Bethlehem News

Once a nationally touring musician, the alt-folk artist found a home and contentment here in the Lehigh Valley's original music scene, which he said supports him and other artists like no other outside major cities. His new show traces his path.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day has become a day of service each year, as people come together to take action and make their communities better. Here are volunteer opportunities and events taking place in the Lehigh Valley.

PennVEST has approved an $8,022,000 loan for the Bethlehem Township Municipal Authority to improve stormwater retention for flood prevention throughout Bethlehem Township.

Christopher Schweikert, 27, of Coplay, who also is a teacher at Freedom High School, had a sexual relationship with the girl, whom he coached, according to Northampton County prosecutors.

"My daughter is on the Lehigh Valley Polar Bears ice hockey team," the Facebook post said. "Once a year they have a big fundraiser where the parents need to donate a basket... would anyone be willing to donate?" Within days, the post had more than 200 responses.

Leaders from St. John's Windish Evangelical Lutheran Church said the authority's action threatened the churches' futures. Now, the parking authority says it won't pursue eminent domain.

Some worry that supports for families at the schools could be lost.

A proposed sale of three Lutheran churches to Lehigh University is on hold for now. Church and community members gathered after Sunday services to get answers about the future of the buildings.

Comedian Gabriel Iglesias, best known for his Comedy Central channel specials “I’m Not Fat … I’m Fluffy,” will headline the main stage at Bethlehem's Musikfest festival in August, it was announced Monday.

Maren Morris, who has topped the country charts but may be best known for her dance music collaboration "In the Middle" with Grey and Zedd, will headline the main stage at Bethlehem's Musikfest festival in August, it was announced Monday.

The grant was originally announced in September, but budget complications delayed the delivery of the money to New Bethany Ministries homeless shelter in Bethlehem.

The Smart Loading Zone program is expected to make more space for deliveries and a higher turnover of short-term parking.