‘Wheel of Fortune’ adds rapid-fire ‘Fortune Frenzy’ as longtime announcer fired

The show is adding a rapid-fire game segment as Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White return for Season 44, while producers move to remove longtime announcer Jim Thornton from upcoming episodes.

Published Sep 9, 2026, 11:43 AM EDT | LehighValleyLive

“Wheel of Fortune” will debut a new game segment called “Fortune Frenzy” when its 44th season premieres Sept. 14, co-hosts Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White announced Tuesday. The addition comes as the show works to remove longtime announcer Jim Thornton from upcoming episodes following his termination last week, Page Six reports.

allentown / lehighvalleylive

From firehouse to U.S. House: Bob Brooks flips Pa. swing district blue

Bob Brooks, a Democrat, defeated incumbent Republican Rep. Ryan Mackenzie to capture Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District in Tuesday’s midterm. The victory moves the pivotal swing district back into...

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allentown / lehighvalleylive

White House criticized after saying Trump wasn’t on ballot amid GOP losses

GOP candidates suffered major losses across the country on Election Night, and the White House was criticized for saying President Donald Trump wasn’t on the ballot. The remark...

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allentown / lehighvalleylive

Rebecca Bennett unseats Tom Kean Jr. in New Jersey's 7th District

Democrat Rebecca Bennett, a former U.S. Naval helicopter pilot and healthcare executive, flipped New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District Tuesday, ousting two-term Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr. The hotly...

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allentown / lehighvalleylive

Chris Pappas elected, becomes first openly gay U.S. senator

U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) made history Tuesday night by becoming the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. Senate. His victory marks a milestone for LGBTQ...

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allentown / lehighvalleylive

Jeffries circumspect on working with Trump as Democrats gain on Election Night

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) is in line to become the next Speaker of the House as Democrats grew increasingly optimistic on Election Night. Jeffries said he wasn’t yet...

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allentown / lehighvalleylive

Guardiola returns from injury, scores to send Parkland to D‑11 4A final

Junior Cameron Guardiola scored in his second game back from injury to lead Parkland High School past Pleasant Valley in the District 11 Class 4A semifinals. The win...

Published Nov 3, 2026, 9:38 PM EST

allentown / lehighvalleylive

Doubts grow over Trump’s $5,000 check promise

President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he will give a $5,000 check to every U.S. adult if Republicans win the midterm elections. Early election results have prompted commentators...

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Photos: District 11 4A boys soccer semifinal — Pleasant Valley vs. Parkland (Nov. 3, 2026)

Parkland and Pleasant Valley met in the District 11 4A boys soccer semifinal Tuesday night, Nov. 3, 2026, at Emmaus. This gallery captures the action from the match...

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allentown / wfmz

Michigan Jewish Democrats distance themselves from El-Sayed at the polls

As polls closed in Michigan, new polling suggests Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed struggled to secure support among Jewish Democrats. The Center Square reports the findings indicate...

Published Nov 3, 2026, 9:00 PM EST

allentown / lehighvalleylive

Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan warns tactic may cost him reelection

Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, said Tuesday that voter confusion may lead to him losing reelection in a three-way contest with Democrat Mary Peltola and independent Daniel J. Sullivan....

Published Nov 3, 2026, 8:53 PM EST

‘Wheel of Fortune’ adds rapid-fire ‘Fortune Frenzy’ as longtime announcer fired

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