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.

Atty. Brian Panella pushed back on claims by Atty. Nancy Aaroe, his opponent in the race for Northampton County Court of Common Pleas, that he lacks trial experience.

Community space, a recreation center and affordable housing are some suggestions for how to redevelop the old Dixie cup building in Wilson Borough, just outside Easton.

County Executive Lamont McClure previously said he intended to pursue a no-bid contract with New Jersey-based Integrity Health.

Attorney Nancy Aaroe repeatedly noted her many years of trial experience make her a better candidate than Brian Panella in the race for Northampton County Court of Common Pleas.

Lehigh County will be funding free walk-in mental health services administered by KidsPeace.

Denise Snyder founded St. Luke’s Nurses Honor Guard for those dedicated to the profession.

The program focuses on the risks of overdose from fentanyl-laced pills and other drugs. It's the county’s first funded with money from a settlement with opioid manufacturers and retailers.

North Whitehall residents want to reduce commercial and warehouse development, keep taxes low and preserve the rural character of the township. But is that what the future will hold?

Lehigh County has laid out a budget plan for the $17.5 million received through lawsuits with opioid manufacturers

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's comprehensive planning committee gave preliminary approval for a warehouse development in Upper Saucon Township and a recycling plant in Plainfield Township.

The new unit will allow law enforcement from municipal, state and county agencies to pool resources for particularly complex cases.

Residents at an open house for South Whitehall Township's draft comprehensive plan said they worried about industrial development and traffic.