Lehigh County News

The African penguin colony, off exhibit since early January because of bird flu, is back at the Lehigh Valley Zoo.

PennDOT officials say complaints about roadside trash peak in early spring when snow melts, revealing months of litter build-up. State officials estimate there are 500 million pieces of rubbish on Pennsylvania roads — about a third of which are cigarette butts.

Lehigh Valley Public Media comprises LehighValleyNews.com, PBS39 and 91.3 WLVR. Debates to be held in advance of the May 20 primary election include Allentown mayor, Bethlehem mayor, Northampton County executive and Lehigh County executive.

The U.S. Center for SafeSport knew a former police officer was the subject of an internal investigation at his former job but hired him anyway, according to details released this week by Sen. Chuck Grassley, who is looking into the matter.

The Downtown Allentown Market "did not meet our long-term expectations," a City Center executive said.

Mack Trucks will display a 100-year-old Mack AB model tractor manufactured in Allentown at the 125th New York International Auto Show April 18-27.

'A Community Conversation: The Road Ahead' will feature several guests discussing Lehigh Valley traffic and transportation issues. It will start at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Univest Public Media Center in Bethlehem.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection last week launched the Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction grant program. Aimed at schools and childcare facilities, the program is focused on testing for, and remediating, lead in drinking water.

Lehigh Valley business experts said it's too soon to determine how President Donald Trump's across-the-board tariffs of 10% or more will affect the economy but acknowledged that stakes are high.

Miller-Keystone Blood Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to introduce its newest bloodmobile, Bloodhound I — among four new vehicles planned to be put into service over the next year.

Data released by the Pennsylvania State Department Wednesday shows Democrats made up more than 72% of mail-in ballot requests this November. Despite efforts by the RNC and local Republicans to promote mail-in voting, that's actually worse than the divide in 2022.

Lehigh County commissioners will likely delay their investigation into potential reforms to the county’s Office of Children and Youth Services. The delay comes after the Greater Lehigh Valley Parents’ Medical Rights Group appeared to take steps toward litigation.

In an audit, Controller Mark Pinsley alleged Lehigh Valley Health Network may be over-diagnosing cases of medical child abuse. The attorney selected to pursue a lawsuit over the matter donated $50,000 to Pinsley's political action committee in October.

South Whitehall Township's proposed 2024 budget does not include a real estate tax increase or an increase of water and sewer fees.

Community Action Lehigh Valley met on Wednesday for its Annual Meeting, highlighting some potential moves to handle a lack of affordable housing in the area.

Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley filed a defamation lawsuit Wednesday against the Lehigh County Republican Committee.

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