County News

Local state lawmakers joined members of the Legislative Latino Caucus in Allentown on Monday to celebrate how the new state budget. Specifically, they note the more than $1.1 billion in new funding for school districts, including about $526 million to correct inequities in public education.

Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton have teamed up with Lehigh Valley Health Network to make the Lehigh Valley a Blue Zone. The initiative was launched this week and will take the next few years to earn the certification.

Taxpayers will foot the bill for lawyers on both sides if issues between Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk and council end up in court.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk, Lehigh County Democratic Chair Lori McFarland and political organizer Aidan Levinson said they could rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket. They are among the Lehigh Valley's contingent of delegates heading to the Democratic National Convention in August.

Development has divided wildlife habitats across Pennsylvania, leading to more vehicle-animal collisions. A new report from the state Legislature argues reconnecting the pieces through wildlife corridors would help.

Applications for a seat on the council, launched in 2022 and aimed at growing public participation, are being accepted through the end of the month. Here's how to apply.

Other major goals for both parties fell by the wayside: Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro didn’t get recreational marijuana or a tax on skill games; legislative Democrats didn’t get a minimum wage increase; legislative Republicans didn’t get tax cuts.

While many Lehigh Valley residents were shocked by an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump, it was not exactly surprising in today's divisive, supercharged political climate, they said.

Former U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent hoped the attack on former President Donald Trump would lead to Americans softening the rhetoric that has consumed American election campaigns. A wounded Trump was whisked offstage as one spectator was shot and killed and two others were critically injured. “It’s a sad state of affairs for where our political system is right now,” said one Lehigh Valley lawmaker.

Albeit late, lawmakers passed a $47.6 billion plan for the fiscal year that started July 1, with much focus on education this year.

Northampton County's conservation district will become an independent agency after county officials announced Thursday they're breaking off their agreement with the district.

A Northampton County judge handed down a five- to 10-year sentence for Christopher Ferrante, who was convicted of giving drugs to a former Pen Argyl wrestler shortly before his overdose death.

The Executive Forum of the Lehigh Valley hosted a panel discussion Wednesday morning that explored the region's economic growth and challenges ahead, including workforce development, housing, warehouses and education.

Northampton County Elections Office initiates Ballot-on-Demand voting for the Nov. 7 Municipal Election starting today.

Lehigh County and the state Game Commission in 2007 partnered to open up the North Range for bowhunters to combat overpopulation, deer and invasive plants.

The grant is used to uplift eligible municipalities across Northampton County.

A proposal introduced Thursday night would create an annual $250 property tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS workers in Northampton County.

Nitya and Rudra Thakkar, Cole Hubert and Samuel VanNorman of Saucon Valley High School, along with Harrison Vicic of Moravian Academy will join three different Lower Saucon panels this school year.

Kalynych served within a number of roles in his time as a first responder. Lower Saucon council presented a resolution in his memory, recognizing his accomplishments and family in attendance on Wednesday.

Pennsylvania State Police and the Northampton County District Attorney's Office have scheduled a news conference for 2:30 p.m. Tuesday regarding a double-homicide investigation in North Catasauqua.

Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate last week's double homicide in North Catasauqua. A search warrant filed in district court revealed new details in the investigation.

The Connect Lehigh County program will make police aware of where participating private groups and residents have installed security cameras. Police hope this can help them quickly collect video evidence as they investigate crimes.