Two teens face charges for an incident that caused a pair of Allentown School District schools to be placed under a lockdown Tuesday morning. Allen High School and Raub Middle School were both placed under what was called a precautionary lockdown for about 90 minutes beginning at 10:30 Tuesday morning. Police were called to the 1600 block of Court Street for reports of an armed person. Investigators say 14-and-15-year boys were taken into custody and are charged with assault and making terroristic threats.
The City of Bethlehem is freeing up some money to support the city's new World Heritage Site designation. Bethlehem City Council has ok'd a $150,000 professional services contract with Moravian University to support the newly created position of World Heritage site manager for the Moravian Church settlements UNESCO World Heritage site. City officials says the position will help the Bethlehem World Heritage Council maximize the site's potential as a tourist destination, economic driver and community asset. Katie Faull has been chosen to fill that role. Her contract runs through the end of 2027.
It appears Northampton County will be getting a new Chick-fil-A. The Palmer Township Zoning Hearing Board granted variances and a special exception for a Chick-fil-A to be built along 25th St., once the former Rite Aid pharmacy there is torn down. One variance allows for fewer parking spaces than the required 71 and the other will allow Chick-fil-A to exceed the number and size of signage on the property.
A natural gas leak caused traffic headaches in Lehigh County midday Tuesday. Around 10:30 Tuesday morning, a contractor working in the area of Tilghman Street and Route 309 struck a gas line, forcing Tilghman Street to be closed between 309 and Springhouse Road. Two nearby businesses had to be evacuated as a precaution. The road was reopened around 1 o'clock.
The Pleasant Valley School District is running 14th in a national contest to win a $1 million donation from T-Mobile for football stadium renovations. Athletic Director James Korcienski knows how he'll spend the money if Pleasant Valley works its way up to number one. "The biggest vision is our lighting system here. It's very antiquated. They're very tall and outdated and they use a lot of energy. We'd like to see those updated and get into LEDs," Korcienski says. Just for cracking T-Mobile's 25 finalists, Pleasant Valley has earned a $30,000 donation. To vote, go to www.pvbears.org. Voting continues through October 24. Pleasant Valley is one of more than 2100 school districts to enter the giveaway.
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is reporting increased enrollment for the first time in over a decade. PASSHE says about 83,000 students are enrolled across its ten campuses for the fall 2025 semester, with the student retention rate at a record-high 81-percent. Board Chair Dr. Cynthia Shapira said the enrollment numbers demonstrate the "value, affordability, and career relevance of a PASSHE education across the Commonwealth."
More than eight months ago, Gov. Josh Shapiro released his $51.5 billion budget proposal. Democrats in the House, like the Lehigh Valley's Peter Schweyer say they tried to bridge the gap by trimming that number. "The House Democrats have passed a budget that actually reduced Gov. Shapiro's spending by almost a full $1 billion. We thought that was a nod towards being non-partisan and listening to all sides," Schweyer says. Republicans in the Senate, like the Poconos' Rosemary Brown, claim the revised budget would actually 'increase' spending by $3 billion. "Think of it as your household budget. You have to be very careful what you do and the decisions you make. We're trying to do that here at the government level," Brown says. Both Brown and Schweyer say they're not overly optimistic a resolution will be reached any time soon.
The candidates in the race for New Jersey governor will go at it in their final debate tonight with less than a month to go until Election Day. Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill will square off at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center from seven until eight p.m. Topics that could come up include rising electric bills, taxes, affordability and housing. Polls show those are the top concerns on the minds of voters.
When the Phillies take the field in tonight's game three in Los Angeles they'll do it with Aaron Nola on the mound. Nola had his worst season of his career this year, but manager Rob Thomson picked him instead of Ranger Suarez to pitch. Thomson explains why. "He's more comfortable starting. The numbers against lefties are very similar between Nola and Ranger. I trust both of them, but Nola has pitched some very big games in the last couple years," the manager says. Thomson says he would be "shocked" if Suarez doesn't pitch at some point tonight. The Phillies must win tonight or their season is over.
A new documentary about Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is revealing a previous trade request during his time with the New York Giants. The Prime Video documentary "Saquon," shows the Lehigh Valley native's request to Giants owner John Mara in July 2023, which Mara denied due to his value to the franchise. Barkley's request came during protracted contract standoffs and use of the franchise tag. The three-time Pro Bowler departed New York for Philly in free agency and won a Super Bowl with the Eagles in his first season.