Bethlehem
Today
Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
Good morning, Bethlehem. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Orionid meteor shower reached its peak early—visible from Monday night into Tuesday morning—with local Backyard Astronomy Guy Marty McGuire explaining that bright meteors occur when Earth passes through Halley’s Comet debris. Viewers are advised to find dark areas free of city lights for the best viewing. WLVR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Businesses along Tilghman Street have seen a 30% drop in customer visits since PennDOT began construction in July—some report profits down by up to 60% and one shop has seen a 70% decrease in sales. PennDOT said two-lane traffic will resume end of November—construction will return in a second phase next spring and summer, leaving local business owners uncertain about the future. WFMZ
- ➤ Phoenix Tube is expanding into a new 75,000-square-foot building next to its 200,000-square-foot factory in Bethlehem to boost production amid growing demand — the facility will include manufacturing areas and office space and is nearly ready for use. Lehigh Valley Economic Development
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Historic Hotel Bethlehem is earning national praise as its famous Moravian Sugar Cake was named to the Top 25 Historic Hotels of America Culinary Heritage and Traditions List—this treat made with potato dough, brown sugar, and butter has been served to guests for 20 years. WFMZ
- ➤ ArtsQuest's Oktoberfest at SteelStacks drew record attendance for the second year in a row, with about 48,500 people enjoying German fare, live music, and competitions over two October weekends. The 15th annual festival featured a variety of events—including a 5k race and a bratwurst-eating contest—that showcased strong community participation. Lehigh Valley News
- ➤ LVEDC President & CEO Don Cunningham reflected on the Lehigh Valley music scene’s evolution from gritty roadhouse gigs to today’s polished festivals and venues. He also announced that Cunningham & Associates will perform a tribute show at Musikfest Café in Bethlehem’s ArtsQuest Center on Friday night & it will highlight the blend of past and present in local entertainment. Lehigh Valley Economic Development
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Lehigh professor Michael Jorgensen created and performed a one-man play about Joseph Bologne to show how the 18th-century Caribbean composer broke barriers and inspired his teaching. His performance mixed narrative and music to bring history alive for students—linking art with education. The Brown and White
- ➤ The 19th Annual Wall Street Council Financial Services forum was held on Saturday at Zoellner Arts Center where 231 students and 80 alumni networked with financial professionals from Bank of America, EY, JP Morgan and others. The event began at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast and panels — breakout sessions that provided career guidance and internship opportunities for students. The Brown and White
- ➤ At Monday night’s board meeting, the district named Elise Jones as the new principal of Fountain Hill Elementary School with a $130,000 salary while 500 students attend classes at a temporary site after the old building was demolished. The board also approved plans to refinance $28.4 million in debt, sign a health worker deal with St. Luke’s University Health Network, buy new data center switches for $107,243.78, and install audiovisual upgrades at Farmersville Elementary for $45,596.41. WFMZ
- ➤ At a town hall meeting at Pfenning Alumni Center, Lafayette College president Nicole Hurd said the school followed zoning rules for its oversized signage request at Kirby Sports Center—even as residents alleged its lawyer tried to silence community voices at the August hearing—and that the college will appeal the zoning rejection. Lehigh Valley Live
- ➤ Bethlehem BASD is expanding its student athlete mentoring program to all middle schools with an investment from St. Luke's — a move that builds on the program’s strong high school results — to help students improve both their academics and sports performance. WFMZ
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Tyler Greene—an Easton graduate who served as an assistant coach at Freedom since 2022—has been submitted to the Bethlehem Area School Board for approval as the new head boys wrestling coach; he built a strong record of 129-46 and earned several titles during his high school career. This change marks a new chapter for Freedom's wrestling program. Lehigh Valley Live
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
The first rule of any kind of progress: showing up.
~ Ryan Holiday
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