Micaela Hood

2 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Micaela Hood |Stephanie Sigafoos

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Polling places across the Lehigh Valley opened to a quiet start on today's Primary Election Day, with early morning turnout lagging. By 8:30 a.m., 29 residents had cast their ballots at St. Peter's Lutheran Church on Hanover Avenue on Allentown's east side. The polling place is part of the city's 15th Ward, 3rd district.

2 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Micaela Hood

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A vendor on the street in downtown Allentown on Sunday held up the colorful hats and flags. "Viva Puerto Rico, Viva, Santo Domingo," he cheered. The merchant, Luis Aniva, wasn't selling merchandise from his native Ecuador, but instead from the Isla del Encanto and Dominican Republic. It was a nod to the origins of two of the largest population segments in Allentown, where 55% of residents identify as Latino.

3 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Micaela Hood

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Bring your cultural pride to the city's first bloco fiesta. Fiesta on Hamilton, a massive street party planned for downtown Allentown, will feature salseros from Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. The celebration will take over Hamilton Street from 9th Street to 11th Street from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 18. Entry is free.

3 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Micaela Hood

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — When Isavel Mendoza took the stage at George Washington University to recite poems by Kabir, E.E. Cummings and Keith S. Wilson, he enthusiastically enunciated the words. Despite his ardent performance, Mendoza, a Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts senior, said he was shocked when it was announced he won the 2025 Poetry Out Loud National Champion — and the $20,000 cash prize that comes with it.

3 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Micaela Hood

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Customers held tongs, confectionery paper and white trays as they gazed upon the sweet and savory delicacies. In one glass case: fruit-adorned parties, strawberry croissants and colorful donuts glazed with Nutella and Fruity Pebbles cereal. In another: curry croquettes, hash brown bread and sweet potato pastries. Paris Baguette, a new bakery and cafe at 32 W. Broad St., is a carb-o-holic's dream come true (though there also are salads and gluten-free options).