State & Regional News

Commonwealth flags will fly at half-staff in Northampton County through Nov. 29 to honor fallen Northampton Fire Department Captain and retired State Police Trooper Michael Booke, who died this month.

Customers should understand that generation/supply typically make up 40% to 60% of a utility bill, the PUC said, with variables such as weather, usage and efficiency of a home heating system factoring in.

The survey, part of a project out of Lehigh’s Climate Resilience Center, is open until mid-December. As an incentive, residents who complete the survey will be entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card.

HomeToGo has ranked Bethlehem No. 1 in price, with a low median nightly rate of $55.39 per person, and No. 17 in overall travel demand, for festive U.S. holiday destinations.

This week on Watching the Skies, WLVR's Brad Klein and Bethlehem's "Backyard Astronomy Guy" Marty McGuire dissect online misinformation circulating about an approaching comet. The third interstellar comet ever detected, combined with the long-running government shutdown, slowed NASA's response to the solar phenomenon, only fueling theories about the comet.

Amid the celebrations and family gatherings, residents can be mindful of their decisions this Thanksgiving, instituting small changes that could make a big difference during one of the most wasteful times of the year.

Members of the Lehigh Valley DUI/Highway Safety Task Force and community partners came to Moravian University Friday to educate students first-hand on how being distracted or impaired can severely impact the ability to drive safely.

Ending the shutdown: Political scientist Chris Borick joins Tom Shortell for this episode of Political Pulse to help break down the breakthrough between Democrats and Republicans.

Federal health officials say 31 babies in 15 states have been sickened in a growing outbreak of infantile botulism tied to ByHeart infant formula. ByHeart recalled all of its products sold throughout the U.S. No deaths have been reported. Health officials say parents and caregivers who have the formula in their homes should stop using it immediately and dispose of the product. Botulism is a rare but serious disease that can cause paralysis and death. Symptoms can take weeks to develop. The most recent case was reported Nov. 11.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to force the Justice Department to publicly release its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, voted in favor of it.

Experts say the Atlantic Ocean has heated up over the past month as peak hurricane season approaches. While warmer-than-average water doesn't guarantee storms, it can contribute to more moisture-laden and stronger systems. Plus, there are other factors at play.

Until state legislators adopt a budget, state agencies can't reimburse counties for services they provide. Right now, Lehigh County is waiting on $12.5 million in reimbursements, with no end to the budget impasse in sight.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, downplayed President Donald Trump's proposal to slash $32.9 billion from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development following a tour of the Allentown Rescue Mission.

The Lehigh Valley's congressional showdown already is shaping up to be among the nation's costliest races for 2026. Tom Shortell and Chris Borick break it all down in this week's Political Pulse.

A recent ruling from Pennsylvania's Supreme Court seemingly marks a major shift in how DUI cases can be prosecuted, with the court ruling that if a driver hasn’t been previously convicted, the state can’t punish them as if they were.

Cupid Foundations Inc. opened its design studio, CupidIntimates, on West Lehigh Street in Bethlehem in 1987. It's still designing original shapewear that it manufactures and sells in department stores and other national retailers.

Farmers markets add to the local economy, driving tourism, officials said. Supporting them is also important for farmland preservation and strengthening community, advocates say.

“Cutting Edge: Inventive Nineteenth-Century Quilts” opens Saturday, Aug. 9. The new exhibit explores over 30 unique quilts from Arlan and Pat Christ’s collection and will run through Oct. 26. Admission is free.

The shutdown of the southbound lanes is scheduled for early Sunday between the Lehigh Valley and Quakertown interchanges, according to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

More than a month past the budget deadline, Lehigh Valley state Sens. Jarrett Coleman and Nick Miller offered little optimism a deal was around the corner.

U.S. Reps. Ryan Mackenzie and Lisa McClain praised the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for helping manufacturing companies and workers during a tour of Ampal Inc. in Lower Towamensing Township.

Between delayed state funding and federal cuts, Second Harvest Food Bank does not have enough food to meet demand, its leaders say.