Northampton County News

State Rep. Joe Emrick won Pennsylvania's 137th House District in his battle against Democratic challenger Anna Thomas.

Republican state Rep. Zachary Mako was well on the way to defeating Democrat Joseph Lenzi to win a fifth term representing the 183rd House District.

The Gap Fire, which erupted Saturday near Route 248 in Lehigh Township, has drawn hundreds of firefighters over four days. Crews have gotten the upper hand and are now searching for and extinguishing hotspots, officials said.

Nazareth Borough Council chose to table a potential ban on backyard chickens, ducks, and other fowl so their legal committee could review the matter, after dozens of chicken supporters spoke out during their Nov. 4, 2024 meeting.

Around 10 p.m. Sunday, the evening operation was passed off to DCNR State Wildland Crews, the Lehigh Township Volunteer Fire Co. said on social media. A planned backburn was underway to stop the spread of a fire burning since Saturday.

The fire began early Saturday afternoon near Route 248 in Lehigh Township in Northampton County and burned through the night. Numerous aircraft and heavy equipment joined Sunday to help fight the fire, which was not yet been significantly contained. No injuries were reported.

The race to represent northern Northampton County in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives pits a newcomer to politics against an incumbent Republican seeking her third term in Harrisburg.

A $37.2 million bond is required to fund the ongoing construction of the new school and an administration building at Route 329 and Seemsville Road.

Two Lehigh Valley area houses of worship have been selected to receive state funding meant to bolster their security as announced by state Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton/Lehigh.

Lehigh Valley space enthusiasts connect with experts at the second annual Space Fest, held at Lafayette College

Northampton County Council voted Thursday to take out a $35 million loan to replace the parking garage at the county courthouse. More than a third of the money is earmarked for other projects.

Easton City Councilwoman Taiba Sultana is making a move to codify pro-immigrant policies just after Allentown's council passed a similar measure days ago.

Last year, Northampton County prosecutors argued that Phillipsburg resident Tahir Sutton was released from prison by mistake and should be locked up again. On Wednesday, a county judge ruled that Sutton must report to prison in early April unless an appeals court intercedes.

Just shy of 90 awardees from 45 counties were selected for the commonwealth’s Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. Find out what got funded in the Lehigh Valley.

Palmer Township zoning officials continued their hearing on the former Crayola building at 2025 Edgewood Ave., though due to testimony from experts, the hearing will go on to March at least.

Applications are open for the 2025 Lehigh Valley Greenways Mini Grant Program. Grants are earmarked for conservation efforts in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

A recycling facility at 799 Smith Lane in Northampton Borough caught fire Tuesday morning. The fight to extinguish it could stretch into Wednesday, officials said.

Republicans balked at Gov. Josh Shapiro's $51.4 billion budget proposal Tuesday, saying the spending patterns did not align with Pennsylvania's financial realities. Lawmakers will debate the plan and determine its outcome.

According to a release issued by ICE, Luis Gualdron-Gualdron, “a citizen and national of Venezuela who previously entered the United States without inspection,” was arrested on Jan. 31 without incident near the prison shortly after an immigration detainer was not honored.

The Wilson Area School Board approved the appointment of Amy Austin as the new assistant superintendent. She had been the district's director of curriculum and instruction since 2023 and is a former principal.

Residents can comment on a draft of the 2025-2029 Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, or SCORP, through March 3. There's a public input form, as well as scheduled webinars.

Three former Public Utility Commission chairmen say PPL is changing its tune on utility-owned generation. They say the Allentown-based utility company unnecessarily wants consumers to fund its power generation venture and profits.