Lehigh County News

Parkland School District administration officials presented a proposed budget Friday with a property tax rate increase that would take the millage rate from 16.30 mills to 17.07 mills, a 4.75% increase.

PennDOT construction next month is expected to disrupt an average daily traffic volume of 6,488 vehicles. Crews will work to rehabilitate the Kernsville Road Bridge in North Whitehall Twp., from May through August.

Lehigh Valley Health Network and the Lehigh County Chiefs of Police Association are now offering a new program that aims to ease police interaction with special-needs drivers.

Lehigh Valley Planning Commission has started the process of becoming a Vision Zero region to reduce pedestrian fatalities to zero. LVPC officials say recognition could support all municipalities in the region with grant opportunities.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission on Thursday approved a staff review of a Parkland School District proposal for a second floor being added to its new operations center currently under construction.

Fresh off his victory in an uncontested primary, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey visited the Hispanic Center of the Lehigh Valley Tuesday to highlight his efforts and criticize Republican challenger David McCormick.

Various state agencies came together to promote drug take-back day this weekend. People can drop off unused or outdated prescription pills at designated drop-off locations.

Northampton County officials celebrated an issue-free election Wednesday, after voting machine troubles last year. Already, the November general election looms large.

Pennsylvania's third most populous region received a "C" grade from the American Lung Association and ranked fourth-worst in the mid-Atlantic for ozone pollution. But, it's better than last year’s rankings in the annual "State of the Air" report.

A rundown of how all the local races shook out in Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary election — and the races that are now set for the general election in the fall, according to the counties' unofficial election returns.

Bob Brooks, a candidate in the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, is due in Northampton County Court this month over a $162,000 debt owed to his former mother-in-law.

the operator reported unknown engine problems and tried to fly to a local airport in the area, but landed on I-78 eastbound at mile marker 45.6.

Bob Brooks, Ryan Crosswell, Lamont McClure and Carol Obando-Derstine recorded their first debate Wednesday for WFMZ's Business Matters program. They are vying to earn the Democratic nomination for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, one of the country's most contested battlegrounds.

Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi, who faces more than 100 drug-related charges, was in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.

Pennsylvania has struggled for years with a disproportionately high number of fatal fires. It leads the nation again in civilian deaths so far this year, with a 23% jump over the weekend.

Officials are projecting a significant growth in traffic to and around the plant, which could cause strain on local roadways.

A celebration of A.J. Fritz's life will be held from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at Fearless Fire Company No. 14, 1224 N. Front St., Allentown. Admission is a $10 suggested donation at the door, with proceeds going to the Lehigh University student radio station.

PBS39 broadcast a special, hourlong community forum on "housing gridlock," in which record-high prices, a 9,000-unit deficit and high interest rates have frozen the market for the workforce and first-time buyers.

Without enhanced tax credits for the Affordable Care Act, Lehigh Valley residents have seen their Pennie premiums climb more than $300 a month on average.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan announced more than 100 additional criminal charges Wednesday against County Commissioner Zachary Cole-Borghi.

Lengthy criminal complaints contained more than 150 pages of transcripts of messages allegedly sent between Cole-Borghi and cooperating sources for the prosecution. Those messages show negotiations on the price of drugs, including marijuana/THC products and cocaine, as well as arranging for delivery and purchase.

Jessica Ortiz and Paulette Hunter withdrew their objection to state Rep. Ana Tiburcio's candidate petition Tuesday, clearing the way for a Democratic primary battle between Tiburcio and Allentown City Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach.