Lehigh County News

With rising rents and limited inventory, the Lehigh Valley housing crunch is making it harder for many people to find affordable apartments or even think about buying a home.

Jessica Ortiz and Paulette Hunter filed an objection to the petition state Rep. Ana Tiburcio's campaign submitted last week in her bid for a full term representing Pennsylvania's 22nd House District.

The full story, to publish Wednesday, will explore why newly available apartments are attracting large numbers of applicants and what that reveals about the balance between housing supply and demand.

PPL Electric said it expects electric demand on its system could triple over the next decade. That growth is being driven largely by expansion of advanced manufacturing, new data centers and other large industrial electricity users.

Thirteen of the Lehigh Valley's seats in the General Assembly look like they'll have a contested November election. State Senate races in Lehigh and Northampton counties will have contested primaries, as well.

“Political affiliation has become a barrier,” Ron Beitler said on this week's "Political Pulse." “It’s become a barrier when you’re talking to someone one-on-one. It’s become a barrier particularly on social media.”

Bob Brooks, Ryan Crosswell, Lamont McClure and Carol Obando-Derstine have filed petitions for the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. The winner is expected to take on Republican incumbent Ryan Mackenzie in the November election.

Gas prices are rising across the country as global tensions push oil markets higher and lawmakers raise concerns about possible price gouging.

Municipalities should work to plan for data centers that can cover millions of square feet and reshape local economies, according to regional officials.

Appearing this week on Lehigh Valley Political Pulse with host Tom Shortell, Carol Obando-Derstine framed her resume as a contrast with other Democratic primary contenders.

Landlords from across the region converged on Valley Youth House’s headquarters in Hanover in order to learn about the Lehigh Valley Regional Homeless Advisory Board’s programs.

Take a look at stories throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

The Emmaus Rotary, a service organization involved in many projects throughout the East Penn area, held their first "night shift" meeting to attract new members and volunteers

A new dental robot in the Lehigh Valley makes getting an implant faster and more precise. A robot referred to as “Yomi” is the first of its kind for oral surgery.

The Saucon Valley School District refused to host Satan Club programming. It was a reversal from an initial decision to allow it. Now it's the subject of a legal fight.

Former educator Mike Millo is running for the Parkland School Board again after withdrawing from the race in 2020. He said his legislative priorities are listening to resident concerns, fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Lehigh County Commissioners are looking to offer up to $150 in property tax rebates to residents who serve in volunteer fire companies.

Lehigh Valley residents might see low-flying planes over Blue Mountain through April 7 as efforts continue to remediate the Palmerton zinc pile superfund site.

Hosheem Johnnyray Klotz, of Macungie, has been arrested and charged with the criminal homicide and aggravated assault of Mastapha Brown.

In addition to the introduction of a bill that would automatically return some unclaimed property, a local representative is holding a session that would help residents to find their unclaimed property.

DeSales University recognized, honored, and thanked Vietnam War veterans and their families during a special ceremony on Wednesday morning. The event was in conjunction with the observance every March 29 of National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Authorities say several schools were targeted, including Allen High School in Allentown and Catasauqua High School. Police and parents rushed to the schools.