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.

Some prep time now will make it easier on the household when a family member tests positive.

Cruz is set to endorse U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick in an appearance in Lehigh County.

The legislation would place fewer restrictions on where amusement parks can serve drinks on their property.

Meeko is on a mission to save the planet from single-use plastic.

It's best to plan ahead make an appointment to get a vaccine booster.

To help ease the strain of surging COVID cases, officials are considering letting some inmates go home on work release.

Many of the ceremonies will be restricted and streamed online because of the surge in COVID-19 cases.

More than 5,000 Pennsylvanians died from overdoses last year.

Wintertime and the post-holiday doldrums can contribute to the condition.

Mark Pinsley says it would reduce food waste and provide job training for the incarcerated.

Keeping kids in school is a challenge as wages rise.

Both Allentown and Bethlehem would be split into different Senate districts under the plan.