Lehigh County News

Plans for a Taco Bell with a dual drive-thru in Whitehall Township were approved by the township's planning commission on Wednesday night.

EPA officials last week announced the first-ever national drinking water standard regulating per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are widespread, long-lasting in the environment and have been linked to long-term health issues.

More than 22 million American households use the Affordable Connectivity Act to pay for high-speed internet. But with funding running dry and Congress gridlocked, U.S. Rep. Susan Wild and other Democrats are considering an esoteric rule to force a vote.

Jorge Suarez-Santiago, 34, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Jayleen Rivas-Rodriguez, 35, of Allentown, have had warrants issued for their arrest, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan said.

For every Republican voting by mail this April, there are 2.75 Democrats voting by mail, according to state data. Political observers believe it could give Democrats an advantage heading into the November election should the pattern hold.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday for Iron Menace, the Northeast's first-ever "dive" roller coaster that features a 95-degree, 152-foot drop.

Construction of a new Taco Bell was approved by the Whitehall Township Zoning Hearing Board on Tuesday night. The board also approved a zoning variance request, a zoning exemption, and tabled a discussion until May.

Skill games — those machines that look like slot machines in convenience stores and taverns across Pennsylvania — are a potential public safety threat because they deal in cash in places that generally have little or no security procedures in place, according to the state district attorneys association.

Incumbent Rep. Zachary Mako and Slatington Borough Councilman Zachari Halkias are each looking to win the Republican primary and face Democrat Joseph Lenzi in the November general election for a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Susan Wild leads the pack in spending. And along with Republicans Kevin Dellicker, Ryan Mackenzie and Maria Montero, the four have spent more than $660,000 through the first three months of 2024 in their efforts to win Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District seat.

An event featured speakers from the Lehigh County Conservation District, Penn State Extension, and Lehigh County Water Authority to show homeowners how they can best mitigate excessive runoff on their property.

Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley released an audit on Tuesday which is focused on the county's health care expenses. He says he found that taxpayers were paying about $4 million more than necessary.

A local nonprofit in Bethlehem is aiming to collect 8000 boxes to bring holiday cheer to local children this season.

Tommy ultimately delighted in recycling some belongings to others who could use them in 'The Boy Who Never Threw Anything Out."

Plans to renovate an old building used by the Police Athletics League (PAL) are coming to fruition in part thanks to allocation $80,000 from Pa. state funds

A newly released report from the nonprofit Lehigh Valley Justice Institute shows the impact marijuana offenses have on the local court system and the difference in how individuals are charged in Allentown and Bethlehem.

A partnership with Lehigh Valley County Animal Response Team teaches mounted police what to do if their horses get into trouble.

Almost 500 housing units have been proposed at Upper Macungie Planning Commission's meeting, including the controversial Sunset Orchards development.

“The city of Bethlehem is ready to step up and meet the regional need,” Deputy Director of Community Development Sara Satullo said. “It is a major shift from simply meeting the community's fair needs of shelter to a holistic, comprehensive approach.”

Judge Thomas Capehart has sided with the Lehigh County Board of Elections and will permit the county to use election boxes as planned - including allowing the use of a 24-hour drop box - in the upcoming election.

School Board Director Patrick Foose said the school board harrassed him for voting against a new $80,000 scoreboard for the district's swimming pool and was not transparent about the process.

Lehigh Valley shelters for people experiencing homelessness are already getting busy. Management for two of the shelters has noticed an uptick in guests.