Northampton County News

Thirteen speakers urged a packed house of Lehigh Valley Democrats in Bethlehem on Monday night to go to the mat for their candidates in state and federal races this November.

The Lehigh Valley has been reshaped by a massive wave of development, both in industrial and residential, that has swept over the region the last three decades. While the development boom may be slowing, the impacts to the region’s economy and the environment are clear. (First of 5 parts)

The court is optimized to offer a brief but effective workout experience if needed. Users can exercise for 45 seconds, follow that with 15 seconds of rest and be through each zone around the seven-minute mark.

The Easton-based attorney is accused of threatening an investigator in his driveway, then emailing threats saying if anyone showed up at his house again "they will not live (to) tell about it.”

The Philadelphia Eagles announced a trade with the Washington Commanders that will bring wide receiver Jahan Dotson to Philadelphia. Dotson is a 2018 Nazareth Area High School graduate who played his college ball at Penn State. He joins fellow local star and PSU alum Saquon Barkley with the Birds.

The crashes were unrelated and both occurred Thursday, according to the coroner's office. Killed were a 17-year-old from Hellertown and a 34-year-old from Forks Township.

New Nazareth Superintendent Isabel Resende will receive a prorated $205,000 salary for the 2024-2025 school year. She has worked for the district for 16 years.

The Nazareth Area School Board voted to promote Assistant Superintendent Isabel Resende to the district's top spot Tuesday evening. Resende will take over after the district approved a separation agreement with Superintendent Richard Kaskey Tuesday.

Joe Kovacs, the 2-time world champion from Bethlehem Catholic High School and Penn State, competed in his third Olympic Games as a member of Team USA in Paris.

Joe Kovacs, a Nazareth-area native and Bethlehem Catholic grad, is competing in his third Olympic Games as a member of Team USA. The shot put finals are Saturday afternoon.

Plans to upgrade the pocket park, at 1030 Bushkill St., include adding educational stations, such as a weather station and a sundial, as well as planting a nano-forest.

Northampton County Executive-elect Tara Zrinski on Monday announced an eight-member committee to help make appointments and set policy for her upcoming administration. Her group of outside advisors could soon grow to more than 90.

Touchstone Theatre's Christmas Follies, the Bach Choir and more: The Lehigh Valley offers a variety of concerts that capture the spirit of Christmastime.

PennDOT has announced a successful construction season across District 5, including millions of dollars invested in Lehigh Valley road improvements.

While the program has expanded into the Lehigh Valley over the past few years, and is growing in popularity, officials said demand has also increased this year as federal programs and initiatives were canceled or paused.

After persistently dry, windy weather last year triggered concerns over the longevity of holiday trees, this year’s crop is shaping up well, Lehigh Valley growers said, with many different varieties available.

Lehigh County Judge Thomas Caffrey said criminal dockets related to an interstate drug ring should have been unsealed weeks ago. LehighValleyLive.com, LehighValleyNews.com and The Morning Call had petitioned the court to release information pertaining to dozens of criminal defendants.

Commonwealth flags will fly at half-staff in Northampton County through Nov. 29 to honor fallen Northampton Fire Department Captain and retired State Police Trooper Michael Booke, who died this month.

Easton has tabled a vote on an immigration resolution expressing the city's support for undocumented immigrants in order to add additional commentary, spurring another debate during Tuesday's meeting.

Marquis Michael Watkins has been sentenced to life without parole in the shooting death of a Bethlehem woman in 2022, according to the Northampton County District Attorney's Office.

After buying the Lafayette Inn in 2023, Lafayette College failed to pay any hotel tax to Northampton County, an audit found. The college owed the county more than $28,000 in back taxes and fees.

St. Nick is making more than a dozen stops across the region this season, joining communities for a season of cheer. Many events are also collecting food and unwrapped toys to support local families in need.