Good morning, Bethlehem.

Hundreds of dogs will join Barktoberfest today at Promenade Saucon Valley where pet costume contests, dock diving, and family fun will take place - the free event also features a 27,000-gallon pool for water competitions and offers special perks for qualifying shoppers.

A local food bank warned that if the government does not pass a budget, SNAP benefits will be cut come November and more families will rely on its services—Community Services Manager Nicole Folino said the loss of benefits will drive people to the pantry.

The bank now serves about 100,000 people each month in the region.

Singer-songwriter Joshua Radin performed at 8 p.m. yesterday at Sellersville Theater 1894 to support his new independently released album One Day Home — tickets cost between $35 and $72 and were available on the theater's website and at the door.

Bethlehem Historic Museums is building the Overlook on History to connect the 18th-century Grist Miller’s House at 459 Old York Road with the nearby Luckenbach Mill; the $1.5 million project will offer an educational exhibit space above archaeological remains and open in spring.

Engineers designed the structure to meet FEMA floodplain standards—ensuring the historic site is preserved while adding a modern touch.

On Oct. 16, families and students gathered at Northeast Middle School for a Hispanic Heritage celebration — the event continued after the month ended — with music, traditional foods and crafts offered by school officials and community partners.

Music director Denise Parker and alumnus Danny Class led singing and dancing to honor Latin cultural traditions.

The state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reported that chilly nights and recent rain have boosted fall foliage into peak color in northern and central Pennsylvania, while eastern areas are still nearing full display.

Local residents are encouraged to visit local parks and drive scenic routes as cool mornings continue to enhance the autumn landscape—especially for those looking to enjoy the season near Bethlehem.

Rural volunteer fire companies, such as Lehigh Township’s which answered 30 to 40 wildfire calls last fall, are now eligible for a $15,000 matching state grant to pay for training and equipment upgrades.

The grant is part of an $882,000 funding package aimed at helping communities protect themselves from wildfires.

Bethlehem City Council approved a 40K contract with WRT LLC to update the Northside Alive neighborhood plan over the next five years.

The update will focus on a mixed income area bounded by Monocacy Creek and Mauch Chunk Road to the west, Maple Street to the east, Broad Street to the south and Laurel Street to the north — the plan will guide federal grant use for community improvements.

Gov. Josh Shapiro's administration said insurers must cover COVID-19 and other vaccines with no copays or deductibles through at least Dec.

31 — 2026, following a notice from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department that reinforces an executive order for cost-free vaccine access.

Jefferson Health plans to lay off 600 to 700 workers—about 1% of its staff—after acquiring Lehigh Valley Health Network, citing financial headwinds.

This decision follows an earlier round of layoffs this year and reflects ongoing efforts to manage rising losses.

Medical experts say vaccines are important for seniors because they can lower the risk of hospitalization and death from illnesses like pneumonia & the major respiratory infections such as influenza, Covid-19, and RSV.

Dr. Jeffrey Jahre at St. Luke’s and local resident Deborah Sacarakis, who said she has shingles, urged seniors to get vaccinated to help protect their health.

The PIAA sanctioned girls flag football in Pennsylvania on Sept.

18, 2024, and PIAA assistant executive director Lindsay Barna said the move will open new doors for female athletes. Registered teams have reached 101 and the first championship will take place in May 2026.

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.

Postmodern Jukebox Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Zoellner Arts Center — Tickets required — Experience today’s pop hits reimagined in the classic styles of legendary musicians.

The Snowbird Golf Tournament

Participation welcome — 3604 Farmersville Rd, Bethlehem, PA — Entry fee may apply — Hit the greens in the community's winter golf tournament.