🌱 Patch AM: How a new Lehigh dorm complex could reshape South Bethlehem’s campus hillside

Greetings Bethlehem! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How a new Lehigh dorm complex could reshape South Bethlehem’s campus hillside
• See what big projects will change Bethlehem’s skyline in 2026
• How Monday’s powerful winds knocked out lights across Bethlehem neighborhoods

Today's riddle: The world champion tongue twister just got arrested! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Very windy; colder, with a high of 31 and low of 23 degrees.
• Wednesday: Partly sunny and breezy, temps: high: 35, low: 22.
• Thursday: Cold with flurries, with a high of 29 and low of 17 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. Lehigh University unveils new dorms, part of a long-term campus plan (lehighvalleylive.com) — Lehigh University is moving ahead with plans for a major new dorm complex on its South Bethlehem campus, overlooking the heart of the university. The East Hill Residential Halls on University Drive would add roughly 370–375 beds and recently received a preliminary review from Bethlehem’s planning commission, with construction targeted to start in 2026 for a hoped-for fall 2028 opening.
   

2. Upcoming development projects in Bethlehem include arts, business, medicine (mcall.com) — Major construction and redevelopment projects are reshaping Bethlehem in 2026, from a new $32 million ArtsQuest cultural center in South Bethlehem to expanded emergency facilities at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Muhlenberg. Residents can also expect new affordable housing on the South Side, a seven‑story hotel on East Third Street, and fresh retail, manufacturing, and arts spaces near SteelStacks and in local industrial parks.
   

3. Gusty winds cause power outages in the area (wfmz.com) — More than 1,000 Bethlehem homes briefly lost power Monday evening as strong winds swept through the Lehigh Valley, knocking down trees and wires. Crews restored electricity to many customers within a few hours, but officials warn that gusty conditions could still bring new outages and hazardous debris, urging residents to secure outdoor items and report any problems.
   

4. MOMENTS OF 2025: Lady Cougars' support swelled as win total mounted (centredaily.com) — Hazleton Area’s girls basketball team capped a dominant 27-1 start by routing Cheltenham in the PIAA 6A opener, then went on to defeat Bethlehem Liberty before falling to eventual state champ Perkiomen Valley. The story also highlights deep state playoff runs by Crestwood and Marian Catholic girls, underscoring how northeastern Pennsylvania programs, including Bethlehem’s Liberty, shaped a memorable 2025 hoops season.
   

📸 Around Bethlehem

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Bethlehem

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Thursday January 1

• Hank Williams Tribute with Jack Murray & The Blue Tarp Wranglers | Annual New Yearâs Day Homage to the Patron Saint of Singer-Songwriters
  Godfrey Daniels , 7 E. Fourth Street , Bethlehem
  7:00 pm

Saturday January 3

• At Whitâs End â Acoustic Trio Blending Originals, Swing, and Americana | Formerly Woomer & Whitaker
  Godfrey Daniels , 7 E. Fourth Street , Bethlehem
  8:00 pm

Sunday January 4

• First Sunday Open Mike Night
  Godfrey Daniels , 7 E. Fourth Street , Bethlehem
  7:00 pm

Monday January 5

• đżđ§ââď¸ Qigong: Meditation and Relaxation đżđ§ââď¸
  bethlehem area public library , 11 W Church Street , Bethlehem
  12:00 pm
• đ¤đś Open Mic Night @BAPL đśđ¤
  bethlehem area public library , 11 W Church Street , Bethlehem
  5:00 pm

📣 Bethlehem Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 30

• Pre School Fun @ Hellertown Library
  Hellertown Area Library , 409 Constitution Ave , Hellertown
  1:30 pm

Thursday January 1

• Hank Williams Tribute with Jack Murray & The Blue Tarp Wranglers | Annual New Yearâs Day Homage to the Patron Saint of Singer-Songwriters
  Godfrey Daniels , 7 E. Fourth Street , Bethlehem
  7:00 pm

Saturday January 3

• At Whitâs End â Acoustic Trio Blending Originals, Swing, and Americana | Formerly Woomer & Whitaker
  Godfrey Daniels , 7 E. Fourth Street , Bethlehem
  8:00 pm

Sunday January 4

• First Sunday Open Mike Night
  Godfrey Daniels , 7 E. Fourth Street , Bethlehem
  7:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Bethlehem PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Update: Pet Reunited
  Harvey, a dog who went missing in Bethlehem, PA, has been safely reunited with their family after 9 hours, 34 minutes. Message from Owner: "He Goes… (Nextdoor Seidersville Rd)
• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
  Harvey was LOST on December 29, 2025 in Bethlehem, PA 18015 near Near Bucknell Dr. Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact… (Nextdoor Seidersville Rd)

• Kerry posted a job opening for Coffee Roaster Operator 2nd Shift - Bethlehem, PA in Bethlehem. Apply here.
• The Fresh Grocers posted a job opening for Fresh Grocer - Appy/Deli Clerk 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: I hear they’re giving him a really tough sentence.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook