County News

Voters are casting ballots in several races at the county and local levels in Tuesday's general election. School board seats and statewide judicial posts also are up for grabs. Check out our rundown and last-minute checklist to get up to speed.

As Democrat Brian Panella and Republican Nancy Aaroe wage a rematch of their primary race for Northampton Co. Court of Common Pleas judge, both candidates say they are the more experienced one.

Lehigh County introduced new wide-ranging non-discrimination legislation for housing, education, health care and public accommodations establishing new protected classes not included in state law such as sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, age, weight, citizenship status and marital status. Legislators appeared supportive but indicated there would be likely amendments before passage

Lehigh County introduced a new agreement with the state Transportation Department to get released inmates official state IDs to reduce hardship when reentering society. The county is set to review the legislation for approval at the board's Nov. 8 meeting.

The officials announced a statewide drought watch this July. Here are the latest updates for Lehigh, Northampton and more.

More than a half-hour of passionate pleas didn't slow down Lehigh County commissioners as they signed off on Heather Reed's promotion to lead the Child and Youth Services department, which is mired in controversy.

The monthly report from the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors shows home sales down 32 percent in September from September 2022. Low inventory and higher mortgage rates are to blame, officials say.

Three ballot questions before Northampton County voters in November would place new caps on how many consecutive terms most county officials can serve.

Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong proposed his $520 million spending plan in August, and commissioners appear ready to approve it without major changes.

An incorrect set of instructions was included with mail-in and absentee ballots mailed to Lehigh County voters on Oct. 9. The error with the first ballot mailing has been corrected for subsequent mailings.

Prosecutors presented data pulled from the cell phones of former state champion Pen Argyl wrestler Michael Racciato and defendant Christopher Ferrante, who stands accused of providing the fentanyl that led to Racciato's death in a Lower Nazareth Township parking lot.

Firefighters, friends and family gathered Wednesday to pay respects to longtime Allentown firefighter Chris Kiskeravage.

Michael "Mikey" Racciato's father recounted the events leading up to his son's death in December 2020, including multiple overdoses, visits to rehab facilities and eventually discovering his son dead from a fentanyl overdose.

The money will go to police, fire and emergency medical services organizations.

The AI model uses county Department of Human Services records to predict which kids will be removed from their families within one year. A similar system drew a federal investigation.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure previously vetoed three measures that could create term limits for most county officials. On Thursday, county council overrode all three.

Richard "Bucky" Szulborski served three terms as a Bethlehem councilman and twice filled in as Northampton County controller. Friends and colleagues in Bethlehem and at the county government center in Easton on Friday mourned his passing.

Committees overseeing community development in Bethlehem Township have been busy this week, sending one plan to commissioners and looking for more on another.

The Good Work Farm in Upper Nazareth Township is the most recent preservation project by the Northampton County government — 250 and counting. Pennsylvania leads the country in preserved farmland.

A fire that broke out Friday afternoon damaged 16 apartments and displaced 38 people at The Residences at Willow Ridge in Allen Township.

The Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors reported home sales dropped 22% in May — normally a busy season. Increased interest rates and tight inventory in Lehigh and Northampton counties were driving the figures, according to GLVR.

Prosecutors confirmed Johnathan Miklich, a Moore Township police officer, remains suspended from duty. His wife and ex-girlfriend previously accused him of harassment and assault.