Protecting frontline heroes

A weekly roundup of the stories, programs and events that matter to the Lehigh Valley community.

Firefighter safety has been front and center across the Lehigh Valley — from growing concerns over cancer risks and toxic exposure to staffing shortages straining departments across the region.

Now, lawmakers in Harrisburg are taking aim at one of the chemicals tied to those dangers.

Senate Bill 980 would restrict firefighting foam containing PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals” linked to cancer and long-term environmental contamination.

Find more on that story below.

And, from the front lines of public safety to the bright lights of the wrestling ring, the Lehigh Valley has no shortage of stories rooted in grit and resilience.

This week, that spotlight shifts to a hometown wrestling legacy making its return to center stage in Allentown. For longtime fans, “WXW: Homecoming” is more than an event — it’s a reminder that the city has always been part of pro wrestling’s main event.

Plus, for several years, affordability and rising costs have proven to be a driving issue in American elections.

Given the persistent challenge, Lehigh Valley Public Media spoke with former federal prosecutor Ryan Crosswell, former Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure and energy engineer Carol Obando-Derstine about how to address stubbornly high costs and Congress's role in tariffs as part of our PA-7 Talks series. Watch now on the PBS39 YouTube channel.

THE FOCUS

'A proactive step' aimed at protecting firefighters

Lawmakers have advanced their latest effort to restrict firefighting foam containing so-called forever chemicals.

The story: Senate Bill 980 targets PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam, long used to quickly suppress fuel-based fires but now linked to elevated cancer risks among firefighters and widespread environmental contamination.

Advocates say repeated exposure happens not just during major incidents, but in routine training and equipment testing, where the foam has historically been used.

Lawmakers pushing the measure say phasing out PFAS is a necessary step to reduce long-term health risks for firefighters and nearby communities.

Why it matters: "This bipartisan legislation takes decisive action to phase out dangerous substances, protecting the long-term health of our frontline heroes,” said State Sen. Nick Miller, D-Lehigh/Northampton, a co-sponsor of the legislation.

"It reflects our responsibility to those who risk their lives in service to our communities."

Coming Thursday: LehighValleyNews.com politics reporter Tom Shortell and Lehigh County Commissioner Sarah Fevig discuss a referendum to modernize Lehigh County’s Election Board.

Catch new episodes of Political Pulse on our YouTube channel every Thursday.

WATCH PAST EPISODES

**Brought to you by** **St. Luke's University Health Network**

MORE FROM LVPM

PA-16 Debate: Join Lehigh Valley Public Media on Tuesday, April 28 at 6 p.m. at the Univest Public Media Center for a debate between Mark Pinsley and Bradley Merkl-Gump, the Democratic candidates for Pennsylvania's 16th Senate District. Get tickets free on Eventbrite.

Community Conversation: As guidance around childhood vaccinations evolves, families across the Lehigh Valley are left with important questions and sometimes, uncertainty. Join us April 30 at 6 p.m. as we break down recent changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule.

To join the studio audience, register HERE.

Arte Y Español, part of Remake Learning Days: Join us for a special Arte Y Español, offered during the Remake Learning Days festival! This free program will be held at the Allentown Art Museum on May 2 at 1 p.m. For more information, click HERE.

Artist of the Month: Students in grades K through 12 have a chance to be featured by PBS39. Submissions can include fine art, writing, digital media and performing arts. Click HERE to apply and be our next Artist of the Month.

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WATCH

Melanie Falcon: Why I walked away from the anchor desk

Two heart surgeries. A high-profile career. And a deeply personal decision to step away.

In this episode of Common Threads, longtime local news anchor Melanie Falcon opens up about navigating emergency surgeries, pregnancy loss and life in the public eye — and why she chose to leave her dream job to prioritize her health, family and self-care.

Melanie shares what it really means to “have it all” and why women may need to redefine that idea altogether.

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QUICK HITS

A bill authored by state Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-Bucks/Lehigh, to increase financial transparency in public schools advanced out of committee this week. Senate Bill 698 would require school districts, charter schools and cyber charter schools to determine the value of any property before acquiring it, a move aimed at adding more accountability and oversight to major purchases.
Renters in the Lehigh Valley continue facing one of the most competitive apartment markets in the country. The area ranked fifth nationwide in RentCafe’s latest Rental Competitiveness Report, earning an 88.3 Rental Competitiveness Index score — more than 13 points above the national average.
Heading to the NFL Draft this weekend? PennDOT has launched a specialized website to help you plan your trip with enhanced real-time travel information. Check it out HERE.
A Wilkes-Barre blues rocker is among those headlining the return of a free festival dedicated to "protecting our planet" this weekend. The fourth annual No Planet B Jamboree takes place at 2 p.m. Saturday at ArtsQuest Town Square Stage at SteelStacks.