Bethlehem
Today
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Bethlehem. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Jaxson Lutz, a 15-year-old recovering from a hip replacement and six surgeries after a June fall that resulted in a broken femur and avascular necrosis, joined the Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Co. and received a supportive home visit from firefighters on August 18 to lift his spirits—his new role gives him purpose after giving up youth sports. Lehigh Valley Live
- ➤ Bethlehem Area Public Library started its second book sale of the calendar year with a busy turnout as visitors lined up hours before doors open to browse thousands of donated books, DVDs, CDs, movies, puzzles, and vinyl records. The event takes place in the ground floor sale room until Wednesday at 8 p.m. (a second day is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m.) and raises funds for library operations. WFMZ
- ➤ Over 1200 students and faculty from Moravian University joined a day of community service today, volunteering at over 40 sites in Bethlehem. They helped reduce erosion at Monocacy Creek by planting stakes and sorted clothing at a local thrift boutique — a strong show of community support. WFMZ
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ B. Braun, a Bethlehem-based medical company, acquired True Digital Surgery in Goleta to boost its digital microscope technology used in neurosurgery—The purchase price was not disclosed and the company had previously held a minority stake in TDS. WFMZ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lehigh Valley Zoo will host its 12th Winter Light Spectacular from Nov. 14 to Jan. 3, showing 1.2 million lights, classic holiday scenes, live performances + photo packages; tickets went on sale at 10 a.m. Sept. 17. The event supports animal conservation projects and is the zoo’s largest annual fundraiser. Lehigh Valley Live
- ➤ The Lehigh Valley IronPigs and ArtsQuest joined forces on Wednesday to honor America's 250th anniversary by unveiling special red, white, and blue hats and jerseys. Local artist Doug Beohm created a unique design for the apparel—sold online and to be worn at six games next season. WFMZ
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Bethlehem Area School District announced Ralph Andrews as the new principal at Hanover Elementary pending Board approval at its meeting on Monday. Andrews, who has led two other schools, will replace Erin Hines—placed on leave after a DUI crash in March—with his appointment expected later this fall. WFMZ
- ➤ Lehigh paused its verbal agreement with Hungry Hawks on Sept 8—citing budget cuts and the program's early development—for now, leaving the app running while the university continues to support food recovery efforts through the Food Recovery Network. The student-led initiative now asks for $1 donations to keep operating and expand its work in reducing food waste. The Brown and White
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ LANTA is exploring funding options at a Lehigh Valley Transportation Study meeting and has submitted a plan to request capital funds for the next two years—Executive Director Owen O’Neil said the agency will speak with PennDOT to help avoid planned service cuts and fare hikes if its $8 million deficit continues. WFMZ
- ➤ Bethlehem’s City Council met Tuesday (Sept 16) to address the Hill-to-Hill bridge encampment, review proposals for affordable housing on the Martin Tower site, and debate shifting $120,000 from the downtown initiative fund for a UNESCO site manager’s salary. Some council members opposed diverting funds needed for downtown repairs while others supported the UNESCO investment, and the council approved grant applications for a new Southside Community Center and an expanded Bethlehem Emergency Shelter. The Brown and White
- ➤ Lower Saucon Township Council held a three-and-a-half-hour meeting Wednesday evening and debated proposals for local police to help ICE arrest alleged criminal illegal aliens, to track council visits with a new system, and to set up a landfill compensation fund to help with potential revenue losses from Bethlehem Landfill reaching capacity—strong public concerns about rising taxes were voiced and none of the measures passed. WFMZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Austin Duncan, a College of Health professor and traumatic brain injury survivor, is teaming with Good Shepherd Rehabilitation to study accessibility issues in the Lehigh Valley—he hosted focus groups and surveyed residents to learn how to improve sidewalks and information access for those with disabilities. The team will later present an implementation plan to help local community members access public spaces safely. The Brown and White
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Junior golfer Matt Quinn finished third at the Red Bandanna Invitational in Verona, posting a score of six over par and earning the second best overall score among 11 teams—his team now prepares for the Temple Invitational in Plymouth Meeting this weekend. The Brown and White
-
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.
-
Hispanic Heritage Celebration 2025
6-10 p.m. — Wind Creek Event Center — Proceeds support local initiatives — Celebrate Hispanic heritage with music, dance, and cultural exhibits.
-
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
About Bethlehem Today
Welcome to the Bethlehem Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania community. If you like the Bethlehem Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Bethlehem.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Bethlehem and across Pennsylvania. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Bethlehem Today
A free Bethlehem community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://bethlehemtoday.com/sitemap