County News

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.

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.

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.

Lehigh County commissioners began reviewing the $520 million budget proposed for 2024. It anticipates the hiring of new positions and wage increases for nonunion employees, but no new property taxes.

Travelers departing from Lehigh Valley International Airport will have to use the arrivals lane upon entering the property because of a repaving project.

Former Allentown City Councilman Josh Siegel, now a state representative, accepted two tickets from the Lehigh Valley IronPigs to see the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Houston Astros at last fall's World Series. The gift may have violated the city's Code of Ethics.

The Great Allentown Fair crowned its queen on opening night Wednesday, Aug. 30. Kamryn Fink, of Germansville, succeeded 2022 fair queen Allison Emanuel, of Laurys Station.