County News

Northampton County Council bid farewell to four members Thursday evening, including its first Black president, Kerry Myers.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure announced Monday he approved the county's 2024 budget, leaving in place amendments made by the County Council last week.

In a letter to Gov. Josh Shapiro, state Rep. Milou Mackenzie asked the Department of State to provide Northampton County with instructions on how to avoid more Election Day mistakes with their voting machines.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure on Friday named a human resources department manager as his acting director of administration. She joined the county in May 2022.

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.

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.

Lehigh County's projected loss next year is fueled by bigger spending on insurance and the Office of Children and Youth Services, along with reduced revenues from the county jail.

It might feel early, but some local farms are gearing up to begin their fall festivities. Most pumpkin patches, corn mazes and hay rides open to the public this month. Find out when.

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.

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.