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.

Staff shortages have become more severe.

Harrington took the 1st-place prize of $720,000 in the 3rd Senior Open played in the Lehigh Valley.

States that place restrictions on abortions will prompt women to travel for the procedure, health workers say.

General Manager Kurt Landes says stadium renovation costs have risen from $6M to $9.5M.

The idea is to get young swimmers, under heavy supervision, to get used to the water.

Lehigh County will certify both the 2021 general and the 2022 primary elections on Wednesday.

Hundreds turned out. 'We're all part of a global kaleidoscope,' said a participant.

The cyclists were on their way between the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pa., and New York City.

The Lehigh Valley Fleming Neuroscience Institute will conduct up to 20 clinical trials at a time.

Both Lehigh and Northampton counties are considering changing the color of secrecy envelopes.

Both candidates attended the count in person.

The money will create nearly 450 new affordable housing units.