Lehigh County News

South Whitehall Township Planning Commission reviewed a plan for an Islamic Center along Ridgeview Drive. Members raised concerns about traffic and recommended a study.

The media center replaced the school's old library, which students said they didn't use. The new space has modern books and makerspaces for art and science projects.

Millions of Americans will see their health premiums double if Congress doesn't extend tax credits for the Affordable Care Act beyond Dec. 31. U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, attached his name to last-ditch efforts to preserve the tax credits.

Two North Whitehall Township supervisors on Wednesday rejected a challenge to township zoning rules surrounding at-home auto repair businesses. It's far from the end of a legal fight over whether township resident Gene Weierbach's business should be allowed to operate.

LGNC’s annual autumn Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch ended late last month. The overall count was more than double last year’s total, and records were set for bald eagles and turkey vultures spotted from the lookout.

Community Bike Works in Easton is celebrating the 30th year of its Earn a Bike program. Low-income families from the Lehigh Valley can become eligible to get a bike by signing up online or in person for the 24-hour mentoring program.

Prosecutors finally shared details of the charges with some defendants after three-and-a-half months, but a court order bars them from disclosing any of the information publicly.

The AP said Vance’s remarks will focus on the economy and aim to assure voters that the administration is working to address inflation, according to his office.

“These scammers have well-rehearsed scripts and are readily prepared to convincingly answer any question posed to them," Lehigh County Sheriff Joe Hanna said.

Lehigh Valley residents attended a state Public Utility Commission hearing on Tuesday to oppose a proposed rate increase by PPL Electric Utilities. It would be the first rate increase in almost a decade.

State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-Lehigh/Bucks, has scheduled a telephone town hall at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, to hear concerns over the automated school bus enforcement program.

“Without their continued partnership and assistance, the outcomes of last night’s incidents would have been much different,” Capt. Jonathan Hammel said of mutual aid provided to Allentown Fire Department and city residents.

Subclade K, the new flu variant, emerged after U.S. pharmaceutical companies developed their vaccines for the current flu season.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Lehigh Valley, and 16 other Republicans voted for a Democratic bill to extend tax credits for the Affordable Care Act on Thursday night. Mackenzie called on senators to reject the House version but find a deal to keep the credits and reform the health care system.

A spokesperson for The Giant Company said the supermarket chain is transitioning to store-based fulfillment and discontinuing centralized fulfillment at its Giant Direct centers. The company is closing five centers in Pennsylvania, including one in Coopersburg, by April.

The victim, 29-year-old Rigiberto Hernandez Arias of Allentown, died Nov. 21 after being run over near Emaus Avenue and South Fourth Street in Allentown. An Amazon delivery driver, 30-year-old Troy Johnson, is in Lehigh County Jail on $500,000 bail.

Kirk Chin Jr., 37, of Pottstown, Montgomery County, is charged with misdemeanor charges of recklessly endangering another person and reckless driving.

This week's episode welcomes former Lehigh Valley representatives in the U.S. House. Susan Wild and Charlie Dent join host Tom Shortell to discuss campaigning and the stakes in PA's 7th District.

The 110th PA Farm Show opens this weekend in Harrisburg. While this year's theme is “Growing a Nation,” officials are also spotlighting the crucial role of women in agriculture.

Aiden Gonzalez, of Bethlehem, is the latest Democratic candidate looking to represent Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District.

Taylor Stakes and Lee Christman were sworn in as new board members.

Lehigh County Commissioner Geoff Brace was re-elected as board chairman for a sixth year during the commissioners' reorganization meeting Monday.