Lehigh County News

The swarms are common around bodies of water, making Bethlehem neighborhoods near the Lehigh River more susceptible. While a nuisance, they pose no threat to residents.

State transportation officials on Wednesday held an online public forum to answer questions from residents about their 12-Year Program, a planning and funding tool for state-owned road and bridge projects.

Lehigh County Board of Commissioners propose new legislation that would provide property tax relief for volunteer firefighters.

Excessive road salting during the winter months can negatively impact the environment and local infrastructure. A nonprofit is working to collect salinity data from waterways.

PennEnvironment launched an interactive map of efficient and renewable energy projects across the state. Here are the Lehigh Valley projects included.

Joseph Roy, the superintendent of the Bethlehem Area School District, is being sued in federal court by Liberty High School Assistant Principal Antonio Traca. Roy says he has never struck a district employee. Read the complaint here.

Almost 100 volunteers on Saturday picked up litter at Monocacy Creek. Organizers said there was "lots of camaraderie” and enthusiasm.

An egg hunt was held for visually impaired children this week. The Allentown Fire Department Bomb Squad and Sights for Hope teamed up for the event.

Ruth Santiago, an attorney and environmental activist in Puerto Rico, is returning to the Lehigh Valley this month to speak to students and residents about alternative electrical systems and environmental equity amid climate change.

The commonwealth is getting $265.9 million in federal funding to upgrade its aging water infrastructure. The state has the fourth most lead pipes in the nation, according to a recent EPA survey.

Seven candidates are vying for five open seats on the Whitehall-Coplay School Board in the upcoming Nov. 7 election. Candidates said fiscal responsibility, transparency and curriculum were key issues.

Pennsylvania voters have until 5 p.m. on Halloween to request a mail-in ballot for the Nov. 7 election.

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.