Developer submits new plan for Lower Mount Bethel data center campus with ‘meaningful changes’

It has a significantly reduced footprint, putting it all on the south side of the Martins Creek Belvidere Highway and setting it next to existing power plants around Depues Ferry Road.

Talen Energy Lower Mount Bethel Power Plant is photographed Wednesday, July, 8, 2026, at 6079 Depues Ferry Rd in Lower Mount Bethel Township. (Rich Rolen/Special to The Morning Call)

Authorities say Allentown police officer Robert Rudolph, seen here in his 2018 swearing in, testified while drunk at a recent homicide trial and was charged with DUI. (Harry Fisher / THE MORNING CALL)

Allentown police officer testified drunk at homicide trial, charged with DUI, authorities say

J’s Steaks & Subs has begun a soft opening for its new food truck in the Lehigh Valley. (Ryan Kneller/Morning Call file photo)

J’s Steaks & Subs begins soft opening for new food truck in Lehigh Valley

Mill Creek Road is reduced to one lane Monday, June 22, 2026, in Lowhill Township after PennDOT moved the guardrail along the right side of the highway to the left, blocking traffic, due to dying ash trees falling and taking large parts of the slopes that support the road with them. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

A crucial access point to the Lehigh Valley Zoo is in dire need of repair, officials say. ‘Somebody’s going to get killed there’

A photograph of Jack Pletz, 24, is displayed during a news conference Thursday, May 21, 2026, in Allentown. Pletz is accused of throwing an explosive device outside a Catasauqua polling place during the primary election. (Chris Dornblaser / The Morning Call)

Man charged with throwing explosive near Catasauqua polling place harassed neighbor who testified, police say

Latest Headlines

Lane closures coming to Route 22 in New Jersey. Here are the details

13 hours ago
After recent rain, is Lehigh Valley still in a drought? What the latest map shows

14 hours ago
See which Lehigh Valley schools are most protected against measles — and which ones aren’t

21 hours ago
Man drove over 120 mph during chase on Route 22 in Northampton County, police say

23 hours ago
Pet food manufacturer to open first cold storage warehouse in Lehigh Valley

20 hours ago
Penn State football: Former Nazareth star Peyton Falzone switches positions

19 hours ago
What 2026 election issues matter most to Lehigh Valley voters? Take our survey

3 days ago
Sign up for email newsletters
Sign Up

Local News

U.S. Economy Added Jobs In December At Subdued Rate Compared To Previous Months Growth

Talking Business with Tina Hamilton: The quiet shortage hiding behind AI headlines

The people problem in this country, and right here in the Lehigh Valley, is bigger and more human than a chatbot.

Sports

The first Ed Stinner Legacy awards, which will be presented annually to two Allentown playground instructors, are presented to two hard-working instructors at Tuesday night’s Romper Day festivities. From left to right are Kyle Stinner, Hannah Bundra, Melodie Stinner, James Vernet, Deanna Stinner, Ramie Moussa holding Gabriel Edward Moussa. (Contributed photo / John Hrebik)

Around the Valley: City of Allentown gives out first Ed Stinner playground awards

John Hrebik and his wife, Lori, were also honored by the re-naming of Allentown's playground program in their honor after a combined 84 years of service

Things to Do

Pearly Baker’s Alehouse, on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, in Easton. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)

Lehigh Valley insider’s guide: Where to find late-night eats in the Lehigh Valley

Looking to grab a late-night bite to eat? Check out these Lehigh Valley restaurants that are opened well into the night — or the very early morning, depending on your point of view.

Executive Education Academy Charter School football team practice | PHOTOS

The Executive Education Academy Charter School football team practices on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026.
Allen football practice | PHOTOS
Dieruff football practice | PHOTOS
Emmaus High School’s first day of football practice | PHOTOS
AJR closes out Musikfest 2026 | PHOTOS
Last day of Musikfest 2026 | PHOTOS
Musikfest 2026 on Saturday, Aug. 8 | PHOTOS

Opinion

A ‘thermometer’ serves as a gauge of how much money is earned during a fundraiser. (JOHN RAOUX/ORLANDO SENTINEL)

Opinion: Are Lehigh Valley charities changing outcomes, or just raising lots of money?

Opinion: The generosity of Lehigh Valley residents deserves something more. It deserves proof that the...

Crime and Public Safety

Jury finds ex-Scranton cop guilty on all counts; defendant collapses, taken to hospital

In closing arguments Thursday morning, prosecutors and defense counsel presented the 12 jurors with very...

Best Reviews

Best shaving kits

We’ve been looking at what you’ll want to consider when buying a shaving kit, and...

Business

Pastries at 85C Bakery Cafe on Friday, March 30, 2018, in east Orange. The popular Taiwanese chain, which opened its first U.S. cafe at Irvine’s Diamond Jamboree shopping center in 2008, has grown rapidly in California, Texas and Washington state.
(Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

How 85°C Bakery Cafe is finding success in family neighborhoods

The global powerhouse that originated in Taiwan in 2003 has been busy opening locations in...

Pennsylvania News

Pennsylvania State Capitol building in Harrisburg on July 26, 2023. (Amanda Berg/For Spotlight PA)

Pa. has quietly passed a law undermining a court decision on lucrative mineral rights

The $1B battle over mineral rights is 130 years in the making, and may only...

National News

This undated poster provided by The Michigan State Police (MSP) Seventh District, shows suspect Chad Hickman, who was the suspect in the killing of 5 people and found dead on Friday, Aug.14, 2026. (The Michigan State Police, Seventh District via AP)

Shootings in Michigan leave 5 people plus suspect dead following large-scale search

MISSAUKEE COUNTY, MICH. (AP) — Five people were killed and a suspect is dead Friday...

Allentown

Allentown man known as ‘Los Ten’ sentenced for 2024 fatal hit-and-run crash in Bethlehem

Jose Vladmir Jerez, 25, was charged with homicide by vehicle, accidents involving death or personal...

Bethlehem Area

Zen Cafe will soon open at the former Saxby’s property pictured here Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, in Bethlehem. (Graysen Golter/The Morning Call)

Donerds Donuts owners to open new cafe at former Bethlehem coffee shop

The owners of Donerds Donuts hope to bring their travels around the world to their...

Featured

PROMOTIONS & SPECIALS

Latest Headlines

Most Popular

Allentown police officer testified drunk at homicide trial, charged with DUI, authorities say

Penn State football: Former Nazareth star Peyton Falzone switches positions

Jury finds ex-Scranton cop guilty on all counts; defendant collapses, taken to hospital

J’s Steaks & Subs begins soft opening for new food truck in Lehigh Valley

A crucial access point to the Lehigh Valley Zoo is in dire need of repair, officials say. ‘Somebody’s going to get killed there’

Lehigh Valley winery to close tasting room: ‘Grateful for the experience’

Pet food manufacturer to open first cold storage warehouse in Lehigh Valley

See which Lehigh Valley schools are most protected against measles — and which ones aren’t

Man charged with throwing explosive near Catasauqua polling place harassed neighbor who testified, police say

Man drove over 120 mph during chase on Route 22 in Northampton County, police say

FREE FUN & GAMES

MORNING CALL STORE

Events