Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why is a Bethlehem councilmember pressing for answers on database access?

Spotted on the Bethlehem calendar: Gift Basket Bingo

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Thursday September 17th Patch AM
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Hi there, Bethlehem! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why is a Bethlehem councilmember pressing for answers on database access?
  • How long will Bethlehem's bridge and Route 378 work disrupt traffic?
  • How a new federal partnership could change Bethlehem police investigations

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!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Humid with a shower or two, with a high of 84 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 84, low: 54.
  • Saturday: Clouds and sun; not as warm, with a high of 72 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around Bethlehem

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • M33 Triangulum - at 2.
    8 million light years away, Triangulum Galaxy is the third-largest member of the Local Group of galaxies, behind the Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky… (Nextdoor Walnut Hills/Windy Knob)
  • I have posted both the west veil and east veil before but yesterday i got both as part of the Cygnus Loop.
    This show both sides of the Nebula in one shot! (Nextdoor Walnut Hills/Windy Knob)
  • HealthMarkets posted a job opening for Insurance Agent in Bethlehem. Apply here.
  • St. Lukes University Health Network posted a job opening for Medical Receptionist Dental - South Side Bethlehem in Bethlehem. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Bethlehem here.

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!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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