Environment & Science

Officials from the state Department of Environmental Protection issued a Code Red Air Quality Action Day for all of Pennsylvania, including the Lehigh Valley.

A tornado warning was issued in the Martins Creek area of Northampton County on Monday afternoon as severe storms moved through. On Tuesday, the National Weather Service confirmed a twister had reached the ground.

Officials gathered at The Waterfront to highlight the Environmental Protection Agency’s $5 billion climate pollution reduction grants program.

The region had been in drought and running a deficit in the rain column, but things changed in a big way on Monday for some parts of the Lehigh Valley. Now, more heavy rainfall is on the way.

The council voted 3-2, approving the preparation of a new landfill ordinance, all while the original proposal is under court review.

Storms today could bring damaging winds, large hail, flash flooding or even a tornado or two across the region. The Lehigh Valley is now under an enhanced risk for severe weather.

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.

Lehigh Valley Zoo officials this week publicly announced the birth of a bison calf, adding to the population boom of new animals at the zoo this year.

The greater potential impact with heavier showers and thunderstorms looks to be Friday and Monday, meteorologists say, with scattered storms over the weekend.

Pools around the Lehigh Valley participated in the World's Largest Swim Lesson with free sessions Thursday. Kids jumped in the wave pool at Dorney Park and Cedar Beach Pool in Allentown.

The Japanese Barberry may look pretty but ticks that spread Lyme disease love living in them.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who's running for governor, has said he has reservations about the plan.

The staffing situation means delays in clearing roads will be likely this winter.

A neighbor claimed the firm's activities were disrupting the family's quality of life.

The changes could cost another $120 million a year but significantly reduce health risks, supporters say.

Lehigh County officials are not yet sure how much or when the Lehigh Valley will see infrastructure funding.

Scientists say the world has less than a decade to take steps to avoid catastrophic global warming.

Officials urge hunters to get vaccinated.

Some Republican state lawmakers are pushing to overhaul how appointments to an air quality advisory board are made in response to Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf's attempt to join a regional cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas emissions.

Fracking has been a dividing line between the 4 Democrats in the race.

Measures claiming to promote “energy choice” in Pennsylvania appear to be gaining momentum in the legislature.

The PAC with ties to the Bethlehem Landfill in the township pumped at least $75,000 into the race.