State & Regional News

Lehigh and Northampton counties don't release inmates into ICE custody unless federal agents present them a warrant. The policies are likely why the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has labeled the counties as sanctuary jurisdictions.

The Allentown high school was recognized for registering students to vote and enlisting them to serve as poll workers.

The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts shared a news release warning of a recently reported text scam that attempts to "spoof" or mimic the Pennsylvania Courts and/or Unified Judicial System website. The AOPC says anyone who receives the text should not provide payment the text demands or any sensitive information.

Sixty-eight state parks across Pennsylvania now offer free menstrual products. It's part of a broader initiative to make public spaces across the commonwealth more accessible and supportive for all.

Political Pulse host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick follow up on the last episode about the primary election. This week, the two dive into a primary breakdown of the top races and low voter turnout.

Essentially a scholastic scrimmage for environmental science, the annual Envirothon combines classroom learning and outdoor activities to engage students in the environment. Find out where Lehigh Valley teams placed.

Keystone Cement Co.'s hazardous waste permit has been renewed by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Part of the company's plan is to change how it transports waste, from trucks to rail.

Bethlehem and Allentown have achieved gold status through Bird Town Pennsylvania. The program aims to create a healthier, more sustainable environment for birds, as well as other wildlife and residents.

Pennsylvania State Police have rolled out 15 RapidHIT ID systems to troops across the commonwealth. The machines are capable of analyzing forensic samples and generating DNA profiles in as little as 90 minutes.

A large cicada emergence is underway across the eastern United States. Find out where they're expected in the commonwealth.

"The entire regiment deserves some sort of reconsideration, whether it’s by BusPatrol or by legislative change,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.

Appearing this week on Lehigh Valley Political Pulse with host Tom Shortell, Carol Obando-Derstine framed her resume as a contrast with other Democratic primary contenders.

PBS39 will broadcast a special, hourlong community forum tonight on data centers — their demand, their needs and their potential impact on the Lehigh Valley.

Democrat Ana Tiburcio pulled out a decisive victory in Pennsylvania's 22nd state House District Tuesday night over Republican Robert E. Smith Jr.

Commissioner Zachary Cole-Borghi, 35, is among roughly 40 people charged in a multistate drug network. On Tuesday, his defense attorney argued in Lehigh County Court that his case should have a preliminary hearing separate from the others.

Voters will chose between Democrat Ana Tiburcio and Republican Robert E. Smith Jr. in Tuesday's special election for Pennsylvania's 22nd House District.

The winter storm that prompted dire forecasts and a statewide disaster declaration largely fizzled in the Lehigh Valley, leaving the area with only moderate to light snowfall by Monday morning.

With control of the state House in the balance, Pennsylvania Democratic leaders selected Ana Tiburcio as the party's nominee in the 22nd House District special election. Some prominent Lehigh County Democratic leaders have criticized her as unprepared following her performance at a debate this month.

The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, in coordination with Greater Easton Development Partnership, has established the fund to help victims of Friday's devastating fire at the Hotel Hampton building, 462 Northampton St. Also, a Red Cross emergency shelter operation has been relocated.

The state Public Utility Commission voted this week to advance proposed rulemaking that it said would codify existing consumer safeguards. Here's what it means for consumers.

As the Lehigh Valley’s most recent blanket of snow rapidly melts away, Mother Nature appears ready to test the region’s patience all over again.

Bob Brooks joined host Tom Shortell on this week's Political Pulse to discuss his decision to enter the race, his background in organized labor and his views on the direction of the Democratic Party and Congress.