County News

The Allentown Fair is back, with all the community’s beloved traditions, including the Allentown Fair Queen Contest and Coronation. Here are the finalists, and what we know about them.

There's often a spike in respiratory viruses and other illnesses as children head back into the classroom. A local infectious disease specialist is urging parents to take preventive measures despite vaccine fatigue.

An eight-year-old girl dealing with a congenital heart condition cut the ribbon at Lehigh Valley Zoo to announce the American Heart Association of Greater Lehigh Valley and Berks County annual Heart Walk in September.

The health of the Lehigh Valley is improving, but there is room to grow according to health experts. They are sharing where residents need to do better and how to get there.

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts conducted a brainstorming seminar in Allentown on Monday to advance a statewide arts and culture plan.

Raising his young children to be good citizens and leaving the door to the 2028 Olympics open just a smidge are among the topics Lehigh Valley native Darian Cruz discussed as he returned from competing in wrestling at the Paris Olympics.

Lehigh County Commissioners in recent meetings discussed the need for action related to a dearth of beds for the county's detained juveniles.

The Historic Hotel Bethlehem has been voted as the USA Today's best historic hotel/resort in America for a record fourth consecutive year.

Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed House Bill 829 and Senate Bill 688 into law. Both expand on the state's unusual and complex liquor laws, including an increase in happy hour and combo meal opportunities.

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.

Northampton County Council voted Thursday to adopt a 2024 budget that keeps property taxes flat.

Northampton Community College, Lehigh Carbon Community College and 13 other institutions have yet to receive operating funds authorized in the fiscal-year budget lawmakers approved over the summer.

The state Department of Environmental Protection's Energy Programs Office will host five public engagement sessions in December, four in-person and one virtual, as officials work to create a priority climate action plan to address the negative effects of climate change.

Mark Pinsley announced Friday, Dec. 1, that he will run for auditor general in 2024. The position oversees financial and performance audits of Pennsylvania state government.

County Executive Lamont McClure reiterated Thursday he will not step down after the county experienced widespread problems with its voting machines on Election Day. Despite the problems, the county's Election Commission certified the results last week.

County Executive Lamont McClure on Friday accepted the resignation of Charles Dertinger, his director of administration and a longtime political ally. As director of administration, Dertinger oversaw the county elections division, which came under scrutiny in the wake of widespread voting machine problems in the Nov. 7 election.

The Northampton County Republican Committee's legal team is in discussions with the Pennsylvania Republican Committee's legal team on how to proceed toward decertifying the county's election machines.

Rep. Susan Wild served as the ranking Democrat overseeing the congressional investigation of scandal-plagued Rep. George Santos. She said she was repeatedly shocked by his flagrant disregard of ethics.

The state Public Utility Commission announced a proposed settlement that also requires the Allentown-based utility company to absorb about $16 million in costs associated with corrective actions. It still requires approval by PUC commissioners.

In an effort to ensure drivers in the Lehigh Valley abide by speed limits and remain mindful of not being distracted, Pennsylvania State Police plan to step up enforcement from Wednesday through Sunday in this Thanksgiving holiday period.

By a 4-1 vote, the Northampton County Election Commission certified the Nov. 7 election results, despite widespread problems with its voting machines.

Lehigh Valley Zoo will welcome red pandas in 2024 as part of its effort to introduce new species to the zoo.