Good morning, Bethlehem.

Bethlehem has received nearly $900K in state grants to fight rising homelessness with $400K for street outreach and rapid rehousing and $475K for New Bethany Ministries to renovate its 18,000 sqft drop-in center (adding mental health and hygiene services); State Sen. Lisa Boscola secured the funds.

AARP Pennsylvania invites eligible local nonprofits and government groups to apply for its 2026 Community Challenge grants aimed at boosting public spaces, transportation, housing, and digital access (applications accepted until March 4 at 5 p.m. ET and projects completed by Dec.

15).

The Broken Record, a music-themed restaurant, has begun its soft opening at 6776 Hamilton Blvd in Lower Macungie Township with a limited dinner menu running daily through Saturday.

The restaurant plans to add breakfast and lunch service later this winter.

Merck completed a $9.2 billion cash purchase of Cidara Therapeutics — developer of the experimental flu prevention drug CD388 — to diversify its portfolio beyond Keytruda; the deal at $221.50 per share comes as Merck strengthens its operations, including key manufacturing and research facilities in eastern Pennsylvania.

Easton Area High School’s marching band returned to the Lehigh Valley with dozens of awards from a New Orleans trip that featured performances and cultural tours.

The group planned the journey since fall (with community fundraising) and celebrated ringing in the 2026 new year.

Coca-Cola Park is being transformed back into a baseball field as staff from the Lehigh Valley IronPigs begin taking down nearly 1.5 million holiday lights; a crew of 40+ works over the next couple of weeks and plans to restore the seasonal magic next year.

Steel Ice Center representatives will update city planners today on expansion plans at East Second and Polk streets, west of SteelStacks.

The project adds a 34,000 sqft rink and a 6,000 sqft fitness center (with St. Luke’s University Health Network branding) as teams and programs need more space.

Tom Petty Tribute Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Musikfest Café — Ticketed event — Experience an authentic tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with Damn The Torpedoes.

Friday Night Trivia at Colony Meadery

7:15 p.m. — Colony Meadery South Bethlehem — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy a fun night of trivia hosted by the Lehigh Valley Trivia League.