Lehigh County News

There are 51 stops on this year’s trail. In its eighth year, the trail is focused on celebrating local creameries across the state while driving business during the summer months.

Legislators worked to establish penalties for xylazine use and trafficking in an attempt to lessen its presence in Pennsylvania's illicit drug supply. Some say doing so made way for a new, unclassified veterinary tranquilizer to take its place — medetomidine.

The tax and spending plan drew praise from Republicans for lowering taxes and funding border security, but Democrats condemned it for slashing Medicaid coverage and raising the deficit.

In a move that Santander Bank said aligns with the financial institution's digital shift nationwide, seven Lehigh Valley branches will be sold to Community Bank. Branches will remain open and employees will be offered continued employment during the transition, which is expected to complete by the end of the year,

South Whitehall Township's board of commissioners voted Wednesday to purchase upgraded radios for first responders in the township through a five-year payment plan provided by Lehigh County.

Nearly a year after the Biden administration designated xylazine as an "emerging threat" to the United States, Gov. Josh Shapiro classified it as a schedule III drug, making unauthorized possession a crime in Pennsylvania. Experts say the move has partly served to clear the way for new illicit substances to enter the drug market.

Allentown's Redevelopment Authority is applying for up to $2.5 million that could be used to rehab 10 single-family homes for low-income residents.

Despite not being approved for human consumption, veterinary tranquilizers are infiltrating the illicit drug supply in Pennsylvania. Harm reduction specialists and health care professionals say these overdoses can't be approached solely with naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug.

Newhard Farms Corn Shed opened Tuesday for sweet corn sales. While it opened a few days later than in recent years, there's expected to be a good supply this season.

The bill would limit the manufacture, sale, distribution and use of firefighting foam containing PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, beginning in 2026.

The most recent Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Long Range Transportation Plan lists more than $1.2 billion for LANTA over the next 25 years for fleet expansion and expenses. Changes already are underway

Hamas has claimed responsibility for intense fighting and a barrage of missiles that rocked Israel Saturday. The attacks drew condemnations and concern for civilians caught in the crossfire.

Becky Bradley, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, was one of three speakers in a Friday morning webinar focused on local climate action planning.

The Suicide Prevention Coalition of Lehigh County is starting its LOSS Team, which will serve as first responders to assist families caught in the immediate aftermath of a suicide.

The Bethlehem NAACP hosted candidates for Bethlehem City Council, Bethlehem Area School District and Northampton County judge on Thursday evening.

Bethlehem is earmarked to get a $500,000 infusion from the state to close the gap in the South Bethlehem Greenway. It's one of eight projects in the Lehigh Valley being funded.

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center is holding its first annual Ghouls & Glitter Pride Night at Dorney Park.

The Executive Forum of the Lehigh Valley hosted a panel discussion Wednesday morning that explored the region's economic growth and challenges ahead, including workforce development, housing, warehouses and education.

Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton all have tracts designated as environmental justice areas. Here's what that means, and how residents can help shape state policy.

The proposed budget in North Whitehall Township accounts for a new summer program, farmland preservation and more funds for volunteer fire companies.

In its third year, and hosted by the state’s GreenGov Council and Penn State Sustainability, Commonwealth Sustainability Week features daily, free webinars focused on climate change and sustainability efforts statewide.

The Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners is expected on Monday night to accept the bid of a Harrisburg-based civil engineering firm to conduct an evaluation of two recreation projects.