Good morning, Bethlehem.

James S. Akins (57), a roofing contractor from Effort working on a solar panel installation at a Northampton County home, suffered a fatal medical event at ground level and was pronounced dead at 6:05 p.m. after authorities clarified he did not fall as initially reported.

Scott Carey of Carey & Schnalzer Quality Meats in New Tripoli won two Grand Champion awards at the Pennsylvania Association of Meat Processors competition held in May at State College.

The shop earned top honors for its Pepper & Onion Sausage and its Landjäger—traditional German cured meat.

Health food chain The Juice Pod will open its first Lehigh Valley location at 117 East Fourth Street in South Bethlehem this fall—its new cafe on the main level of the Marshall Valley building will serve acai bowls, smoothies and other healthy options.

The franchise, which has grown to over 20 sites, will soon hire both part-time and full-time workers to support its expansion in the region.

Attorney Ronnie Creazzo, 61, from Bushkill Township was convicted on Wednesday for sending a threatening email to a disciplinary investigator after he shouted at the officer who came to his home on June 21, 2024—his law license was suspended and he remains free on $75,000 bail with conditions.

Country singer Jamie Chesson opened last night's Musikfest Preview Night on Thursday, July 31 at 6 p.m. on Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks in Bethlehem.

The free event featured acts including rising country star Megan Moroney, local rock guitarist Jon Fadem, singer Clover and The Hot Mamas—marking an energetic start to the 11-day festival.

Lehigh Valley Zoo broke ground Thursday on its largest project ever—a $10 million Children's Activity Area that includes an accessible playground and a new barn; the zoo has raised $3.2 million so far from donations and public support and plans to finish this phase this fall with further improvements to follow.

Palmer Township cleared and reopened a new section of its bike trail west of 2025 Edgewood Avenue for riders, though a dispute continues with developer Nat Hyman over permit delays and blocked access—township officials said the trail will be paved next week using excess materials from another project.

Mosaic Lamp Making Workshop

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Homewood Suites by Hilton Allentown-Bethlehem Airport — Cost varies — Create a stunning Turkish mosaic lamp while enjoying delicious Turkish treats.

Nelly Performance at Musikfest 2025

12-9 p.m. — SteelStacks — Free entry — Nelly returns to Bethlehem to blend covers and originals in a solo performance at Musikfest.

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.

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.