State to Monitor BASD for Testing Irregularities

The state Department of Education says it closed an investigation on Bethlehem Area School District for testing irregularities but still plans to monitor the district.

Bethlehem-Area Man Gets Jail for Facebook Threats

Anthony Elonis of Lower Saucon is sentenced to almost four years in prison for threatening his wife, an unidentified kindergarten class, an FBI agent and others on Facebook.

Police: Driver Admitted to Drugs Before Search

Bethlehem Police stop City man driving a stolen car and he allegedly admitted he had heroin and marijuana.

Residents Pack Hearing on Drug Treatment Centers

A controversial plan to open two drug and alcohol treatment centers in Bethlehem draws about 65 residents to the Zoning Hearing Board meeting Wednesday.

Do You Have a Tree You Can Donate?

Bethlehem's Citizens' Christmas City Committee is seeking donations of tall Christmas trees to be placed throughout the city for the holidays.

Pa. Voter ID Ruling Puts Burden on Commonwealth

Tuesday's Pa. Supreme Court ruling on a challenge to the Voter ID law now puts the burden on the commonwealth to prove that no voters will be disenfranchised by the photo ID requirement.

Pa. Voter ID Sent Back to Lower Court

A judge now has until Oct. 2 to issue a new opinion on Pennsylvania's Voter ID challenge following a state Supreme Court ruling Tuesday.

Should Dent Dis Newspaper That Called Him a Fink?

Congressman Charlie Dent is refusing to participate in an Express-Times debate because of the newspaper's editorial that called him a "fink" for supporting a controversial redistricting map

State Auditor Seeks Probe of Charter School

State Auditor General wants Lehigh County District Attorney to investigate Vitalistic Therapeutic Charter School in Bethlehem for questionable payments to staff and their family members, the Morning Call reports.

Main Street Traffic Detour Today

Main Street traffic will be diverted onto Market Street for water line work in downtown Bethlehem on Monday, Sept. 17.

Obama's Lead Widens to 11 Points in Pa.

A Philadelphia Inquirer poll shows President Obama has an 11-point lead over Governor Romney

Seeking "Good Enough" Pa. Political Redistricting

Plans to redraw political district lines in Pennsylvania are being argued in court

Save Money on College Savings Account Enrollment

Start a PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan account this month for your child's future college expenses and save the $50 enrollment fee.

Zoners to Hear More Drug Treatment Center Proposals

Developer Abe Atiyeh revives plans to build new treatment centers at Center & Dewberry and at former Moose & Bug Flower Shop.

Pa. Voter ID Challenge is a Case of Contradictions

The state Supreme Court has little time to decide on the challenge to Pa.'s new Voter ID law

Pa. Casino Revenue Up in August

Revenue at Pennsylvania's 11 casinos - including the Sands in Bethlehem - is up more than 5 percent over August 2011

Is Your Well Water Safe to Drink?

DEP webinar will teach residents about keeping their well water and on-lot septic systems safe.

No Teacher Strikes in Pa. Yet This Year

Pennsylvania may be losing its notoriety as a state prone to teacher strikes

No Teacher Strikes in Pa. Yet This Year

What's to account for the absence of teacher strikes in Pennsylvania this year?

State Candidates Could Dominate Airwaves in Pa.

State races could take center stage as far as TV commercials as presidential candidates pull spending in Pennsylvania

Fractivists Want River Commission to Regulate Gas Pipelines

Environmental activists want The Delaware River Basin Commission to regulate gas pipeline construction that could affect the watershed

Pa. Getting $200 Million from Marcellus Shale Fee

Pennsylvania is set to collect more than $200 million in retroactive fees from natural gas drillers who operated in the state during 2011.

City Nonprofit Wins Grant to Recruit Volunteers

South Bethlehem-based ShareCare Faith in Action wins $220,500 grant to re-establish a program aimed at recruiting senior citizens to volunteer.

Area Man Admits Taking Bribes on Iraq Contracts

Salama Markus pleaded guilty to taking at least $3.7 million in kickbacks from government contracts in Iraq. More than $1.1 million was used for the construction of a home in Bushkill Township.

Your Call Is Important to Us. NOT!

Automated answering systems contribute to the public’s impression of government being run by nameless, faceless bureaucrats.

Voter Registration Deadline is Oct. 9

Tuesday, Oct. 9, is the last day to register to vote in the 2012 presidential election.

Voter ID Case Goes to Pa. Supreme Court Today

The Pa. Supreme Court will hear from opponents of the state's new Voter ID law on Thursday.

Pa. Democrats Seek Corbett Challenger for 2014

Democrats want to avoid a primary battle in 2014 and are looking for the best candidate to opposed Gov. Tom Corbett when he runs for re-election

Rendell: Pa. Still in Play for Presidential Race

Former Gov. Ed Rendell told reporters at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., that even though Republicans are pulling advertising from Pennsylvania, Democrats must work hard to secure the state for President Barack Obama.

Plans to Fix Pa. Roads and Bridges Stalled in Harrisburg

Efforts to increase funding for Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges are stuck in a governmental traffic jam in Harrisburg.

Pa. Steps Up Sales Tax Collection

Pennsylvania will collect sales tax from online retailers who maintain a physical presence in the state.

No Perfect Attendance for Pa. Congressmen

U.S. Rep. Charles Dent gets good marks for attendance in the House of Representatives

Ban Cell Phone Use by Pa. Drivers?

Lawmakers are talking about prohibiting cell phone use while driving in Pennsylvania

New Pa. Law Requires Teen Motorcycle Training

Motorcycle safety training is now required for 16- and 17-year-olds in Pennsylvania

State Senate May Block Gaming Law Change

House expected to pass bill that would move oversight to Attorney General

Neighbors Appeal Elias Expansion to Court

Planning Commission tables land development plan

School Board Adopts Preliminary Budget

Plan with 6.16 percent tax increase passes with a 6-2 vote

School Board Will Reconsider Martin Tower TIF

Two members tell board they have changed their mind; mayoral meddling alleged

Online Sales Taxes Could be Targeted by the State

Pennsylvania House Appropriations Chair: It would not be a tax increase

Bethlehem Woman Was Casualty of Military's Ban on Gays

In wake of repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, former servicewoman tells her story