‘Trying to make the city better’: Lehigh County DA tackles K2 problem in Allentown. Not everyone agrees with his approach

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan says he's trying to solve Allentown's K2 problem by putting users in jail, where they can get treatment. Critics say that violates their rights and unfairly targets people struggling with addition.

K2 is photographed Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan’s office. Dozens of people in Allentown have overdosed on K2, which is made to mimic THC, the main high-inducing chemical in marijuana. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

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PennDOT has plans to improve Route 22 in Bethlehem Township at Route 191. (Michael Kubel/The Morning Call)

What is the latest with improvements to Routes 191, 22? PennDOT updates plan

A voting area is seen Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, during the Lehigh County voter registration office’s first open house, at the government center in Allentown. The open house gave the public a look at where mail-in ballots are opened, processed and counted and the tabulation equipment used during elections, and learn more about how the equipment operates and how the election process comes together. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Election 2026: In Pa. 187th, longtime incumbent faces challenger calling for new voice

What to know about on-demand mail ballots, and where to drop off your ballots.(MediaNews Group)

What to know about on-demand mail ballots, and where to drop off your ballots in the Lehigh Valley

Slate Belt Holdings, a partnership between Talen Energy and River Pointe Logistics, included this map as part of its preliminary land development plan submitted to Upper Mount Bethel Township on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. This is an alternate layout design for the proposed hyperscale data center campus that includes fewer, smaller buildings. (Slate Belt Holdings)

Here’s how a Lehigh Valley town could get $50 million if it approves updated data center plans

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Sports

Bangor sophomore Lincoln Rehrig reached 1,000 passing yards for the second year in a row. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Lehigh Valley football: Four hit milestones in Colonial, Schuylkill season stat leaders

Lehigh Valley football: Four reach milestones in Colonial, Schuylkill season stat leaders entering Week 8. Also, Jim Thorpe's Dominic Kiehl has a big week to take over lead in tackles for loss, sacks and fumble recoveries.

Things to Do

Children watch North American otters on Saturday, Oct, 26, 2024, during the Boo at the Zoo event at Lehigh Valley Zoo in North Whitehall Township. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Things to do this weekend in Lehigh Valley: Boo at the Zoo, farm tours, Barktoberfest and a running festival

This weekend's best bets include fun for the entire family — even the four-legged kind.

Data center

What do the Lehigh Valley’s legislative candidates think about data centers? We asked them

The Morning Call asked candidates running for state House or state Senate in the Lehigh Valley to summarize their position on data centers.

Spirit of Children’s annual Spooktacular Halloween Party | PHOTOS

Spirit of Children’s annual Spooktacular Halloween Party for patients and families at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital.
Isaias remnants bring Lehigh Valley drenching rain | PHOTOS
Allentown rowhome fire aftermath | PHOTOS
Students build guitars at Northampton Community College’s Fowler Campus | PHOTOS
District 11 girls tennis singles championships | PHOTOS
Octoberfest at SteelStacks in Bethlehem | PHOTOS
Kirkland Village residents welcome new art of historic Bethlehem | PHOTOS

Opinion

This photo provided by the Tennessee Department of Correction shows Christa Pike on Jan. 12, 2023. (TDOC via AP)

Letters to the Editor: Capital punishment doesn’t have to be inhumane

Letter to the Editor: Capital punishment protocol should not vary by state. A singular, federally...

Local News

Police say man, 62, grabbed steering wheel, caused Northampton County truck crash

The driver was injured in the crash in Bethlehem Township, police said.

Crime and Public Safety

Hanover Elementary School exterior shot June 8, 2019. (Kristen Harrison/The Morning Call)

Man, 71, dead after crash in Bethlehem, police say

The circumstances that led to the vehicle crashing into the tree are under investigation, police...

Best Reviews

Best marble run toys for hands-on STEM learning

Discover the best marble runs for engaging, hands-on play that encourages creativity, engineering skills and...

Business

A Coherent manufacturing facility in Sherman, Texas.

Wholesale inflation jumped last month by most in four years as gas prices soared

Stubbornly rising prices remain an economic challenge for consumers.

Pennsylvania News

Students wait in line to vote Nov. 5, 2024, outside Kirby Sports Complex in Easton, Northampton County, Pennsylvania. (Matt Smith / For Spotlight PA)

Pa. election 2026: Everything college students need to know about voting

When it comes to voting, college students in Pennsylvania have multiple options. Here’s what you...

National News

‘Changed the course of people’s lives’: Book is first comprehensive list of Japanese imprisoned in WWII internment camps

Its three-day stop in the Twin Cities was presented in conjunction with the Minnesota Historical...

Allentown

Allentown rowhome fire aftermath | PHOTOS

See the aftermath of a fire that tore through multiple rowhomes in Allentown early Saturday...

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