Pennsylvania State Police at Blooming Grove stopped an SUV on Route 507 in Greene Twp. for a traffic violation just after midnight on Jan. 1.

During their investigation, they found Dykstra, 62, of Scranton, a passenger in the vehicle, to be in possession of “narcotics and narcotic related equipment/paraphernalia.”

During an interview with The Times-Tribune of Scranton in October of 2024, Dykstra admitted to abusing drugs, but said he didn’t consider himself an addict.

Dykstra’s 11-year-baseball career was split between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, including winning a World Series championship as a member of the 1986 Mets and a successful transition to the Phillies in 1989.

Dykstra played his final game with the Phillies and as a Major League Baseball player in 1996.

State police plan to file charges.

Attempts to reach Dykstra were unsuccessful.

Luis A. Carlo, 32, was attending to a disabled vehicle on the side of the road on Interstate 476 northbound when he was hit by a passing vehicle, according to the Carbon County Coroner’s office. The crash happened about 3:20 a.m. at mile marker 76 in Franklin Township.

Carlo was pronounced dead at the scene about an hour later.

His cause of death was multiple blunt-force trauma, with the manner accidental.

State police said Carlo was helping a tow company load a disabled a vehicle on to a tow truck at the time.

A 27-year-old Allentown man driving an SUV was approaching the vehicles when he swerved from the left lane to the shoulder, hitting Carlo, according to a state police news release. The SUV overturned after hitting Carlo, police said.

The driver was not injured, while three of his passengers suffered injuries, police said. All were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

State police and the Carbon County District Attorney’s office are investigating the crash.

Yet, with the budget delayed by months, the state saw many of its institutions in precarious positions, while higher ed costs and big changes from the feds made headlines all year long.

Tuition trouble

Ballooning expenses for everyday families were a central focus in the world of higher education. One report found that the state faces the steepest costs for higher education in the country.

For the first time in years, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education was forced to raise its tuition rate, this time by $139 per semester. Nevertheless, the system graduated 21,000 students in the spring and introduced course-sharing across campuses to continue streamlining activity between its 10 universities. The schools still face declining enrollment.

At the same time, the state’s private and state-related institutions took heat from the federal government for their soaring costs. Penn was among Ivy League schools called by Congress to answer for alleged tuition-fixing.

A poll found that the majority of Pennsylvanians, 69%, would support a tuition grant system for students attending community colleges and PASSHE schools. Bills were introduced that would give tuition to indigenous students and out-of-state foster students, respectively, and to offer in-state tuition to long-term residents regardless of citizenship.

Higher ed fed-aches

As the federal government slashed research budgets in its efforts to root out waste and DEI, or diversity equity and inclusion, The Center Square dove deep into Pennsylvania’s higher education landscape. A series of articles examined the nature of federal funding and school spending at major research institutions like Penn State and the University of Pennsylvania.

The reports found that the state’s wealthiest schools, like Penn, receive the most funding but still struggle with the publish-or-perish grant cycle. Meanwhile, state-funded schools are a world away from their state-related counterparts.

As dust settled from pulled funding, the Trump administration extended an offer to a select group of schools: enter a compact committing to its policies and receive grant opportunities and special consideration. Penn politely declined, with liberals and conservatives alike supporting the decision.

In other areas, Pennsylvania schools were more willing to work with federal priorities. Penn acquiesced to demands from the Department of Education regarding perceived Title IX violations, and schools worked to bolster their defenses against antisemitism with encouragement from U.S. Sens. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., and John Fetterman, D-Pa.

Basic education funds

The state’s K-12 schools ultimately received an increase in basic education funding, but in the months before the budget passed, many sounded the alarm that they were running out of money — and time. For immediate relief, the Treasury offered low-interest loans.

A major pain point for the state’s nearly 3,000 schools are their aging facilities. Legislators continue to seek out ways to approach the daunting task of maintenance and repairs.

To pay for it, and to continue closing the funding adequacy gap, some lawmakers have proposed ending the current system of local property tax-based funding for the system. They aim to replace it with an education trust fund.

It’s likely still too soon to tell if the increases to basic education made in the last budget season are having their desired effect. This year’s state standardized assessment scores showed decline in several areas with increases in a few, including attendance.

Funding for certain schools, however, was reevaluated in the new budget and promises to deliver money back into the pockets of districts who have been sending tuition out to cyber charters. The reform follows a damning report from the Pennsylvania Auditor General Tim DeFoor. Meanwhile, an AI charter proposal was roundly dismissed by the state.

Policy points

At the federal level, Secretary of Education and former professional wrestling executive Linda McMahon worked to “put herself out of a job.” The Democratic co-chair of the state senate’s education committee, Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-Pittsburgh, voiced strong opposition, even proposing a state-level agency to replace the cuts.

State policies also came under the microscope, with bipartisan talk around the topic of school cell phone bans. Recognizing that even with bans in place, students are subject to misinformation, disinformation, and AI-generated content, some lawmakers discussed media bias and information literacy.

Safety continued to be a major topic. The governor signed into law new policy that requires schools to report to all parents any infringement of weapons policies, even those that are unintended. The Safe2Say program continued to improve, giving students an anonymous venue to voice concerns about issues like suicide or school violence. Still, one analysis from the conservative policy organization, the Commonwealth Foundation, found that 40% of the state’s schools were “persistently dangerous.”

The perennial fight for school choice, which is popular amongst voters, continued, once again left off the table by Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal. Scholarship programs for students in low-performing schools were floated in a bipartisan senate bill. The state’s existing tax credit program turned students away from lifeline scholarships.

Nickolas A. Siegfried, 39, of Nazareth, was riding his bike about 1:15 p.m. in the 2600 block of MacArthur Road, which is Route 145, near the intersection with Sutler Drive when he was hit by a vehicle, according to Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio.

Siegfried was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, where he died from his injuries about an hour later. Buglio said Siegfried’s death was caused by blunt-force trauma, with the manner accidental.

Whitehall police said a full investigation is underway. That portion of the road was closed for several hours while police investigated. The Lehigh County District Attorney’s office is also helping with the investigation.

Here is The Morning Call’s roundup of the most anticipated buildings and other construction projects next year, sorted by category.

Schools

Two school facilities in Allentown are set to make major progress: one, a brand new, $130 million building, and the other, a major $53 million renovation to a high school.

City officials broke ground in November on the Allentown Academy, a K-8 school building on the East Side of Allentown, at the site of the former Allentown State Hospital.

The school is set to open by the 2027-28 school year and will provide 200,000 square feet of academic space to students who live in the East Side. The new school will accommodate the district’s projected growth; its elementary school capacity is 7,700, but enrollment is expected to reach 9,000 students by 2028.

It will also help the district either renovate or replace Harrison Morton Middle School, which is over 150 years old.

The former Allentown State Hospital property is also expected to be the site of a new neighborhood with over 1,000 housing units, according to a plan presented by City Center Group, which owns the land.

Allentown’s Bridgeview Academy, formerly called Building 21, is slated for major changes: The school has relaunched with a focus on artificial intelligence, health care and computer science. The construction of an academic wing will allow the school to expand to host 875 students in grades 6 to 12.

In addition to constructing a two-story academic building, plans include renovating the existing building, and adding a high-school-sized gym that can also function as an auditorium and a Family and Community Resource Center.

The resource center is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2026. Construction would then begin on the Bridgeview Academy academic and athletic additions in spring 2027, with a completion date of summer 2029.

Downtown

Perhaps the most prominent development coming to downtown Allentown is the redesign of Center Square, home to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

The $6.5 million redesign plans would shift Seventh Street down to two lanes and add a bike lane on one side, and eliminate one of the two lanes of Hamilton Street that bisect around the monument at the intersection. The work would create a plaza-type space around the monument that could be used for public events and outdoor seating.

The city began work on the redesign in 2025, and it is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.

Complementing the newly redesigned plaza will be a $35 million renovation of the former Merchants Bank building at 702 Hamilton St., which overlooks Center Square and is owned by City Center. Dubbed 1 Center Square, the vacant building will be refurbished into a four-story, mixed-use structure with offices and retail, and will maintain the facade of the bank with its stone pillars and decorative cornices. City Center received $20 million in tax revenue bonds from the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone to finance the project.

Waterfront

Much-anticipated development at the Lehigh River waterfront also will continue to progress in the new year, though at a slower rate than initially promised.

Two major developers have big plans to redevelop the area from a largely abandoned former industrial site into a vibrant neighborhood.

The Waterfront Development Co., which plans to construct up to 12 buildings, opened the first, a six-story office building called 615 Waterfront, in 2023.

The second, called the River House, is expected to open this March. The $69 million building will feature 201 apartments, retail space on the first floor, parking for residents and other amenities.

Another developer, Urban Residential Properties, also owns swaths of land along the river and is redeveloping them; most notable is its redevelopment of the former Neuweiler Brewery. The $91 million Neuweiler Lofts is rising at the site, which sat abandoned for decades. The project at 401 N. Front St. will include approximately 283 apartments and 40,000 square feet of commercial space.

Developers originally projected that the Neuweiler Lofts would open in 2025, but the project remains under construction. Urban Residential Properties owner John Palumbo did not respond to a request for an updated opening date.

Urban Residential Properties recently received city approval for plans to demolish the former American Atelier furniture factory and replace it with a building featuring 267 apartments, 21,000 square feet of office space and 23,000 square feet of retail/commercial space. Developers have not announced a projected opening date.

Reporter Lindsay Weber can be reached at Liweber@mcall.com.

The fire at Five10 Flats in the 500 block of East Third Street displaced more than 100 residents and closed the entire structure for several months.

“Bethlehem police detectives met with the Northampton County district attorney’s office to discuss the facts of the case,” spokesperson Capt. William Audelo said recently. “It was advised criminal charges would not be recommended. Therefore, no charges were filed.”

Started by “improperly discarded smoking materials” on the rooftop deck, the fire spread due to high winds and caused extensive roof, smoke and water damage, officials said shortly after the May 2 blaze. The community held fundraisers to support the displaced renters.

Repairs have been underway and are expected to wrap up soon. Callahan, a former Bethlehem mayor, recently said officials plan to resume renting apartments Feb. 1, with a goal to have the entire building completed around April 30 for residential occupancy.

Of the first-floor commercial spaces, Mexican restaurant El Jefe’s Taqueria reopened in late August. Callahan said Mr. Lee’s Noodles could open early in 2026.

A coffee shop is expected to replace the Starbucks, Callahan said, with plans also to add a food spot at the former HandHeldz, which closed in 2024, before the fire.

The building, which includes 95 apartments at 510 E. Third St., was quickly evacuated and no one was hurt in the fire. Nearly 90 firefighters from the city and several regional departments battled the four-alarm blaze, which was fanned by the high wind.

Elementary

“The Scarecrow,” by Beth Ferry

This meditative story of friendship, with a target audience of K-5, provides a beautiful read-aloud to be shared across generations. The illustrations tell a story that transcends seasons and can be enjoyed any time of the year. It is a perfect starting point for young readers: If they enjoy this, they can explore the author’s wider body of work, which includes engaging animal friends like Stick and Stone and Fox and Rabbit.

— Bethlehem Area library team

“The Invention of Hugo Cabret,” written and illustrated by Brian Selznick

This book received the Caldecott Award for outstanding illustrations. There are 284 pages of lined pencil illustrations to help to tell the story and require students to use visual inferencing skills. The story is exciting and takes the reader back in time to the turn of the 20th century to Paris, where the boy, Hugo, is trying to find the pieces to his father’s automaton to reveal a hidden message. The reader’s heart will pound as they run, hide and try to navigate through hidden passageways along with Hugo in the Paris train station! Students will want to finish the book to learn the secret message! Inspired by the French pioneer filmmaker, George Melies, this 526-page book is a fast read among students grades 3-5!! This book will bolster the students’ confidence in completing larger books.

— Bethlehem Area library team

“The Book With No Pictures,” by B. J. Novak

This book engages the reader through words only. It’s really a picture book with no pictures! The reader has to say funny words and read funny passages. The text is varied in size and color and creates visual appeal and interest. This book makes the reader laugh and feel really happy after completing it. It demonstrates the sheer joy and reward of reading, inspiring kids to want to read even more! Recommended for grades K-5. (Really all ages.) I can’t keep this book on my shelves!!

— Bethlehem Area library team

“A Snow Day for Amos McGee,” by Philip C. Stead, illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Our elementary librarians recommend this charming winter tale from the award-winning Amos McGee series. (Another book in the set, “A Sick Day for Amos McGee,” won the Caldecott Medal.) This story follows a kindhearted zookeeper who gets all the zoo animals excited for the first snowfall of winter. Erin E. Stead’s gentle, beautiful illustrations make this a cozy, joyful read for young students.

— East Penn library team

Middle school

“Restart,” by Gordon Korman

If you’re looking for a book that grabs your attention from the very first page, “Restart” is a perfect choice. The story follows Chase Ambrose, a middle school student who loses his memory after a fall and must piece together who he used to be — and who he wants to become. As Chase discovers his past, he’s forced to confront mistakes, repair relationships and redefine himself. I recommend “Restart” because it sparks important conversations about kindness, second chances and the power of choosing to be better today than you were yesterday. It’s fast-paced, relatable, and filled with lots of humor and heart!

— Kelly Flynn, library media specialist at Orefield Middle School

“Front Desk,” by Kelly Yang

This is a modern classic, with a target audience of sixth through eighth grade, tackles big issues with a lot of heart. It follows Mia Tang, a 10-year-old immigrant girl who manages the front desk of a motel while her parents clean the rooms. Mia navigates poverty, prejudice and the challenge of finding her voice in a new language. It is an empowering story about resilience and the power of writing to change the world — themes that resonate deeply with middle schoolers looking for a hero to root for.

— Bethlehem Area library team

“Candace, The Universe, and Everything,” by Sherri L. Smith

I always love a good time travel book, and this one is quite unique! It involves an eighth grade girl finding out that her locker is a sort of portal to the past. She connects with two other women who once shared the same locker, and the three of them begin a quest to discover the origin of the portal.

— East Penn library team

High school

“Secrets in the Snow,” by Michaela MacColl

My top pick is “Secrets in the Snow” by Michaela MacColl because it takes the classic literature of Jane Austen and puts a modern twist on it. The author intertwines facts of Jane Austen’s real life with a suspenseful fictional tale.

— Carol Dickerson, library media specialist, Parkland High School

“Sisters in the Wind,” by Angeline Boulley

Lucy, a Native teen who has been in the foster care system since her father’s death, receives a mysterious note after a near-fatal explosion at work: “Lucy, come home where you are loved.” What follows is an unforgettable journey as Lucy works to uncover who is targeting her, where she truly comes from, and what she wants for her future. Boulley’s third mystery about Indigenous youth stepping into their power is as thrilling and unputdownable as her first two novels.

— East Penn library team

“Angelica and the Bear Prince,” by Trung Le Nguyen

A beautiful graphic novel that examines issues of anxiety and grief while celebrating the importance of community and the arts to transform lives. Angelica has coped with her grief over losing her grandmother by overscheduling herself and not allowing herself time to process her feelings. With the help of community theater (and a mysterious bear mascot!), she reconnects with her inner child and is able to find hope and feel secure once again.

— East Penn library team

“Twenty-four Seconds from Now,” by Jason Reynolds

Everything Reynolds writes is worth reading, and in this slice-of-life romance told by alternating narrators Aria and Neon, who are facing a milestone in their relationship, family and friends also takes center stage as both teens grow into adulthood surrounded by those who know them best. Funny, sweet and relatable.

— East Penn library team

Douglas Kunkle notified the special election committee via email on New Year’s Eve that he is withdrawing his name from consideration.

Kunkle was one of five candidates vying to represent the 22nd District seat vacated after Josh Siegel was elected Lehigh County executive. Siegel will be sworn in Monday.

Julian Guridy, a constituent services representative with state Sen. Nick Miller’s office and former Democratic delegate in the 2024 election, and Allentown City Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach have launched public campaigns. Kunkle, Erlinda Aguilar and Lewis Shupe also applied but have not campaigned publicly.

Kunkle said news coverage of the party’s decision-making process influenced his decision to drop out.

“It’s come to my attention that a decision has already been made in confirmation of The Morning Call article by at least one member of the committee,” Kunkle wrote. “This is not to say I have abandoned my interest but would rather spend my time in a more productive fashion taking my case directly to the electorate as I did when elected Constable in the future primary should I choose to run for the office.”

The Morning Call article he referred to was about a Dec. 29 news conference at which party critics said leaders are unfairly supporting Guridy’s candidacy by removing precinct committee persons and holding closed meetings.

Precinct committee persons are members of the Democratic Party who are elected to represent their local voting district. They will meet Saturday to conduct candidate interviews and select a Democratic nominee, whose name will be on the Feb. 24 election ballot.

Chair Lori McFarland has defended the selection process, saying that it aligns to state law and Democratic party bylaws.

The accident happened on Interstate 476 northbound near mile marker 76.2, about 2 miles north of the Lehighton interchange.

The man was pronounced dead at 4:40 a.m. The Carbon County coroner’s office is withholding his identity to allow the family time to grieve, a news release states.

Further information will be released following a Friday autopsy.

The Carbon County coroner’s office, the Carbon County district attorney’s office and state police at Pocono are investigating.

Thursday’s high temperature will fail to get out of the 20s, according to the National Weather Service forecast. It will feel even colder with winds between 10 and 15 mph, and gusts up to 30 mph, according to the weather service.

The cold front also brought early morning snow squalls to the region, delivering a coating of snow. A few more flurries are possible during the day, but not much precipitation is anticipated, according to the forecast.

A snow squall warning was issued across much of the region between 3 and 5 a.m. as a “dangerous” squall moved southeast across the region, bringing intense, heavy bursts of snow and high winds. Blowing snow rapidly reduced visibility, leading to potentially hazardous travel conditions for brief periods.

While the region is off to a cold start to 2026, the forecast is looking relatively snow-free through the middle of next week. The next chance for precipitation will be Wednesday, though for now that is expected to fall as rain, according to the weather service.

Here’s the updated long-term forecast from the National Weather Service:

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 32. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 18. West wind around 5 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 33. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Saturday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 35.

Sunday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Monday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32.

Monday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39.

Tuesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Wednesday: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 30%.