Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Good morning, Bethlehem. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Historic Bethlehem Community Heritage Day returns April 18 at the Colonial Industrial Quarter from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free access to 18th-century demonstrations, hands-on activities, guided tours, and an Antique Treasure Show — a baking challenge begins on April 17. Bethlehem Press
- ➤ Spring events were outlined at the March 31 Mayor’s South Side Task Force meeting at NCC Fowler Center, with upcoming events including today’s State of the City address at ArtsQuest Musikfest Café, Arbor Day tree planting on April 24, and activities such as hikes, cleanups, and surveys. Bethlehem Press
- ➤ Bethlehem officials announced plans to build a $15M South Side Community Center on Mechanic Street with River Crossing YMCA & United Way; the center will include a basketball court and flex space to help connect neighbors, and the city has set aside $1M while a timeline is planned. WFMZ
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Richard Reynolds, Vice Chair of LVEDC’s Board, has been promoted to Regional President of Olympus Corporation of the Americas headquartered in the Lehigh Valley. Reynolds, who previously led the Olympus America Inc. Medical Systems Group, replaces Julien Sauvagnargues and will guide the new corporate strategy. Lehigh Valley Economic Development
- ➤ Johnny’s Bagels and Deli in Farrington Square reopened on March 18 after a lengthy renovation that updated its interior with white walls and red metal chairs. Owner John Zoir said he aimed to reconnect with the local community as some students voiced mixed opinions about the new look. The Brown and White
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The LVEDC and the National Museum of Industrial History invite community members to suggest items for a Made in Lehigh Valley time capsule for America 250. Submissions are accepted until May 1 and selected items will be displayed at a public exhibition beginning July 4. Lehigh Valley Economic Development
- ➤ Freedom HS Theatre Company presents “Something Rotten,” a musical comedy based on a book by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick. Performances are scheduled for Friday, Apr. 10 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Apr. 11 at 1 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Apr. 12 at 1 p.m. Bethlehem Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students from 30 local middle schools took part in the What’s So Cool About Manufacturing® video contest to learn about careers at an awards event on March 26 (at Stabler Arena). Saucon Valley Middle School won overall while four teams will advance to the state contest in May. Lehigh Valley Economic Development
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Pennsylvania Game Commission reported a six percent increase in the 2025–26 deer harvest, with WMUs (3D, 4C, and 5C) in the Lehigh Valley showing higher counts for both antlered and antlerless deer as hunters used added licenses to expand opportunities. Bethlehem Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Sen. Lisa Boscola, Rep. Steve Samuelson, and New Bethany’s Executive Director presented a $475K grant to support the Paving the Way campaign and expand the Drop-In Center in Bethlehem, renovating over (18,500 sqft) to offer full community services. The funding aims to address growing local needs. Bethlehem Press
- ➤ The Upper Saucon Township Planning Commission recommended a zoning change for 130-acre Promenade Park that will offer residential and commercial space including senior residences, townhomes, rentals, a hotel and parkland; the board of supervisors will vote on the amendment on April 27. WFMZ
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Sophomore wrestler Luke Stanich was named EIWA Wrestler of the Year for the 2025 to 2026 season by Lehigh Sports Tuesday morning. Stanich finished with a record of 18 to 1 and earned his second All-American honor after overcoming an early injury. The Brown and White
- ➤ Bethlehem Catholic lacrosse returned a senior core (and added promising new players) this spring, but the team is 0-4 and will face Moravian Academy this week to try to spark a turnaround. Bethlehem Press
- ➤ The Special Olympics Polar Plunge took place yesterday at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown and featured over 600 participants who raised $183,000 while overnight pool plunges occurred in Easton; vendors, food trucks (with music provided by DJ Joe Franzo) and a lively costume contest added local flair. Bethlehem Press
- ➤ Finn Morgan, a Canadian-born rookie, scored six goals in his debut and earned Patriot League Rookie of the Week four times while boosting Lehigh’s men’s lacrosse offense. He will join his teammates against Colgate on April 10 (in Hamilton, New York). The Brown and White
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Lake Street Dive Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Club at Wind Creek Event Center — $165/each — Experience an energetic live performance from Lake Street Dive in Bethlehem.
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LKV April Sidewalk Sale
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum — Free entry — Browse and shop from over 30 vendors at this annual community sale.
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Healthy Kids Running Series - Bethlehem PA (Race #3)
Course run — Expected 100-500 participants — Bethlehem, Pennsylvania — Fun and healthy activity for kids of all ages.
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Healthy Kids Running Series - Race #4
Kids running event — All day — Bethlehem Pennsylvania — Registration fee applicable — Encouraging a healthy lifestyle through fun running activities.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Start with repetition, not perfection.
~ James Clear
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