State & Regional News

“It’s really kind of this multifaceted device that is a toy — but it’s also more of a therapeutic tool, device or aid,” Lehigh Valley native Howard Romans said.

This New Year’s Day, tens of thousands of people across the country, including dozens in the Valley, will take a guided hike through a state park to mark the beginning of 2024.

Dozens of Lehigh Valley projects cashed checks worth nearly $19 million in fiscal year 2023 thanks to support from U.S. Rep. Susan Wild and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey. The Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation brought home $364.5 million in earmarks, which ranked in the top half of U.S. states.

Under the bill, gun owners could lose their license to carry if they try to take a loaded weapon onto a plane. This would be similar to losing a license for possessing a small amount of marijuana, one lawmaker said.

Executive Education Academy Charter has been waiting to appeal its application denial since 2021. Gov. Josh Shapiro's nominees were just confirmed by the State Senate earlier this month.

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s gift ban says he can’t take tickets from groups with “financial relations with the Commonwealth.” Team Pennsylvania was awarded $1.8 million in state contracts this year.

The most popular names have been a constant the past few years, according to the major health networks. But one trend that emerged in 2023 in the Lehigh Valley seems to be tied to sports — specifically, the success and popularity of the Philadelphia Phillies. Taylor Swift also may be having an impact.

The Pennsylvania Department of State is starting a new office to help train county election workers, Pa. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt said. It also plans to update its guidance for logic and accuracy testing that could have caught issues with the Northampton County voting machines.

Lafayette College will host the 2024 vice presidential debate this coming September, drawing the world's eyes to its Easton campus. Nicole Hurd, the college's president, hopes it will be an opportunity to highlight the liberal arts school and the greater Easton community.

Lawmakers in Harrisburg passed nearly three dozen laws last week in a final burst of action as they held their last voting session of the year.

A Lehigh County probe showed 288 cases of people depositing more than one ballot - a violation of the law.

Preventive programs can help people stay healthier and are available for no extra Medicare premium.

The Safe2Say Something program receives thousands of tips about mental health, bullying and harassment.

The American Trucker Association estimates a shortage of 80,000 drivers nationwide.

Lt. Gov. Fetterman says the digital update is long overdue.

Virtual public hearings on the new rules are set to begin this week.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will take the 1st steps toward confirmation Monday.

Attention focused on a candidate not in attendance -- Lt. Gov. John Fetterman.

One solution is to allow more clinicians to give a diagnosis of autism.

Two years after the start of the pandemic, they're ready for a full return of visitors.

Figures released this week show another 4.4 million workers quit their jobs in February.

Frances Wolf says hunger should never be what holds a person back from succeeding in higher education.