Tom Shortell
The Morning Call
Allentown, PA, United States
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Past articles by Tom:
Republican Glenn Eckhart pulls ahead of incumbent Phillips Armstrong in Lehigh County executive race
Lehigh County Executive Phillips Armstrong was leading Republican challenger Glenn Eckhart by about 4 percentage points → Read More
First lady Jill Biden visits Allentown for chat with Latinos, preschoolers
First Lady Jill Biden stopped by the Learning Hub in Allentown Wednesday as part of a two-day trip to Hispanic communities. Biden has made a point of holding charlas, Spanish for chats, with Latinos since the 2020 presidential campaign. → Read More
The pandemic, election integrity and even dinosaurs came up at Thursday’s Lehigh County executive debate. Here are 3 takeaways.
Climate change, dinosaurs and the growing Latino population make up some highlights from the debate between Phillips Armstrong and Glenn Eckhart. → Read More
Northampton County controller remembered as ‘the public servant we say we want’
Tony Bassil died Friday. The Lebanese immigrant became a fixture in Easton before serving as city controller and Northampton County Controller. → Read More
Lehigh Valley airport sees its summer passenger numbers nearly reach pre-pandemic highs
Travel at Lehigh Valley International Airport has almost completely rebounded from the depths of the pandemic. Summer passenger totals in June, July and August missed their 2019 levels by less than 3%, stats show. → Read More
Mail-in ballots, drop boxes near their return to Northampton County
Northampton County officials expect to begin sending mail-in ballots next week. Drop boxes will be available at four locations beginning Oct. 4. → Read More
Lehigh County Sheriff’s Department earns state accreditation, achieving leader’s goal
After a four-year application process, the Lehigh County Sheriff's Department celebrated achieving state accreditation Friday. The accreditation recognizes the department follows widely recognized best practices in law enforcement. → Read More
As officials sift through Tropical Depression Ida’s damage, Lehigh Valley officials urge action on climate change
As the Lehigh Valley sifts through Tropical Depression Ida’s damage, estimated at $1.2 million, local officials and experts are again urging action on climate change. → Read More
Lehigh County couple of 65 years will part with ‘piece of American history’ at auction next month
Donald and Miriam Wehr will be parting with a rare collection of wagons and horse-drawn buggies when they auction their home and belongings in October. → Read More
Trump-supporting GOP candidate in Northampton County says he’ll bring ‘strong men’ to confront pro-mask school board
Northampton County executive candidate Steve Lynch told a crowd he would bring '20 strong men' to a school board meeting to confront pro-mask school board members. → Read More
Lehigh County executive unveiled the proposed 2022 budget. Will taxpayers see a hike?
Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong unveiled his proposed $505 million 2022 budget Thursday morning, saying the county could continue providing high quality services without hiking taxes. → Read More
‘This isn’t how the military works’: As Afghanistan falls, Lehigh Valley veterans feel confusion, anger
Lehigh Valley veterans of the war in Afghanistan are left to ponder hard questions about their service as the Taliban takes control of the country. → Read More
Amtrak eyes stops in Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton in updated plan
Amtrak continued it's piecemeal revelation of its plans to extend rail service to the Lehigh Valley. A new map released Wednesday showed potential stops on a possible route between New York City and Allentown could include stops in Easton and Bethlehem. → Read More
Lehigh Valley will see high levels of smog Friday, DEP warns
A smog alert is in effect for southeast PA, including the Lehigh Valley. → Read More
Northampton County brings back mask mandate in county buildings amid surging COVID-19 cases
Visitors to buildings owned by Northampton County will be required to wear a mask beginning Friday. → Read More
Lehigh County opens $10 million round of COVID relief grants for small businesses
Lehigh County is offering a second round of its small business relief grants. → Read More
Musikfest’s comeback year? Festival mounts its return after going virtual last year during pandemic
Musikfest will be one of the first large festivals to take place in the wake of the pandemic. Groups around the country will be watching to see how it fares. → Read More
Maryland man killed in industrial accident at Stockertown cement plant
A Maryland man died in an industrial accident at Hercules Cement in Stockertown Monday. Federal and local authorities are investigating. → Read More
Make it six presidents in a row: Lehigh Valley prepares for Joe Biden’s arrival, tour of Mack Trucks
Today’s the day when President Joe Biden will land in the Lehigh Valley and tour one of the region’s largest, and most recognizable, manufacturers: Mack Trucks. → Read More
After being closed three years, Tilghman Street Bridge opening delayed again. Here’s when it will reopen
Repairs to the Tilghman Street Bridge won't be completed until December, PennDOT officials said Thursday. The state had hoped to wrap up work by Labor Day at the start of the year. → Read More