Friday, November 7th, 2025
Good morning, Bethlehem. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 7th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bethlehem funeral director Justin Keiper was named runner-up for Funeral Director of the Year by American Funeral Director Magazine this week. He said on 69 News at Sunrise that his work is a calling to help families and to change old ideas about funeral directors—he aims to be active in the community. WFMZ
- ➤ Thousands of donated clothes will be available as part of a $5 fill-a-bag fundraiser held today in South Mall's community room in Salisbury Twp to support Caring Hearts and help save its Slatington clothing store from closing due to a rent increase — leftover items will be given away for free on Saturday. WFMZ
- ➤ Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering cared for 54 guests on Wednesday night as volunteers served meals and set up beds for mainly local adults—its capacity of 70 beds is expected to be reached soon as colder weather and rising rent push more residents in. The shelter allows guests to stay multiple nights so they can keep their belongings safe. WFMZ
- ➤ The Lehigh Valley Zoo said its first female alpaca with rare black fleece was born on Oct. 23, making her the third offspring for mother Illuminati (and father Havoc) and raising the herd to five. The baby weighs just under 10 pounds and is now in a separate pasture for bonding with her mother (joining siblings Buzz and Tupaca) as visitors can see her while the zoo seeks a name for the cria. WFMZ
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A storm with gusts up to 47 mph damaged the enclosures at Cricket Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Alburtis last Wednesday — a fallen tree allowed three older African Servals to escape, and center owner Melissa Descant said the cats are not dangerous while urging anyone who sees them to call immediately. Lehigh Valley News
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber held its annual awards event at Wind Creek Events Center and opened with a musical performance by Tony Iannelli, its executive director. The panel recognized New Bethany Ministries for 40 years, Cetronia Ambulance for 70 years, and Mack Truck for 125 years—Buddy Lesavoy received the volunteer award and members also remembered Nancy Dischinat. WFMZ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bethlehem Area Public Library will host its annual 11Fest fundraising concert on November 11 from 5-11 p.m. at the Main Library at 11 W. Church St.—the event will feature 11 local performers in bluegrass, folk, indie, and rock while raising funds for Studio 11, the library's free recording studio. WLVR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Notre Dame High School will break ground today on a new field house in Bethlehem Twp — a three-story, 19,580-square-foot facility replacing the 1970s annex that once served as a hub for school events. The project is part of a $14M campaign and will continue through 2026 with a ceremony led by Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert. Lehigh Valley Live
- ➤ Professor Amirtahà Taebi has joined Lehigh as an assistant professor in Bioengineering to study heart vibrations and diagnose diseases (drawing on methods developed in his international research). He brings experience from Iran, Italy, California and Mississippi (with a one-month trial period for undergraduates to join his lab) to give local students new hands-on opportunities. The Brown and White
- ➤ Lehigh University’s Student-Athlete Mentor program helps first-year athletes adjust to campus life by pairing them with upperclassmen who offer advice on classes, sports and daily challenges. Each new athlete is placed in a group of eight to 10 peers with one male and one female mentor — providing practical support and guidance. The Brown and White
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On the anniversary of last year's Gap Fire, the National Weather Service warned Thursday that dry conditions, low humidity from 30 to 40 percent and northwest winds reaching 20 to 30 mph put the Lehigh Valley at high risk for rapid fire spread. The alert came as the region remained in moderate drought—conditions that later eased when humidity rose and winds dropped. Lehigh Valley News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lehigh University hosted India's ambassador Vinay Kwatra on November 5th, where he spoke to more than 130 attendees about growing US–India cooperation in defense, artificial intelligence and trade. The event was moderated by Lehigh alumnus Richard Verma — a former U.S. ambassador to India— and marked a key moment in the nations’ diplomatic ties. WLVR
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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.
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Damon Sumner Stand-Up Comedy Show
8-10 p.m. — Bethlehem Visitor Center at SteelStacks — $21 — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Damon Sumner as he shares hilarious stories and observations from his life.
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Chiodos Concert
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Sands Casino And Hotel — Tickets from $81 — Enjoy an electrifying performance by Chiodos at the Wind Creek Event Center.
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Le Nozze di Figaro
4-5 p.m. — Zoellner Arts Center — Experience the comedic and dramatic brilliance of Mozart's masterpiece through talented young artists.
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2025 Bethlehem Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
4:30-5:30 p.m. — Payrow Plaza — Free entry — Experience the magic of Christmas with twinkling lights, festive carols, and a chance to meet Santa.
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LKV November Open House
1-5 p.m. — Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Museum — $8 admission, children under 12 free — Immerse yourself in a vast model railroad display depicting the Lehigh Valley from the 1950s to 1970s.
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Follett Factory & Product Training
Dec 2-5 — Follett Products, LLC — Registration required — Experience the latest and safest ice products in this exclusive training session.
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Free Dental, Vision, and Medical Services
6 a.m. — Northeast Middle School — Free services — Access essential health services including dental, vision, and medical care at no cost.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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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.
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