Good morning, Bethlehem.

Residents and stakeholders will learn about the final Pembroke Choice Neighborhood Plan at an event hosted by the Bethlehem Housing Authority and City of Bethlehem at the Northeast Community Center on October 9 from 5 to 7 p.m.—the event will feature free food, candy, raffles, and Halloween-themed activities with a rain date on October 11 if weather is a concern.

Rows of shelves at Second Harvest Food Bank in East Allen Township are growing bare — staff report that monthly use rose from about 90,000 to 124,000 people amid federal and state funding cuts.

The food bank now relies on grocery store donations, food drives and volunteers as it seeks new grant funds to buy fresh produce and protein.

On Thursday, Kathy Craine honored veteran meteorologist Charlie Giannetta by presenting him with a special award at Serenity Hospice—recognizing his nearly 40 years in weather forecasting and teaching.

Kinley Ford—an Hamburg-based car dealership—laid off nearly four dozen employees.

The Great Allentown Fair recently attracted visitors to the Allentown Fairgrounds with rides, games and contests, and local helper (Bethlehem's Nancy Sullivan) joined the fun.

Volunteers like Linda Henninger organized a youth handicraft display while contest entries drew the crowd's attention.

Professor Frank Gunter is retiring from Lehigh after 41 years teaching economics, with his last semester set for Spring 2026.

He will begin a sabbatical in London—working on a new book—before officially retiring in summer 2026.

Dry weather has accelerated fall foliage across Pennsylvania as experts note trees showing early color changes due to drought stress — forecasts predict that many areas will reach peak color about a week sooner than last year.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources released its fall foliage forecast to guide visitors even though recent rain is not enough to delay the change.

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure presented his final $503 million budget on Thursday, keeping the county tax rate at 10.8 mills and reducing spending by 7.3 percent to support open space and the Gracedale nursing home.

The plan now goes to county council for hearings later this year and includes a request for $10 million from the state treasury—funds that may require interest payments.

Northampton County human services workers warned that 175 furloughs starting Oct.

20 could leave people who help abused children, the elderly and those with mental health needs without support. They urged county officials to find another solution — County Executive Lamont McClure promised to try to stop the job cuts if state funding does not improve.

Tickets for the 2026 Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic are on sale now for the upcoming PGA TOUR Champions event at Lehigh Country Club from Sept.

28—Oct. 4. The tournament will feature 78 players with a $2.3 million purse and support local charities such as Valley Youth House and Eagles Autism Foundation.

Sophomore midfielder Giacomo Zizza earned Patriot League honors after scoring two goals in a 3-3 tie with Army West Point on Sept.

20. He now focuses on the team and hopes to win the Patriot League Championship in the future—his steady play in high-pressure moments earned him the award.

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.

aGirl & aGuy Band Performance at Oktoberfest

3-4 p.m. — ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks — Entry info unavailable — Enjoy lively music under the beer tent at Oktoberfest.

Pepperwine Concert

3-4 p.m. — ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks — Cost not specified — Enjoy the melodic sounds of Pepperwine and immerse yourself in a remarkable music experience.

Hairball Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Club at Wind Creek Event Center — Tickets from $44 — Experience an electrifying night of live music with Hairball.

Mark Morris Dance Group Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Zoellner Arts Center — Cost info not provided — Experience the vibrant creativity of the Mark Morris Dance Group, focusing on community, access, and diversity.

Kathleen Edwards Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Musikfest Café — Tickets available — Experience Kathleen Edwards as she performs her holiday hit 'It's Christmastime (Let's Just Survive)'.

Cheap Trick Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — The Club at Wind Creek Event Center — Last-minute tickets available — Enjoy a night with the legendary rock band Cheap Trick in a cozy venue.

Bachman Turner Overdrive Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — The Club at Wind Creek Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with classic rock legends Bachman Turner Overdrive in Bethlehem.

Wycked Night: The Ultimate Halloween Bash

9 p.m.-12 a.m. — Wind Creek Event Center — $10 cover — Dive into a thrilling night of costumes, music, and performances at Bethlehem's spookiest bash.

IL Divo Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Club at Wind Creek Event Center — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the harmonies of IL Divo in a vibrant setting.