Bethlehem News

The local health systems in the Lehigh Valley say cases of respiratory viruses are on the rise. Doctors are reminding people to get updated vaccinations weeks before holiday gatherings.

On Giving Tuesday, Essentials Café in west Bethlehem held its soft opening. The café provides free breakfast and lunch for those who cannot afford to pay.

First Presbyterian Church Bethlehem is planning to build new mixed-income housing on its 32-acre Center Street campus. Church leaders and members say the project is a reflection of the congregation's identity — and it wouldn't have happened but for 'painful' recent history.

While city and parking officials wouldn't think of the West Walnut Street site as ideal for police operations, the proposal re-opened a dialogue among Bethlehem first responders.

The school district is looking ahead to protect its land by submitting plans for a new school, all as road improvements are set to come at the nearby intersection of Freemansburg Avenue and Farmersville Road. Officials said no school is coming just yet, though.

The Lehigh Valley is the focus of the Pennsylvania's health insurance marketplace as open enrollment is underway. According to data, the area is home to a large number of people who are uninsured.

Rapper Ludacris, best known for the hits "Stand Up" (featuring Shawnna)" and "Money Maker" (featuring Pharrell), is the first headliner announced for next year's Musikfest.

Members of the politically divided Pennsylvania Legislature must compromise on a fix to resolve education funding inequities to the state's poorest public schools.

For students in the Moravian University marching band, playing the right notes is just part of what makes someone a great bandmate.

Take a look at stories that ran throughout the week of which we are most proud, had a profound impact on readers or that you might want to look at again.

Council President Jason Banonis proposed cutting property taxes by more than half, citing the potential for the township to face lawsuits since Lower Saucon "is very flush with cash." The 2024 budget had been advertised to involve no change in taxes.

The Payrow Plaza tree stands at 45 feet tall and 25 feet wide. A large crowd came out Friday to take part in the annual tree-lighting festivities.