Lehigh County News

PennEnvironment on Monday released a new report, “Lawn Care Goes Electric," ranking emissions from gas-powered lawn and garden equipment by state and county across the U.S. Here's where Lehigh and Northampton counties ranked.

The U.S. Climate Vulnerability Index was launched on Oct. 2 through a partnership between the Environmental Defense Fund and Texas A&M University. Here's where the Lehigh Valley ranks.

Lehigh County introduced new wide-ranging non-discrimination legislation for housing, education, health care and public accommodations establishing new protected classes not included in state law such as sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, age, weight, citizenship status and marital status. Legislators appeared supportive but indicated there would be likely amendments before passage

Dorney Park will build a sidewalk along Hamilton Boulevard from Haines Mill Road westward to the park entrance. South Whitehall commissioners also voted to pursue a grant that would fund a safety audit of the corridor to see what other improvements could be added.

Candidates have different takes on whether taxes should raised to support capital improvements, expanding kindergarten classes and teacher retention.

It's National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. The state Health Department is encouraging parents to get their children tested and educating adults on how to minimize exposure.

Lehigh County introduced a new agreement with the state Transportation Department to get released inmates official state IDs to reduce hardship when reentering society. The county is set to review the legislation for approval at the board's Nov. 8 meeting.

Six candidates are running for four four-year seats in Emmaus Borough Council. Candidates noted fiscal responsibility and managing the plan to fix PFAS contamination in the water as priorities.

Two Republican incumbents, Jacob Roth and Diane Kelly, are teaming up to campaign with township Public Safety Commission member Chris Peischl. Only one Democrat is on the ballot: former commissioner Thomas Johns.

The commonwealth’s fifth fall foliage report was released Thursday. Here's the forecast for the coming week in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

Allentown Fire Department officials celebrated their staff's dedication and heroism at the 2024 awards ceremony.

The drop box at the Lehigh County Government Center is at the main entrance and is accessible around the clock. The other four locations are inside buildings and available during regular business hours.

A ballot question will allow Allentown residents to weigh in on whether city council should have the power to raise the deed transfer tax. The city's Home Rule Charter has locked the tax at its current rate for decades.

No hard evidence exists of these creatures of folklore and local legend. However, paranormal investigators said more residents comfortable sharing their stories.

The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Grant Program. Officials said the program addresses lead-based paint hazards in homes but also enhances affordable housing options, revitalizes communities and improves public health outcomes in Pennsylvania.

Halloween festivities begin Oct. 13 with more parades following suit. The earliest trick-or-treat night begins Oct. 18, and most take place on Halloween.

People in Florida are picking up the pieces of their lives as not one but two hurricanes batter the coast in as many weeks. Red Cross volunteers from the Lehigh Valley continue to lend a helping hand.

A lawyer for the mayor and finance director hit back last week in court filings, saying council has no legal standing to sue.

Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio urges, 'Keep a close watch on family and friends' following seven suicides in 11 days.

Lehigh County's budget, which projects a $5 million loss, adds new positions for mental health interventionists. Residents would not see a property tax increase.

State officials this week called on residents to submit nominations for Pennsylvania’s 2025 “Trail of the Year.” In the last 10 years, a Lehigh Valley trail has only been picked once before.

Allentown officials were able to balance the 2025 budget proposal without raising taxes because the city is set to bring in $6.2 million more than projected this year, according to Finance Director Bina Patel.