Lehigh County News

Tuesday served as a preview of the political campaigns to come as candidates filed paperwork to appear on the April primary ballot. Voters will decide races for president, Congress and the General Assembly among others this year.

Whitehall Township commissioners selected new member Rob Piligian after several votes during a meeting Monday night, just shy of the deadline to do so.

A change.org petition opposing the new mascot chosen by the Whitehall-Coplay School District has attracted more than 1,200 signatures. The mascot, named Big Z, is so named in honor of the school name Zephyr, which was also a train that once ran through Whitehall Township.

Candidates for president, Congress, the General Assembly and Pennsylvania's row offices must file their petitions with the state by Tuesday. Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley could be a critical swing region at both the national and state levels.

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.

With an inconclusive prediction, Sunday's Super Bowl is up in the air — according to the Lehigh Valley Zoo's otters. The zoo in Lehigh County hosted its Otter Bowl XIII, which drew hundreds of spectators Saturday.

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.

Allen Issa, a former congressional aide and Penn State Law student, endorsed Maria Montero for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District race.

South Whitehall planners Thursday reviewed a plan for a new medical office for Aesthetic Surgery Associates. The practice would relocate to the new building from its current location at 250 Cetronia Road.

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

Former employees joined officials Friday to unveil a new historic marker that pays tribute to the old Allentown State Hospital.

The annual scholastic competition combines classroom learning and outdoor activities to engage students in environmental science. The state competition is scheduled for May 22 in Mifflinburg.

An Upper Macungie man has been arrested on charges of illegal possession of drugs and weapons, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, firearms, and explosive devices Wednesday morning.

A 29-year-old former Parkland student, who lived in a home owned by district performing arts director Frank Anonia, was sentenced to county prison last month on a charge of possessing child pornography.

In honor of 20-year KidsPeace family consultant who dedicated her life to helping children in need, organization opens campaign 'closet' for hygiene and other desired items.

Lower Macungie is introducing an opportunity for the community to highlight who they consider to be local heroes. The program, for $150, will highlight residents who fall into the following categories: active duty, retired, honorably discharged, or deceased U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy or Coast Guard member.

PennDOT intends to begin a $91.6 million reconstruction project on the Route 309-Tilghman Street interchange later this year. The interchange saw more than 200 crashes between 2018 and 2022, according to PennDOT crash data.

The 36 individuals who lost their homes after a three-alarm fire on in Allentown on Tuesday are being offered shelter and assistance at the Allentown YMCA by the American Red Cross.

The Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting residents displaced by a multi-alarm fire in Allentown.

An agreement between "car-sharing" company Turo and the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority won final authority approval Tuesday.

The Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority granted permission to their development partner Tuesday to secure financing for a planned airport hotel.

It's time for PPL Electric Utilities' annual summer rate drop. Customers who don't shop their electricity supply will see a price decrease in their rates beginning June.