Bethlehem

January 2, 2026 at 11:13 a.m.

The fire at Five10 Flats in the 500 block of East Third Street displaced more...

Bethlehem rings in the new year for 2026 with the annual Peeps chick drop as part of PeepsFest. (John Misinco/The Morning Call)

WATCH: Bethlehem rings in 2026 with annual Peeps chick drop

By John Misinco

January 1, 2026 at 4:36 a.m.

Watch: Bethlehem rings in the new year (early) for 2026 with the annual Peeps chick...

The now-closed Bilal’s Breakfast & Sandwiches is pictured Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 at 46 W. North St. in Bethlehem. (Graysen Golter/The Morning Call)

Restaurant that replaced iconic Bethlehem breakfast spot closes after less than a year

December 31, 2025 at 12:17 p.m.

The restaurant that replaced an iconic breakfast and lunch spot in downtown Bethlehem has closed...

The Peeps chick drops to symbolize the arrival of the new year during the first night of PeepsFest on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. Revelers braved freezing cold temperatures and high winds to witness the annual Peeps chick drop, which will be done again Wednesday night. (Rich Rolen/Special to The Morning Call)

Revelers brave cold on first night of PeepsFest in Bethlehem | PHOTOS

By Rich Rolen

December 30, 2025 at 7:43 p.m.

Revelers braved freezing cold Tuesday on the first night of PeepsFest, Bethlehem's family-friendly New Year's...

TekPark is seen Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, on the western edge of Upper Macungie. The property was sold this past fall for $175 million, making it the top commercial real estate deal in the Lehigh Valley for 2025. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

See the Lehigh Valley’s top commercial deals for 2025. They were led by land for a data center

December 30, 2025 at 12:27 p.m.

In 2025, the Lehigh Valley’s biggest commercial deal involved something that could very much be...

LCTI senior Kylie Ackerman takes off painters tape in preparation to paint Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute. Teacher Keith Lyons and LCTI seniors Kylie Ackerman, Aubrie Briody, Solimar Chung and Joney Jones are creating the box to store the 4-foot, 9-inch, 400-pound Peeps chick that gets dropped during ArtsQuest’s annual New Year’s Peepsfest celebration. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

PeepsFest chick to arrive in a fireworks-emblazoned crate created by Lehigh Valley students

December 29, 2025 at 7:01 a.m.

LCTI students designed a new, fireworks-emblazoned crate for the chick that stars in Bethlehem's New...

This undated photo shows Martha Cusimano, former Lehigh Valley resident, standing in front of the US Capitol, where she testified in favor of the Farm Bill, an omnibus federal law that expanded nutrition aid, conservation, rural development and other programs. (Photo Courtesy of Patti Gomas)

Martha Cusimano left her mark on the Lehigh Valley. Her family wants to honor her memory by building a new food pantry

December 25, 2025 at 9:32 a.m.

Martha Cusimano, a former Bethlehem-area resident, raised million for local charities. Her family wants to...

The Hotel Bethlehem will continue its tradition of turning off the “Hotel” part of its rooftop sign on Christmas Eve. (Courtesy of Hotel Bethlehem)

Part of the Hotel Bethlehem sign is going dark again. Here’s why

December 23, 2025 at 7:30 a.m.

On Wednesday night, as part of tradition, the part of the sign that says “Hotel”...

Two Liberty High School graduates have earned a patent for their design that would make baseball helmets, like the one seen here on Liberty's Franklin Pichardo, safer. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)

These Liberty High grads don’t play baseball, but their patented helmet design could make the game safer

December 23, 2025 at 2:46 p.m.

“They're a true example of kids that had an idea and used science and our...

A woman was banned from Wind Creek Bethlehem by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for leaving a child in a car. (Rick Kintzel/The Morning Call)

Woman banned from Wind Creek Bethlehem after leaving a 13-year-old child in a car

December 19, 2025 at 11:09 a.m.

Placement on an involuntary exclusion list prohibits individuals from gaming in a casino in Pennsylvania,...

Bethlehem City Hall, with the Town Hall Rotunda to the right, are shown. (APRIL GAMIZ/Morning Call file photo)

Bethlehem keeps taxes level for 2026, despite efforts at an increase to fund more firefighters

December 17, 2025 at 11:57 a.m.

Bethlehem residents will see no hike in property taxes under a $112 million 2026 budget....

Chinedu Ekuma of Catasauqua pleaded guilty to a scheme that took businesses and individuals for nearly $2 million.

In groundbreaking Pa. case, Lehigh Valley man to serve up to 10 years for using AI to create child porn

By Daniel Patrick Sheehan

December 15, 2025 at 7:04 p.m.

A Bethlehem man will spend at least 28 months in state prison for converting photos...

A man gathers his belongings Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, from a homeless encampment off West Lehigh Street in Bethlehem. Monday was the deadline set by Norfolk Southern, which owns the property, for the encampment to be cleared. At one time home to more than 50 people, only about six were still there before it was cleared. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Bethlehem, Norfolk Southern clear what remains of a homeless encampment near Sand Island Trail

December 15, 2025 at 3:57 p.m.

Bethlehem police, social workers and other first responders helped clear out what remained of a...

Fog surrounds the Hill to Hill bridge after rain Monday, March 24, 2025, in Bethlehem. Norfolk Southern has asked the city to remove a homeless encampment on land it owns under the bridge. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Bethlehem plans to clear out homeless encampment Monday. Here is what that will look like

December 15, 2025 at 12:07 p.m.

Bethlehem and railroad company Norfolk Southern will enforce a Dec. 15 deadline to clear out...

A rendering created by MKSD Architects depicts early design plans for the former Wells Fargo bank building at 52 W. Broad Street in downtown Bethlehem. (Courtesy of City of Bethlehem)

Historic Bethlehem bank building could get 5-story addition with 61 apartments and an ‘experience center’

December 12, 2025 at 6:43 p.m.

The former Wells Fargo bank branch in downtown Bethlehem would get a 5-story addition for...

A Bethlehem firetruck is seen in a file photo. (Addison George/Special to The Morning Call)

Bethlehem votes down proposal to add 4 new firefighters. Union says staffing levels pose danger to community

December 5, 2025 at 2:48 p.m.

After a tense, five-hour meeting, Bethlehem City Council rejected a push to add four firefighters....

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., discusses the government’s role in supporting artificial intelligence and innovation with Lehigh University President Joseph J. Helble on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, during Lehigh University’s Compelling Perspectives program at the school’s Packard Laboratory Room in Bethlehem. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

At Lehigh University, Sen. Dave McCormick says Pennsylvania can lead AI boom: ‘I think our state is uniquely blessed’

December 5, 2025 at 6:37 a.m.

Sen. Dave McCormick was at Lehigh University to discuss artificial intelligence and what it means...

Sen. Dave McCormick talks future of AI in Lehigh University speech | PHOTOS

December 5, 2025 at 5:14 a.m.

Photos: Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick spoke at Lehigh University about the future of AI...

A welding student works on a project in class at Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School. Michael Kubel/The Morning Call

Bethlehem Area is expanding its vo-tech facilities. See what’s in the final design plans

December 4, 2025 at 12:29 p.m.

Design plans presented to the Bethlehem Area School Board Monday night come with a $13.8...

People mingle Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, at the the 2025 Lehigh Valley Awards Gala hosted by Lehigh Valley Planning Commission at Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

The 2025 Lehigh Valley Awards Gala | PHOTOS

December 4, 2025 at 4:35 p.m.

The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission hosted the 2025 Lehigh Valley Awards Gala on Wednesday. See...

Bethlehem Fire Department
(Rich Rolen/Special to The Morning Call)

Fire forces evacuation at Bethlehem pizza pub shortly before NFL kickoff. Update

November 30, 2025 at 4:15 p.m.

Bethlehem firefighters responded Sunday afternoon to a two-alarm blaze at a popular pizza pub on...

Buildings in the Pembroke public housing neighborhood are seen during a tour Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Bethlehem. The city plans to rebuild all of the units and try to transform the neighborhood. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Bethlehem plans to transform this outdated public housing neighborhood into a vibrant community

November 30, 2025 at 7:01 a.m.

Bethlehem is looking to transform Pembroke from a typical, outdated public housing neighborhood into a...

A vote here sign is set up on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Lehigh Valley man accused of double voting in 2020 election says Trump pardon applies to him

By Carter Walker

November 28, 2025 at 5:23 p.m.

Legal scholars say the suspect’s claim stems from “sloppy” language in the president’s proclamation.

Volunteers Christine Hubany and Lauren Levin, 12, serve Bob Hawk and others on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, during New Bethany’s annual free Thanksgiving meal in Bethlehem. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Free Thanksgiving meals in Lehigh Valley a blessing for ‘people who truly need somewhere to be’

November 27, 2025 at 5:35 p.m.

New Bethany held its annual free Thanksgiving Day meal in Bethlehem. About 50 people were...

The Historic Lehigh County Courthouse in Allentown. (Morning Call file photo)

Judge orders court documents unsealed in drug bust that led to Lehigh County commissioner’s arrest

By Tom Shortell

November 26, 2025 at 11:02 a.m.

A Lehigh County judge ordered that dozens of sealed court dockets tied to an interstate...

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Man gets life sentence in robbery that left woman dead in Bethlehem

November 25, 2025 at 4:57 p.m.

A man will spend the rest of his life in prison for killing a woman...

Lehigh players celebrate their win in a Patriot League battle against Lafayette on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at Lafayette’s Fisher Stadium in Easton during the 161th edition of college football’s most-played rivalry. (Jonathan Broady/Special to The Morning Call)

Lehigh vs. Lafayette football and Faces in the Crowd | PHOTOS

By Jonathan Broady

November 22, 2025 at 4:51 p.m.

Photos: Lehigh and Lafayette football faced off in the 161st meeting of college football's most-played...

Lehigh University and Lafayatte College displayed banners Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, illustrating the playful mockery of the rival schools. Members of the Lehigh community and Lafayette community spray-painted banners with jokes about Lafayette and vice versa to hang on their residences and around their campuses. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

Lehigh and Lafayette poke fun at each other with bedsheet banners | PHOTOS

By Monica Cabrera

November 21, 2025 at 6:21 p.m.

PHOTOS: Lehigh and Lafayette poke fun at each other with bedsheet banners.

Gov. Josh Shapiro visits the Bethlehem Fire Department on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Bethlehem. Shapiro discussed his administration’s commitment to investing in and supporting Pennsylvania’s first responders and firefighters, including a new, $30 million grant program to help fire companies purchase life-saving equipment, recruit and retain firefighters, and meet their unique needs. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Bethlehem firefighters, advocates call for more staffing as budget negotiations underway

November 20, 2025 at 11:26 a.m.

Bethlehem firefighters and their supporters called on City Council this week to add more firefighters,...

Santa delivers a toy to St. Luke’s patient Willow and her mom, Savannah, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at St. Luke’s University Health Network pediatric unit in Fountain Hill as part of a promotion for Meredith Willson’s “Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical” at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem. People who donated a new, unwrapped toy at the Wind Creek Event Center Box Office through Nov. 16 could buy tickets for the show, which runs Dec. 10-14, with no box office fees. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Santa visits children at St. Luke’s ahead of ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ at Wind Creek | PHOTOS

November 20, 2025 at 10:12 a.m.

Photos: Santa visited St. Luke's Children's Hospital as part of a promotion for "Miracle on...

Hanover Elementary School is seen June 8, 2019. (Kristen Harrison/The Morning Call)

Bethlehem Area resumes search for new elementary school principal after candidate declines offer

November 17, 2025 at 3:55 p.m.

The search for a permanent principal at Hanover Elementary will continue after candidate Ralph Andrews...

The Central Moravian church food bank is seen Saturday, Nov.15, 2025, in Bethlehem. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Even with SNAP benefits restored, Lehigh Valley food banks still seeing high demand

November 16, 2025 at 7:01 a.m.

At Central Moravian Church Food Bank in Bethlehem, 74 households came to pick up groceries...

Pope Leo XIV celebrates a Mass for the formal inauguration of his pontificate, in St. Peter’s Square on May 18, 2025. It has emerged that Pope Leo's favorite candy is Peeps, made by Bethlehem-based Just Born. (Stefano Costantino/AP)

Pope Leo loves his Peeps: Pontiff gifted his favorite candy, made in the Lehigh Valley

November 14, 2025 at 11:12 a.m.

Pope Leo's favorite candy is Peeps, the iconic marshmallow sweets made in the Lehigh Valley.

A Bethlehem police cruiser. (Rich Rolen/Special to The Morning Call)

2 men charged in multiple Bethlehem gas station robberies, DA says

November 12, 2025 at 3:33 p.m.

Two men are accused of robbing three gas stations in Bethlehem this month.

Kindergarteners practice a relaxation exercise at Clearview Elementary School in Bethlehem on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. The activity is part of the Shanthi Project, a mindfulness program for kindergartners and fifth graders in the Bethlehem Area School District. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

This nonprofit is teaching Lehigh Valley students how to be mindful. Here’s how it’s helping Bethlehem students

November 12, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.

Lehigh Valley nonprofit Shanthi Project is teaching mindfulness techniques to students in the Bethlehem and...

Former Bethlehem police officer Costas Alestas is seen in 2018. Alestas, assigned as a school resource officer to East Hills Middle School, admitted to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Judge denies guilty plea withdrawal for ex-Bethlehem cop accused of sexually assaulting student

November 10, 2025 at 4:04 p.m.

A former Bethlehem cop and school resource officer who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a...

People run Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Easton during the annual St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest. The event featured the St. Luke’s D&L Marathon, from Allentown to Easton; the D&L Heritage Half Marathon Run, from Bethlehem to Easton; St. Luke’s D&L Marathon Relay, with teams of up to five runners splitting the 26.2-mile marathon distance; and D&L Heritage Half Marathon Walk. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest | PHOTOS

November 9, 2025 at 3:32 p.m.

The St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest was held Sunday, with start lines in downtown Allentown and...

Nitschmann Middle School in Bethlehem. (Chris Knight/Special to The Morning Call)

Opinion: School districts must confront tough choices to protect public education

By Michael D Recchiuti

November 7, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

Opinion: Leadership sometimes means doing the uncomfortable to protect the essential

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tony Iannelli performs the opening number with members of the Allen High School Dancing Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, during the chamber’s annual meeting at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Lehigh Valley Chamber says goodbye to longtime friend, salutes successes at annual meeting

November 6, 2025 at 8:28 p.m.

The full house in south Bethlehem was there to honor several award winners, salute a...

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce annual meeting at Wind Creek Event Center | PHOTOS

November 7, 2025 at 5:15 a.m.

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tony Iannelli performs the opening number...

Police and other first responders are seeing additional strain due to the need for behavioral health services in Delaware County.

Death of infant in Lehigh County under investigation, coroner says

November 5, 2025 at 3:08 p.m.

The death of an 8-week-old girl in Coplay on Tuesday afternoon is under investigation, according...

Construction continues Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, on the Walnut Street parking garage in Bethlehem. According to the city, the newly rebuilt garage, with about 525 spots, is scheduled to open Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

New Walnut Street parking garage in Bethlehem nears completion | PHOTOS

November 4, 2025 at 3:43 a.m.

Photos: Construction on the new Walnut Street parking garage in downtown Bethlehem is nearing completion.

People enjoy holiday artisans, crafts and activities Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Bethlehem’s Christkindlmarkt, New Year’s Peeps drop, in running to be nation’s top holiday events. Here’s how to vote

November 3, 2025 at 2:05 p.m.

USA Today has nominated Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem for the country's best holiday markets.

A new convenience store will soon offer groceries, lottery tickets and more all week in Bethlehem. (Photo courtesy of Lehigh Financial Group)

Convenience store A1 Quick Shop to open in Bethlehem

November 3, 2025 at 11:50 a.m.

A new convenience store will soon offer groceries, lottery tickets and more when it opens...

Sixth grade students in Amy Recke’s class answer questions at Arts Academy Charter Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Salisbury Township. A growing number of Lehigh Valley school districts are withholding payments to charter schools like Arts Academy during the ongoing state budget impasse. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)

Charter schools feel the pinch as Lehigh Valley school districts withhold tuition payments

November 3, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.

Lehigh Valley charter schools are dipping into fund balances to cover lost revenues as sending...

A voter goes inside a polling place on Election Day, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Dieruff High School in Allentown. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

Lehigh Valley’s newest voters: They’re younger and less likely to be Democrat or Republican

By Eugene Tauber

November 3, 2025 at 9:59 a.m.

What the latest voter registration data tells us about Lehigh Valley voters ahead of Tuesday's...

Route 378 reopens in Northampton County after crash downs utility pole [Updated]

November 3, 2025 at 2:03 a.m.

A crash involving a utility pole is closing a part Route 378 in Northampton County...

Liberty’s quarterback Antonio Fontanez celebrate a touchdown during a District 11 6A quarterfinal contest, on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium (Jonathan Broady/Special to The Morning Call)

Liberty vs. Freedom football rematch in District 11 playoffs | PHOTOS

By Jonathan Broady

November 1, 2025 at 7:16 p.m.

PHOTOS: Liberty vs. Freedom, the rematch, this time in the District 11 football playoffs.

Motorcyclists arrive for the last Tucker Toy Run for St. Luke’s pediatric patients on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Fountain Hill . (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)

The 15th and final Tucker’s Toy Run | PHOTOS

By Jane Therese

November 1, 2025 at 4:41 p.m.

See photos from the 15th an final Tucker's Toy Run as motorcyclists delivered toys for...

A thousand motorcyclists deliver hundreds of toys to St. Luke’s in final Tucker’s Toy Run. ‘We’re so blessed’

November 1, 2025 at 4:55 p.m.

Tucker's Toy Run, in its 15th and final year, brought thousands of toys to St....

Workers demolish the Walnut Street parking garage Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, in Bethlehem.( Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Bethlehem’s new Walnut Street parking garage will open in time for the busy holiday season

October 31, 2025 at 10:58 a.m.

The newly rebuilt Walnut Street parking garage in Bethlehem will open next month, on time...

Alice P. Gast, a highly regarded chemical engineer who became the first female president of Lehigh University, died Oct. 27 after a four-year battle with cancer. (Handout/Lehigh University)

Alice P. Gast, groundbreaking Lehigh University president, dies at 67

By Daniel Patrick Sheehan

October 31, 2025 at 2:44 p.m.

The internationally esteemed academic served as president of the Bethlehem school from 2006 to 2014.

A Bethlehem firetruck, pictured here at the Memorial Fire Station in April 2025. (April Gamiz / The Morning Call)

Bethlehem firefighter staffing is inadequate, union-backed study finds

October 31, 2025 at 12:15 p.m.

Bethlehem's Fire Department does not have enough firefighters to adequately protect the city and its...

Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds speaks during the Bethlehem Police Department award ceremony and memorial service Monday, May 12, 2025, at Northeast Middle School in Bethlehem. (David Garrett/Special to The Morning Call)

Bethlehem mayor proposes $112 million 2026 budget with no property tax increase

October 30, 2025 at 1:59 p.m.

Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds presented an $112 million city budget Thursday morning that will...

Bethlehem Halloween Parade | PHOTOS

October 26, 2025 at 6:43 p.m.

See photos from the 2025 Bethlehem Halloween Parade

Faces in the Crowd: Liberty plays Freedom Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at the Bethlehem Area School District Stadium.(Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Liberty vs. Freedom football and Faces in the Crowd | PHOTOS

October 26, 2025 at 12:35 p.m.

PHOTOS: Liberty and Freedom football face off in the battle of Bethlehem.

Lehigh Valley man dies at scenic overlook in Dunmore

By Christine Lee

October 24, 2025 at 12:51 p.m.

A Lehigh Valley man was found dead at the base of a scenic overlook in...

Adagio Restaurant in Bethlehem, seen here in 2015, will become a wellness and social club for Bethlehem police. (Chris Shipley/The Morning Call)

Bethlehem restaurant to become wellness center for city police officers

October 24, 2025 at 5:06 p.m.

A popular north Bethlehem restaurant is under an agreement of sale with the Bethlehem Fraternal...

The Bethlehem Co-Op Market is seen Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Bethlehem, during a tour of the new space under construction. The market is expected to open next year.(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

When will the Bethlehem Co-op Market open? Pandemic, inflation behind delay, as some voice concerns

October 22, 2025 at 4:05 p.m.

The delays have prompted public questions and speculation about the co-op's finances, although market leaders...

Elise Jones was appointed the principal of Fountain Hill Elementary School.
Photo courtesy of Bethlehem Area School District

Bethlehem Area School District names new elementary school principal

October 21, 2025 at 11:24 a.m.

A former Easton Area Middle School principal is taking on another leadership role in the...

Stretch of Route 378 reopens in Northampton County after dump truck crashes into house [Updated]

October 20, 2025 at 12:52 p.m.

A portion of Route 378 in Northampton County was closed for several hours Monday after...

Renee Amator of Easton protests during a No Kings rally Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, near the intersection of Emrick Boulevard and Freemansburg Avenue in Bethlehem Township. The rally, one of several in the Lehigh Valley, was part of another round of No Kings demonstrations held nationwide.
(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

‘No Kings’ protests held across the Lehigh Valley | PHOTOS

October 18, 2025 at 8:19 p.m.

Photos: "No Kings" protesters against President Donald Trump take to the street across the Lehigh...

Faces in the crowd during the Easton Rovers versus Freedom Patriots on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, during an EPC football game in Easton. (Jonathan Broady/Special to The Morning Call)

Freedom vs. Easton football and Faces in the Crowd | PHOTOS

By Jonathan Broady

October 17, 2025 at 10:04 p.m.

Freedom faced off against unbeaten Easton in an EPC high school football game Friday at...

An Architect’s rendering of the Gateway on Fourth affordable housing project in Bethlehem, expected to open its doors in 2028. (Photo courtesy of WRT | Planning + Design)

Bethlehem to break ground on 120-unit affordable housing project next year after receiving $16 million subsidy

October 16, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.

A major affordable housing development in South Side Bethlehem – the city’s first in 10...

The exterior of Freedom High School in Bethlehem Township (Emily Robson/The Morning Call)

Anonymous $75,000 gift to benefit Bethlehem Area School District foundation

October 15, 2025 at 1:35 p.m.

An anonymous $75,000 gift to the nonprofit foundation that supports Bethlehem Area schools will be...

Jared Isaacman, founder of Shift4 and Draken International, speaks Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, as part of the Future Makers speaker series at Lehigh University in Bethlehem. Isaacman performed the first private spacewalk in Sept. 2024 and was nominated by President Trump to lead NASA before the nomination was later withdrawn. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

‘There was a lot of luck’: Jared Isaacman talks how he went from high school dropout to billionaire

October 15, 2025 at 2:12 p.m.

Isaacman said part of the excitement of space exploration is that it’s so close “and...

The Gemeral Store will reopen next month in Bethlehem after a fire forced it to close over the summer. (Photo courtesy of Ted Chiaparas)

Bethlehem store closed since fire sets a reopening date and will offer free merchandise

October 13, 2025 at 12:03 p.m.

The Gemeral Store in Bethlehem will offer free merchandise for its grand reopening in November.

Julie Vitale and Spencer Snygg, both of Allentown, listen to Rev. Elizabeth Goudy, pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Lehigh Valley, speak during National Coming Out Day Saturday, Oct., 11, 2025, at Payrow Plaza in Bethlehem. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)

In Bethlehem, National Coming Out Day rally attendees call on officials to support LGBTQ community

October 11, 2025 at 4:07 p.m.

A National Coming Out Day rally in Bethlehem on Saturday included calls for Lehigh Valley...

Saquon Barkley is inducted into the Whitehall Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, at halftime of a Whitehall High School football game in Whitehall Township. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

New Saquon Barkley documentary follows journey from Whitehall to Eagles star. What to know and how to watch for free

October 9, 2025 at 6:49 p.m.

The Amazon Prime documentary, titled "Saquon," covers five years of his life in the lead...

Truck parking signs are seen Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, during a news conference to announce 30 truck parking spaces will be created at the William Penn Highway park and ride. The state has unveiled a program to address a critical shortage of places for truck drivers to rest at the end of their shifts. (Monica Cabrera/The Morning Call)

PennDOT unveils truck parking lot in Lehigh Valley to cut down on illegal parking

October 9, 2025 at 6:45 p.m.

The state has unveiled a program to address a critical shortage of places for truck...

Tyrell Michael Holmes, 18, was stabbed multiple times and set ablaze early April 24, 2018, authorities said. His body was found behind a dumpster at the Parkhurst Apartments in Bethlehem. (Matt Coughlin/The Morning Call)

Money Rules Everything gang member found guilty in 2018 killing of man burned alive in Bethlehem

October 9, 2025 at 11:13 a.m.

Zahmire Welcome is among four Money Rules Everything gang members charged in the April 2018...

Northampton County man charged after drug bust turns up meth, ecstasy, LSD, mushrooms, DA says

October 8, 2025 at 4:09 p.m.

A search turned up meth, ecstasy, LSD, mushrooms, marijuana, and other drugs at the man's...

Ecopax, which makes sustainable food containers, is expanding its Bethlehem plant. (Michael Kubel/The Morning Call)

Lehigh Valley packaging manufacturer announces expansion that could add up to 20 jobs

October 2, 2025 at 3:27 p.m.

The expansion will add to the current 315,643-square-foot manufacturing and warehousing building in Bethlehem that...

A DHL delivery truck passes a DHL location on Oct. 20, 2020, in New York. (Frank Franklin II/AP)

DHL closing distribution center in Northampton County, affecting 66 workers, notice says

September 26, 2025 at 1:49 p.m.

A DHL Supply Chain distribution center in Hanover Township, Northampton County, is expected to close...

Hanover Elementary School exterior shot June 8, 2019. (Kristen Harrison/The Morning Call)

Man, 30, injured in Bethlehem shooting, police say

September 26, 2025 at 9:41 a.m.

The man is expected to survive after he was shot Friday morning in Bethlehem, police...

A crash Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, closed a portion of Schoenersville Road at Illick’s Mill Road n Bethlehem. (Rich Rolen/Special to The Morning Call)

Crash closes Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem

September 25, 2025 at 2:39 p.m.

A crash Thursday morning has closed a portion of Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem man charged in DUI hit-and-run crash that left pedestrian critically injured, in coma

September 23, 2025 at 2:49 p.m.

A Bethlehem man who police say was driving drunk has been charged in a July...

Former Bethlehem school police officer accused of sexually assaulting student plans to withdraw guilty plea

September 23, 2025 at 12:35 p.m.

The former Bethlehem school resource officer at East Hills Middle School plans to withdraw his...

Teen driver charged in death of Freedom High School student killed while table surfing as DA warns of ‘dangerous’ TikTok challenge

September 23, 2025 at 4:42 p.m.

A 17-year-old faces charges in the death of a Freedom High School student killed earlier...

East Hills Middle School in the Bethlehem Area School District on June 27, 2019. (Kristen Harrison/The Morning Call)

Pa. budget delay prompts Bethlehem Area School District to withhold payments to charter schools

September 23, 2025 at 3:19 p.m.

To preserve cash flow amid an ongoing state budget impasse, the Bethlehem Area School Board...

St. John's Windish Lutheran Church in Bethlehem is seen Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023. (Amy Shortell / The Morning Call)

St. Luke’s purchases south Bethlehem church from Lehigh University

By Leif Greiss

September 22, 2025 at 4:15 p.m.

St. Luke’s University Health Network has purchased the former St. John's Windish Evangelical Lutheran Church...

Ornaments decorate the Kathe Wohlfarht booth during Christkindlmarkt on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Bethlehem. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Christkindlmarkt 2025: What’s new, including more vendors, new photos ops and an extra weekend

November 14, 2025 at 1:19 p.m.

The 33rd annual Christkindlmarkt will return this year with a larger footprint, an extra weekend...

Bethlehem City Hall and the Rotunda located on Church Street in Bethlehem, Pa. Friday, Oct. 20, 2017.
//102017 // APRIL GAMIZ / THE MORNING CALL /
keyword: Bartholomew

Bethlehem church receives approval to convert 2 ‘blighted’ homes into 6 affordable apartments

September 19, 2025 at 10:47 a.m.

The Cathedral Church of the Nativity in south Bethlehem plans to convert two vacant single...

Bethlehem man gets prison in DUI crash that killed passenger

September 18, 2025 at 4:40 p.m.

A Bethlehem man was sentenced to up to 11 years in prison for causing a...

Bethlehem Area School District names new Hanover Elementary principal

September 18, 2025 at 8:50 a.m.

Ralph Andrews, currently a principal in the Palmerton School District, will be named the new...

Moravian University said it received $750,000 from the Semiquincentennial Grant Program to help preserve the Second Single Brethren’s House. (Harry Fisher/The Morning Call)

National Park Service is giving Moravian University $750,000 to preserve historic building

September 18, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.

The National Park Service will give Moravian University $750,000 to help preserve an important building...

Bethlehem man pleads guilty in AI child pornography case, one of first brought under new Pa. law

By Daniel Patrick Sheehan

September 16, 2025 at 5:11 p.m.

Adam Erdman, 35, was one of the first people prosecuted under a Pennsylvania law banning...

Michael Forstoffer, a 45-year member of the Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Co., has died. (Rich Rolen/Special to The Morning Call)

Bethlehem Township announces death of longtime firefighter: ‘His legacy of service will not be forgotten’

September 16, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

Michael Forstoffer, a 45-year member of Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Co., is being mourned.

Faces in the crowd during the Freedom and Nazareth football game Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at Liberty High School in Bethlehem. (Jane Therese/Special to The Morning Call)

Nazareth vs. Freedom football and Faces in the Crowd | PHOTOS

By Jane Therese

September 12, 2025 at 10:58 p.m.

Nazareth and Freedom faced off Friday night in one of the EPC's greatest football rivalries...

The Barbecue Boys will serve smoked meats, sandwiches and more when it opens next week in Bethlehem. (Photo courtesy of Dean Zannakis)

New barbecue restaurant sets opening date at former Bethlehem cafe

September 10, 2025 at 4:01 p.m.

The Barbecue Boys will open a new restaurant next week in Bethlehem.

Fountain Hill shooting: Police looking for 2 suspects, asking for public to share camera footage

September 9, 2025 at 4:02 p.m.

Fountain Hill police believe there were two shooters involved in the Monday night shooting.

Broughal Middle School, Bethlehem area school district exterior shot, June 27, 2019. (Kristen Harrison/The Morning Call)

Radon testing in Bethlehem schools is ‘overdue,’ but some board members worried about cost

By Trebor Maitin

September 9, 2025 at 12:59 p.m.

Radon and air quality testing could Bethlehem schools more than $40,000.

Lackawanna College on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)

Lackawanna College to open three satellite trade schools around Pa., including one in Lehigh Valley

By Christine Lee

September 9, 2025 at 7:19 p.m.

The college, headquartered in Scranton, received approval from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education...

Police respond to shooting in Fountain Hill

September 9, 2025 at 3:43 a.m.

Police were responding to a shooting Monday night in Fountain Hill.

Moravian Church Settlements — Bethlehem becomes the 26th World Heritage Site in the United States. The Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem is seen Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024. (Jonathan Broady /Special to The Morning Call)

Newly minted Moravian UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bethlehem appoints first-ever site manager

September 4, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.

The Moravian Church Settlements in Bethlehem, a year after receiving its coveted UNESCO World Heritage...

Lehigh County Commissioner Zach Cole-Borghi has apparently won reelection despite his August arrest on drug charges. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)

No other Bethlehem employees implicated in drug probe that saw Lehigh County commissioner, a city staffer, arrested: officials

September 3, 2025 at 4:21 p.m.

Bethlehem officials said Thursday that Zach Cole-Borghi, the city's open records officer and a Lehigh...

Parkland’s Liam Spang runs the ball down the field Friday Aug. 29, 2025, against Freedom at Orefield Middle School. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Parkland vs. Freedom football and Faces in the Crowd | PHOTOS

August 29, 2025 at 10:17 p.m.

Parkland and Freedom faced off in a battle of top EPC teams in high school...

An architect’s rendering shows a proposed cultural center that would replace ArtsQuest’s Banana Factory in South Side Bethlehem. While that building is being constructed, ArtsQuest is opening subsidized studio space for artists in Allentown. (Contributed image)

Are you an artist looking for studio space in the Lehigh Valley? ArtsQuest to offer subsidized spots in Allentown

August 29, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.

ArtsQuest will open 21 subsidized studios for artists to work on their craft next year...

Wooden gavel on the table on blurred background

Former Lehigh Valley train museum board member pleads guilty to child sex abuse charges

By James Halpin

August 28, 2025 at 8:04 p.m.

Former train museum board member pleads guilty to sex charges

Seen here on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, the Sonesta Select hotel in Bethlehem was recently sold, along with the adjacent Sonesta Suites hotel, for a combined $13.1 million. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Pair of Lehigh Valley hotels sold for $13.1 million