Good morning, Bethlehem.

Bloom for Women held its fourth annual freedom benefit dinner yesterday at Lehigh University to raise $150,000 for survivors of sex trafficking, with CEO Carol Andersen noting that all proceeds fund free housing and services & keynote Becca Stevens stressing the need for lasting support.

At Jefferson Park on Thursday, Ironpigs charities hosted Suites N Treats so that at-risk children and children with disabilities could enjoy Halloween fun.

The event featured themed booths where kids collected candy — a festive community gathering in Lehigh County.

Winston Alozie leads the Boys & Girls Club in Bethlehem, where 60 to 80 children benefit from tutoring, sports, art, and a community garden.

He uses his own experience as a former member to build local partnerships (a beacon of community care).

Zen Cafe opened on Oct.

19 in the South Side at the former Saxby’s site. The new spot from Amicus Properties and Donerds Donuts offers creative drinks like a $6.25 coconut refresher (with purple ube cold foam) and baked treats with a 50% discount for Amicus residents.

More than 150 employees attended the inaugural workforce summit at Lehigh Carbon Community College on Thursday, Oct.

22. Speakers outlined the area's strong workforce and challenges in retaining skilled workers.

Lehigh has placed its master’s in financial engineering program on hold for re-evaluation, with the fall 2026 cohort being the last group admitted.

Current students may complete their degrees while undergraduates who have taken applicable courses can apply credits toward other majors + the change follows years of declining enrollment.

Construction on the 371-bed East Hill Residence Hall began with a groundbreaking on Oct.

16 at Lehigh, with tree clearing and excavation on University Drive (between Drinker and M&M halls). The hall, part of the university's plan to add student housing, is set to open in fall 2028.

Pennsylvania legislators passed a bill to protect firefighters' health by banning sales of PFAS firefighting foams next year and outlawing them in 2028; Governor Josh Shapiro will sign the measure soon (PFAS chemicals do not break down and can harm health).

Junior cross country runner Kaitlyn Highduch returned from a months-long recovery to win the individual title at the Lafayette Invitational on Sept.

11 by finishing the 6K course in 21:33.9; she now prepares to lead her team at the Bucknell Open today before the Patriot League Championships.