State & Regional News

Multiple sources tell LehighValleyNews.com that Carol Obando-Derstine is expected to launch a campaign for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. The battleground seat is held by freshman U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, will be one of four House members from battleground districts to take questions from a bipartisan audience and CNN anchors.

The projects were among 81 community projects across Pennsylvania for which Gov. Josh Shapiro announced grants through the Main Street Matters program.

This week, a preview of confirmation hearings scheduled for Wednesday to confirm a new head for NASA. The nominee is well known to the Lehigh Valley.

PennDOT officials say complaints about roadside trash peak in early spring when snow melts, revealing months of litter build-up. State officials estimate there are 500 million pieces of rubbish on Pennsylvania roads — about a third of which are cigarette butts.

Lehigh Valley Public Media comprises LehighValleyNews.com, PBS39 and 91.3 WLVR. Debates to be held in advance of the May 20 primary election include Allentown mayor, Bethlehem mayor, Northampton County executive and Lehigh County executive.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport knew a former police officer was the subject of an internal investigation at his former job but hired him anyway, according to details released this week by Sen. Chuck Grassley, who is looking into the matter.

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Pennsylvania rose about 14 cents this week, from $3.261 to $3.405.

Northampton County officials on Thursday announced $100,000 in grants to a handful of food banks and homeless shelters. The grants are a response to cuts to federal food aid programs, County Executive Lamont McClure said.

Mack Trucks will display a 100-year-old Mack AB model tractor manufactured in Allentown at the 125th New York International Auto Show April 18-27.

Lehigh Valley residents attended a state Public Utility Commission hearing on Tuesday to oppose a proposed rate increase by PPL Electric Utilities. It would be the first rate increase in almost a decade.

President Donald Trump blamed and insulted Democrats for the nation's high prices and inflation during a rally at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Monroe County on Tuesday night. The president pointed to his tariffs and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as evidence of how Republicans are righting the economy.

A fast-moving system could bring another round of light snow or a wintry mix to the Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, forecasters say.

There are now 37 counties across Pennsylvania in a drought watch, including the Lehigh Valley. Residents are being asked voluntarily conserve water.

Republicans in key battleground U.S. House districts are working to contain the political fallout that may come when thousands of their constituents face higher bills for health insurance coverage obtained through the Affordable Care Act.

The Northeast PA Regional Counter-Terrorism Task Force said customers in Lehigh and Northampton counties have been affected by a recent data breach.

A Lehigh Valley man was hunting when the lithium ion battery in heated insoles in his boots caught fire. A surgeon from Lehigh Valley Health Network said these incidents are causing devastating burn injuries.

This week on Watching the Skies, WLVR's Brad Klein talks about Lehigh Valley entrepreneur Jared Isaacman's second bid to lead NASA.

Rabbi Shoshanah Tornberg opened a discussion Sunday by noting many Allentown residents are “one missed paycheck” from being forced to experience homelessness. She called the housing crisis “a challenge that we don’t have to tolerate.”

"Too many families are discovering that their gift was emptied by a scammer before it was ever used. We should not allow criminals to take advantage of this season of generosity," State Sen. Lisa Boscola said.

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick appeared at Lehigh University on Friday for a "fireside chat" in which he shared his vision to bring AI infrastructure investment to Pennsylvania — and win an "existential battle" with China.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, addressed the Greater Lehigh Valley Healthcare Summit on Friday. His appearance was met with protesters outside.