Lehigh County News

The U.S. Department of Agriculture updated its plant hardiness map, showing a warmer Lehigh Valley. The region has moved into a warmer zone from the one where it was placed more than a decade ago. Experts say it has consequences for plant seasons and species.

Upper Macungie's Board of Supervisors adopted the 2024 budget on Thursday. The property tax millage rate will stay at 0.64, but the refuse and recycling fee will increase by $30.

The bill will be reworked by the Lehigh County Human Relations Advisory Council and legislators after conflicting amendments prevented it from moving forward

Almost 11,000 birds of prey were counted this year during the Lehigh Gap Nature Center’s annual autumn hawk watch as they made their way along the raptor "superhighway" in the Valley’s backyard.

South Whitehall Township residents will not have to pay more in township taxes next year, but the waste collection fee will soon increase.

Northampton Community College, Lehigh Carbon Community College and 13 other institutions have yet to receive operating funds authorized in the fiscal-year budget lawmakers approved over the summer.

The North Whitehall Township Board of Supervisors approved the implementation of a four-day work week for municipal staff after a ten-month trial period.

Vice President of the board David Kennedy announced his resignation at Wednesday’s meeting. He said he is moving out of the township to be closer to his grandson.

Amtrak officials previously said passenger rail between Allentown and New York City could be restored as soon as 2024. However, a $300,000 study exploring the proposed connection is more than a month overdue.

The Parkland School Board has officially entered its post-election era, but the directors still have one more two-year seat left to fill.

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.

Lehigh County has halted the use of ballot dropboxes as the county awaits a ruling in an ongoing lawsuit over dropbox monitoring and hours of usage.

The new dog food company Spot & Tango held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new manufacturing facility in Upper Macungie Township.

Toddlers take to an Upper Macungie park to celebrate their graduation from the NICU. The party made a comeback after being canceled for the last two years because of the pandemic.

Pro Wrestling Workout aims to get everybody in the ring in a safe and fun way.