Environment & Science

Several Lehigh Valley schools are closing Tuesday because of the weather forecast.

Early Monday, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning in effect for the Lehigh Valley for 7 to 10 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts over the higher elevations.

One area of potential concern at the Allentown State Hospital had been the presence of dioxins in the soil. Dioxins are a group of toxic chemical compounds that take a long time to break down in the environment, and can cause health problems in people.

Betelgeuse is the red supergiant star at Orion’s ‘right shoulder.’

Lehigh and Northampton counties are under a winter storm watch in effect from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, with 4 to 8 inches of heavy, wet snow possible.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

It’s a special year for cicadas, insects known for their high-pitched mating songs. Two adjacent broods are expected to co-emerge for the first time in 221 years. Here's the next time they emerge in the Valley.

Northern flying squirrels are endangered, and the Pa. Game Commission works to improve their habitat. A group went searching for the species in the Poconos.

Stanley cups have skyrocketed in popularity, following other trends in reusable drinkware. But, fads like these can encourage overconsumption, experts said.

Right now, the overall pattern isn’t very conducive to significant snowfall for the Lehigh Valley and the Mid-Atlantic next week. Here's what will make or break the event for snow lovers.

Conservationists tag around 35 Monarchs each year. They used to tag hundreds.

Tracking 10 miles makes you eligible for the ticket drawing for next year's headliner shows.

Hazardous trees are cut down due to old age and illness.

An expert says the tragedy illustrates the dangers of handling exotic animals.

Classroom space, laboratories and a visitor center will be part of the state-of-the-art facility.

Don't just go by what's on the packaging. Best to check online, too, a local expert says.

Ice, mist and fruit- or fish-infused 'ice cakes' are being used to cool down inhabitants.

A Lehigh Valley doctor says the antiviral regimen is readily available -- and effective.

It's not just people -- pets need someone to keep watch during extreme heat, too.

There were around 1,500 cases reported in the U.S. as of Monday.

It's OK to feed the birds again since the mysterious illness has disappeared.

Some say the app is still useful and could be adapted to other uses.