Lehigh County News

Voters are increasingly breaking with the Republican and Democratic parties. One national poll found a record 45% of Americans consider themselves politically independent.

Democratic voters in Pennsylvania's 16th and 18th Senate districts may have contested races this spring. Meanwhile, Republican Zach Mako is seeking re-election in Pennsylvania's 183rd House District.

In counties such as Lehigh, eviction filings have reached their highest point in years, even as rental vacancy rates have fluctuated. That apparent contradiction — rising vacancy estimates alongside persistent eviction volume — is part of a broader housing dynamic playing out across the region.

The special election will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24, in the 22nd House District, which covers parts of East Allentown, Center City and a part of Salisbury Township. The debate was broadcast live on PBS39 and streamed here at LehighValleyNews.com.

Joining host Tom Shortell on this week's Political Pulse, Ryan Crosswell said his campaign is focused on two priorities: lowering costs for families and defending democratic institutions.

The early LIHEAP crisis numbers already represent a notable share of last winter’s total in the Lehigh Valley, according to data provided by the Department of Human Services.

An extreme cold warning, combined with a wind advisory also in effect, could mean wind chills as low as 20 degrees below zero for the region this weekend.

Appearing on this week's Lehigh Valley Political Pulse with host Tom Shortell, Pinsley framed his campaign around what he described as “bread and butter issues,” arguing that rising costs remain the central concern for voters, and that corporate power is to blame.

Gov. Josh Shapiro's 2026-27 budget proposal falls back on familiar proposals to regulate skill games and legalize marijuana, two flashpoints that fueled a months-long budget impasse last year.

"The IronPigs will be concluding our naming rights partnership with Coca-Cola in September of 2027, as at that time our current agreement will come to its successful completion,” IronPigs President Kurt Landes said at a joint news conference Tuesday.

On Thursday, Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin declared that a city police officer was justified in fatally shooting an armed man during a foot chase last month.

The FCC's equal time rule means Lehigh County commissioner candidates will be entitled to hours of air time on La Mega 101.7 — if they want it.

The FBI said Marc Muffley, 40, of Lansford, Carbon County, left the airport Monday after checking a bag that was to be loaded on an Allegiant flight from Allentown to Sanford, Fla.

Plans for redeveloping the King George Inn property are moving forward, but have faced more issues.

Fifty-seven residents and entities in and around Lower Saucon Township received status this week to join a legal battle against the proposed expansion of the Bethlehem Landfill.

A draft of North Whitehall's Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan was recommended for approval by the planning commission.

A second building is set to join the Home Depot being constructed at 5887 Hamilton Boulevard in Lower Macungie Township.

Joanne Dillman, a former educator and a North Whitehall resident, is running for a seat on the Parkland School Board.

Victor Martinez, owner, president and a morning host on La Mega 101.7 FM, says he will run as a Democrat for one of four at-large seats on the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners.

Upper Milford Township Board of Supervisors Chair and former Lehigh County Comissioner candidate Joyce Moore is seeking reelection for her position on the township's Board of Supervisors

The debate over whether to repair or remove the over 100-year-old dam began in 2014 when Wildlands Conservancy offered to remove it.

An ordinance introduced to the Emmaus Borough Council establishes parking kiosks at a borough controlled lot at 311 Main Street and may make it easier to introduce more in the future.