Lehigh County News

The body of an unidentified man was discovered Monday in the water of an underground quarry, the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office said.

LehighValleyNews.com’s top stories of 2024 reflect a mix of community concerns, business developments, and breaking news. The stories were selected based on those that were most popular, drawing the most readers this year.

Ditch the Chinese food and the sweatpants: Here are some fun ideas to help you and yours ring in the New Year in the Lehigh Valley.

Allentown School District's director of child nutrition services has added more culturally diverse options to school lunch menus. Students have noticed the changes, and they're happy about it.

Lifelong resident Edward Tomcics, 75, died when he was struck by a car outside his home on Water Street on Christmas Night. Neighbors say they've complained about speeding cars for years — and the problems have only gotten worse.

From memoirs to thrillers to historic novellas, find a title that inspires among the BAPL annual list.

Donations for 30 residents displaced can be made online or via mail (checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown 18109 — attention “Cedar Street Fire Fund”).

The body of a 34-year-old Emmaus man was found partially submerged in Allentown’s Jordan Creek, according to the Lehigh County Coroner's Office.

The grant will pay for new speed humps and high-visibility crosswalks, repainted roads, and other “traffic-calming” methods, according to officials.

Fountain Hill police and the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office charged two men with breaking into the Fountain Hill Pharmacy and opening fire on police, which led to a standoff and lockdown on Christmas Eve.

Allentown's 111th annual Romper Day celebration was held at J. Birney Crum Stadium on Monday night. About 400 students who participated in the summer playground program exhibited skills including dance and calisthenics.

Lehigh Country Controller Mark Pinsley criticized President Donald Trump and U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie for gutting the social safety net and Democratic leaders for failing to offer effective resistance.

The first weekend of August was a deadly one for motorcyclists in the Lehigh Valley, with three fatal crashes reported in Northampton and Lehigh counties.

Tenants at Oak Hollow Apartments in Bethlehem say significant rent increases are forcing them to look elsewhere for housing. The increases reflect market rates, according to the complex's owner. A housing advocate says renters throughout the Lehigh Valley are experiencing similar situations as housing costs rise and inventory stays low.

The tract, spread across Penn Forest and Kidder townships, includes Mud Run, a key tributary of the Lehigh River. It was purchased through a $1 million grant from the Open Space Institute.

One of Easton's favorite cultural festivals, Lebanese Heritage Day returns to the city this weekend, featuring plenty of music, culture, and, of course, food.

Developer Nat Hyman is suing the city over a homeless encampment in Jordan Meadows that he alleges is hurting his neighboring properties.

On Thursday, Lehigh Valley Zoo broke ground on a $10 million multi-phase project, with initial work on a new barn area and accessible playground set to be finished in the fall.

Mark Pinsley is the fourth Democrat to challenge Republican incumbent Ryan Mackenzie in the Lehigh Valley's battleground district in the 2026 midterm.

Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio said toxicology testing showed a significant level of illicit controlled substances in Timothy Vanbilliard’s system, including methamphetamine, when he died May 11, 2025.

The Lehigh Valley has a history of flooding, and climate change could be increasing the risk. With federal funding cut or on the chopping block, officials warn the Valley could be left unprepared.

The unanimous vote to support the years-in-the-making plan came at the very beginning of a special meeting of the EAC dedicated to a mid-year goal review. The group also discussed progress on this year's goals.