Hi there, Bethlehem! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Gift Basket Bingo and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Councilmember questions investigation of former city employee's access to databases (erienewsnow.com) — Bethlehem residents are hearing fresh questions from City Councilmember Bryan Callahan about why the city didn't promptly review a former employee's access to police databases. During a recent council meeting, Callahan pressed the administration and police chief on accountability and oversight, while officials emphasized cooperation with outside prosecutors and the need to avoid interfering with an ongoing criminal investigation.
2. A long road ahead: Major construction projects converge in Bethlehem (lehighvalleypublicmedia.org) — Bethlehem drivers face years of staggered construction as Route 378 resurfacing, ongoing Fahy Bridge lane closures, and a major Hill-to-Hill Bridge rehabilitation roll out through 2030. Officials say they'll coordinate schedules, maintain peak-hour lanes where possible, and step up communication with neighborhoods and businesses, while advocates push for safer sidewalks, crossings, and bike access on key corridors.
3. Bethlehem enters into agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for access to more resources (wfmz.com) — Bethlehem City Council has narrowly approved a partnership letting a city detective work with federal Homeland Security Investigations, giving local police more tools for complex cases like child exploitation, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. Officials stress the agreement specifically excludes any immigration enforcement role for Bethlehem officers, and overtime for the assigned detective will be paid by the federal government.
4. Dirty, dusty, in need of cleaning: What Northampton County restaurant inspectors found (lehighvalleylive.com) — Several Bethlehem Township food spots, including Northampton Community College dining locations and a Nazareth Pike restaurant, recently passed state health inspections with only minor issues like dust buildup, leaks, and cleaning needs. The roundup also lists many nearby eateries and school facilities that were inspected and found in compliance, helping residents gauge current food safety conditions around Bethlehem.
5. Want to Play a Festival in 2027? Here Are 15 Accepting Artist Submissions Right Now (buzz-music.com) — Independent musicians in and around Bethlehem should know that Musikfest is already accepting artist submissions for its 2027 lineup, with a January 31, 2027 deadline and no application fee. The massive ArtsQuest-produced festival offers a major local stage for emerging acts, alongside other national and international festivals now taking applications for next year.
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Ok Bethlehem! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
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