Criminal Justice

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

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

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.

Officer Steidel and his furry partner assisted the city's Emergency Response Team in arresting a Bethlehem man with multiple arrest warrants.

The Lehigh County District Attorney's Office on Monday announced the recovery of more than $115,000 to a Salisbury Township man who was scammed during an online real estate transaction earlier this year.

Lehigh Valley Anti-Trafficking Week, a collective effort to address the issue of human trafficking and give voices to survivors, will have a week of events to raise awareness in the local community.

The settlement includes a controversial confidentiality clause, criticized for discouraging reporting. The complainant, who remains anonymous, alleges Vereb made inappropriate comments during her brief tenure.

The crash occurred Thursday morning on Union Boulevard, at Jerome Street, in Allentown. Police say they are continuing to investigate and will release more information once an arrest is made.

The incident occurred following the conclusion of a funeral service, as community members were departing the premises.

The Lehigh County Coroner's Office said an 85-year-old man was the victim in a hit-and-run on Union Boulevard on Allentown's east side. The man died at the scene.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - COVID-19 cases appear to be dropping in Lehigh Valley jails, but the omicron surge continues to drive new lockdowns for inmates and…

Wolf said part of the solution is to improve job opportunities, increase community resources and fund schools.

Northampton County recently shut down its work-release program; Lehigh County ended its over a year ago.

The 13-year veteran of the Allentown Police Department had been hospitalized since early this year.

To help ease the strain of surging COVID cases, officials are considering letting some inmates go home on work release.

Chief Charles Roca will lead the department with Assistant Chiefs Michael Becker and James Gress.

The American Civil Liberties Union was among the chief opponents of approval.

Mark Pinsley says it would reduce food waste and provide job training for the incarcerated.

Activist groups have called on state police to be more transparent in use of force cases.

The district attorney's office says Nothstein stalked a female acquaintance and her boyfriend.

Police say the "smash and grab" theft could be part of a bigger national trend.

Access to health care is critical for the formerly incarcerated, say advocates and First Lady Wolf.