Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of June.
Good morning, Bethlehem.
Crews began work on the new ArtsQuest Creative Factory on Bethlehem's southside to replace the Banana Factory Cultural Center that served the community for over 25 years.
The $32-million, 79,000-square-foot facility will house 36 arts studios, nine classrooms & a comedy theater with a Martin Guitar recording studio, and it is expected to open in the last quarter of next year.
AAA reports Pennsylvania gas prices jumped nearly 10 cents to an average of $3.317 per gallon this week—this rise follows a nearly $10 increase in crude oil prices after conflicts in the Middle East, putting the state among the nation’s top 10 for expensive gas.
At Freedom High School's June 6 graduation at Stabler Arena, Principal Laurie Sage and student speakers stressed that challenges like COVID and world events taught graduates to find meaning in chaos—each story was unique.
The ceremony also honored 17-year-old David Nagy, a beloved student whose loss deeply affected the school community.
Persistent rain has hurt local farmers in Lehigh Valley, with Chris Colitas reporting up to 15,000 pounds of rotted strawberries costing about $60K—forcing him to call the season a wash.
At Heidel Hollow Farm, hay farmers used drying machines to save their crop—helping to lessen losses despite the heavy rains.
On Tuesday, a helicopter sprayed Vectobac 12AS on the Delaware and Lehigh rivers to curb the black fly threat in Bucks and Northampton counties.
The state DEP used the bacterial larvicide that does not harm fish to help improve outdoor recreation.
Since June 5, Paul Miller’s Law has made it illegal to use a handheld cellphone while driving, so police are pulling over drivers to issue written warnings until citations begin next June — the law is named after Paul Miller Jr., who died in a 2010 crash and aims to reduce dangerous distracted driving incidents.
Bethlehem Township officials approved $71,500 for prep work at the Archibald Johnston Mansion, which will help set up the historic site for interior renovations.
The work includes designing a parking lot layout, ADA and emergency access, a new well and septic system, and a topographic survey — all needed for the next phase of upgrades.
Totally 80's Tour
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Wind Creek Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Relive the vibrant music of the 80's with performances by Big Country, Tommy Tutone, Gene Loves Jezebel, and Bow Wow Wow.
¡Sabor! Latin Festival
7-11 p.m. — Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks — Free admission — Celebrate Latin heritage with vibrant music, delicious food, and family-friendly fun.
Zeppelin Reimagined
8-9 p.m. — Musikfest Café — $30-$40 — Experience a groundbreaking tribute to Led Zeppelin with innovative arrangements and a visual spectacle.
Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Homewood Suites by Hilton Allentown-Bethlehem Airport — Cost varies — Create your own vibrant mosaic lamp while enjoying Turkish treats.
Allentown Band Concert
8:30-10:00 p.m. — Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with the Allentown Band's patriotic music and solo performances.
The Wallflowers Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — The Club at Wind Creek Event Center — Check website for price — Enjoy a dynamic night of rock and pop music with The Wallflowers.
Terry Fator Live
8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Wind Creek Event Center — Check website for price — Enjoy a night of comedy and entertainment with the talented Terry Fator.
200th Anniversary Car, Truck, and Bike Show
1-5 p.m. — Hanoverville Road House — $20 Pre-Registration — Celebrate automotive history with trophies, dash plaques, and door prizes.
Sam Bush Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks — Tickets available — Experience the musical journey of acclaimed bluegrass legend Sam Bush live in Bethlehem.
McKinney Media Presents: 4th Anniversary Photo Gala
Join McKinney Media on August 9 for a powerful celebration of creativity, innovation, and community at our 4th Anniversary Photo Gala in Bethlehem, PA. From multimedia showcases and live entertainment to gourmet cuisine and on-the-spot photography, this immersive experience honors the stories that shaped us—and the future we’re building together.
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