Tom Shortell
Politics ReporterI cover all things politics for LehighValleyNews.com. As veteran reporter of the region, I previously covered the Slate Belt, Northampton County, Lehigh County and local courts during stints at the area’s two newspapers. I also penned the popular Road Warrior column at The Morning Call, keeping readers up to speed on transportation news. I graduated from St. Bonaventure University and have yet to find a pun I don't like. I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. Contact me at toms@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8209.
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Unofficial results in Northampton County show the incumbents are in control on the Republican primary. Meanwhile, the slate of challengers dominated in the Democratic primary. -
Primary candidates for Northampton County judge, Republican Nancy Aaroe and Democrat Brian Panella, secured their parties' nominations and will face off for the seat in November.
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Gavin Holihan, the uncontested candidate for Lehigh County district attorney, has been endorsed by incumbent Republican Jim Martin and Democratic County Executive Phil Armstrong, among others.
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Local elections rarely get the same level of participation as presidential races, but the outcomes often have greater impacts on voters' quality of life.
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The U.S. Department of Commerce has opened applications for the first round of the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub program. Rep. Susan Wild, author of the program, said the Lehigh Valley is the perfect candidate for the funding.
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Democrats in Lehigh and Northampton counties requested three times more mail-in ballots than their Republican neighbors for next week's primary election.
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PennDOT is replacing the 90-year-old Cementon Bridge thanks in part to $22.5 million in funding from the federal government. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey highlighted the improvements during a visit to Whitehall Township on Tuesday.
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Three of the four incumbents are not seeking re-election to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners this year. That leaves the Democratic primary — and future control of the board — wide open.
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Senior Judge Thomas Munley would not agree Monday to let police officer Johnathan Miklich regain his firearms if he's not cleared to work. Miklich is under investigation after his wife and ex-girlfriend sought protection-from-abuse orders in Northampton County Court.
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Stephen Baratta spent more than $115,000 in his bid for Northampton County district attorney, not including in-kind contributions of nearly $50,000. Incumbent Terry Houck raised nearly $100,000, according to campaign finance reports.
