Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 14th of November.
Good morning, Bethlehem.
Nonprofit New Bethany will host a turkey drive on November 21 at Coca-Cola Park to collect 2,000 frozen turkeys for families in need after a government shutdown delayed funding since August—demand has grown as the food pantry and soup kitchen use doubled.
Executive director Marc Rittle said the state budget is in place but relief for food and housing programs will take time.
Bethlehem’s 40-in-10 parks master plan is making progress as the city will receive a final report by the end of 2025—project announcements for 2026—27 are set for February.
Over 1,900 community members have given feedback through events and surveys to help guide improvements in park access, trails, and facilities.
Donors in Macungie have given over 2300 coats in the last two years through the WFMZ LV Phantoms coat drive to keep families warm as winter nears—The Salvation Army said more coats are needed so that families do not have to choose between food and warmth.
Allegiant Air celebrated 20 years of service at Lehigh Valley International by launching a new route to Fort Myers, its 11th nonstop destination, with the inaugural flight departing shortly after 9 a.m. on Nov.
13 and a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring special fares starting at $69—showing the airport's continued growth in air travel.
Circle Jerks, a seminal hardcore punk band, will perform at 7 p.m. March 31 at Archer Music Hall in Allentown with Gorilla Biscuits and Negative Approach opening the show.
Tickets cost $48 for standing and range from $91.45 to $138.65 for balcony seats and will go on sale at 10 a.m. today.
Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem will close out the year with a lineup of concerts featuring comedian Chris Distefano live today, rock legend Sting on Nov.
20 and 21, and soulful icon Gladys Knight on Dec. 4 — tickets cost between $39.50 and $199.50.
Lehigh County officials are debating a proposal to form a Tourism Improvement District that would add fees to hotel guests (mostly non-residents) to boost tired local hotels.
Hotel managers and some commissioners worry that the measure may conflict with state law that currently only allows municipalities to create such districts.
Lehigh County commissioners approved an ordinance to gift four surplus male bison from Lehigh Valley Zoo to the Wildlife Restoration Foundation for transfer to a member of the InterTribal Buffalo Council in New York—this move will help balance the herd's makeup as the bison are set to leave Trexler Nature Preserve later this year or in the first quarter of 2026.
St. Luke’s University Health Network and Lehigh Valley Health Network hospitals earned high patient safety grades in The Leapfrog Group's fall study that measured rates of MRSA, bloodstream, and urinary tract infections—most facilities received A ratings while a few earned B ratings. Local hospitals, including Bethlehem’s campus, continued to meet strong safety standards.
Home sales in the Lehigh Valley fell in October as new listings and inventory dropped by 4.8 percent while mortgage applications rose 20 percent, signaling future buying strength.
The median sales price increased to $353,750 in Lehigh and Northampton counties—with homes selling at 100.4 percent of their list price—while Carbon County reported a median of $244,000.
Lehigh wrestlers remained No. 8 in this week’s NWCA Division I Men’s Wrestling Coaches Poll after dual-meet wins over Duke and Virginia—this kept the top 10 unchanged.
They will face No. 2 Nebraska at noon Saturday at the National Duals in Tulsa.
Sophomore Hayden Johnson led Lehigh to a perfect 10-0 season with a 16-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio—he credited his growth in reading defenses and team leadership for building on his family's football tradition.
Lehigh women’s basketball added three international first-years to its roster this season: Myrto Lianoudi from Athens, Greece; Alana Reddy from Sydney, Australia; and Leia Edwards from London, England.
Coach Kait Cresencia said the new players will bring fresh talent — a boost for the team as it prepares for eight out-of-conference match-ups before Patriot League play begins on Dec. 31 — and help bridge cultural and travel gaps.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Follett Factory & Product Training
Dec 2-5 — Follett Products, LLC — Registration required — Experience the latest and safest ice products in this exclusive training session.
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.
JOHNNYSWIM Concert
7-9 p.m. — Musikfest Café — Cost info not provided — Experience the soulful sounds of Johnnyswim as they celebrate their new album 'When The War Is Over'!
Miracle on 34th Street Musical
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Wind Creek Event Center — Tickets from $49.50 — Experience the magic of a heartfelt Christmas musical based on the beloved film.
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