State & Regional News

Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott said her department would remain “laser-focused on trying to provide the best quality public safety services to our community” — even with continuing uncertainty out of Washington, D.C.

Three Bethlehem residents face hundreds of charges related to a scheme that involves over 130 victims in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. If you believe you’ve been a victim of such a scheme, Bethlehem police ask you to call 610-997-7682.

On this week's episode of Political Pulse, Tom Shortell and Chris Borick discuss themes — including immigration — that are starting to carry over into local races.

Readers have expressed interest in light rail or a more robust public transit system, but even improved options have failed to match the convenience they seek.

High wind warnings were converted to wind advisories for most areas early Monday, but not before thousands of utility customers across the region lost power overnight.

Applications are open for the The Good Farmer Award U.S. Officials are looking for farmers with less than 10 years of experience who exemplify sustainable farming practices while contributing to community and environmental health.

The area could see wind gusts up to 60 mph tonight, with windy conditions persisting into tomorrow, including frigid wind chills. Plus, a look at what forecasters are saying about the potential for snow later this week.

Central Moravian Church is one of three Historic Bethlehem structures on a new 90-minute World Heritage Tour visitors finally can enter. The Saturdays-only tour starts this weekend.

A Northampton County farm was one of the latest group to be included in Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program. The program aims to ward off development and protect open spaces.

Puppy raisers help socialize and teach guide dogs obedience in the early stages of their lives before they start training to become guide dogs for the visually impaired.

Forecasters are calling for calling for “quite the icy slop of wintry precipitation across the region, including both sleet and freezing rain” as a quick-hitting winter storm descends upon the region late Wednesday.

Republicans balked at Gov. Josh Shapiro's $51.4 billion budget proposal Tuesday, saying the spending patterns did not align with Pennsylvania's financial realities. Lawmakers will debate the plan and determine its outcome.

Justin Simmons, who served a decade in the Pennsylvania House, is the first Republican to announce a bid for the county’s top job.

According to a release issued by ICE, Luis Gualdron-Gualdron, “a citizen and national of Venezuela who previously entered the United States without inspection,” was arrested on Jan. 31 without incident near the prison shortly after an immigration detainer was not honored.

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick discuss the areas likely to be included in the state budget, including education funding, school vouchers and a possible bailout for SEPTA.

Gov. Josh Shapiro is scheduled to deliver his budget proposal for 2025-26 to a joint session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. He is expected to seek more money for public schools and public transit.

Last week, just two leases for Big Lots locations in the Lehigh Valley were listed for sale by Gordon Brothers Retail Partners. Now leases for all locations in the area are for sale as the asset liquidation company enters phase two of its sales.

Residents can comment on a draft of the 2025-2029 Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, or SCORP, through March 3. There's a public input form, as well as scheduled webinars.

February is "going to be loaded,” meteorologist Bobby Martrich said, describing an “overrunning pattern” that goes through mid-month and could potentially bring the Lehigh Valley no fewer than three — and possibly four — storm chances before Valentine’s Day.

Forecasters say the Lehigh Valley should see another coating of snow to start off the "snowiest" month of the year. More snow is expected in the other half of the week.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will deliver his third budget proposal to lawmakers next week. Here's what to watch for.

Many interchanges on Route 22 and Route 309 are badly outdated, leaving drivers to navigate increasingly unsafe roads. PennDOT has plans to address several of them, including trouble spots in Fullerton and Center Valley.