Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 4th of September.
Good morning, Bethlehem.
Pennsylvania State Police said two early morning crashes around 6 a.m. Wednesday on Route 22 in Whitehall Township involved eight vehicles (including SUVs) and resulted in multiple injuries with people being taken to hospitals while investigators in Bethlehem work to determine the cause.
Tuesday night, a 24-year-old Northampton man died when his motorcycle collided with a car on South Cedar Crest Boulevard at Fish Hatchery Road in Salisbury Township — he was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead before 1 a.m. as investigators looked into the accident.
John Doe, a 24-year-old Northampton man wearing a helmet, died after his motorcycle collided with a vehicle at South Cedar Crest Boulevard and Fish Hatchery Road in Salisbury Township on Tuesday night—he was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest and pronounced dead at 12:44 a.m., officials said.
Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P.
Holihan said a three-year drug investigation led to 22 arrests, including Bethlehem City worker Zachary Cole-Borghi, and resulted in seizures of over $100,000 in cash, more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana, other drugs, 25 guns, and two secret labs — authorities said more arrests and charges are expected as the probe continues.
Bethlehem city solicitor John Spirk Jr. said Tuesday that only Bethlehem Right-to-Know Officer Zach Cole-Borghi is under investigation after his arrest at City Hall on Thursday for drug charges—Cole-Borghi posted $50,000 bail and no other city employees are involved.
A New Jersey man named Ashton Jordan Thomas, 18, faces charges for allegedly opening fire at Sizzling Bites in Southside Bethlehem late last week after an argument turned violent when he was slapped — the shooting injured a man and a woman and carries charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault, carrying a firearm without a license, and recklessly endangering others.
On Aug.14, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin P.
Holihan reported that two Allentown brothers, Jefran and Jeffrey Canales-Tapia, were arrested in their homes as leaders of a large-scale drug operation, with authorities recovering 9 kilos of cocaine, cash, and marijuana—charges include possession with intent to deliver and criminal conspiracy.
The Bacon Brothers will perform at Zoellner Arts Center at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept.
7 — local singer Kendal Conrad will open the show and tickets cost between $50 and $60; their new album Ballad of the Brothers blends folk — rock, soul, and country sounds.
Penn State Extension published a free guide to Pennsylvania bees this summer that outlines over 440 species organized by genus—showing high-definition photos, facts, and key details to help residents identify bees important for pollinating local plants and crops.
Biology professors and community scientists say the guide fills a niche for both nature enthusiasts and experts.
At Tuesday's city council meeting, community members raised fears about plans to clear a homeless encampment under the Hill-to-Hill Bridge as Norfolk Southern and police plan to have residents relocate by Dec.
15 due to safety risks. The council also approved a new SALDO that simplifies land development rules—incorporating the Climate Action Plan and local transportation and environmental roles.
Dorothy in Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Musikfest Café — Check for ticket prices — Experience the hard rocking neo blues quintet Dorothy with their powerhouse vocals and anthemic melodies.
Steel Nation Shaves for the Brave
4-8 p.m. — Steel Club — Admission required — Enjoy an evening of fun, food, and fundraising to support childhood cancer research.
LKV September Open House
1-5 p.m. — Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum — $8, children 12 and under free — Explore an expansive 5,000 sq ft display of model railroads depicting local history from the late 50s to early 70s.
Celtic Classic Festival
12:30 PM – 1:30 AM — 305 Conestoga St, Bethlehem, PA — Free to attend — Experience a vibrant celebration of Celtic culture with music, competitions, and activities for all ages.
Bethlehem Oktoberfest 2025
4-11 p.m. — New Street Pub — Ticket required — Celebrate Oktoberfest with a bar crawl featuring beer, food, and live music at multiple venues.
Dan Tepfer – Inventions/Reinventions Dinner Concert & Fundraiser
Evening — Time TBD — ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks — Ticketed event — Experience a journey through Bach’s works infused with modern improvisation by pianist Dan Tepfer.
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