Good morning, Bethlehem.

Bethlehem is set to upgrade Nicholas Dutko Park—a 1.5-acre site along Stefko Boulevard, Pembroke Road and Washington Avenue—to improve pedestrian safety and enhance community space with new pathways and public art from local students.

The project will use $150,000 from a HUD Choice Neighborhoods grant and $110,000 from the city’s Recreation Fee fund and may later add play areas, community spaces and improved lighting.

Yesterday, the 69 News morning NETCAST detailed several top stories including a motor scooter crash in Allentown that left a 27-year-old Wyomissing woman dead, a 3-alarm fire in Nazareth that destroyed a restaurant and damaged a school, and regional coverage of Pope Francis' legacy. The broadcast also previewed upcoming community events and public safety updates—critical details for residents—providing a compact look at local news.

Northampton County Council approved Robert Seip's donation of over 150 conifers to be moved to Louise Moore Park arboretum, where more than 80 species will be added to create a new conifer garden.

The trees, valued at about $5,100 and gathered over decades, will be transplanted soon as Seip finds it harder to care for them+ the project will upgrade walking trails and landscaping.

A group gathered Monday near the Clayton University Center flagpole to stand in solidarity with Mohsen Mahdawi—a former Lehigh student detained by ICE during his citizenship appointment in Vermont on April 14.

Speakers at the rally denounced ICE actions—calling for justice for detained students while voicing support for freedom in Palestine.

Marie D. Colon Rodriguez, a 27-year-old from Wyomissing, died from multiple blunt force injuries when her scooter was struck by a vehicle on Union Boulevard in Allentown after 6 p.m. Saturday + the driver remained at the scene as police investigated the fatal accident.

On April 19, students gathered at the Clayton University Center front lawn to celebrate Holi — a colorful festival that marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil, featuring powder throws, dances and lively performances.

Martin Guitar released the D Biosphere III guitar yesterday to honor Earth Day — a model made with FSC-certified woods and featuring polar bear artwork — and published its Impact Report that showed over $500,000 in charitable grants, reforestation efforts, and recycling of 60 tons of material as part of its ongoing commitment to the environment.

Dylan Boyle — a Freedom senior — earned the 2024 lehighvalleylive Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year honor by winning first at District 11 3A and finishing 28th at the state meet.

He will run at Thomas Jefferson University as he studies architecture and said his hard work and support helped him reach his goal.

AAUW Bethlehem Book Fair

2-6 p.m. — Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink — Free entry — Discover thousands of books at the annual AAUW Book Fair benefiting local education initiatives.

Melissa Etheridge Live Concert

7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — Wind Creek Event Center — Check website for pricing — Experience the soulful sounds of Melissa Etheridge in a vibrant live performance.

Historic Downtown Campus Preview Day

10 AM — Moravian Academy — Free entry — Discover the unique offerings of Moravian Academy campuses with an immersive experience for prospective families.

Lehigh University Jazz Orchestra Concert

3-6 p.m. — Zoellner Arts Center — Enjoy a spring concert featuring contemporary jazz works performed by Lehigh University students and faculty under the direction of Bill Warfield.

Live Jazz with Joe Mixon

8-11 p.m. — Riegelsville Inn — Cost not specified — Enjoy a night of smooth jazz, blues, and fusion music performed by guitarist and vocalist Joe Mixon.

Downtown Bethlehem Fine Art and Craft Show

May 10-11 — Downtown Bethlehem Association — Free entry — Celebrate local artistry with awards, receptions, and exceptional crafts.

Mother's Day Brunch

10 AM – 1 PM — ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks — Ticketed event — Celebrate Mother's Day with delicious food and live music by Joe Lazorik.

Celtic Herbology Workshop

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Celtic Cultural Alliance — Workshop fee applies — Explore the uses of Celtic herbs and create your own healing products.

2025 Levitt Pavilion Concert Season

May 16-17 — Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks — Free entry — Enjoy free live music at the iconic Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces.

The Doo Wop Project

7:30-9 p.m. — Zoellner Arts Center — Check venue for ticket prices — Experience the evolution of Doo Wop from classic harmonies to contemporary hits.