Jay Bradley
East Penn Area reporterAs the East Penn Area reporter, I primarily cover the area of Emmaus, Macungie, and other nearby municipalities to highlight the goings-on and culture of the community. I’m originally from Southern Tier New York. Previously, you could see my work in The Ithaca Times, WBNG-TV and NewsChannel 34, and I served as news director for WICB-FM at Ithaca College. Outside of news, I consider myself an okay trumpet player, love exploring new cities, spend a lot of time outdoors, and occasionally work in the world of grassroots esports events. Contact me at JayB@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8162.
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The East Penn School Board held a presentation over proposed facilities expansions due to anticipated enrollment increases. Options included shifting grades 5/6 and 7/8 into their own buildings, and constructing a new high school. -
The inaugural Bethlehem Running Festival's first day brought a 5k and 10k race back to the Steelstacks campus and the City of Bethlehem. Runners embarked on a running tour of the city through fall foliage and braving the hills on the route. Organizers say they are happy with the event and excited for Sunday's half marathon.
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$2.5 million of renovations are completed for the Victory Firehouse in Southside Bethlehem as BSI Corporate Benefits' new headquarters. The renovations include modern office spaces, technology improvements, a new kitchen and re-adding firehouse-like garage doors.
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Foxy's Cradle cat nursery is to appeal a code notice to North Whitehall Township that its operation was unpermitted. The owners of the nonprofit, which raises orphaned and neonatal cats, is seeking a special exemption to continue the operation, taking to Facebook to garner public support in advance of the meeting.
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The festival, scheduled Oct. 21-22, will feature 5K and 10K races on Saturday and half marathon and half marathon relay races on Sunday. A half marathon relay also allows for a three-person team to run two five-mile legs and one 5K leg.
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East Penn School Board candidates gathered Tuesday evening for a candidate forum hosted by the League of Woman Voters, fielding questions about school safety, transparency, and facilities expansion among other issues.
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Emmaus has proposed shifting crossing guard responsibilities to the East Penn School District citing declining volunteerism and a similar agreement with Lower Macungie Township
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A large crowd of Muslim and pro-Palestinian activists gathered in Center City Allentown to decry officials' full support of Israel in the wake of humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Many continue to mourn as thousands have been killed in both Gaza and Israel since last weekend's attack.
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Western Lehigh Services, a commercial landscaping and snow management firm, is planning expansion into a new location in Lower Macungie Township.
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A heated race has emerged at the East Penn School Board, with five spots up for grabs and only two incumbents running. Questions of national political issues and influence have surrounded the race, as accusations of extremism have been directed towards candidates based on connections and donations.
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Alburtis residents have faced excess truck traffic and property damage after nearby warehouses were built. A new road extension may alleviate some of the issues.
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At its 30th anniversary, the Lehigh Valley's Magic: The Gathering scene is going strong say local players and game store owners. Some events have seen a downturn in players following the pandemic and expansion of online play, while others have seen a strong resurgence of new and returning players.
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The school was designated with a state Targeted Support and Improvement designation due to lagging performance by its cohort of economically disadvantaged students. Officials laid out plans to improve the issues present.
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A Verizon cellular tower was approved at 6341 Chestnut St. in Upper Milford Township on the property of the Western District Fire Company after a heavily attended public meeting.
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$798,869 is set for a Turkey Hill Mini Market in Allentown off of I-78, Exit 57 and $727,420 is designated for a charging station at the Wawa off I-78 Exit 49 A-B
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The Lower Macungie Township Historical Society is set to produce a historical docudrama film focused on the Fries Rebellion, a 1799 rebellion that resisted federal taxes. Dozens gathered at Rising River Brewing for the second of three events to premiere a teaser for the film and launch the fundraising campaign.
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Macungie Borough Council voted to withhold funding to the Macungie Volunteer Fire Department following its failure to supply an audit and other concerns related to its management and performance.
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The City Center Investment Corp.-led "Northridge" development, situated on 195 acres of land between River Drive and Hanover Ave in Allentown is proposed to include a variety of different housing builds as well as separate healthcare, educational and retail buildings.
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Shuttles will service from parking locations as well as between the concerts on Bethlehem's North and South sides and ongoing nearby construction is not anticipated to impact festivalgoers.
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Lower Macungie Township in a busy meeting granted approval to the Raising Cane's fast food restaurant, a mixed use apartment and office complex, and additional street lights in addition to the massive Lehigh Valley Town Center project.
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The 58.8-acre Lehigh Valley Town Center project was granted unanimous approval by Lower Macungie Township commissioners, with developers saying they expect construction to begin on the TopGolf portion in 2024.
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The classic & antique car festival is expected to bring thousands of visitors and hundreds of cars to the park, dating back to the early 1900s.
