Lehigh County News

With an unusually politicized Supreme Court retention question on the ballot Tuesday, Lehigh Valley voters overwhelmingly backed Democratic candidates.

Brenda Rodriguez, 52, of Palmerton, is the final of three defendants to be sentenced in the Dec. 7, 2024, shooting death of her husband, Hector Garcia Gomez, in the parking lot of Loco Hot Deals, 1155 MacArthur Road.

Mackenzie, along with officials from Wildlands Conservancy, the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, on Wednesday morning hiked a portion of the property, lauding the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund that helped preserve it.

These are the complete but unofficial election returns reported by Lehigh County for the Nov. 4, 2025, general election.

Democrat Sarah Fevig may have spent a record amount for a single county commissioner candidate in her campaign. Meanwhile, Zach Cole-Borghi handily defeated his opponent despite the specter of criminal charges.

There were several contested school board races in Lehigh and Northampton counties for Tuesday's general election. Here are the unofficial returns as reported by the counties.

Mark Stanziola defeated prosecutor Patricia Mulqueen in the race for Lehigh County judge. The judgeship is a new one approved by state lawmakers and brings to 11 the number of Common Pleas Court judges in Lehigh County.

Democrat Jeremy Clark won election over Republican James Fuller to become Northampton County judge, according to unofficial Northampton County election returns. Clark will fill the seat being opened by the retirement of longtime Judge Anthony Beltrami.

People came to the polls mindful of the state Supreme Court retention vote — and with a wide variety of issues on their minds, from the federal government shutdown to abortion policy and access to health care.

Donations can be dropped off at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Non-perishable food, toiletries and other items are being accepted.

The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Grant Program. Officials said the program addresses lead-based paint hazards in homes but also enhances affordable housing options, revitalizes communities and improves public health outcomes in Pennsylvania.

Halloween festivities begin Oct. 13 with more parades following suit. The earliest trick-or-treat night begins Oct. 18, and most take place on Halloween.

People in Florida are picking up the pieces of their lives as not one but two hurricanes batter the coast in as many weeks. Red Cross volunteers from the Lehigh Valley continue to lend a helping hand.

A lawyer for the mayor and finance director hit back last week in court filings, saying council has no legal standing to sue.

Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio urges, 'Keep a close watch on family and friends' following seven suicides in 11 days.

Lehigh County's budget, which projects a $5 million loss, adds new positions for mental health interventionists. Residents would not see a property tax increase.

State officials this week called on residents to submit nominations for Pennsylvania’s 2025 “Trail of the Year.” In the last 10 years, a Lehigh Valley trail has only been picked once before.

Allentown officials were able to balance the 2025 budget proposal without raising taxes because the city is set to bring in $6.2 million more than projected this year, according to Finance Director Bina Patel.

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild leads state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie by six points, according to a Muhlenberg College/Morning Call poll released Thursday. However, the results are still within the margin of error for the toss-up district.

Lessons in hands-on healthy eating — and growing food locally — are in the near future of some younger students in Lehigh County.

U.S. Rep. Susan Wild hosted U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., for a tour of Center City Allentown on Wednesday. The local Latino community is growing up and could decide the course of the United States' political future, the pair said.

The Pennsylvania Senate passed a resolution Tuesday giving Revenue Secretary Pat Browne three days to come before the body and explain why he hasn't turned over records regarding the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone.