Lehigh County News

The North Whitehall Township Planning Commission voted Tuesday to recommend waiving the land development approval process for a proposed new barn at the Lehigh Valley Zoo.

Impaired driving is among the most persistent threats to road safety in the Lehigh Valley, according to two of the region's chief prosecutors. Lehigh County recorded about 1,750 impaired-driving cases in 2024, up almost 42% over the past five years.

Courts weigh the benefits of punishing drivers for their actions and helping them recover from underlying issues that may have led them to drive impaired, according to the region's chief prosecutors.

Lehigh County Judge Melissa Pavlack on Monday ruled that Whitehall Township Commissioner Thomas Slonaker did not file a statement of financial interest with the township prior to the March 11 filing deadline, rendering his ballot for treasurer/tax collector invalid.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission’s Environment Committee on Tuesday reviewed plans to update sewage infrastructure in two municipalities.

National politics often makes headlines, but former Bethlehem mayor Bob Donchez says municipal government impacts its residents more. This week on Political Pulse, host Tom Shortell dives into what goes on inside local government with Donchez.

Lehigh Gap Nature Center from Feb. 14-16 held its annual Lehigh Gap Area Feeder Watch. The long-term research project focuses on monitoring winter bird populations.

Increased stress due to everyday life, like politics or the economy, coupled with habitual, risky behaviors distracting the driver from the road, can create a slippery slope, ripe for crashes, experts said. Plus, those risky behaviors are far more common than the average driver would think.

Organizations such as colleges, local governments and non-profits are encouraged to apply for funding under Congress's Community Project Funding program. The Lehigh Valley has secured tens of millions in funding through federal discretionary spending in recent years.

The Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital on Monday received a check in the amount of $114,676 from Spirit Halloween, a national costume retailer, for its Child Life Program. The amount increased the retailer's donation to the program over $1 million since 2012.

Parkland School Board member Jarrett Coleman maintained a razor-thin edge over the veteran lawmaker.

The six-way race included three Democrats and three Republicans.

The Allentown City Council member will face Republican Robert E. Smith Jr. in November's general election.

Mackenzie, who has served in the House since 2012, is all but assured another 2-year term.

The ACLU contends 257 unsigned ballots from Lehigh County should be counted.

A perfect storm of inflation, housing market issues, and gas prices have created a climate in which people need food.

The seat was created when legislative maps were redrawn earlier this year.

An overwhelming number of mail-in ballot requests statewide and locally come from registered Democrats.

Journalists held a rally at the Allentown Arts Park in protest of what they call wage discrimination.

Acting DOS Secretary Leigh Chapman said her conversation with Lehigh County DA Jim Marting was 'brief' and 'cordial.'

At very least, the remapping has divided the city of Allentown, leaders say.

Acting Secretary of the Commonwealth Leigh Chapman warns the move may have a 'chilling effect' on voters.