East Penn News

East Penn School District's board voted Monday to move their 2025-26 budget closer to approval.

An amendment to a bill that would approve tax abatements on blighted land where a 144-unit apartment complex is proposed in Emmaus Borough has temporarily stalled the project.

To arrive at emergency scenes faster and well-staffed, Upper Macungie Fire & Rescue in Lehigh County has launched a staffing incentive program that will pay "qualified and trained" volunteers to cover 12-hour shifts.

Mack Trucks said it will lay off 250 to 350 workers at its Macungie facility — in part because of market uncertainty and the impact of tariffs.

Lower Macungie's Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to buy 44 acres of farmland on Lower Macungie Rd. Township officials previously approved a 30-building, 180-unit apartment complex on the site.

The board on Wednesday voted to correct the one-character mistake and schedule the amended bill for a second reading and vote at its next meeting April 9.

More than 450 students from across Pennsylvania gathered for Aevidum Live, a conference focusing on speaking up about depression and suicide prevention, and encouraging others to help stop the stigma of mental health help.

A rezoning proposal that would clear the way for an apartment and commercial/retail space project in Bethlehem was reviewed by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission on Thursday night.

A proposed 25,800-square-foot childcare center in Salisbury Township would be named in memory of Monsignor John P. Murphy, long-time cleric in Allentown who died in 2023 at age 86.

The East Penn School District's board voted Monday to create a three-year LERTA property tax incentive for an 8.5 acre brownfield in Emmaus. The lot is set to become 144 apartments.

Westrum Development is asking the East Penn School District for a property tax break, soon after making a similar pitch that was approved by Emmaus Borough officials.

The former greenhouse and wholesale outlet at 8025 Spinnerstown Road, Zionsville became available after the company went out of business late last year.

The prior 14-year state House member is set to return to Harrisburg based on early results Wednesday morning.

State Rep. Milou Mackenzie was re-elected in the 131st House District, according to unofficial results. She defeated political newcomer Meriam Sabih.

The community center gazebo is hoped to be a place for local veterans to feel recognized, as well as to relax and reflect

Weeks after closing due to a concessions fire, the local independent theater and comedy venue is set to reopen this weekend.

"Fox & Friends" is visiting diners and restaurants in battleground states in the days leading up to Election Day. Fox News Channel said it will be at Superior Restaurant on Main Street in Emmaus on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Bethany Church, citing membership declines following a change of pastors and the COVID-19 pandemic, is opting to sell one of its locations to the hospital network.

The stage is set for the transformation of the overgrown former foundry site at 300 Furnace Street into 144 apartments in four buildings.

A Saturday night fire in the concession stand has temporarily closed The Emmaus Theatre, its owner said on social media Sunday.

Halloween festivities begin Oct. 13 with more parades following suit. The earliest trick-or-treat night begins Oct. 18, and most take place on Halloween.

The Hamilton Square development in Lower Macungie will be a 1.628-acre parcel with one 6,850-square-foot building and one 3,150-square-foot building, both dedicated to retail and dining space.