Makenzie Christman
Digital news content producerI'm a Lehigh Valley native whose passion for journalism traces back to my high school newspaper. I previously reported for The Republican Herald in Pottsville and freelanced for SpotlightPA and WPSU through Penn State University's startup, The News Lab. Outside of the office, I'm usually doting on my dog or tasting what the Valley's food landscape has to offer. Contact me at makenziec@lehighvalleynews.com or 610-984-8138.
-
The Korean-born, French-inspired Paris Baguette franchise is looking to expand its footprint in the Lehigh Valley as it chips away toward its goal of opening more than 1,000 cafes across the country before 2030. The bakery-cafe chain is specifically taking interest in the Allentown-area market. -
Two men face felony charges for stealing nearly $100,000 from Lowe's stores across the state. Investigators say the men used self-checkout kiosks to make purchases with their cell phones using information stolen from Lowe's customer accounts.
-
Lehigh County Chief Clerk of Elections Tim Benyo said off-year elections are "a little more complicated for county officials," as opposed to a presidential election. This week on Political Pulse, Benyo tells host Tom Shortell about what goes into municipal elections behind the scenes.
-
Police responded to a report of an armed person at Innovative Arts Academy in Catasauqua on Tuesday afternoon. An investigation is ongoing.
-
The annual holiday attraction is returning to Lehigh Parkway in Allentown for its 29th season with some new experiences.
-
The Philadelphia-based health system will lay off 1% of its staff, citing "financial headwinds." Jefferson Health completed its acquisition of Lehigh Valley Health Network in August 2024.
-
Three seats on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court are up for retention elections this cycle. Typically a "mundane affair," as described by political scientist Chris Borick, these races now have a lot of eyes on them, with parties looking to flip these judicial seats in swing states.
-
A 22-year-old Allentown man has been charged in connection with a 2024 fatal shooting at Fountain Park in Allentown. He is one of four people charged in the shooting death of Angel Martinez-Velez.
-
The Gateway on Fourth, a 120-unit affordable housing project, expected to cost $29 million, just received $16 million in highly competitive tax credits awarded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency board. It's one of two affordable housing projects out of six total applicants in the Lehigh Valley to receive the credits.
-
Spirit Halloween is trading its iconic orange and ghoulish mascot for St. Nick and Christmas cheer. Near the end of October and beginning November, some existing Spirit Halloween stores will shift to Spirit Christmas stores, including one in the Lehigh Valley.
