a regional cap and trade program targeting greenhouse gases.

Two unions are suing the federal agency in charge of mine safety, demanding it impose emergency rules to try to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among coal miners.

Pennsylvania Senate Democrats are doubling down on police reform. This month, they proposed more than a dozen bills to ensure police accountability.

Researchers say June and July are peak times for ticks carrying Lyme disease to infect people in Pennsylvania. There are several things you can do to protect yourself outdoors.

Erie officials on Monday said they are imposing a three-day suspension on a city police officer who was captured on video kicking a woman during a protest in the wake of the George Floyd killing.

Legislation aimed at reducing police brutality in Pennsylvania is moving through the state House.The move comes a week after Black lawmakers protested on the chamber floor, calling for action on more than a dozen proposals.

Calls made to report suspected child abuse to Pennsylvania’s ChildLine continued to be significantly lower than usual in May.