Lehigh County News

Carol Obando-Derstine will enter the 2026 Democratic primary for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional primary. The battleground district is held by U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, a Republican serving his first term.

This week on Political Pulse, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick talk about the impact primary elections have beyond what meets the eye, like campaign challenges and voter fatigue.

Led by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Sustainable Energy Fund, The Lehigh Valley Sustainability Summit drew economic and industry leaders from across the region to engage on topics like waste reduction, energy and economic growth.

William Heydt led Allentown through the 1990s, including through several disasters such as the collapse of Corporate Plaza and the Gross Tower explosions

The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” report shows air quality got worse in the Lehigh Valley. The report was released Wednesday.

Politicians seeking five offices have agreed to participate in a “Candidates’ Night” event from 5-9 p.m. at St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 417 N. 7th St.

A reader asks what can be done about a problematic four-way intersection in Lehigh County. PennDOT has an idea, but it won't be getting to it for more than a decade.

The Growing Greener Plus grant program aims to address critical environmental concerns, like flooding, as well as protect waterways and watersheds. Applications are due June 20.

Local healthcare providers and legislators appeared a press conference at Valley Youth House in Bethlehem to shed light on children’s mental health issues and to advocate for continued state and federal funding.

This week on Insights, Tom Shortell talks with Megan Frank — and readers — about the The Road Ahead, LehighValleyNews.com's series on traffic and transportation issues in the Lehigh Valley.

Animals and insects use fallen leaves to live or find food — including birds and butterflies. Often, if leaves aren't composted, they end up in landfills. Here are some alternative ideas.

Seven candidates are vying for five open seats on the Whitehall-Coplay School Board in the upcoming Nov. 7 election. Candidates said fiscal responsibility, transparency and curriculum were key issues.

Pennsylvania voters have until 5 p.m. on Halloween to request a mail-in ballot for the Nov. 7 election.

PennEnvironment on Monday released a new report, “Lawn Care Goes Electric," ranking emissions from gas-powered lawn and garden equipment by state and county across the U.S. Here's where Lehigh and Northampton counties ranked.

The U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index was launched on Oct. 2 through a partnership between the Environmental Defense Fund and Texas A&M University. Here's where the Lehigh Valley ranks.

Lehigh County introduced new wide-ranging non-discrimination legislation for housing, education, health care and public accommodations establishing new protected classes not included in state law such as sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, age, weight, citizenship status and marital status. Legislators appeared supportive but indicated there would be likely amendments before passage

Dorney Park will build a sidewalk along Hamilton Boulevard from Haines Mill Road westward to the park entrance. South Whitehall commissioners also voted to pursue a grant that would fund a safety audit of the corridor to see what other improvements could be added.

Candidates have different takes on whether taxes should raised to support capital improvements, expanding kindergarten classes and teacher retention.

It's National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The state Health Department is encouraging parents to get their children tested and educating adults on how to minimize exposure.

Lehigh County introduced a new agreement with the state Transportation Department to get released inmates official state IDs to reduce hardship when reentering society. The county is set to review the legislation for approval at the board's Nov. 8 meeting.

Six candidates are running for four four-year seats in Emmaus Borough Council. Candidates noted fiscal responsibility and managing the plan to fix PFAS contamination in the water as priorities.

Two Republican incumbents, Jacob Roth and Diane Kelly, are teaming up to campaign with township Public Safety Commission member Chris Peischl. Only one Democrat is on the ballot: former commissioner Thomas Johns.