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.

Lehigh Valley Health Network warns that the triple threat of COVID, flu, and RSV could overwhelm health systems. Doctors are asking people to take extra precautions to protect themselves and avoid overwhelming hospitals.

Democrat Mark Pinsley conceded to Jarrett Coleman on Wednesday morning, a little more than 12 hours after the polls closed.

The Pennsylvania Health Care Association is asking people to be aware of their health before visiting loved ones in long-term care facilities. It's part of an effort to keep residents COVID free and visitation open through the holiday season.

After months of campaigning, commercials, ads and weeks of early voting, the day to decide has come and gone. We have the winners in our inaugural pet polls.

Republican Milou Mackenzie faced a rematch with Democratic challenger Kevin Branco.

As votes roll in, Siegel atop the race for the empty seat in the 22nd District.

The incumbent Democrat's district changed because of statewide redistricting so that he now will represent the 134th House District

Mayor Matt Tuerk of Allentown joined state representatives Peter Schweyer and Mike Schlossberg in calling for patience as it may take a few days for all votes to be counted following Tuesday's elections.

Schlossberg, a Democrat, has served in the Pennsylvania Legislature since 2012.

Some voters at the polls said this year's election feels different than past years.

Sandy Simon ran and won her position as a poll worker in 1996. She has reported twice a year to prepare for the primary election every spring and the general every first Tuesday after the first Monday every November.

This classroom disguised as a restaurant is an innovative space for students to create gourmet meals