County News

Northampton County Council introduced a measure Thursday night that its author said would make rules for contractors less discriminatory, and lead to more bids for county contracts.

The severe storms and flash flooding of July 16 overwhelmed parts of the Slate Belt, Forks and Palmer townships and led seven Northampton County municipalities to declare disasters of their own.

Area residents have filed suit regarding the most recent ordinance, while another local borough is keeping watch on the situation. A public hearing is set for Aug. 30 at 9 a.m.

State law gives Northampton County Republicans a little over a week to find a candidate willing to take on Democrat Stephen Baratta in a high-profile race for district attorney.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) has unveiled plans to allocate expired restaurant licenses, marking the 12th auction since Act 39's implementation in August 2016.

Musikfest is “the tip of the spear” for Lehigh Valley’s tourism industry, drawing more than 1 million people to the region, ArtsQuest CEO Kassie Hilgert said.

For those who lost power in their homes due to the tornado that raced through Allentown on Monday, the first thought would be to call PPL. Think again.

National Health Centers Week raises awareness about federally qualified community health centers. Those in the Lehigh Valley are marking the occasion with events.

The former Dixie Cup plant in Wilson Borough is on track to become a new mixed-use development, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure said Thursday. The county may help fund the project.

The update on the damage from the severe flash flooding that struck on July 16 has seen more municipal and residential damage costs.

The FCC's equal time rule means Lehigh County commissioner candidates will be entitled to hours of air time on La Mega 101.7 — if they want it.

Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong credited partners and his administration for maintaining the region's high quality of life.

Stephen Baratta and Terry Houck exchanged more salvos Thursday in a heated race for Northampton County district attorney. Houck said he's considering filing an ethics complaint against the retired judge.

County Executive Lamont McClure announced that the county is conducting a broadband study and will gather public input through a survey.

Kevin Dellicker, a Republican who ran for the Lehigh Valley congressional seat, said federal investigators should look into the improper release of his military records.

As the region diversifies, relations across racial groups are seen as a key element of quality of life. A new survey finds overall ratings as mostly positive, but different age groups rate the state of race relations differently.

Members of the council's Finance Committee criticized County Executive Lamont McClure's handling of the studies they requested last year. He threatened to walk out.

Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved the construction of a 49-unit apartment building and parking garage on West Hamilton Street. The complex would house primary occupants 55-and-older and adults with disabilities. Representatives of the neighboring music school voiced concerns about increased traffic and the safety of students, parents, and staff.

The Lehigh Valley is a desirable place to live. But as more move to the region, the volume of affordable housing is shrinking. A quality-of-life survey shows it's a major concern of those who live here.

The cafe's union is among the nation's first to negotiate with the chain, on account of upcoming renovations.

The decision comes three months after Pinsley lost his state Senate race, running as a Democrat.

A quality-of-life survey commissioned by LehighValleyNews.com found a significant majority of Lehigh Valley residents rate life here positively. But our outlooks differ. It's the most comprehensive survey of life in the region in years.