Environment & Science

A mother bear and her cubs are nestled under the deck of a Pike County home, and you can peek in on them 24/7. The camera is expected to be up until late March or early April, when the bears leave the den.

Based on history alone, fans of winter should be optimistic. But El Niño doesn't just affect one season, and scientists warn its possible return is a major cause for concern. Here's what we know so far.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection lifted a drought watch for five counties, including Northampton County.

The rule was published earlier this month and applies to all 3,117 water systems. Both chemicals belong to the group of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known collectively as PFAS, which are used in products such as nonstick cookware, carpets, firefighting foam and fast-food wrappers.

A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 4 p.m. Wednesday, with snow coming down in a predicted burst across much of the Lehigh Valley.

The Palmer Township supervisors rejected a proposal for a 185,000-square-foot manufacturing center near a housing development in the northern end of the township.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's comprehensive planning committee gave preliminary approval for a warehouse development in Upper Saucon Township and a recycling plant in Plainfield Township.

A storm system is forecast to approach the Lehigh Valley on Wednesday and bring with it a variety of wintry hazards, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a winter weather advisory.

A complex storm system is taking aim at the Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, and the midweek event could bring an extended period of snow to the area. But forecasters caution the "warm nose" of the storm could spoil the event for some.

With all the precipitation that's fallen — 5.86 inches since Dec. 1 — we could've been buried under 58+ inches of snow so far this winter. But those storm systems haven't had much cold air to interact with, and it's made all the difference.

The funding for four projects came from the Growing Greener and Act 167 grant programs, both through the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Emergency Management agencies at the county and state level, as well as cities in the Lehigh Valley say they're ready for whatever happens after the snowstorm: including a risk of severe and dangerous flooding.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

A winter storm is targeting the region this weekend, and forecasters say there's a more potent system right behind it that could bring damaging winds, heavy rain and flooding.

Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie will celebrate the official opening of its ski season on Sunday at 9 a.m.

PPL Electric Utilities offers tips to customers designed to keep them safe and warm during the winter season.

Five farms in Lehigh and Northampton counties were the latest to be included in the commonwealth’s Farmland Preservation Program. The program aims to ward off development and protect open spaces.

A coastal storm is on track to impact the region this weekend, but forecasters say the latest guidance has reduced snowfall totals and impacts across the region.

The past two Lehigh Valley winters haven't produced much in the way of snow. With the potential for significant snowfall this weekend, local business operators are gearing up — at last.

Officials behind the longest running raptor migration count in the world have posted the results of the 2023 season. Here's how many birds of prey were spotted.

The proposal under consideration in Harrisburg would up Pennsylvania’s renewable energy goals from 8% now to 30% by 2030.

January is National Radon Action Month, and officials from the American Lung Association are offering a limited supply of free radon test kits for commonwealth residents, including those in the the Lehigh Valley.