Northampton County News

Gov. Josh Shapiro made a deal with Senate Republicans to include vouchers in the budget, angering Democrats and unions. He reversed that course of action after facing backlash and has promised to veto them.

Body camera footage caught Phil Racciato identifying Christopher Ferrante to police as the alleged drug supplier who he says routinely provided his son Michael "Mikey" Racciato with illicit drugs.

Carl's Corner has operated for years in Bethlehem and opened a spot in Nazareth two years ago. The owners announced on Facebook on Wednesday that the Carl's Corner delis in both locations are up for sale.

Rohullah Balkhi and his family fled Afghanistan to escape the oppression of Taliban rule. As they await a decision on their application for asylum in their apartment in Bethlehem, they face devastating challenges at every turn.

The annual Kazoo Parade in Nazareth on Saturday celebrated America's military veterans, including Parade Grand Marshal and borough councilman Charles Donello.

Hillside Mini Golf & Ice Cream has reopened under new ownership with a newly restored and redone mini golf course and renovated building

The Good Work Farm in Upper Nazareth Township is the most recent preservation project by the Northampton County government — 250 and counting. Pennsylvania leads the country in preserved farmland.

Catasauqua, East Allen Township, Hanover Township, North Catasauqua and Northampton Borough have spent years crafting a joint development plan on how to best steer development within their borders. Allen Township, though, isn't participating.

The school board is expected to vote on hiring a collection agency to target student overdue lunch bills at its next meeting.

A fire that broke out Friday afternoon damaged 16 apartments and displaced 38 people at The Residences at Willow Ridge in Allen Township.

The voter registration deadline to vote in the Nov. 4 election is Monday, Oct. 20, while the last day to request a mail-in ballot is Tuesday, Oct. 28.

A public hearing for Tax Increment Financing — a tax break for the Dixie Cup plant developers to pump money back into the project — drew substantial support at Northampton County Council even though one of the commissioners characterized it as "a payoff."

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie led the field in political fundraising for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District over the past three months. Democratic candidates Ryan Crosswell and Bob Brooks were not far behind, each raising more than $300,000 over the same time period.

Gov. Josh Shapiro's office says without the federal payments for SNAP — the food stamp program — more than $366 million in monthly benefits could be put on hold starting Nov. 1. The federal government shutdown is in its third week.

Northampton County human services workers will not be furloughed on Oct. 20, but may be furloughed at any time with a week's notice. County Executive Lamont McClure said Thursday he did not think a furlough would be necessary this year.

Applications are open for the second Good Farmer Award U.S. Officials are looking for farmers with less than 10 years of experience who exemplify sustainable farming practices while contributing to community and environmental health.

Easton residents were surprised to see streetlights swapped to LED fixtures last week, and city officials have halted the Met-Ed conversion project to review details before continuing the project.

The anonymous donation will be used to support the teachers and students across the district, officials from the Foundation for the Bethlehem Area School District said.

"Behind Closed Doors: Opening Conversations That Matter" brought panelists to the Northampton County Courthouse to discuss domestic violence and the role the law plays.

Billionaire and civilian astronaut Jared Isaacman discussed the importance of space exploration during an event at Lehigh University on Tuesday night.

Operations at Lehigh Valley International Airport have not suffered from the government shutdown to date, according to Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority officials. However, an increase in air traffic controllers calling out sick during the last shutdown spurred a deal in 2019.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure released a statement Tuesday explaining he would not take a loan to pay the county's bills during the state budget impasse. He urged legislators to adopt a budget and restore the flow of funds.