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.

Donald Trump held a campaign rally before a packed house at the PPL Center in Allentown — a city with a large Puerto Rican population. He said he had done more for Puerto Ricans than any president in American history.

Former President Donald Trump holds a campaign rally at the PPL Cener in downtown Allentown

A Lehigh County judge granted a motion by the Lehigh County Board of Elections to extend in-person voting at the elections office at the Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown until 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The Lehigh County Authority approved its 2025 budget on Monday, highlighting numerous projects for next year, along with rate increases for water and sewer services.

Local, state and federal law enforcement will boost their presence around Center City Allentown ahead of former President Donald Trump's campaign rally at the PPL Center on Tuesday evening. Some street closures begin Monday night.

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe drew condemnations from across the political spectrum after he made racist jokes at former President Donald Trump's Madison Square Garden rally Sunday. The remarks came two days before Trump's event at the PPL Center in Allentown, which is one of the largest Puerto Rican enclaves in the country.

Free screenings, flu shots and training will be available in early November. Cetronia Ambulance Corps will hold its third annual health and wellness expo.

Lehigh and Northampton counties and surrounding areas ripe for easy-starting potential fire situations.

Salisbury Township native Tim Mayza has overcome injury and being released to earning a spot on the New York Yankees' World Series roster.

The Minnesota governor and Democratic vice presidential candidate met with voters at El Tipico Restaurant in Allentown. It's his second visit to the region in five weeks and comes just 11 days before Election Day.

A warehouse developer sidestepped Lowhill Township and went directly to the DEP to have the agency force the township to amend its sewage facilities plan.

Hundreds were evacuated but no serious injuries were reported in the fire at Independence Square Apartments, 1 Maryland Circle, near the Lehigh Valley Mall.