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.

Buttigieg said the project is a part of a bigger vision of how to modernize and upgrade airports.

Wells Fargo is said to have contributed to politicians who oppose abortion rights.

The market's 'Sweet 16' celebration will pay tribute to the late Linn Walker.

There's been close to 300 cases reported so far this year.

There's room for everybody, one business owner says.

Ice, mist and fruit- or fish-infused 'ice cakes' are being used to cool down inhabitants.

Airport officials weren't surprised by the volume for summer travel.

Cindy Adams Dunn, secretary of the DCNR, dropped a big hint on where they'll be located.

Some residents are concerned about traffic and how tractor trailers could affect their quality of life.

Some on council are having a hard time justifying giving $1.5M for stadium improvements.

Leonard Lightner worked for the city since 2008 and was appointed COO in February.

The median sales price in the area hit $316,000 in June.