State & Regional News

Pennsylvania's political landscape has shifted dramatically since the last election. Many counties have switched party majorities, which could influence the outcome of the upcoming election.

The fire began early Saturday afternoon near Route 248 in Lehigh Township in Northampton County and burned through the night. Numerous aircraft and heavy equipment joined Sunday to help fight the fire, which was not yet been significantly contained. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters battling a blaze on Blue Mountain expressed gratitude to the community for an abundance of donations — so many that they have advised people to hold onto their contributions as they have reached capacity for storage.

A Muhlenberg College/Morning Call poll of Pennsylvania voters released two days before Election Day gives a slight lead to Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump — well within the survey's margin of error. Results also show the U.S. Senate race for Pennsylvania has tightened.

Travel is expected to be tricky Monday afternoon as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are expected to be in the area on the final day of the presidential campaign before Election Day.

A three-mile stretch of Route 611 between Northampton and Monroe counties will reopen Tuesday morning. Portland Borough business owners say the protracted shutdown has crippled business.

The National Weather Service said there will be “no relief” to ongoing drought and fire concerns, with record-challenging temperatures expected by midweek across the Lehigh Valley and the rest of the mid-Atlantic region.

It's the second time in a week city schools will be closed for a presidential campaign rally. The potential for large crowds, heavy traffic and disruptions prompted the move, the school district said.

State environmental officials are calling on residents to nominate their favorite waterway to be 2025 River of the Year. The effort aims to elevate public awareness of specific rivers and recognize important conservation needs and achievements.

The Supreme Court has rejected an emergency appeal from Republicans that could have led to thousands of provisional ballots not being counted in Pennsylvania.

State education officials on on Monday visited Bethlehem Area Public Library’s South Side branch, 400 Webster St., to raise awareness about the Summer Food Service Program. Free, nutritious meals are available to those aged 18 and younger — no questions asked.

USA Today nominated Hotel Bethlehem for its sixth consecutive run at the Best Historic Hotel in America title — something the luxury landmark has brought home the past three years in a row. Now it's time for the community to pitch in for the win.

Environmentalists say the Lehigh River is the cleanest its been in 175 years. A river snorkeling program at Lehigh Gap Nature Centers encourages residents to explore their local waterways and track river health.

The Lehigh Valley will face “an active week in terms of weather hazards,” the National Weather Service said early Monday, with the remnants of Beryl expected to impact the area.

In a statement Sunday, U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, D-Lehigh Valley, stopped short of saying President Joe Biden needed to leave the ticket but warned that he could harm candidates in down-ballot races.

Nearly 250 years ago, Easton was one of three Colonial cities where the newly-adopted Declaration of Independence was read to the public for the first time. On Sunday, the city celebrated its place in history by reading the document again.

Another heat advisory has made its way to the Lehigh Valley, accompanied by an air quality alert. While temperatures aren't expected to be as high as the last heat wave, the heat index could still hit triple-digits Monday and Tuesday.

Darian Cruz, who starred at Bethlehem Catholic and Lehigh University, will honor his grandparents by representing their native Puerto Rico when he wrestles at the Paris Olympics next month.

President Joe Biden nominated Montgomery County Judge Gail Weilheimer to a judicial vacancy in the U.S. District Court's Eastern District of Pennsylvania. U.S. Rep. Susan Wild said more attorneys from the Lehigh Valley ought to be considered for the postings.

Bethlehem native Ariel Torres became the first drag queen to perform at the Governor's Residence for its Pride Month Celebration Reception on June 26. Torres performed “I Was Here” by Beyoncé as his drag persona, Elektra Fierce St. James.

A dancing duo from the greater Lehigh Valley is heading south to compete in the Transplant Games of America. The couple is part of Gift of Life's Team Philly made up of 150 people.

Fireworks are a popular fun way to celebrate the 4th of July, but they can also be dangerous. Allentown's police and fire officials say every year they see a serious injury or fatality caused by fireworks.