State & Regional News

A sun-splashed Sunday may have felt like the beginning of summer, but temperatures Monday soared into record-breaking territory, the National Weather Service said.

Ryan Mackenzie pulled off a comfortable win in the Republican primary for the PA-7 congressional race. He credited an army of campaign volunteers, but his 12 years in the state House and at least $419,000 of support from a super PAC helped, too.

Two Lehigh Valley municipalities this year participated in Penn State’s Local Climate Action Program. Here's how the program works to create a greenhouse gas inventory and, from those findings, a climate action plan.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission passed a settlement concerning PPL's incorrect billing issues which caused numerous issues with consumers from late December 2022 into 2023, though some commissioners were concerned about alterations to a civil penalty.

More than $5.5 million is set to go toward non-point source projects in Bethlehem Township and over $2 million will cover wastewater improvements in Bangor Borough.

Northampton County officials celebrated an issue-free election Wednesday, after voting machine troubles last year. Already, the November general election looms large.

Three Republicans sought the party's nomination in the 7th Congressional District primary to face incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Susan Wild in the November election. Ryan Mackenzie emerged victorious.

Pennsylvania's third most populous region received a "C" grade from the American Lung Association and ranked fourth-worst in the mid-Atlantic for ozone pollution. But, it's better than last year’s rankings in the annual "State of the Air" report.

Meriam Sabih’s campaign has been centered around making the state work for everyone, according to her website

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta defeated Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley in Tuesday's Democratic primary, according to unofficial election results.

Lehigh Valley Planning Commission officials last month held the first regional climate planning workshop of the year, WorkshopLV: Environment.

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.